Iowa Bill Proposes Drone Use for Wounded Deer Retrieval Sparks Debate

By: Bridger Hawkinson

Des Moines, IA - In a groundbreaking move, Representative Norlin Mommsen introduced a bill, H.F.2180, to the Iowa House of Representatives on January 29, 2024, suggesting the use of registered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the retrieval of wounded deer during hunting activities. The bill, if enacted, would amend the Iowa Code to allow licensed hunters to utilize drones for tracking and retrieving injured game, a development that has stirred both excitement and controversy within the state.

The proposed legislation, authored by Representative Mommsen, a seasoned advocate for wildlife-related issues, aims to provide hunters with an additional tool for ethical and humane wounded deer recovery. The bill outlines specific conditions under which licensed hunters may deploy registered UAVs, emphasizing adherence to legal methods of dispatch authorized by the hunter's valid deer hunting license.

However, the introduction of the bill has not been without its share of concerns. One notable point of contention is the requirement for drone registration with both the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Critics argue that such regulations may be overly cumbersome for hunters and could potentially conflict with federal jurisdiction over aviation matters. Furthermore, according to the list of exceptions outlined in federal law 49 USC 44809, recreational drone operators are prohibited from participating in drone recovery flights. Instead, such operations necessitate a "Remote Pilot's" Certification from the FAA and must adhere to the regulations specified under Part 107.

In particular, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, specifically Section 336 (49 USC 40103), which designates the FAA as having exclusive authority to regulate the operation of UAVs in the national airspace. Critics argue that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources may not have the legal authority to impose registration requirements on UAVs used for hunting activities.

Proponents of the bill highlight its potential to improve the efficiency and humaneness of wounded deer recovery, particularly in challenging terrains. Opponents, on the other hand, urge caution, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the proposed regulations and their alignment with federal aviation laws.

As H.F.2180 advances through the legislative process, it is anticipated that lawmakers will engage in robust debates, seeking a balance between state-level wildlife management goals and federal regulations governing UAV operations. The outcome of this legislative initiative could have far-reaching implications, not only for Iowa's hunting community but also for the broader conversation surrounding the intersection of state and federal authority in the regulation of emerging technologies.

*This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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