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HB 5531

Relating to leashed dogs and unmanned aerial vehicles for tracking or locating mortally wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar or bear

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer

Allows legally hunting persons to use leashed dogs and UAVs to locate mortally wounded big game, with licensing and supervision requirements for handlers and operators.

To House Government Organization
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Bill Summary · HB 5531

Bill Summary: HB 5531 (2026) – West Virginia

Title

Relating to leashed dogs and unmanned aerial vehicles for tracking or locating mortally wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar or bear

Primary purpose

To clarify and authorize the use of leashed dogs and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for tracking or locating mortally wounded big game (deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear) by legally hunting individuals, under specified conditions, while ensuring compliance with hunting laws and authorizing certain related activities.

Key provisions

  • Authorized tracking methods (a):

    • A legally hunting person who reasonably believes they mortally wounded a deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear may use:
    • A leashed dog,
    • A UAV (as defined by WV Code §61-16-1(3)),
    • Or both.
    • A dog handler may accompany the hunter; only one leashed dog may be used per handler. If a dog handler is used, the hunter may not handle additional dogs for the handler.
    • The hunter or dog handler must maintain physical control of the dog at all times.

  • Status of tracking/locating (b):

    • Tracking or locating a mortally wounded animal with a dog or UAV constitutes hunting, and all applicable hunting laws and rules apply.
    • Possession of a valid West Virginia hunting license (or an exemption) is required to engage in tracking/locating under these provisions.
    • The hunter must accompany the dog handler, and only the hunter may kill the mortally wounded animal. If the hunter is physically unable to accompany the handler, the hunter may designate the handler to kill the animal when located.
    • A handler may humanely dispatch the animal with the weapon in season if necessary to prevent suffering, ensure public safety, or complete lawful recovery. The dispatched animal counts toward the hunter’s bag limit (the original shooter’s bag limit).
    • Licensed outfitters or dog handlers may dispatch mortally wounded game with a pistol in self-defense of the dog/handler or to prevent unnecessary suffering, and only during the season. The UAV operator or hunter may not dispatch the animal upon instruction from the UAV operator.

  • Commercial and licensing requirements (c):

    • Any dog handler or UAV operator providing tracking services for profit must be licensed as an outfitter or guide under WV Code §20-2-23.
    • Any UAV operator not operating on property they own or lease must be licensed under FAA Part 107.
    • Any dog handler or UAV operator advertising wounded-game recovery services must be a licensed outfitter or guide.
    • The Director must publish a list of licensed outfitters and guides who provide dog or UAV tracking services to the public by September 1 of each year.

Who/what is affected

  • Hunters and game: Hunters who believe they mortally wounded big game may use leashed dogs and/or UAVs under this bill; the act changes who can assist in recovery and how.
  • Dog handlers and UAV operators: Individuals offering tracking services for profit are now subject to licensing as outfitters/guides; UAV operators may require FAA Part 107 licensing if not on property they own/lease.
  • Outfitters and guides: Licensing requirements expanded to cover dog-assisted and UAV-assisted tracking services.
  • Public authorities and the Director: Must maintain and publish a yearly list of licensed providers.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Effective mechanics: The bill clarifies that tracking/locating mortally wounded game is part of hunting and subject to existing regulations; it introduces clear roles for handlers and operators.
  • Licensing timelines: Annual obligation to publish a list of licensed providers by September 1 each year.
  • Introduced and referred: Filed February 16, 2026; referred to the Committee on Government Organization; sponsored by Delegate Burkhammer (Co-sponsor: Adam Burkhammer).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Increased use of technology (UAVs) and dogs in game recovery, potentially improving animal welfare by reducing suffering and increasing recovery success.
  • Creation of new regulatory framework for commercial tracking services, including licensing prerequisites and public disclosure of providers.
  • Alignment with federal aviation regulations for UAV operators (FAA Part 107) when operating off private property.
  • Possible operational considerations for hunters, such as limiting to one leashed dog per handler and ensuring continuous control of the dog.

Note: The bill is currently introduced and briefed to the Government Organization committee; remaining steps include committee deliberation, potential amendments, and floor votes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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