Drone harrassment...

[Gunitharvester]

Posting for a buddy: He was deer hunting in the north Puget Sound area the last days of Late Modern season, when someone on the road above him (200 yards or so up hill from him) flew a drone up and over the clear cut he was hunting next to...... Then it flew his direction and stopped about "40-50 feet" from him and hovered back and forth around him for about "7-8 minutes" before he got fed up and left.  By the time he got up to the road he was parked on (same road as where the drone came from) the vehicle, drone, and guy flying it were long gone. The first thing I said was "YOU SHOULD HAVE SHOT IT!!!" He said he almost did but decided that they would have slashed his tires by the time he got back to his rig.... He's probably right.

Input? Anyone else experience something like this? Legalities???
 

-Thanks in advance

[1bugman]

That sucks, no advice but I'm interested in the responses

[ghosthunter]

I felt threatened by the dang flying thing, officers.

[The scout]

he had better hope it was coated in Kevlar if that thing was buzzing around me

[Bob33]

Report it.
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.210

RCW 77.15.210

Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife—Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

(b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.

[bigtex]

Report it.
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.210

RCW 77.15.210

Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife—Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

(b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.

The big problem with WA's "hunter harassment" law is the intent requirement.

WDFW (and later the prosecutor) would have to prove that the drone operator harassed/interfered with a hunter WITH THE INTENT of disrupting the lawful hunt.

A two day old defense attorney could quickly say his defendant didn't even know the individual he was flying the drone by was hunting and thus didn't know/intend on disrupting the hunt.

[Bean Counter]

I'm far less likely to give a drone a dirt nap if i'm out hunting as opposed to it flying over my back  yard, esp if my kids are playing outside.

[The scout]

7-8 mins of hovering, don't think it's getting a pass

[Bean Counter]

Well, I personally like being left alone while hunting as much as the next guy, but destroying something worth $1,000+  is not to be done lightly. I'd probably leave it alone if it were a hundred yards above. If it was 2 feet from my head it would be an easy shot with my .40 

[Bob33]

Report it.
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.210

RCW 77.15.210

Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife—Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

(b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.

The big problem with WA's "hunter harassment" law is the intent requirement.

WDFW (and later the prosecutor) would have to prove that the drone operator harassed/interfered with a hunter WITH THE INTENT of disrupting the lawful hunt.

A two day old defense attorney could quickly say his defendant didn't even know the individual he was flying the drone by was hunting and thus didn't know/intend on disrupting the hunt.

Once - of course it could be a mistake. I would think if it was an established pattern (i.e. he'd been involved in doing it before) there would be enough justification for making the charge stick.

[jeffro]

"YOU SHOULD HAVE SHOT IT!!!" He said he almost did but decided that they would have slashed his tires by the time he got back to his rig.... He's probably right.
Input?

This is why I put up cameras at my truck when I leave it in the woods.
Too many dou::: b::: out there
At least I should get a license number of anyone messing with my gear.

[full strutting]

Shoot the worthless drone to pieces. Was threatening your life, seems to work


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JimmyHoffa]

WDFW biologists out doing grouse surveys? 

[724wd]

WDFW biologists out doing grouse surveys? 

 

[Yakirack]

Who do you recommend reporting this type of thing to?

[NoBark]

No offense intended. This would have pissed me off too. But to be honest, I've had squirrels barking at me in the woods for that long and kept on hunting.  I would think the guys battery is only good for maybe 20 minutes. 

If he had a video camera of the drone doing what it was doing for that long, I think a prosecutor could make the case for 'intent'.

[popeshawnpaul]

Report it.
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.210

RCW 77.15.210

Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife—Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

(b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.

The big problem with WA's "hunter harassment" law is the intent requirement.

WDFW (and later the prosecutor) would have to prove that the drone operator harassed/interfered with a hunter WITH THE INTENT of disrupting the lawful hunt.

A two day old defense attorney could quickly say his defendant didn't even know the individual he was flying the drone by was hunting and thus didn't know/intend on disrupting the hunt.

