Is Drone Deer Recovery Legal in Tennessee? (2026 Rules)
Yes. Tennessee’s new rule lets you use a thermal drone to recover a mortally wounded deer, with strict conditions: night hours only, private land with permission, and no weapons.
2026-11-03
Yes. Tennessee’s new rule allows a thermal drone to recover a deer that’s reasonably believed to be mortally wounded. The conditions are stricter than most states, so here’s exactly what the TWRA says.
What Tennessee’s rule says
From the TWRA’s General Hunting & Trapping Regulations, under “Big Game Drone Recovery”:
“Drones may be used only to recover a deer that is reasonably believed to be mortally wounded.”
The rules:
- Night hours only. Drone flights are limited to 30 minutes after sunset through 3:00 AM.
- Private land, with full permission. Flights must take place only over private property with full landowner permission.
- Licensed pilot. Every pilot needs a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107).
- Thermal drone. The drone must have thermal imaging.
- No weapons. Neither the pilot nor the hunter may have a hunting weapon during drone use.
- Recovery only. Drones can’t be used to hunt wildlife or to give an unfair advantage.
Tip: since flights have to stay over private land with full permission, line up permission for the land the pilot will be searching, not just the land you’re hunting.
Paid pilots must register with TWRA
Commercial drone recovery operators must complete a one-time, no-fee registration with TWRA, with their contact information, FAA Remote Pilot Certificate number, and the region(s) they cover. Before and after every recovery attempt, found or not, they also file a pre-recovery and post-recovery form. TWRA keeps a list of registered commercial operators on the same regulations page.
Landowners and hunters flying for non-commercial purposes don’t have to register, but they still have to follow every other rule above.
Elk
Quota elk hunters may use a drone on North Cumberland WMA to recover elk, with manager approval.
Which animals does this cover?
Tennessee’s rule names deer. Separately, quota elk hunters may use a drone on North Cumberland WMA with manager approval.
Finding a pilot
Drone Deer Tracker is adding pilots in Tennessee. Check the map for the closest pilot to your hunt. 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 Tennessee? Apply to be listed so hunters near you can find and call you. Remember to register with TWRA as a commercial operator first.
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 TWRA to confirm it’s allowed.
Last checked November 2026 against the TWRA General Hunting & Trapping Regulations (Big Game Drone Recovery). Rules can change, so check with the TWRA before you hunt. This article is general information, not legal advice.