INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is prosecuting its first-ever case involving the illegal use of drones for hunting, less than two years after the state legalized the technology for limited game recovery.
The investigation, which began in late 2025, centers on several men accused of using a drone to “pattern” a trophy white-tailed buck. This marks a significant legal milestone since Indiana code was amended in March 2024 to allow drones only for the recovery of already harvested animals.
The case began when concerned citizens contacted Indiana Conservation Officers, reporting a drone that appeared to be following a specific, well-known buck on a daily basis.
Investigators took the reports seriously, eventually identifying the drone operators and seizing the equipment. Upon a forensic search of the drone’s data, officers reportedly discovered:
- Hundreds of photos and videos tracking the specific deer’s movements.
- Detailed GPS location data that allowed the suspects to “pattern” the animal’s daily routine.
- Evidence of Baiting: The suspects allegedly used the drone to confirm the deer was frequenting a baited area, which is also illegal under Indiana hunting regulations.
The Law: Recovery vs. Scouting
The core of the prosecution rests on the distinction between recovery and scouting. While Indiana’s 2024 law change was a win for hunters wanting to find downed game in thick brush, it maintained strict guardrails to preserve “fair chase” ethics.
| Activity | Status in Indiana | Time Restrictions |
| Recovery | LEGAL | Only after the animal has been legally taken. |
| Scouting/Locating | ILLEGAL | Prohibited during the season and 14 days prior. |
| Detection for “Take” | ILLEGAL | Using a drone to aid in the actual hunt is a crime. |
Indiana Code 14-22-6-16: Explicitly prohibits using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to “search for, scout, locate, or detect a wild animal” as an aid to taking that animal.
Beyond the drone violations, the DNR has indicated the group faces a litany of additional poaching-related charges, including:
- Hunting over bait: Using attractants to lure game into a specific area.
- Trespassing: Entering private property without permission to recover the animal.
- Illegal taking of a wild animal: The overarching charge for a harvest achieved through unlawful means.
The DNR has not yet publicly released the names of all the individuals involved, as the case is currently moving through the court system. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
