Drones are great for seeing country you can't easily walk. Hunters see that and ask the obvious question: can I use one to scout or hunt in Utah? The short answer is that Utah limits it heavily. Here's what the rules say, in plain language.
The short answer
- You cannot use a drone to take (hunt, kill, or capture) protected wildlife in Utah at any time.
- You cannot take an animal that a drone has chased, herded, flushed or otherwise moved.
- From July 31 through January 31, you cannot use a drone to locate, observe, or try to locate or observe protected wildlife. That ban covers most of Utah's hunting calendar.
These rules are in Utah Administrative Code R657-5-14 (Use of Vehicle or Aircraft), part of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) big game rule. The same rule defines a "drone" as an aerial vehicle of any size or configuration that can fly under control without a pilot aboard. That means a small consumer quadcopter counts.
What the rule actually says
R657-5-14 says, in part:
- A person may not use an airplane, drone, or any other airborne vehicle or device to take protected wildlife.
- A person may not take protected wildlife that is being chased, harmed, harassed, rallied, herded, flushed, pursued or moved by any of those vehicles or devices.
- A person may not use any type of aircraft, drone, or other airborne vehicle or device between July 31 and January 31 to locate, or attempt to observe or locate, any protected wildlife.
Older versions of the rule used a "48 hours before and after a hunt" window. That language has been replaced. If you remember the 48-hour rule, it's out of date. The current rule is the fixed July 31 to January 31 window.
What you can do
- Fly outside the July 31 to January 31 window for general purposes, following FAA rules and land-manager rules. That includes landscape photos, mapping a property, or checking fences and water.
- Fly during the window for purposes that have nothing to do with wildlife, such as roof inspections, ag spraying or crop scouting. Avoid anything that looks like searching for game. The rule targets locating or observing protected wildlife.
- Use a drone for land management on your own property, following FAA rules and the wildlife rules above.
- Learn the terrain. Mapping access routes and terrain outside the restricted window, without targeting animals, is a common use. Even then, don't chase or push wildlife (see harassment below).
What you can't do
- Shoot, arrow or otherwise take any protected wildlife with help from a drone, in any season.
- Use a drone to push, flush, herd or move animals toward hunters.
- Take an animal that a drone has moved or pushed.
- Fly a drone to find, glass or "pattern" animals between July 31 and January 31. This applies whether or not you're carrying a weapon or have a tag.
- Assume a drone can be used to find a wounded animal. R657-5-14 has no blood-trailing or recovery exception. If you need help recovering game, contact DWR first.
- Harass wildlife. Flying low over animals and making them run can create separate harassment problems under Utah wildlife law.
Don't forget the FAA and land rules
Wildlife rules are only one layer. Every flight also has to follow federal and land-manager rules:
- FAA rules: Recreational flyers must follow the FAA's recreational flyer rules, including passing TRUST and staying at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace. Anyone flying for work or business needs a Part 107 remote pilot certificate. Most drones must be registered and broadcast Remote ID.
- National Parks: Launching, landing or operating a drone in National Park Service areas is generally prohibited without a permit. That includes Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.
- Wilderness areas: Federal wilderness rules restrict motorized equipment and "mechanical transport." Taking off or landing in designated wilderness is generally not allowed. Check with the managing agency (Forest Service or BLM) before you fly.
- State parks and wildlife management areas: Utah State Parks and DWR-managed properties can have their own drone restrictions. Check with the specific park or area office before you fly.
- Private land: Get the landowner's permission to take off and land.
FAQ
Is it legal to scout for elk or deer with a drone in Utah? Not between July 31 and January 31. During that window, R657-5-14 bans using a drone to locate or observe protected wildlife. Outside the window, general flying is allowed under FAA and land rules, but you still can't harass animals. Always check the current DWR guidebook.
Can I use a drone to find a deer or elk I shot? Utah's rule doesn't include a recovery exception, and hunting season falls inside the restricted window. Don't fly to search for game. Contact DWR if you have questions about a specific situation.
Does the rule apply to small consumer drones? Yes. Utah's definition covers drones "of any size or configuration."
Can I use a drone just to find or watch elk if I don't hunt or own a gun? No, not between July 31 and January 31. R657-5-14 says "a person may not" use a drone to locate or observe protected wildlife during that window. It doesn't require that you're hunting, carrying a weapon or holding a tag. Outside the window, flying is generally fine under FAA and land-manager rules, as long as you don't harass animals. Call Utah DWR to confirm for your situation.
Can my non-hunting buddy fly the drone instead? The rule says "a person may not." It applies to anyone, not just licensed hunters.
What about predators or coyotes? R657-5-14 applies to "protected wildlife." Other species may be covered by different rules. Read the current DWR rules and guidebooks for the species you're after before you fly.
Disclaimer
This article is general information, not legal advice. Wildlife rules change, sometimes every year. Before you fly or hunt, read the current Utah DWR guidebook and rules for your species and unit, and contact DWR with specific questions.
Questions about drones for your land or operation?
Avary Drone works with farmers, ranchers, public safety teams and land managers across the West. We help pick the right drone and keep it legal, whether it's for mapping, spraying, inspection or search and rescue. Call us at 1-877-992-8279 or email sales@avarydrone.com.
Sources
- Utah DWR, Administrative Rule R657-5, Taking Big Game (R657-5-2 definitions; R657-5-14 Use of Vehicle or Aircraft): https://wildlife.utah.gov/rules/r657-05
- Utah Admin. Code R657-5-14 (Cornell LII): https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/utah/Utah-Admin-Code-R657-5-14
- Utah DWR hunting guidebooks: https://wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks
- FAA, Recreational Flyers: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers
- FAA, Part 107 (Certified Remote Pilots): https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators
- National Park Service, Unmanned Aircraft in the National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/articles/unmanned-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm
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