Use of drones for pursuit of wildlife prohibited; rules

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall adopt rules prohibiting the use of drones for the following purposes related to the pursuit of wildlife: (a) Angling; (b) Hunting; (c) Trapping; (d) Aiding angling, hunting or trapping through the use of drones to harass, track, locate or scout wildlife; and (e) Interfering in the acts of a person who is lawfully angling, hunting or trapping. (2) Rules adopted to carry out the prohibitions provided for in this section may include exemptions for: (a) Subject to ORS 837.360, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the department’s agents and contractors for the use of drones in carrying out the duties of the department; or (b) The use of drones in a manner otherwise prohibited under this section if the purpose of the use is to benefit wildlife management or habitat or for the protection of property. (3) Nothing in this section is meant to limit the use of drones by a person who is lawfully engaging in activities authorized under the commercial fishing laws. (4) As used in this section, “drone” means: (a) An unmanned flying machine; (b) An unmanned water-based vehicle; or (c) Any other vehicle that is able to operate in the air, in or under the water or on land, either remotely or autonomously, and without a human occupant.