Bill > A01094

This bill amends the New York environmental conservation law to allow the state's Department of Environmental Conservation to create regulations for using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) in specific hunting-related scenarios. Specifically, the department may certify UAVs and authorize licensed individuals to use these devices to track and locate dead, wounded, or injured big game animals, as well as to track bears under certain existing hunting regulations. The bill provides an exception to current regulations, giving the department the authority to establish a framework for this specialized use of drones in hunting and wildlife tracking. The legislation will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with provisions allowing the department to develop and finalize necessary rules and regulations in preparation for implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1094