CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has passed a new law that permits hunters to use drones and leashed dogs to track mortally wounded game animals, a move designed to improve recovery rates and reduce waste. The legislation, which was approved by the state Legislature on April 1, 2025, will officially take effect on June 30, 2025.
Under the new rules, hunters who suspect they have fatally injured a deer, elk, wild boar, turkey, or bear may now employ either a leashed dog, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or both to track the animal. The tracking may be done by the hunter themselves or with the assistance of a licensed dog handler or drone operator.
However, there are restrictions. Only one dog may be used per handler, and dogs must be kept under physical control at all times. If a hunter enlists a dog handler, the hunter cannot use additional dogs.
The law clarifies that using drones or dogs for tracking is now considered a part of the hunting process. As such, hunters, handlers, and drone operators must have a valid hunting license, or meet any applicable exemptions under state law.
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Additionally, the legislation specifies that only the hunter who initially shot the animal is authorized to harvest the wounded game, except in cases where the hunter is physically unable to retrieve it. In such instances, the handler may take the animal, but it still counts toward the hunter’s bag limit.
For those operating drones or offering tracking services for profit, the law mandates compliance with federal FAA Part 107 rules, unless they are working on land they own or lease. Dog handlers and drone operators providing tracking services for a fee must also be licensed as outfitters or guides in West Virginia.
To assist hunters, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will release an annual list of licensed tracking guides and outfitters by September 1 each year.
Advocates for the law argue that the use of drones and dogs will help recover more wounded animals, minimizing the number of game animals that go uncollected and reducing waste. Previously, using drones or aircraft for tracking game was prohibited in the state. This change aims to balance the benefits of technology with responsible hunting practices, ensuring ethical recovery efforts are more accessible.