§ 4715. Remote-control hunting

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Captive animal" includes an animal which has been brought into and kept in captivity for the purpose of taking it, and any increase of such animal.

(2) "Remote-control hunting" means the use of a computer, any device which uses the Internet, or any other technology to control remotely the aiming and discharge of any device such as a firearm, bow, or spear to take a wild animal or captive animal.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, no person shall take a wild animal or captive animal using a remote-control hunting device. This subsection shall apply to any person who is in Vermont while using a remote-control hunting device regardless of the location of the animal taken.

(c) No person shall establish or operate a remote-control hunting site in Vermont.

(d) No person shall import, export, or possess a wild animal or captive animal, or part thereof, taken by a remote-control hunting device, except that a person operating under a permit pursuant to subsection (e) of this section may possess an animal carcass, or part thereof, taken by that person using a remote-control hunting device.

(e) A person who is physically disabled to the degree that he or she cannot operate a device allowed for taking of game under Vermont law may obtain a permit to take game in Vermont with a device which is in the immediate vicinity of the permittee and which the permittee operates using remote-control technology other than the Internet. A person applying for this permit shall personally appear before the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee and submit certification from a licensed physician describing the person's limitations. The Commissioner may obtain a second medical opinion to verify the disability. Upon satisfactory proof of the disability, the Commissioner may issue a permit describing the device and method the person may use to take game. The Commissioner shall require that the permittee be accompanied while hunting by a person who is licensed to hunt in Vermont unless the permittee can demonstrate that he or she is able to track injured game and to retrieve and care for a carcass. If the permit is not intended to be a permanent permit, it shall state the date on which the permit expires. The permit shall be attached to the hunting license, and the holder shall carry it at all times while hunting and produce it on demand for inspection by any fish and wildlife warden or other law enforcement officer. (Added 2005, No. 47, § 1, eff. June 7, 2005; amended 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 39.)