Colorado Town To Vote On Putting a Bounty On Drones And Issuing Drone Hunting Licenses

The town of Deer Trail Colorado is located in south-southeastern Arapahoe County. Deer Trail is situated along Interstate 70, approximately 55 miles east of Denver. The population was 546 at the 2010 census. Dear Trail bills itself as the home of the world's first rodeo...the town  hosted the first rodeo exhibition on July 4, 1869.

Deer Trail may soon be famous for something else.   The Town Council plans to vote next month on issuing licenses to shoot down drones.

According to Philip Steel who drafted the proposed bill, Deer Trail would 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."

Denver Channel 7 asked Steel, "Have you ever seen a drone flying over your town?"

"No," Steel responded. "This is a very symbolic ordinance. Basically, I do not believe in the idea of a surveillance society, and I believe we are heading that way."

If passed by the town board, Deer Trail would charge $25 for drone hunting licenses, valid for one year.

"They'll sell like hot cakes, and it would be a real drone hunting license," said Steel, "It could be a huge moneymaker for the town."

Deer Trail resident, David Boyd, is also one of seven votes on the town board.

"Even if a tiny percentage of people get online (for a) drone license, that's cool. That's a lot of money to a small town like us,"said Boyd. "Could be known for it as well, which probably might be a mixed blessing, but what the heck?"

The board will consider the drone hunting ordinance on Aug. 6.

"I'm leaning towards yes," said Boyd. "I'm good with passing it as long as it's safe."

The ordinance specifies that weapons used for engagement of unmanned aerial vehicles would be limited to, "any shotgun, 12 gauge or smaller, having a barrel length of 18 inches or greater." Drone hunting licenses would be issued without a background investigation, and on an anonymous basis. Applicants would have to be at least 21 years old and be able to, "read and understand English."

Deer Trail, Town clerk, Kim Oldfield said, "I can see it as a benefit, monetarily speaking, because of the novelty of the ordinance."

Watch the video below..I might visit the town and take a try to shoot one of those suckers down myself!