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Pennsylvania Drones & Hunting (2026)

Restricted: Pennsylvania bars hunting with the aid of aircraft or other devices prohibited by the Game and Wildlife Code (34 Pa.C.S. 2308), and expressly bans launching or operating drones on State Game Lands (58 Pa. Code 135.41); the Game Commission applies these to drone scouting and recovery.

RestrictedVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: legis.state.pa.us →

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

Drones & Hunting in states bordering Pennsylvania

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

DelawareConditional
On Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife lands/waters, operating or possessing a drone requires a permit from the Director (7 Del. Admin. Code 3900-8.1.9).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: archive.regulations.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
MarylandRestricted
Maryland (Nat. Res. 10-410(j)) prohibits hunting or attempting to hunt wild birds or mammals from an aircraft (incl. drones); a misdemeanor.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
New JerseyRestricted
New Jersey makes using a drone to take or assist in taking wildlife a disorderly persons offense (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-28(d); Fish & Game Code N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.22).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: pub.njleg.state.nj.us · Full New Jersey rule →
New YorkRestricted
New York (ECL 11-0901) bars hunting deer or bear with the aid of aircraft of any kind; DEC also restricts drone use to take/harass wildlife.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nysenate.gov · Full New York rule →
OhioRestricted
Ohio (Admin. Code 1501:31-15-02(B)) bars hunting or taking any wild bird or quadruped by aid of any aircraft, including aerial drones; drones allowed only for post-kill deer recovery.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia (20-2-5(a)(5)) makes it unlawful to use a drone or other unmanned aircraft to hunt, take, wound, harass, transport or kill a wild bird or animal, or to drive/herd wildlife.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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