Montana proposes ban on fishing with drones, remote-controlled boats

Montana proposes ban on fishing with drones, remote-controlled boats

10/26/2020

The state of Montana is asking the public to weigh in on whether drones and remote-controlled boats should be banned for fishing.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission recently advanced for public comment a proposal prohibiting the use of drones and remote-controlled boats to place bait or lures, troll, or hook and land fish. The proposal also bars using the devices to search for fish that are then cast to with a rod and reel.

In June, Game Warden Phil Kilbreath presented to the commission, telling them that wardens had increasingly received questions about the legality of drones and remote-controlled boats. The devices have gained popularity with online videos popping up from across the U.S. and Canada while reports of their use in Montana have been sporadic.