By Andi Anderson
Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), are becoming common tools in agriculture. They help farmers apply pesticides and collect data. However, when unknown drones fly over farm property, they can cause concern and raise legal questions.
Many farmers wonder if they can shoot down a suspicious drone, but doing so is illegal. Federal law treats drones like aircraft, and destroying one can lead to serious charges, fines up to $250,000, and even 20 years in prison.
State laws, such as those in Ohio, also prohibit shooting at aircraft and may result in further penalties.
Beyond the legal risks, shooting a drone creates serious safety issues. A damaged drone becomes uncontrollable and could crash, injuring people, animals, or property. In one case, a child was badly hurt when a falling drone struck him.
The shooter could be held legally responsible for injuries or damages caused by the crash.
The best course of action is to report suspicious drone activity to local law enforcement or the county Emergency Management Agency.
If it doesn’t pose immediate danger but seems to break FAA rules, it should be reported to the nearest FAA flight standards district office. Sharing photos or videos and noting the drone's location helps with investigations.
Drones must be registered with the FAA and have a Remote ID, which acts like a digital license plate, making it easier to trace ownership.
Starting April 9, 2025, new Ohio laws will ban operating drones in ways that knowingly endanger people or property. Violators could face fines and jail time, offering more protection to landowners.
In short, don’t shoot drones—report them. It’s safer, legal, and increases the chance of stopping unwanted drone activity around your farm.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Ohio, Sustainable Agriculture