BILL NUMBER: S7550
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
allowing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to track dead, wounded or
injured big game
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To authorize the use of unmanned aerial vehicles ("UAV") in assisting
hunters to locate dead, wounded or injured big game.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Adds new section 11-0936 to the Environmental Conservation
Law authorizing the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation ("DEC")
to certify and regulate the use of UAVs to aid big game hunters.
Section 2: Establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The widespread adoption of UAVs is changing how a variety of tasks are
performed. Outdoor recreation is no different. Highly sophisticated UAVs
are available that can help hunters locate deer and other big game they
have killed or wounded. The practice is currently authorized using
trained hunting dogs.
This bill would authorize DEC to create and regulate a similar license
for UAVs. The intention is that a UAV would only be authorized to help a
hunter after it has wounded/killed the animal. It is not to be used as a
tracking method. Additionally, once located, it is still incumbent on
the hunter to locate the game using the coordinates provided by the UAV
operator.
This practice is already authorized in other states and authorizing it
in New York would create a new business opportunity for UAV operators.
It would also prevent the waste and loss of wounded big game and the
unnecessary suffering of said animal.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
90 days after it becomes law. Effective immediately, the addition,
amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the
implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be
made and completed on or before such date.