With drones—formally known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)—becoming more accessible, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has seen a rise in questions about their use in fishing and wildlife activities. One of the most common inquiries has centered on whether drones can legally be used to deploy bait by surf or bank fishermen.

To provide clarity, TPWD staff reviewed Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 19.11, part of the Federal Airborne Hunting Act (AHA), first enacted in 1956. Guidance was also sought from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. Their analysis determined that 50 CFR § 19.11 (b)(2) prohibits the use of aircraft—including drones—to take or attempt to take wildlife, or to aid in fishing.

Under federal definitions, “aircraft” refers to any device used for flight, while “wildlife” includes fish and other animals. The term “take” encompasses actions such as pursuing, hunting, capturing, or attempting to capture wildlife. Based on these definitions, deploying bait with drones is considered aiding in the take of fish and therefore not permitted.

Additionally, 50 CFR § 19.31 (a) prevents states from issuing permits that would authorize drone use for recreational fishing, meaning TPWD cannot grant exceptions for surf or bank fishermen.

Texas Game Wardens, part of TPWD’s Law Enforcement Division, are tasked with enforcing these regulations. Beyond conservation and resource management, wardens also assist in search and rescue operations during natural disasters, underscoring their dual role in protecting both people and the environment.

For more information on Texas hunting and fishing regulations, visit tpwd.texas.gov. To report a wildlife, fishing, or boating violation, call 1-800-792-GAME (4263) or submit a tip through Operation Game Thief (OGT) by texting TXOGT plus your tip to 847411, or via the Texas OGT App. Dispatchers are available around the clock.