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Virginia Drones & Hunting (2026)

Restricted: 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.

RestrictedVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

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

Drones & Hunting in states bordering Virginia

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

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 →
KentuckyRestricted
Kentucky Fish & Wildlife regulation (301 KAR 3:140, 2025) prohibits using an aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to fish, hunt, take, drive/herd, or harass wildlife.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MarylandRestricted
Maryland (Nat. Res. 10-410(j)) prohibits hunting or attempting to hunt wild birds or mammals from an aircraft (incl. drones); a misdemeanor.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
North CarolinaRestricted
North Carolina (G.S. 14-401.24(b)) makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to fish or hunt using an unmanned aircraft system.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
TennesseeRestricted
Tennessee (TWRA rule 1660-01-33-.02) bars using a drone to hunt, harass, chase, drive or take wildlife; only limited after-hours recovery of a mortally wounded deer on private land is allowed.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee 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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