No reason not to do it though.  There is always the chance they could have a bad lawyer or take a deal though.  There is an even better choice they will open their mouth and admit it like so many of my clients do.  Perhaps one of our bad apple game wardens could violate someone's rights and threaten them to admit it or else as they have many times before...  A smart prosecutor could stack the jury with hunters also...

[pianoman9701]

Who do you recommend reporting this type of thing to?

911 as game/hunter harassment.

[fishnfur]

I agree with NoBark - the batteries are going to wear down sooner or later - wait it out awhile.  Tactic II - A few random target practice shots at a nearby log would probably have the perpetrator scrambling to get out of there.

[Alchase]

He should have videoed it with his cell phone,




Then shot it down. 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

This has to be the guy on the internet searching for Squatch. It was just a miss judged Squatch siteing......









I'd have shot the stupid thing!

[howlow]

Shooting one down can be considered a felony since they are no different than an shooting down a aircraft they are regulated by faa   but if he was chasing wildlife he could be called in for harassment

[Bob33]

Shooting one down can be considered a felony since they are no different than an shooting down a aircraft they are regulated by faa   but if he was chasing wildlife he could be called in for harassment

Drones used for recreational purposes are not currently regulated by the FAA unless they conflict with regulated aircraft.

[KFhunter]

Report it.
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.210

RCW 77.15.210

Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife—Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

(b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.

The big problem with WA's "hunter harassment" law is the intent requirement.

WDFW (and later the prosecutor) would have to prove that the drone operator harassed/interfered with a hunter WITH THE INTENT of disrupting the lawful hunt.

A two day old defense attorney could quickly say his defendant didn't even know the individual he was flying the drone by was hunting and thus didn't know/intend on disrupting the hunt.

No reason not to do it though.  There is always the chance they could have a bad lawyer or take a deal though.  There is an even better choice they will open their mouth and admit it like so many of my clients do.  Perhaps one of our bad apple game wardens could violate someone's rights and threaten them to admit it or else as they have many times before...  A smart prosecutor could stack the jury with hunters also...

It could also help develop a pattern of harassment, that is if his drone lasts long enough.

[Gunitharvester]

I also asked why he didn't just wait it out, he said that he only had about 1/2 hour of legal shooting light left and the drone was so loud, there was no way anything would have come out into the clear cut until it was long gone- best he could figure.  I agree with a lot of your guy's suggestions, especially bringing law enforcement into it. Most agencies take this violation seriously. I have had my fair share of hunter harassment- only while waterfowl hunting- but none the less, the law did show up and chewed some serious @$$, resulting in the perp either being ticketed or a seriously warned.

[CAMPMEAT]

Who cares......why is it that hunters act like they have all the rights and nobody else does ?......It gets old listening to guys whine about such an inconvenience to them.

[Gunitharvester]

Who cares......why is it that hunters act like they have all the rights and nobody else does ?......It gets old listening to guys whine about such an inconvenience to them.

Oh really? Maybe because hunters have a small window to (possibly) harvest quarry that we pay dearly for in this state and few areas to hunt, while some one with a remote control toy has 365 days a year and just about anywhere to play with it. I care.

[MtnMuley]

I would have shot it down and welcomed an altercation.

[CAMPMEAT]

Who cares......why is it that hunters act like they have all the rights and nobody else does ?......It gets old listening to guys whine about such an inconvenience to them.

Oh really? Maybe because hunters have a small window to (possibly) harvest quarry that we pay dearly for in this state and few areas to hunt, while some one with a remote control toy has 365 days a year and just about anywhere to play with it. I care.

Yes really. I hunt, but maybe I'm a little more mature than some hunters. It's life is the way I look at it and I just deal with it accordingly.

[2labs]

Drones don't eat so good.. Kinda like a sea duck, you shot it you it it

[Ridgeratt]

Who cares......why is it that hunters act like they have all the rights and nobody else does ?......It gets old listening to guys whine about such an inconvenience to them.

Oh really? Maybe because hunters have a small window to (possibly) harvest quarry that we pay dearly for in this state and few areas to hunt, while some one with a remote control toy has 365 days a year and just about anywhere to play with it. I care.

