HB5531

Allows hunters to use leashed dogs and unmanned aerial vehicles to track and locate mortally wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear.

This bill amends West Virginia hunting laws to clarify that hunters can use leashed dogs or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to track and locate mortally wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear. The hunter must accompany the dog handler or UAV operator, but can designate the handler to kill the animal if they are unable to accompany. The handler or operator may only dispatch the animal when necessary to prevent suffering or for public safety. The dispatched animal counts toward the hunter's bag limit.