Drone-assisted hunting ban passes 1st Colo. test

A ban on drone-assisted hunting has passed its first test with Colorado wildlife authorities.

KMGH reports that the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission on Thursday approved the proposal to make the use of aerial drones while hunting illegal.

The rule was heard in an informal meeting during the commission’s regularly scheduled meeting. It received general support and moves to a final vote by the commission during its January meeting.

If it passes, it will take effect in the 2014 big game hunting season, which begins in August.

Using airplanes to help spot game is illegal under a federal law called the Airborne Hunting Act. However the use of unmanned aerial drones to reconnoiter prey is not specifically addressed in the law.