A Pennsylvania state senator is supporting the use of drones to recover downed game after a Lancaster County man was charged following a sting operation by the state wildlife commission. It was the first time a drone operator has been charged in Pennsylvania for wildlife violations.

Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R), who represents Lehigh County and part of Bucks County, began seeking co-sponsorship from fellow legislators in January. This came on the heels of the Dec. 6 charging of Joshua Wingenroth of Downington, Pa. During an undercover sting operation by the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Dec. 6, Wingenroth was charged with two counts of (use) of unlawful devices and methods, and one count each of disturbance of game and wildlife and restrictions on recreational spotlighting.

Wingenroth and his attorney declined comment to The Philadelphia Inquirer about the case. The sting was conducted at the Welch Mountain Nature Preserve in Lancaster County. Authorities seized his drone, worth about $10,000. Wingenroth could face fines up to $2,500 and three months in jail. Coleman, the state senator, said the existing rules about drone uses for recovery need to be changed.

“It’s common sense to me and I don’t think we should try to overthink it,” Coleman told the Inquirer. “Is there any good reason to allow an animal that’s been killed to go to waste?” In his memo seeking legislative co-sponsors, Coleman wrote, “The state of Ohio permits the use of drones in the recovery of downed game. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania Game Commission appears to be taking a hostile view of the use of drones in game recovery.”

State laws vary about use of drones for game recovery or hunting. The Inquirer reported that David Heath, director of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, is working with Coleman’s office to draft guidelines to use drones for game recovery.