Outfitters and tourists who come to B.C. to hunt wildlife will have to do so without the use of drones thanks to a regulatory change that the B.C. government has made and announced July 22.
The minimum fine for hunting with a helicopter or a drone is $2,500, although a first conviction could cost a hunter $250,000 and up to two years in jail.
Industry is on board with the change.
“Hunters come to B.C. to experience the wild and beautiful
backcountry and participate in fair chase hunting,” said Scott Ellis, who is executive director of the Guide Outfitters Association of B.C.
“Drones undermine the experience people have come to expect when they hunt big game in this province.”
Not only are outfitters forbidden to operate or possess a drone while hunting, they also may not use data obtained by a drone while on a hunting or trapping expedition. The regulatory change also makes it illegal for a third party to communicate information from a drone to someone while they are hunting.
"Using drones to help track your prey just isn't part of the hunting
culture in B.C.,” said Jim Glaciar, who is 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.”
