Colorado town sets vote on drone hunting licenses

DEER TRAIL, Colo., July 17 (UPI) -- The Deer Trail, Colo., Town Council plans to vote next month on issuing licenses to shoot down drones, even though its main backer says he's never seen one.

Philip Steel drafted the proposed ordinance, which would charge $25 for a drone hunting license and pay a $100 reward 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."

"We do not want drones in town," Steel told KMGH-TV, Denver. "They fly in town, they get shot down."

It is illegal to destroy federal property and Steel acknowledged the ordinance is "very symbolic."

"Basically, I do not believe in the idea of a surveillance society, and I believe we are heading that way," he said.

David Boyd, one of seven town trustees set to vote on the ordinance, said he is "leaning toward" voting yes, "as long as it's safe."

Boyd said drone hunting licenses -- at $25 a pop -- could bring in "a lot of money to a small town like us."

Deer Trail Mayor Franks Fields said he hadn't decided how he'll vote.

"It's all novelty," he said. "Do a little drone fest, get people to come out, have fun."

"To him it's a novelty, yes," Steel said. "To me, I'm serious."