Ask an Expert : USFS Ranger

One ESWA’s Volunteer Wilderness Rangers was recently asked an interesting question while patrolling on Bighorn trail in East Vail. A hiker had seen a drone flying overhead. They had questions about drone use in the Wilderness for hunting and around private property (ie cabin in historic inholdings). We reached out to a USFS Ranger for answers, and here was the useful response:

“Hunting with the assistance of drones is unlawful in the State of Colorado, per Code of Colorado Regulations. 2CCR 406-0 Article 4 C “It shall be unlawful to use a drone to look for, scout, or detect wildlife as an aid in the hunting or taking of wildlife. 1. For the purposes of this regulation, drone shall be defined as including, without limitation, any contrivance invented, used or designed for navigation of, or flight in the air that is unmanned or guided remotely. A drone may also be referred to as “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle” (UAV) or “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System” (UAVS).”

For private property use, technically drones are allowed on the property, however they would have needed to transport the motorized equipment through wilderness which is not allowed per 36 CFR 261.18 (a) “Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat, or

motorized equipment except as authorized by Federal Law or regulation.” ($500)”

What questions do you have? We’ll try to find an expert to answer them, be it about Wilderness, Geology, Nature, etc! Email us @ howdy@wild4eswa.org !