Yes really. I hunt, but maybe I'm a little more mature than some hunters. It's life is the way I look at it and I just deal with it accordingly.

Camp It's just like the guys who get their panties in a wad over trail cam's and the fact somebody is camped it "their" spot. I could go on but why bother

[bigtex]

Report it.
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.210

RCW 77.15.210

Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife—Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

(b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.

The big problem with WA's "hunter harassment" law is the intent requirement.

WDFW (and later the prosecutor) would have to prove that the drone operator harassed/interfered with a hunter WITH THE INTENT of disrupting the lawful hunt.

A two day old defense attorney could quickly say his defendant didn't even know the individual he was flying the drone by was hunting and thus didn't know/intend on disrupting the hunt.

No reason not to do it though.  There is always the chance they could have a bad lawyer or take a deal though.  There is an even better choice they will open their mouth and admit it like so many of my clients do.  Perhaps one of our bad apple game wardens could violate someone's rights and threaten them to admit it or else as they have many times before...  A smart prosecutor could stack the jury with hunters also...

I never said don't report it. I just said it may be hard for an officer to forward charges or a prosecutor to file charges.

[Gunitharvester]

Who cares......why is it that hunters act like they have all the rights and nobody else does ?......It gets old listening to guys whine about such an inconvenience to them.

Oh really? Maybe because hunters have a small window to (possibly) harvest quarry that we pay dearly for in this state and few areas to hunt, while some one with a remote control toy has 365 days a year and just about anywhere to play with it. I care.

Yes really. I hunt, but maybe I'm a little more mature than some hunters. It's life is the way I look at it and I just deal with it accordingly.

Camp It's just like the guys who get their panties in a wad over trail cam's and the fact somebody is camped it "their" spot. I could go on but why bother

No comparison to a trail camera- at all, but whatever. Next time someone screws up your hunt, remember how "mature"  of a hunter you are and enjoy your hunt. I think I get the general consensus here, and that is to get law enforcement involved.
Good day, gents

[Little Dave]

Release your attack drone.

[firefighter4607]

Who cares......why is it that hunters act like they have all the rights and nobody else does ?......It gets old listening to guys whine about such an inconvenience to them.

Oh really? Maybe because hunters have a small window to (possibly) harvest quarry that we pay dearly for in this state and few areas to hunt, while some one with a remote control toy has 365 days a year and just about anywhere to play with it. I care.

Yes really. I hunt, but maybe I'm a little more mature than some hunters. It's life is the way I look at it and I just deal with it accordingly.

Camp It's just like the guys who get their panties in a wad over trail cam's and the fact somebody is camped it "their" spot. I could go on but why bother

Yep welcome to hunting public land. If it was on his land then it would be a problem.
If the drone was another hunter would you still post about it? Its called public land for a reason, the public can use it when they want to.

[jackmaster]

I am betting it was an anti hunter and found a hunter to mess with! I am not as nice as some, I would have made my way over to said drone operator and asked him " whats up "

[CAMPMEAT]

Who cares......why is it that hunters act like they have all the rights and nobody else does ?......It gets old listening to guys whine about such an inconvenience to them.

Oh really? Maybe because hunters have a small window to (possibly) harvest quarry that we pay dearly for in this state and few areas to hunt, while some one with a remote control toy has 365 days a year and just about anywhere to play with it. I care.

Yes really. I hunt, but maybe I'm a little more mature than some hunters. It's life is the way I look at it and I just deal with it accordingly.

Camp It's just like the guys who get their panties in a wad over trail cam's and the fact somebody is camped it "their" spot. I could go on but why bother

No comparison to a trail camera- at all, but whatever. Next time someone screws up your hunt, remember how "mature"  of a hunter you are and enjoy your hunt. I think I get the general consensus here, and that is to get law enforcement involved.
Good day, gents

I've had plenty of hunts screwed up before any of this high tech stuff was around. So, it's nothing new.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Release your attack drone.

Go Top Gun on them!!

[Bean Counter]

He should have videoed it with his cell phone,


Then shot it down. 

Close eyes + slam trigger!

[Alex4200]

I keep hoping that one flys near me while I am out bird hunting.