A Novel Local Approach to Drones

DEER TRAIL, Colo. - The small town of Deer Trail, Colorado is considering a bold move. The town board will be voting on an ordinance that would create drone hunting licenses and offer bounties for unmanned aerial vehicles. Deer Trail resident, Phillip Steel, drafted the ordinance. "We do not want drones in town," said Steel. "They fly in town, they get shot down." 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. 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." 7NEWS Reporter Amanda Kost asked Steel, "Have you ever seen a drone flying over your town?" "No," Steel responded. "This is a very symbolic ordinance. Basically, I do not believe in the idea of a surveillance society, and I believe we are heading that way." If passed by the town board, Deer Trail would charge $25 for drone hunting licenses, valid for one year. "They'll sell like hot cakes, and it would be a real drone hunting license," said Steel, "It could be a huge moneymaker for the town." Deer Trail resident, David Boyd, is also one of seven votes on the town board. "Even if a tiny percentage of people get online (for a) drone license, that's cool. That's a lot of money to a small town like us,"said Boyd. "Could be known for it as well, which probably might be a mixed blessing, but what the heck?" The board will consider the drone hunting ordinance on Aug. 6.