Drone Hunting

At Lawfare, Benjamin Wittes posts about Deer Trail, Colorado’s proposed ordinance that would provide for “drone hunting” licenses.  Residents would be able to purchase an annual license for $25.00.  If a licensed drone hunter shoots down a drone operated by the United States federal government and presents identifiable parts of it to the town, the hunter would get a $100.00 reward.  When asked about whether  many drones had been seen flying overhead, the resident who drafted the bill admitted that the ordinance was “very symbolic.”

Symbolism may not be the only purpose of this ordinance.  A coworker pointed me in the direction of this story, which notes that Colorado is one of several states applying for an FAA drone testing site.  If Colorado is successful in its application, the state’s drone population will probably increase, granting newfound relevance to Deer Trail’s ordinance.

Criminal nature of destroying federal property aside, many residents are excited about the ordinance.  Some residents favor the ordinance as a money-maker, claiming that people will be tempted to purchase licenses for novelty purposes.  Others are expressing excitement about how Deer Trail may become one of the first towns to hold a “drone hunt.”

While the novelty justification may be a legitimate reason to support the ordinance, the bill will need to be revised if Deer Trail is to feasibly host drone hunts.  The ordinance in its current form is limited only to drones that are operated by the United States federal government.  Accordingly, if a Deer Trail resident shoots down a drone operated by the municipality, state, or by another resident, the hunter will not be entitled to an award under the ordinance.

The proposed ordinance should be amended and expanded to cover drones that are operated by the state or by the municipality.  This will allow for the town to purchase its own drones for the purpose of organizing drone hunts.  The ordinance should probably exempt drones owned by private citizens, since such a broad hunting license could lead to dangerous practices, and because drones in the hands of private citizens can be employed in useful ways.