Drones

[Steven Alexander]

Anyone flying them? Bought a small one, took the free exam, been flying around the house some this weekend. I want to take it to my other property and fly the river canyon. I'm getting about 25 minutes per battery. Using a cheap little android tablet we've had laying around for years for the flight SW and controls/camera. The camera is on a gimbal and can look straight down. Easy enough for a kid to fly.

 

[Ed L.]

Anyone flying them? Bought a small one, took the free exam, been flying around the house some this weekend. I want to take it to my other property and fly the river canyon. I'm getting about 25 minutes per battery. Using a cheap little android tablet we've had laying around for years for the flight SW and controls/camera. The camera is on a gimbal and can look straight down. Easy enough for a kid to fly.

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I've been toying with the idea. What model did you get. Pictures look pretty good.

 

[Steven Alexander]

DJI mini 4k. I'm using their SW. It's free for now but I don't know if it stays that way. I'm only using manual flight. It may be that the way point automation features are what is pay-to-play on their SW. I havent got to it yet. Other SW that controls most drones is pay by the month. I got this thing with 3 batteries on a black friday deal for $250. Not sure if it was actually a "deal" or if that is the going price, but I wanted one. If I do end up having to pay to use it's SW in the future, I may get rid of it.

If you get one, take the online test. TRUST, I think it's called. It's required for even recreational small drones as I understand it.

 

[RM Anderson]

I don't have one but would like to share our experience with drones. My wife Heather and I moved from Fargo/Moorhead about fourteen years ago to our current residence outside of Detroit Lakes MN. Being from the city, or so our new neighbors thought, we were viewed with suspicion. One of our favorite pastimes our first winter was snowshoeing across the lake we lived on. Numerous occasions we would notice a small drone hovering overhead. It wasn't until several years later that we discovered it was one of our neighbors spying on us. I guess they felt we could be trusted when they discovered we were more redneck than they, and finally divulged the truth. RM

 

[SJ Fairbank]

Drones are a lot of fun. I've tinkered with them a little, several friends have them but I have not jumped in. I don't have the bug yet, I'm thinking "wait til the batteries are better".

You mentioned taking the test. I don't know what percent of drone operators take it, but plenty don't play by the rules. Climbing out of airports in a small airplane at over 500' AGL, and cruising at close to 1,000', I've seen them. The little guys like yours might not cause a light aircraft to crash, but there are some heftier ones coming on the market. Kind of the difference between a dove or a turkey hitting your car windshield.

 

[roy brewington]

Friend of mine uses a drone for a small business doing deer recovery among other things. Amazing what the thermal camera can find at night. Pick up heat signature and then zoom in and picture is just like daylight on darkest nights. Found several real nice bucks this year that had been arrowed and took off. Our DNR is also using them looking for baited areas, flying at night. Sneaky bastages! Same friend would fly the public marsh's looking for concentrations of waterfowl in ponds. Saves a lot of foot work . He did have a hawk attack his drone while on a flight over his mothers house. Caused drone to crash into house roof. Totaled it but he immediately ordered a new one.

 

[Paul Taylor]

Drones are like cellular trail cameras and surface drive mud motors, great innovative technology but folks are using them for scouting and hunting down here in the South. Friends of mine had a drone over them while duck hunting a federal waterfowl refuge in S Louisiana. I told them they should have shot it down. It's illegal to fly a drone over State or Federal WMA's.

Deer "hunters" use thermal drones to find deer bedded and then switch to 4k camera and can identify each buck. Dog drivers walk dogs to the target buck and then release their chase dog on it. The buck in this photo was shot through the rear ham. You can see the gaping wound. This was an attempt to recover this deer but the wound was non lethal.

I am about fair chase, cellular trail cameras, automatic deer feeders, surface drive mud motors and drones have pushed us past "fair chase". Just my opinion.

 

[Carl]

We use them at work, we have a good number of certified pilots on staff, including my supervisor. He's been flying them a long time, has his own RC high performance helicopter too.
The technology is amazing, we use them to gather LIDAR data and true-color & multi-spectral imagery.
Geo-rectified on the fly, with topographic data integrated.
We can even LIDAR scan structures like bridges and dams.
The AI driven imagery analysis software, combined with the ultrahigh resolution, allows us to map plant communities amazingly fast and accurately. Completely changed how data is gathered and processed, cheaper, fast and more consistent w/ very high repeatability. The applications are endless.

