Telemetry to Track Wounded Game

July 16, 2009

Question: Archery season is starting and before we go out I would like to know if it’s legal to use an electronic tracking device that attaches to an arrow. The tracking device separates from =the arrow as the arrow contacts the target animal and then enables the hunter to better follow the wounded animal. Thanks for any help. (Jared T., Red Bluff)

Answer: No. There is a regulation that restricts the use of computerized or telemetry types of devices to track big game mammals, so this device is not legal to use in California at this time. According to section 251 of the CCR Title 14:
“No person shall pursue, drive, herd, or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat, or snowmobile. Additionally, no person shall use any motorized, hot-air, or unpowered aircraft or other device capable of flight or any earth orbiting imaging device to locate or assist in locating big game mammals beginning 48 hours before and continuing until 48 hours after any big game hunting season in the same area. No person shall use at any time or place, without Department approval, any computer, telemetry device or other equipment to locate a big game mammal to which a tracking device is attached.”