Colorado town may ban drones, reward shootdowns

A small Colorado town about 50 miles east of Denver doesn't want unmanned flying vehicles above its skies. The town board of Deer Trail, population 500, will consider at its Aug. 6 meeting an ordinance allowing residents to obtain drone hunting licenses, Amanda Kost reports for KMGH-TV in Denver. Local resident Phillip Steel, who drafted the ordinance, despite never having seen a drone in the area, told Kost, "We do not want drones in town. They fly in town, they get shot down." (7News photo by Amanda Kost: Deer Trail Mayor Franks Fields displays drone-hunting technique)

"Even though it's against the law to destroy federal property, Steel's proposed ordinance outlines weapons, ammunition, rules of engagement, techniques, and bounties for drone hunting," Kost reports. The ordinates states: "The Town of Deer Trail shall issue a reward of $100 to any shooter who presents a valid hunting license and the following identifiable parts of an unmanned aerial vehicle whose markings and configuration are consistent with those used on any similar craft known to be owned or operated by the United States federal government."

Weapons allowed under the ordinance would consist of "any shotgun, 12 gauge or smaller, having a barrel length of 18 inches or greater," Kost reports "Drone hunting licenses would be issued without a background investigation, and on an anonymous basis. Applicants would have to be at least 21 years old and be able to, 'read and understand English.'" One-year licenses could be obtained for $25. City officials said they hope the novelty of the license helps boost the local economy. (Read more)