This bill proposes allowing the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) to locate and recover deceased big game animals in Minnesota. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.115, which currently prohibits remote-controlled hunting, to permit individuals with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot certificate to use drones for this purpose starting on January 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources, in collaboration with stakeholders, to submit findings and recommendations by January 1, 2026. These recommendations would address statutory and policy changes, licensing and insurance requirements, drone-related regulations, potential fees, property rights considerations, and any other relevant matters concerning the use of drones for game retrieval.