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SD SB201
SD SB201Authorize the use of a drone for the location and recovery of mortally wounded deer and elk and to provide a penalty therefor.
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act to authorize the use of a drone for the location and recovery of mortally wounded deer and elk and to provide a penalty therefor.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to allow hunters to use drones for the specific purpose of locating and recovering deer or elk that they have mortally wounded, or reasonably believe they have mortally wounded, when traditional tracking methods are insufficient. It also adds new provisions that require the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to establish rules regarding the hours of drone operation, necessary drone technology, how pilots communicate findings to hunters, and the electronic reporting of pilot and location information to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Violating these new rules will result in a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (6)
Jim Mehlhaff (R)*,
Jessica Bahmuller (R),
Eric Emery (D),
Tim Goodwin (R),
Carl Perry (R),
Tim Reed (R),
Last Action
Agriculture and Natural Resources Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 1. S.J. 12 (on 02/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/27173 |
| BillText | https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/299528.pdf |
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