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Hunters are not allowed to use flying drones to help them track wildlife, use data from a drone to benefit a hunting trip or have a third party use a drone for them.
Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, announced the news on Friday.
"We have to make sure that our regulations keep pace with technology. These changes help ensure that the rules are in line with what most hunters already practise."
This change means the provincial government will have to amend the Wildlife Act hunting regulations. British Columbia isn’t the first to ban the use of drones. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador have all made hunting drones illegal.
"Hunters come to British Columbia to experience the wild and beautiful backcountry and participate in Fair Chase hunting. Drones undermine the experience people have come to expect when they hunt big game in this province."
If you’re caught hunting with a drone, you may be handed a $2,500 ticket.
The first conviction could be a lot steeper, though. It could cost a hunter $250,000 and up to two years in jail.
Hunting with a helicopter in British Columbia is also illegal. If caught using a helicopter while on a hunting or trapping trip, the same fines apply.
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