Town To Vote On Hunting License To Shoot Down Unmanned Aircraft

Home

Medical Factors Facing Pilots

Aviation Stories Of Interest

FAA Exam

Aviation News

Maintenance and Aircraft Mechanics

General Aviation

Helicopters

Aviation History

Legal Issues In Aviation

Links To Other Sites

Editorials

Hot Air Balloon

Aviation Training Handbooks Read Online

Upcoming Events

Editorials

Town To Vote On Hunting License To Shoot Down Unmanned Aircraft

By Steve Hall

July 22, 2013 - The town of Deer Trail located 55 miles east of Denver and a population of just over 500 residents will take up a vote at its next town-hall meeting on August 7, to determine whether the town will adopt an ordinance that would allow its residents to hunt and shoot down drones, unmanned aircraft.

The vote will determine if the town will issue drone hunting licenses at $25.00 which will be good for one year. Phillip Steel, 48, a resident and author of the ordinance stated, "This is a very symbolic ordinance. Basically, I do not believe in the idea of a surveillance society, and I believe we are heading that way. They'll sell like hot cakes, and it would be a real drone hunting license, it could be a huge moneymaker for the town."

Steel further stated he has 28 signatures on his petition, 10 percent of the town's registered voters. Under Colorado law, the town’s officials are required to formally consider the proposal at its next town-hall meeting. Deer Trail officials will have the option of adopting the ordinance or putting it on the ballot for a fall election.

The ordinance reads, "The Town of Deer Trail shall issue a reward of $100 to any shooter who presents a valid hunting license and the following identifiable parts of an unmanned aerial vehicle whose markings and configuration are consistent with those used on any similar craft known to be owned or operated by the United States federal overnment."

The ordinance further reads that a resident must be able to read and understand English, must be at least 21 years old and there will be no background checks to obtain a license.

As a result of this proposed ordinance the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a news release in which it reminded the public that it regulates the nation’s airspace, including airspace over cities and towns.

The FAA further stated a drone hit by gunfire could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground, or it could collide with other objects in the air. Shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in criminal or civil liability, just as would firing at a manned airplane.