Bill > HB2043

This bill modifies existing hunting regulations in West Virginia to allow hunters to use leashed dogs and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to track and locate mortally wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear. The legislation permits a hunter who believes they have wounded an animal to use either a leashed dog or a UAV, or both, to find the animal, with specific restrictions: only one leashed dog per handler is allowed, and the dog must remain under physical control. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license or be exempt from licensing requirements to use these tracking methods. Professional dog handlers or UAV operators providing tracking services for profit must be licensed as outfitters or guides, and UAV operators working on property they do not own must be licensed under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 regulations. The hunter who fired the initial shot retains ownership of the tracked animal, which will count toward their bag limit, and only the original hunter may kill the wounded animal, with an exception for hunters who are physically unable to accompany the tracking team. The bill aims to improve hunters' ability to recover wounded game while maintaining regulatory oversight and safety standards.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2043&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill