Lawmaker Proposes Ban On Drone Use In Hunting And Fishing
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A north suburban lawmaker has proposed legislation that would prohibit hunters and fishers from using drones in Illinois.
"Let's keep the man —or woman—in outdoorsman," State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) said in a statement about her proposal.
The use of drones for hunting has sparked debate across the country, as animal rights groups believe it is cruel, and many serious hunters believe it makes the sport too easy.
"We think it gives the hunter an unfair advantage," said Tim Brass, spokesman for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
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Brass said using drones allows hunters to track animals without having to walk and work to find game.
"That effort and that skill is something that really makes hunting what it is," Brass said.
If approved, the ban would allow the Department of Natural Resources to confiscate drones from anyone caught using them for hunting or fishing, and violators could be fined up to $2,500 and face up to a year in jail.
Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wisconsin already have banned drone use in hunting. Michigan lawmakers also have approved a similar ban, which is awaiting action from the governor. New Hampshire and Vermont also are considering bans.
