Is Drone Deer Recovery Legal in New York? (2026 Rules)

No. New York does not allow drones to recover deer or bear. Here’s what the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says, and what you can use instead.

What New York says

From the DEC’s Hunting and Trapping newsletter, “Drones Not Allowed For Deer Recovery in New York”:

“Tracking and recovery of a deer or bear are part of the hunt, and New York laws do not allow drones to be used in this way.”

The DEC explains:

• Drones are regulated as aircraft by the FAA, and aircraft may not be used to aid deer or bear hunters.
• This applies to both hobby and commercial (Part 107) drone pilots.
• A separate state law lets the DEC license leashed tracking dogs for recovering deer and bear, but there’s no similar provision for drones, and the DEC can’t license drone use without a law that authorizes it.

Which animals does this cover?

New York’s DEC guidance names deer and bear.

Could the law change?

Bills to allow drone recovery have been introduced in the New York Legislature but haven’t passed. If New York changes its law, we’ll update this article.

What you can do instead

Licensed, leashed tracking dogs are legal. The DEC points hunters to volunteer, licensed tracking-dog handlers, including:

• Deer Search, Inc. (central and eastern New York)
• Deer Search FLC, Inc. (Finger Lakes region)
• Deer Search of WNY, Inc. (Western New York)

Hunting in another state?

Neighboring Pennsylvania also bans drone recovery. See our other state guides and find a pilot on the map.

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 New York DEC to confirm it’s allowed.

Last checked November 2026 against the New York DEC’s guidance on drones and deer recovery. Rules can change, so check with the New York DEC before you hunt. This article is general information, not legal advice.