Is Drone Deer Recovery Legal in Missouri? (2026-27 Rules)
Yes. Missouri lets you use a drone to find and recover a wounded deer, with conditions. What the rule says, the weapon rule, and the permission you need.
2026-11-03
Yes. Missouri allows drones to locate and recover a wounded deer, as long as you follow a few conditions. Here’s what the rule says, in plain language, for the 2026-27 season.
What Missouri’s rule says
The rule is part of the Wildlife Code of Missouri, 3 CSR 10-7.410:
“Unmanned motor-driven air conveyances, commonly referred to as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), and drones, may be used to locate and recover wounded black bear, deer, elk, and turkey only in accordance with the following…”
It covers a deer that a properly licensed hunter has hit with a legal hunting method during the open season.
The conditions
- No weapons while the drone is in the air. The rule says no one may “possess or control” a gun, bow, or other hunting implement while afield when the drone is flying. (Missouri makes an exception for a concealed handgun, as long as it isn’t used to take wildlife.) Tip: that’s stricter than just not carrying one, so don’t bring a gun or bow along on the search at all.
- Don’t push the deer with the drone. The drone can’t be used to chase, drive, or herd wildlife. If a deer is harassed with the drone, no one can take it. Tip: let the pilot search from above, and stay back so the deer isn’t pushed.
- The pilot needs permission to launch and land. The pilot has to get the landowner’s OK before taking off from or landing on their property.
Does the pilot need a hunting permit?
No. Missouri says flying a drone to recover a wounded animal under this rule doesn’t count as pursuing or taking wildlife, and the drone operator doesn’t need a hunting permit, as long as they aren’t the one who shot the deer. Pilots who charge for a search still need an FAA Part 107 certificate.
Which animals does this cover?
Missouri’s rule names black bear, deer, elk, and turkey.
Permission to go get your deer
The drone can search over neighboring land under FAA rules. The pilot only needs permission to launch and land, so ask the landowner where you’re hunting.
Once the deer is found, Missouri’s rule is clear that it doesn’t give anyone the right to trespass to recover it. If the deer is on a neighbor’s land, get their permission before you go in.
Finding a pilot in Missouri
Drone Deer Tracker lists thermal drone pilots in Missouri. Browse Missouri pilots, or use the map to find the closest one and call or text them directly. For tips on what to tell the pilot, see how to find a drone deer recovery pilot fast.
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 the Missouri Department of Conservation to confirm it’s allowed.
Last checked November 2026 against 3 CSR 10-7.410 (Code of State Regulations, July 2026). Rules can change, so check with the Missouri Department of Conservation before you hunt. This article is general information, not legal advice.