Would this be legal?

Mark W

Mark W

Well-known member
I'm at the airport and have a little time. Walked into the Brookstone store and saw a new radio controlled flying thingy with a high def camera as a part of it. So naturally I wonder if these things would be considered legal to scout for ducks. Or, if I'm in one part of the swamp and I want to check on another could I legally buzz this thing on over and check things out? Could look on the iPhone or iPad to get the video feed.

I have no interest to do so. Just curious how this would be viewed by a local CO.

Mark W
 
Mark,

I've thought about this often. My son Kyle has a flying something with 4 rotors...???? That has a camera on it that he's bluetoothed to his Samsung S4 so he sees where he's flying. Unless there is a case for rallying the birds it's not like there's a no fly zone over the marsh. The guys at PPF mud motors did some videos with one. Don't know if it was during the hunting season though. it would be interesting to get a CO's take on it.
 
Other than the rallying aspect I can't see where it would be prohibited. Very neat tool to check things out with.

On the other hand, if I'm enjoying the peace and quiet of my blind, the company of my friend(s) and dog and we're buzzed by one of those things...... What is the limit on those, anyway?
 
So long as there is no harassment or rallying, don't see it being illegal. Might be annoying to other hunters though.
 



So long as there is no harassment or rallying, don't see it
being illegal. Might be annoying to other hunters though.
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On the other hand, If it got within 60 yards of the other hunters it would quickly go from annoying to fun,,,,,,,,, at least for the other hunters. ;>) ;>)
 
Mark,

In MN isn't it illegal to use radio control devices (ie. remotes for spinners) during the hunt? If so, that should answer your question at least during the times you were actually hunting.
 
The REAL question is, do you need Steel, or can you use Lead, to shoot them down? Enough with the Techno stuff, and "Hunting", but I do see your point.
 
Mark,

In MN isn't it illegal to use radio control devices (ie. remotes for spinners) during the hunt? If so, that should answer your question at least during the times you were actually hunting.
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Not sure. Used to be illegal but laws have changed on spinners in the past couple of years. Since I mostly hunt the MN opener only, and spinners are illegal during the first couple of weeks (at least I think they are), I don't know the new rules.

I wonder if Bluetooth fits the legal definition of RF? I'd bet it doesn't. There are very strick rules on Bluetooth that do not apply to RF I believe.

Ed - yep the 4 rotor thingy is what I saw at Brookestone. Looked like fun.

Mark W
 
Not sure why my original post didn't show up, but I'd say you could get in trouble for rallying game or disturbing waterfowl at rest rather quickly. It'd be one thing if you were just out filming, but another if you include hunting in the mix.

Most of the quad copters have a relatively low flight time per battery charge and it's a pretty pricey hobby these days.

-D
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Agree w/ Dave, not legal to do in MN. Remote robos were illegal until the regs were changed last year to specifically allow them. Still not legal to use other remotes, such as walkie talkies.
 
It just seems to me, that the more technological our hunting tactics get. The more game finds ways to elude us (Thank Goodness). Robo ducks, electronic callers, trail cams etc. So where do we draw the line? Now a days Eye In the Sky does not seem that far fetched........... The question posed "Would this be legal?", is a very good one.
 
The wind has a huge factor in keeping one of those quad copters in the air. It's one thing to fly one over your yard but going to the water...winds above 8-10 make it nearly impossible to keep afloat...may be different with a FPV set up though.
 
Agree w/ Dave, not legal to do in MN. Remote robos were illegal until the regs were changed last year to specifically allow them. Still not legal to use other remotes, such as walkie talkies.
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I believe scouting via an airplane is legal, I don't see much difference personally. Like I said, I have no desire to do so but I bet in a year or two we see these things painted like a duck.

Mark W
 
There's places I've hunted that was a few hundred yards from the NW refuge where thousands of ducks were congregated. Sometimes they would pass in easy view of our spread and pass us by. I could see someone being tempted to fly one of those contraptions over into the refuge and try and stir the ducks up. So my guess it would be illegal.
 
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