Bill > HB5531

This bill allows hunters who reasonably believe they have mortally wounded a deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear to use a leashed dog or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is a drone, or both, to track and locate the wounded animal. A hunter can also use a dog handler or a licensed UAV operator for this purpose, with the handler always maintaining physical control of the leashed dog, and only one leashed dog per handler is permitted. The act of tracking or locating the wounded animal is considered hunting, and all involved must possess a valid hunting license and any other required authorizations. Importantly, the bill now permits a dog handler, at the hunter's request, to humanely dispatch the wounded animal if necessary to prevent suffering, ensure public safety, or complete the recovery, with the animal counting towards the original hunter's bag limit; however, a UAV operator cannot dispatch the animal or direct a hunter to do so. Additionally, licensed outfitters, guides, or dog handlers working under them may use a pistol to dispatch wounded game for self-defense of the dog or handler, or to prevent suffering, and any dog handler or UAV operator advertising these recovery services must be a licensed outfitter or guide.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5531&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill