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HB 2510

To allow for the use of drones with thermal imaging for the recovery of big game.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jordan Bridges and 8 co-sponsors

House Bill 2510 allows hunters to use drones with thermal imaging for recovering big game, enhancing success while ensuring wildlife protection and landowner rights.

To House Government Organization
#naturalresources
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Bill Summary · HB 2510

Summary of House Bill 2510

Bill Number: HB 2510
Title: To allow for the use of drones with thermal imaging for the recovery of big game
Status: To House Government Organization
Introduced: February 17, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Natural Resources

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2510 aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to permit the use of drones equipped with thermal imaging technology for the recovery of big game animals. The bill seeks to enhance hunting practices by allowing hunters to locate and recover animals more effectively while ensuring that the use of such technology is regulated to prevent misuse.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new section, §20-2-65, which includes the following key provisions:

  1. Definition of Big Game: The bill defines big game as black bear, deer, elk, and turkey.

  2. Permission Requirement:

    • Hunters must obtain permission from landowners before launching or landing drones on their property.
    • The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize trespassing.

  3. Restrictions on Firearms:

    • Individuals operating drones cannot possess firearms or other hunting implements while the drone is in flight, except for concealable firearms that are not used for hunting.

  4. Prohibition of Harassment:

    • Drones must be operated in a manner that does not harass wildlife. Harassment is defined broadly to include disturbing or chasing animals.
    • Any wildlife that has been harassed by a drone cannot be pursued or taken.

  5. Exemption from Hunting Permits:

    • Operators of drones used for recovery purposes are exempt from hunting permit requirements, provided they are not the ones who harvested the big game.

  6. Possession of Thermal Imaging Devices:

    • Drones equipped with night vision, infrared, or thermal imaging devices may be possessed while in the company of firearms, but only for the purpose of locating and recovering big game.

Impact

The bill is expected to impact:

  • Hunters: It provides a new tool for hunters to locate and recover big game, potentially increasing hunting success rates.
  • Landowners: It emphasizes the need for landowner permission, thereby respecting private property rights.
  • Wildlife: The bill includes provisions to prevent harassment of wildlife, aiming to balance hunting practices with wildlife conservation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Referred to Committee: The bill has been referred to the House Government Organization Committee for further consideration.

This legislation represents a significant shift in how technology can be integrated into hunting practices, reflecting evolving methods while aiming to maintain ethical standards in wildlife management.

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

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