Is it Illegal to Shoot Down a Drone Flying Over Your Maine Home?

Drones have been around for the last 10 years and have been put to good use over that time. But there are some people who don't like it when a drone is hovering over their house. Can they legally shoot it down?

Drone Usage

Drones have many recreational uses as well as search and recovery uses. People who own drones have turned what was once a hobby into a business. Whether it be surveillance, deliveries, land management, aerial photography, or more, they have become an important tool that is often called on when needed.

Drone Shot Down in Corinth, Maine

According to News Center Maine, Robert Russell sent his drone up in the air to locate two beagles that had lost their way. Robert owns  2A TAC Drone Services, which, among other things, helps locate missing or lost pets or even missing people and children.

While the drone was flying, it was suddenly hit by something. That something was a bullet that took the expensive drone down. Robert contacted the Portland field office, which is looking into the incident.

Is it Illegal to Shoot Down a Drone?

Yep. It sure is.

First off, you don't own all the airspace above your home. According to Livtak Beasley Wilson & Ball attorneys, you don't own the infinite sky above your home. You only own the immediate airspace above your property.

You can't shoot down a drone that is over your property because they are considered aircraft under federal law, and destroying or damaging any aircraft is a federal offense.

So take that rifle back inside, bud. No one is flying their drone over your house to look at you. They were looking for missing pets, which, despite your irresponsible actions, were found.