 

[Steven Alexander]

It is 100% illegal to use a drone for scouting in many states. Those folks doing so should be ashamed.

Shooting down a drone is also 100% illegal, even if over a restricted area. Two wrongs don't make a right, so don't go shooting one down. You can be fined heavily for it.

 

[Ed L.]

My son has a drone that is sized just at the limits of the recreational drones. He's had his several years now. It's illegal to use one during hunting season here although I see folks using them to locate deer apparently after the shot. They don't seem to worried about posting on hunting sites. I haven't looked into the legality of recovering game. I should just use my son's except I worry I'd destroy it then be on the hook of replacing it. My use would be to photograph areas of the island back waters where I hunt since there are no real time satellite sites I can find of the area. For the past several years the Mississippi River has been running very low and many places aren't accessible as has been mentioned by guys at the ramp I use. I bought a kayak I had planned to use during duck season to access some of the back waters since to DNR finally has ruled that hunting from a floating blind or a boat blind is legal. I'm still required to hunt a posted blind location but after contacting our area biologist/game warden I was told basically if it floats it boats! Unfortunately this year by the time any ducks were showing up the back waters froze. The picture shows the area I hunt and shows one of the island blind locations we choose from at a blind drawing every 2 years. There are 3 of these blind site maps but this is the area I mainly hunt. Most of these blind locations aren't currently accessible even with a mud motor. Also these maps are 40+ years old.

 

[Eric Patterson]

It is 100% illegal to use a drone for scouting in many states. Those folks doing so should be ashamed.

Shooting down a drone is also 100% illegal, even if over a restricted area. Two wrongs don't make a right, so don't go shooting one down. You can be fined heavily for it.

I just learned something. I looked up scouting with drones in Alabama and it is legal on private property. However, you cannot use drones to scout on WMAs without permission from AL DCNR.

For any unauthorized person to launch, land or possess or use any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone on any AREA without first obtaining written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

Because we hunt TVA so much I looked it up. A quick search found this on TVAs website.

Rules for Use of Undeveloped TVA Public Lands​

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones)​

• Unless otherwise posted, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) may be operated on or over undeveloped TVA public lands in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. Public operation of drones is prohibited on developed TVA public lands as outlined in the Rules for Use of Developed TVA Public Lands section below.
• Operation of drones may not harass, harm or otherwise interfere with any person, personal or real property, natural resources, wildlife or TVA operations or activities on or over TVA public lands.
• Drones may not be abandoned. Unattended drones may not be left overnight. Any unattended drones are subject to immediate removal at TVA’s sole discretion.
• Violators will be subject to immediate removal from TVA property and all applicable civil or criminal remedies. Owners and/or operators of drones are liable for all damages caused by the possession, operation or use of a drone. TVA assumes no liability with regard to the operation or use of drones.

Rules for Use of Developed TVA Public Lands​

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones)​

• Public operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) is prohibited on and over all developed TVA public lands, facilities, or structures—including but not limited to TVA dam reservations and developed recreation areas (such as campgrounds and day-use areas) power plant reservations, power substations, and transmission lines.
• Violators will be subject to immediate removal from TVA property and all applicable civil or criminal remedies. Owners and/or operators of drones are liable for all damages caused by the possession, operation, or use of a drone. TVA assumes no liability with regard to the operation or use of drones.

 

[SJ Fairbank]

I just learned something. I looked up scouting with drones in Alabama and it is legal on private property. However, you cannot use drones to scout on WMAs without permission from AL DCNR.

For any unauthorized person to launch, land or possess or use any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone on any AREA without first obtaining written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

Because we hunt TVA so much I looked it up. A quick search found this on TVAs website.

Rules for Use of Undeveloped TVA Public Lands​

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones)​

• Unless otherwise posted, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) may be operated on or over undeveloped TVA public lands in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. Public operation of drones is prohibited on developed TVA public lands as outlined in the Rules for Use of Developed TVA Public Lands section below.
• Operation of drones may not harass, harm or otherwise interfere with any person, personal or real property, natural resources, wildlife or TVA operations or activities on or over TVA public lands.
• Drones may not be abandoned. Unattended drones may not be left overnight. Any unattended drones are subject to immediate removal at TVA’s sole discretion.
• Violators will be subject to immediate removal from TVA property and all applicable civil or criminal remedies. Owners and/or operators of drones are liable for all damages caused by the possession, operation or use of a drone. TVA assumes no liability with regard to the operation or use of drones.

