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Iowa Drones & Hunting (2026)

Restricted: Iowa bars killing, wounding, or pursuing wildlife from or with an aircraft in flight; DNR applies this to drones used while hunting (Iowa Code 481A.120).

RestrictedVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: legis.iowa.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Drones & Hunting in states bordering Iowa

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IllinoisRestricted
Illinois' Wildlife Code makes it unlawful to take, pursue, or intentionally harass wild birds or mammals by use or aid of an unmanned aircraft (520 ILCS 5/2.33).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →
MinnesotaRestricted
Per the Minnesota DNR, state law bars using drones to take big or small game, including recovering dead or wounded game (Minn. Stat. 97B.085 / 97B.081).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: files.dnr.state.mn.us · Full Minnesota rule →
MissouriRestricted
Missouri's Wildlife Code (3 CSR 10-7.410) bars pursuing, taking or molesting wildlife from any motor-driven air conveyance, including drones.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: s1.sos.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
NebraskaRestricted
Nebraska makes it a Class II misdemeanor to use any aircraft to harass any bird, fish or animal; drone use to shoot at or harass wildlife is barred (Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-509).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
South DakotaRestricted
South Dakota (SDCL 41-8-39): a Class 1 misdemeanor to use aircraft to hunt, drive, locate or spot wildlife; a narrow drone exception exists for predators/varmints.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WisconsinRestricted
Wisconsin (29.083) bars using a drone to harass wild animals or impede hunters; the DNR also bars aircraft-aided hunting.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →

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