Eagle Takes Down Drone

by
posted on August 13, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Earlier this year, Field Editor Frank Miniter covered the expansion of the private drone market—and what it could mean for hunters—rather extensively. I'd encourage you to give his "First Light" on the subject a read. Many hunters, of course, have joked that they'd shoot any drones on their property out of the sky. PETA has allegedly used them for "spy" like purposes, after all.

Those hunters may have a friend in one very angry Australian eagle.

In a video that's been making its rounds on the web, a Wedge-tailed Eagle puts the hurt on the drone of a private citizen. The drone's operator was recording some otherwise uneventful, but scenic aerial video of the Melbourne woodlands when the bird of prey decided it was time to eliminate the new visitor to its territory.

Wild animals, obviously, are just as averse to flying cameras as people might be. It's part of why the National Parks Service banned drone use in U.S. parks back in 2014.

The skies aren't always friendly...

Latest

Grizzly Bear In The Water
Grizzly Bear In The Water

Will Grizzly Bear Management be Returned to the States?

When the grizzly bear in the Lower 48 was given Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection as a threatened species in 1975, it was supposed to be a temporary protection that would be lifted once populations met or exceeded specific goals. Now more than a half century later and with grizzly populations that have spread and met or far surpassed the goals set in 1975.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

New for 2026: Vortex Crossfire II

Available with either a red or green dot, the Vortex Crossfire II Red Dot lineup brings added function to the Crossfire series.

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.