Rules for Use of Developed TVA Public Lands​

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones)​

• Public operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) is prohibited on and over all developed TVA public lands, facilities, or structures—including but not limited to TVA dam reservations and developed recreation areas (such as campgrounds and day-use areas) power plant reservations, power substations, and transmission lines.
• Violators will be subject to immediate removal from TVA property and all applicable civil or criminal remedies. Owners and/or operators of drones are liable for all damages caused by the possession, operation, or use of a drone. TVA assumes no liability with regard to the operation or use of drones.

I think the key takeaway is that you can't be physically present on the TVA land while operating the drone over prohibited areas. If you do it from adjacent private land, there's likely nothing they can do to stop you. Provided of course, that you adhere to all FAA regs regarding UAV operation.

 

[ScottCK]

I have one and it is a fun toy but I have not flown it in almost a year. Went to a search and rescue class several years ago to learn how to fly programed routes. It is amazing how what you can and cannot see with one. We searched a 20 acre field for a dummy with our drones and had a hard time picking up a dummy dressed in tan. Changed the dummy's outfit to a bright color and it was easy. The company that was hosting the event was working on software to analyze video to ID pixel colors to assist in finding anything that was out of place.

I have used mine a decent bit to get a birds eye view of duck blinds to see what stands out. Found that it be very informative. I was using camo netting on a boat and it looked great at water level but at height it stood out like it was blaze orange. The angle of the light basically turned it all a light gray against the brown shoreline.

 

[Steven Alexander]

I just learned something. I looked up scouting with drones in Alabama and it is legal on private property. However, you cannot use drones to scout on WMAs without permission from AL DCNR.

For any unauthorized person to launch, land or possess or use any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone on any AREA without first obtaining written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

Because we hunt TVA so much I looked it up. A quick search found this on TVAs website.

Rules for Use of Undeveloped TVA Public Lands​

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones)​

• Unless otherwise posted, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) may be operated on or over undeveloped TVA public lands in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. Public operation of drones is prohibited on developed TVA public lands as outlined in the Rules for Use of Developed TVA Public Lands section below.
• Operation of drones may not harass, harm or otherwise interfere with any person, personal or real property, natural resources, wildlife or TVA operations or activities on or over TVA public lands.
• Drones may not be abandoned. Unattended drones may not be left overnight. Any unattended drones are subject to immediate removal at TVA’s sole discretion.
• Violators will be subject to immediate removal from TVA property and all applicable civil or criminal remedies. Owners and/or operators of drones are liable for all damages caused by the possession, operation or use of a drone. TVA assumes no liability with regard to the operation or use of drones.

Rules for Use of Developed TVA Public Lands​

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones)​

• Public operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) is prohibited on and over all developed TVA public lands, facilities, or structures—including but not limited to TVA dam reservations and developed recreation areas (such as campgrounds and day-use areas) power plant reservations, power substations, and transmission lines.
• Violators will be subject to immediate removal from TVA property and all applicable civil or criminal remedies. Owners and/or operators of drones are liable for all damages caused by the possession, operation, or use of a drone. TVA assumes no liability with regard to the operation or use of drones.

There is a caveat in AL... You cannot use a drone to spot game while hunting, then go shoot said game. Even on private grounds.

Key Rules & Considerations:

• Scouting (Allowed): Alabama officials view scouting with drones as similar to using a truck or ATV to check game plots, making it permissible for finding locations.
• Hunting (Prohibited): Using drones to spot, harass, or kill game is illegal and unethical.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): You must follow FAA rules, including keeping the drone within your visual line of sight (VLOS) and flying below 400 feet.
• Local Laws: Be aware of specific city or county ordinances (e.g., Orange Beach, Oxford) that may restrict drone use in parks or near events.
• Ethics & Harassment: Harassing wildlife with drones is illegal, and using them to locate bedded animals for an easy shot is considered unsporting.

 

[Eric Patterson]

Steven

Let me ask you something. Would you rather someone scout a WMA with an outboard/surface drive or a drone? I fail to see the purpose of not using drones to scout when they do not disturb wildlife like other methods do. Of course I'm not surprised by the state's stance. Over the last decade they've been on a mission to restrict hunter access.

