LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from Jan. 10.
A Downingtown man has been found guilty of using a drone to recover downed deer. He was the first person in Pennsylvania to be cited for using a drone in hunting, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Joshua Wingenroth's lawyer, Michael Siddons, says they plan to appeal the ruling, as they believe the rules are inconsistent and the laws unclear.
"It would appear that from the top down the PGC doesn’t have a uniform position on the difference between 'hunting' and 'recovery' of game animals," Siddons said in a statement. "Whether a person is using a drone or not."
Siddons says it is a case of first impressions, and they will appeal for a trial de novo--meaning as if the first trial never happened.
The lawyer cited inconsistent statements from game wardens at the trial regarding when and how recovering deer becomes illegal as part of the reason for the appeal.
"The drone case aside, these statements have further confounded this situation," Siddons said. "Having such an inconsistent and ambiguous position with respect to the enforcement of the Game and Wildlife Code should give every hunter in the Commonwealth concern."
Wingenroth was found guilty of use vehicle or conveyance propelled by other than manpower, recreational spot search for wild/game, drive or disturb game and use of device/method prohibited.