SB201

Authorize the use of a drone for the location and recovery of mortally wounded deer and elk and to provide a penalty therefor.

Introduced·2/2/26
Introduced Text

South Dakota SB201 authorizes the use of drones by hunters to locate and recover mortally wounded deer and elk.

South Dakota SB201 allows hunters to hire drone pilots to locate and recover deer or elk they have mortally wounded, provided the activity occurs on private land, outside of the hunting season, and with landowner permission. The drone operation must comply with all Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The bill also establishes rules for drone use, including the provision of animal condition information to hunters and mandatory reporting to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Violations of these rules are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DD
2
5
RRRRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Deferred to the 41st legislative day

6 Yea

RRRRRR

1 Nay

R

Calendar

Feb 5

12:00 AM

Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Hearing

History

Feb 5

Senate

Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1

Feb 5

Senate

Agriculture and Natural Resources Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 1. S.J. 12

Feb 2

Senate

First read in Senate and referred to Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources S.J. 160