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Minnesota Drones & Hunting (2026)

Restricted: Per the Minnesota DNR, state law bars using drones to take big or small game, including recovering dead or wounded game (Minn. Stat. 97B.085 / 97B.081).

RestrictedVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: files.dnr.state.mn.us →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Drones & Hunting in states bordering Minnesota

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IowaRestricted
Iowa bars killing, wounding, or pursuing wildlife from or with an aircraft in flight; DNR applies this to drones used while hunting (Iowa Code 481A.120).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legis.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
North DakotaRestricted
North Dakota (NDCC 20.1-01-11) bars using any aircraft (incl. drones) to kill, chase or harass wild animals or birds; 20.1-01-31 bars a UAV used to disrupt a lawful hunt.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ndlegis.gov · Full North Dakota rule →
South DakotaRestricted
South Dakota (SDCL 41-8-39): a Class 1 misdemeanor to use aircraft to hunt, drive, locate or spot wildlife; a narrow drone exception exists for predators/varmints.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WisconsinRestricted
Wisconsin (29.083) bars using a drone to harass wild animals or impede hunters; the DNR also bars aircraft-aided hunting.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →

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