Sounds like this is a first where a drone was confiscated. From their more detailed explanation on their Youtube, a Pennsylvania thermal drone operator was set up by F&G when he showed up to look for a buck. They threatened to arrest him if he didn't surrender the drone. This operator supposedly had the "hunter" sign a release, stating he had legally shot an animal, had permission to be there, would not use the info to hunt, etc.
I don't have any type of problem with thermal drones in the recovery of animals; using them to hunt I have a big problem with. Going to this extreme to do a sting op for someone helping people trying to find their deer is ridiculous to me. With the amount of poaching, trespassing, etc; they think this is going to be the thing that does the most good or is the best use of their time and resources? Makes zero sense to me.
I don't have any type of problem with thermal drones in the recovery of animals; using them to hunt I have a big problem with. Going to this extreme to do a sting op for someone helping people trying to find their deer is ridiculous to me. With the amount of poaching, trespassing, etc; they think this is going to be the thing that does the most good or is the best use of their time and resources? Makes zero sense to me.