Ban on using drones in hunting passes Ill. Senate committee

A proposed ban on using drones for hunting is advancing in the Illinois Senate.

The legislation would outlaw the use of the aerial robots for tracking wild birds or mammals. It passed out of the Senate agriculture committee Thursday with an 8-1 vote. The measure now heads to the full floor.

Sponsor Sen. Julie Morrison says drones provide an unfair advantage. The Deerfield Democrat says hunters “want to keep the hunt challenging.”

Colorado, Montana and Alaska prohibit flying unmanned vehicles while tracking wildlife. Lawmakers in at least six states have proposed similar bans.

Drone hunting in Illinois would be a misdemeanor punishable with a fine and up to one year imprisonment if the measure becomes law.