Can You Shoot a Drone Flying Above Your Property in Montana?

With advancements in technology, the drone has become a useful tool for law enforcement, photography, even keeping track of your cattle herd or spraying for weeds can all be accomplished using the flying apparatus.

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And while these are all great things, there are concerns about infringement on personal property and rights with drones.  But don't just grab the trusty two-pipe shotgun and start slinging buckshot their way; it really is illegal to shoot a drone from the sky.  Even on your own property.

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Can You Shoot a Drone Flying Above Your Property in Montana?

Despite what you may see in the movies or on the television, taking matters into your own hands and disabling a flying drone via whatever means is a big no-no.  So big, it could land you in federal court.

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Drones are considered "aircraft" by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thus are subject to the same rules as a Cessna 172 or a Boeing 747.  Those rules by the FAA make it illegal to:

• willfully damage, destroy or wreck any aircraft
• disable or interfere with any aircraft's operation
• place destructive devices near an aircraft

Potential Penalties Are Huge - Even Threatening a Drone is Illegal

If you think the risk is worth taking, you might want to consider the repercussions of shooting or disabling a drone on your property in Montana.  The penalties for doing so are pretty steep; if found guilty, you could be facing:

• up to 20 years in a federal prison
• up to a $250,000 fine
• permanent loss of firearm rights

Even threatening to take out a drone passing over your private property in Montana can land you in hot water with authorities, including penalties of up to 5 years in prison.  If you have concerns about a drone, contact your local law enforcement or call 911 to report suspicious activity in your area.