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BC  

No drones for hunters

That eye in the sky, the flying drone, has been banned for use among hunters tracking wildlife in B.C.

Hunting and trapping groups have welcomed the government's decision.

The small, GPS-controlled aircraft can be equipped to send digital images of big game and other animals to an operator.

An amendment to the Wildlife Act makes it illegal for people to operate or possess a drone or use data obtained by a drone while on a hunting or trapping expedition. It is also now illegal for a third party to use a drone to help a hunter or trapper.

"Using drones to help track your prey just isn't part of the hunting culture in British Columbia," said Jim Glaciar, president of the B.C. Wildlife Federation. “Hunters are respectful of wildlife and their habitat and very supportive of the steps government is taking to prevent hunters from using drones."

"Hunters come to British Columbia to experience the wild and beautiful backcountry and participate in fair chase hunting. Drones undermine the experience people have come to expect when they hunt big game in this province,” said Scott Ellis, executive director of the Guide Outfitters Association of B.C.

Before the change, it was already illegal to use a helicopter to hunt in B.C.

The minimum fine for hunting with a helicopter or drone is $2,500 – although a first conviction could cost a hunter $250,000 and up to two years in jail, according to a government press release.

"We have to make sure that our regulations keep pace with technology,” said Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario,and Newfoundland and Labrador have also banned hunters from using drones.



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