The provincial government has strengthened regulations to ensure that hunters do not use flying drones to help them track wildlife, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson said Friday.
he Wildlife Act hunting regulation was amended to make it illegal for people to operate or possess a drone, or use data obtained by a drone, while on a hunting or trapping expedition. It is also now illegal for a third party to use a drone to help a hunter or trapper.
"We have to make sure that our regulations keep pace with technology," Thompson said in a press release.
"These changes help ensure that the rules are in line with what most hunters already practise."
Before the change, the Wildlife Act made it illegal to use a helicopter to hunt in British Columbia, although the government contended that drones were a kind of helicopter. The minimum fine for hunting with a helicopter or drone is $2,500 - although a first conviction could cost a hunter $250,000 and up to two years in jail.
The B.C. Wildlife Federation, B.C. Trappers Association and Guide Outfitters Association of B.C. support the change.
"Using drones to help track your prey just isn't part of the hunting culture in British Columbia," BCWF president Jim Glaciar said. "Hunters are respectful of wildlife and their habitat and very supportive of the steps government is taking to prevent hunters from using drones."
GOABC president Scott Ellis said: "Hunters come to British Columbia to experience the wild and beautiful backcountry and participate in fair chase hunting. Drones undermine the experience people have come to expect when they hunt big game in this province."
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario,and Newfoundland and Labrador have banned hunters from using drones.