 

[SJ Fairbank]

Steven

Let me ask you something. Would you rather someone scout a WMA with an outboard/surface drive or a drone? I fail to see the purpose of not using drones to scout when they do not disturb wildlife like other methods do. Of course I'm not surprised by the state's stance. Over the last decade they've been on a mission to restrict hunter access.

Not specific to drone scouting, but I think there are those who see scouting, beyond observation from afar with field glasses, as unethical or unsportsmanlike. Property managers, be they public or private, can sometimes act like parents before Christmas....don't let the kids see the presents.

 

[Steven Alexander]

Steven

Let me ask you something. Would you rather someone scout a WMA with an outboard/surface drive or a drone? I fail to see the purpose of not using drones to scout when they do not disturb wildlife like other methods do. Of course I'm not surprised by the state's stance. Over the last decade they've been on a mission to restrict hunter access.

Given those 2 (or 3) options? I'd rather they slip in (on foot preferably) and glass an area and leave.

You are thinking solely about waterfowl scouting. Consider deer or turkey for a moment... Dude rolls over with a drone, sees a buck bedded down, and "accidentally" bumps it out as he's flying the drone away, right toward his awaiting rifle barrel. FWIW, you can scout your waterfowl pond the evening before to see whats there, and hunt the next morning, legally. You can't roll your drone over the pond as you are walking out to it, to hunt.

I'm also not a big fan of the guys who have cellular cameras set up sending them updates of the buck walking toward them while they are out there hunting. That is happening all the time now.

 

[Eric Patterson]

Steven

Yes, I'm thinking about duck hunting because that's all I do and the WMAs I hunt(ed) do not allow deer hunting. For certain there are places and scenarios where a drone could be used unethically. In fact using a drone to scare ducks into gunning range would be rallying so that is already covered by an existing law. Across north Alabama WMAs, those specifically for duck and small game, there is a substantial amount of river backwaters that hunters motor all over the place in search of ducks. In fact Mud Creek north of 72 was so heavily traveled by surface drives the state no longer allows them and I thought it was a great move given the harm it did to duck numbers. Last year was the first year they were not allowed and the rebound in ducks using the area was impressive. But to my point, there are vast areas that hunters run all over the place to look for ducks. I am in 100% agreement binoculars should be used and jumping ducks is terrible for several reasons. Nonetheless, scouting via mud motor goes on nearly every day from several weeks before the season to the last day. If it was legal to use drones that technology might just give the ducks a bit of a break.

 

[RM Anderson]

For scouting with drones maybe institute a rule like Alaska has for fly in hunters which does not allow hunting the same day that you fly. Good idea for Alaska big game hunting but I haven't the slightest idea how it would be enforced for waterfowl. RM

 

[Steven Alexander]

Steven

Yes, I'm thinking about duck hunting because that's all I do and the WMAs I hunt(ed) do not allow deer hunting. For certain there are places and scenarios where a drone could be used unethically. In fact using a drone to scare ducks into gunning range would be rallying so that is already covered by an existing law. Across north Alabama WMAs, those specifically for duck and small game, there is a substantial amount of river backwaters that hunters motor all over the place in search of ducks. In fact Mud Creek north of 72 was so heavily traveled by surface drives the state no longer allows them and I thought it was a great move given the harm it did to duck numbers. Last year was the first year they were not allowed and the rebound in ducks using the area was impressive. But to my point, there are vast areas that hunters run all over the place to look for ducks. I am in 100% agreement binoculars should be used and jumping ducks is terrible for several reasons. Nonetheless, scouting via mud motor goes on nearly every day from several weeks before the season to the last day. If it was legal to use drones that technology might just give the ducks a bit of a break.

Lazy people gonna have lazy ways. Sadly, mud motors are here to stay. I still think allowing unmuffled, opened up, air-cooled motors is stupid. Nothing less peaceful about a morning hunt than the last minute slobs running up and down the waterway with a mud motor frantically looking for a "plan B" because they decided to wait until the last minute to roll out of the fart-sack.

Rallying is exactly what would happen if we allowed drones while hunting, because the nincompoops who run boats up into rafts of ducks would fly their drones right into the same rafts of ducks.