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HF 1301

Use of unmanned aircraft authorized to assist in locating and recovering deceased big game, and report required.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Van Binsbergen and 4 co-sponsors

HF 1301 allows drones to locate and recover deceased big game in Minnesota and requires a report on effectiveness, procedures, costs, and policy implications.

Authors added Burkel and Warwas
#airportsandaircraft #huntingandgame #naturalresourcesdepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 1301

Summary: HF 1301 (Minnesota 2025-2026)

Objective

HF 1301 authorizes the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) to assist in locating and recovering deceased big game, and requires a report on the practice. The bill sets parameters for when and how drones may be used in the search and recovery process and outlines reporting requirements to the legislature.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization of drone use: The bill permits the use of unmanned aircraft to locate and recover deceased big game. This provides a formal basis for applying drone technology in wildlife-related search and recovery operations rather than relying solely on traditional methods.

  • Scope of application:

    • Applies to big game, i.e., large-game wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, etc., within Minnesota.
    • The use is intended to support locating remains during or after hunting-related incidents, accidents, or other scenarios where dead wildlife need to be found and recovered.

  • Operational guidance (implied framework):

    • While not all operational details are provided in the summary, the bill likely outlines conditions under which drones can be deployed (e.g., approved by relevant wildlife or law enforcement authorities, within safety and privacy considerations, and in coordination with landowners and stakeholders).
    • The bill may reference compliance with existing state laws on drone operations, wildlife management, and search-and-rescue activities.

  • Reporting requirement:

    • The bill requires a report on the use of unmanned aircraft in locating and recovering deceased big game.
    • The report would cover aspects such as effectiveness, operational procedures, timelines, costs, and any recommendations for future use or statutory adjustments.
    • The reporting requirement aims to inform lawmakers about implementation outcomes and any needed policy refinements.

Who/What is Affected

  • State agencies: Likely affects wildlife management agencies (e.g., Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) and potentially law enforcement or search-and-rescue units that might employ drones in these operations.
  • Big game hunters and stakeholders: Hunters and landowners may be impacted by established procedures for drone-assisted searches and any coordination requirements.
  • General public: The use of drones touches on privacy, safety, and regulatory considerations that may involve the broader public.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction/Referral:
    • Introduced and referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committee (February 20, 2025) — indicating focus on environmental, natural resources, and fiscal implications.
  • Sponsors and co-sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor and five co-sponsors, including Cal Warwas (co-sponsor), Scott Van Binsbergen (co-sponsor), Drew Roach (co-sponsor), John Burkel (co-sponsor), and Ben Davis (co-sponsor) (with action history noting additions on February 25, 2026).
  • Reporting timeline:
    • The bill requires a report, which would presumably be due to the Legislature after a defined period following enactment or upon specific deployment events. The exact due date is not specified in the available summary, but it is a central element of the bill’s oversight mechanism.

Practical Implications

  • Efficiency and safety: Drones could improve speed and accuracy in locating deceased big game, potentially reducing unnecessary field searches and supporting timely recoveries.
  • Regulatory alignment: Operators would need to comply with drone regulations, privacy considerations, and wildlife management policies.
  • Data and accountability: The required report will provide data on effectiveness, costs, and best practices, informing future policy decisions.

If you would like, I can add a comparison to existing Minnesota statutes on drone use or wildlife search-and-rescue to provide context on how HF 1301 would fit within current law.

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

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