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Maryland Drones & Hunting (2026)

Restricted: Maryland (Nat. Res. 10-410(j)) prohibits hunting or attempting to hunt wild birds or mammals from an aircraft (incl. drones); a misdemeanor.

RestrictedVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: mgaleg.maryland.gov →

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

Drones & Hunting in states bordering Maryland

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

DelawareConditional
On Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife lands/waters, operating or possessing a drone requires a permit from the Director (7 Del. Admin. Code 3900-8.1.9).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: archive.regulations.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
District of ColumbiaRestricted
No drone-hunting rule because hunting is prohibited District-wide: DC has no open hunting seasons and all wildlife is protected (DCMR Title 19 1560.1).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: doh.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
PennsylvaniaRestricted
Pennsylvania bars hunting with the aid of aircraft or other devices prohibited by the Game and Wildlife Code (34 Pa.C.S. 2308), and expressly bans launching or operating drones on State Game Lands (58 Pa. Code 135.41); the Game Commission applies these to drone scouting and recovery.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia (DWR rule 4VAC15-20-240) makes it unlawful to use a drone to hunt, take, kill, drive, herd or harass wild animals, or to hunt the same day after using a drone to locate wildlife.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia (20-2-5(a)(5)) makes it unlawful to use a drone or other unmanned aircraft to hunt, take, wound, harass, transport or kill a wild bird or animal, or to drive/herd wildlife.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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