This bill amends South Dakota law to authorize the use of drones for locating and recovering mortally wounded deer and elk, while also establishing penalties for violations. Specifically, it modifies Section 41-8-39 to allow individuals to use drones for recovery purposes, provided they comply with certain conditions, such as operating on private land and adhering to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The bill also introduces new sections that outline the circumstances under which a hunter may engage a pilot to use a drone, including the requirement that the deer or elk must have been mortally wounded by the hunter or believed to be so.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to create rules regarding the use of drones for this purpose, including operational hours, required technological capabilities, and the manner in which drone pilots must communicate with hunters. Violations of these rules will be classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance hunting practices while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2026: 41-8-39