Is Drone Deer Recovery Legal in Kentucky? (2026 Rules)

Yes, with one big condition. Kentucky allows a drone to search for and help recover a deer you’ve shot, but if the deer turns out to be alive, the drone has to back off. Here’s what the rule says.

What Kentucky’s rule says

Kentucky’s drone rule, 301 KAR 3:140, took effect in October 2025. It makes it illegal to use a drone to “take” wildlife. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources explains how that applies to recovery in its official drone Q&A:

“Kentucky’s drone laws regulate ‘take,’ not ‘recovery.’ However, recovery involves an animal that is presumed to be dead.”

Which animals does this cover?

Kentucky’s Q&A covers recovering a shot elk or deer, and its drone rule applies to all wildlife.

If the deer is still alive

This is the key rule in Kentucky. Per the department:

• If the drone finds the deer still alive, even if seriously wounded, following it any further counts as “taking,” and the drone can no longer be involved.
• If the deer is dead, the pilot may direct the hunter to it so it can be recovered.

Tip: agree with your pilot ahead of time that if the deer is alive, the drone search ends there.

Drones can’t be used to hunt or push deer

• Drones can’t be used to find deer and direct hunters to them for the hunt.
• It’s illegal to use a drone to drive, herd, or push deer, or to harass wildlife in any way.
• Using a drone to scout terrain is allowed, but not to pursue an animal.

Searching over a neighbor’s land

Kentucky’s Q&A covers a deer that ran onto a neighbor’s land. The drone can search there, with four caveats from the department:

1. Follow FAA rules on airspace, altitude, line of sight, testing, and registration.
2. Pilots are strongly encouraged to get permission from the neighbor before flying over their property.
3. If the deer is alive, the drone has to back off.
4. If the deer is dead, the hunter or a helper must get permission before going onto that land to retrieve it.

Other Kentucky rules worth knowing

• Thermal is allowed. You can fly a drone at night with infrared or thermal technology.
• No hired pilots on public land. Commercial activity, including paid drone services, isn’t allowed on public land.
• Wildlife Management Areas: drones can be flown for personal use on WMAs that Kentucky Fish and Wildlife both owns and operates. On WMAs owned by another agency, such as the Army Corps of Engineers or the Forest Service, that agency’s rules apply.
• Spotlights: shining a light on wildlife at night is illegal, but state law (KRS 150.395) has an exception for a legitimate deer recovery business.
• Violations of 301 KAR 3:140 are a criminal offense.

Finding a pilot

Drone Deer Tracker is adding pilots in Kentucky. Check the map for the closest pilot to your hunt, including nearby states. For tips on what to tell the pilot, see how to find a drone deer recovery pilot fast.

Are you a thermal drone pilot in Kentucky? Apply to be listed so hunters near you can find and call you.

Other states: see drone deer recovery laws by state.

Verify before you fly

Drone rules change, and how they apply can depend on your situation. Before any drone recovery, contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife (1-800-858-1549) to confirm it’s allowed.

Last checked November 2026 against 301 KAR 3:140 and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources drone Q&A. Rules can change, so check with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife (1-800-858-1549) before you hunt. This article is general information, not legal advice.