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HB 676

Relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft to locate and retrieve wounded or killed wildlife.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill authorizes drone use to locate and retrieve wounded or killed wildlife, improving hunting ethics and recovery rates while raising regulatory scope and safety questions.

Left pending in committee
#aeronautics(i0010) #animals(i0035) #parks&wildlifecommission(v1564) #parks&wildlife--general(i0585) #parks&wildlife--hunting&fishing(i0560)
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Bill Summary · HB 676

Legislative bill overview

HB 676 authorizes the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) to locate and retrieve wounded or killed wildlife in Texas. The bill would permit hunters and wildlife managers to deploy drones for post-hunt recovery operations, addressing the practical challenge of tracking and retrieving game animals across difficult terrain.

Why is this important

Current Texas law restricts drone use in wildlife contexts, which can leave wounded animals unfound or result in wasted game. Allowing drones for recovery purposes could improve hunting ethics by reducing animal suffering and waste, while also assisting wildlife management agencies in monitoring wildlife populations and responding to injured animals on public lands.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope: Unclear whether the bill distinguishes between private land, public lands, and different wildlife species, which could create enforcement challenges or unintended consequences
  • Safety and privacy concerns: Drone operations near populated areas or private property could raise airspace safety and privacy issues that may require additional restrictions
  • Wildlife management implications: Opponents may argue that easier recovery could encourage overhunting or that drones could interfere with natural wildlife behavior and ecosystem management objectives

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

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