What is an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)?

Simply put, a UAS is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard.  Unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV) or drones are other names you may have heard.

Is drone (UAS/UAV) use permitted on KDWP owned and managed properties?

No. Drone (UAS/UAV) use is not permitted at any Kansas State Park, Wildlife Area, or other property owned or managed by KDWP (KAR 115-8-13). 

What KDWP properties have drone (UAS/UAV) operation areas?

The list of state parks with drone (UAS/UAV) operating areas is in development.

What are the penalties for unlawful use of drones (UASs/UAVs) on KDWP owned and managed lands?

Unlawful use of drones (UASs/UAVs) is classified as a Class C misdemeanor that can result in fines or jail time.

Who do I contact for more information about using drones (UASs/UAVs) on KDWP owned and managed lands?

For more information about drone (UAS/UAV) use at a contact the state park or an appropriate regional office.

Are licenses required for drone (UAS/UAV) operation on KDWP owned and managed lands?

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations pertaining to drone (UAS/UAV) use are available at https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/. In general, hobby flight requires the drone (UAS/UAV) be registered, but no pilot certification.  Any non-hobby commercial use requires both drone (UAS/UAV) registration and a remote pilot certification. All federal regulations pertaining to drone (UAS/UAV) use apply on KDWP owned and managed lands.

Are there statutes regarding privacy that apply to drone (UAS/UAV) use?

Yes. Kansas Statute 60-31a02 provides protection from stalking or harassment, including the use of drones (UASs/UAVs) over or near any dwelling, occupied vehicle, or other place where one may reasonably expect to be safe from uninvited intrusion or surveillance.

Can drones (UASs/UAVs) be used for hunting or scouting?

No. The use of drones (UASs/UAVs) for hunting or scouting is prohibited in Kansas. Both federal (16 USC 742j1) and state (KAS 32-1003) statutes prohibit the use of aircraft to take wildlife.

Can drones (UASs/UAVs) be used for fishing?

No. The use of drones (UASs/UAVs) is not a permitted method of take for fish in Kansas. (KAS 32-1002) 

Can drones (UASs/UAVs) be used to locate harvested game?

No. Based on the definition of take in KAS 32-701, a drone (UAS/UAV) can not be used to locate wounded or harvested game.

Can drones (UASs/UAVs) be used to film hunts?

Drone (UAS/UAV) use for filming is permitted on land not owned or managed by KDWP as long as it is not used as part of taking or locating game.

Drones (UASs/UAVs) may not be used to film hunts on KDWP owned and managed land.

Can a UAS be used to harass wildlife?

Harassment of wildlife with any aircraft, including drones(UASs/UAVs), is prohibited by federal regulation.

How do I report unlawful use of drones (UASs/UAVs)?

You can report illegal operation of drones (UASs/UAVs) related to fisheries, wildlife, or KDWP owned or managed lands through Operation Game Thief by calling toll-free 877-426-3843 or submitting a report form online. 

Illegal operation of drones (UASs/UAVs) that does not relate to wildlife or department lands can be reported to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Can I shoot down a drone (UASs/UAVs)?

It is a felony to damage or destroy any aircraft, including drones (UASs/UAVs) (18 USC 32)