Is Drone Deer Recovery Legal in Wyoming? (2026 Rules)
Not clearly. Wyoming bans using any aircraft to spot, locate, and aid in taking big game from August 1 through January 31, but doesn’t specifically mention recovery. What the rule says.
2026-11-03
Not clearly. Wyoming bans using any aircraft to spot, locate, and aid in taking big game during most of the hunting year. The rule doesn’t specifically mention recovering a wounded or dead deer. Here’s what it says.
What Wyoming’s rule says
From Wyoming Game and Fish’s 2026 regulations, it’s unlawful to:
“Use any aircraft with the intent to spot, locate and aid in the taking of any big game animal from August 1 through January 31 of the following calendar year.”
It’s also unlawful to use any aircraft to spot, locate, and aid in taking any trophy game animal during any open season. The rule doesn’t apply to aircraft used normally where there’s no attempt or intent to locate game.
The rule doesn’t mention recovery or make an exception for it.
Which animals does this cover?
Wyoming’s rule covers any big game animal (and trophy game during open seasons). In Wyoming, that includes elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn (antelope), moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat.
How Wyoming defines hunting
Wyoming law (W.S. 23-1-102) defines “take” as:
“hunt, pursue, catch, capture, shoot, fish, seine, trap, kill, or possess, or attempt to” do any of those.
What you can do instead
A leashed blood-trailing dog. Wyoming law (W.S. 23-3-109) allows one leashed blood-trailing dog during lawful hunting hours to track a wounded or killed big game animal, within a set time after the shot.
Finding a pilot
Drone Deer Tracker is adding pilots in the West. Check the map for the closest pilot to your hunt. Are you a thermal drone pilot in Wyoming? Apply to be listed.
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 Wyoming Game and Fish to confirm it’s allowed.
Last checked November 2026 against Wyoming Game and Fish 2026 regulations and W.S. 23-3-109. Rules can change, so check with Wyoming Game and Fish before you hunt. This article is general information, not legal advice.