Drones, Dogs Now Legal for Deer Recovery in West Virginia

iSportsman Staff

Earlier this month, the West Virginia 2025 legislative session adjourned sine die. This means the regular session is completed for the year.

All three of the sportsmen-related bills that survived crossover completed the legislative process and were sent to Governor Patrick Morrisey for consideration. As of today, April 22,  Governor Morrisey has signed one of the three bills into law.

HB 2043 allows the use of dog and/or drones for tracking or locating mortally wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar or bear. HB 2043 passed the House by a vote of 88 to 10 and yesterday, April 3, passed the Senate by a vote of 33 to 1. Governor Morrisey signed HB 2043 into law on April 8 and it will take effect on June 30, 2025.

HB 2067, the West Virginia Firearms Marketing Clarification Act, prohibits a person from bringing a negligent marketing claim against a manufacturer or seller of firearms or ammunition unless a complete list of specific conditions are met. HB 2067 overwhelming passed the House by a vote of 91 to 7, unanimously passed the Senate by a vote of 34 to 0, and the House concurred with a vote of 88 to 9.

HB3342, the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act, states that a governmental entity may not enter into a contract with any financial institution that discriminates against any firearm entity or firearm trade association. HB 3342 passed the House by a vote of 81 to 10 and unanimously passed the Senate.

For the complete story, visit the Sportsman’s Alliance’s website.