STURGIS, S.D. – Area law enforcement is sending out a warning about drone use during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Meade County Sheriff’s Office says one of the interesting statistics they’re tracking this year is the number of unauthorized drone flights detected in the Sturgis area. There is currently a temporary flight restriction over the Rally area, and Sheriff Pat West says federal partners are actively monitoring the airspace. He says during the first 24 hours, 12 unauthorized drone flights were detected, with one reaching approximately 481 feet. DON’T FLY YOUR DRONE OVER STURGIS. Seriously. It’s not worth finding out what happens when the federal government notices your expensive flying camera doing something it isn’t supposed to be doing. And before the drone experts and “pilots” descend upon the comments section: Yes, we know there are different rules, exemptions, classifications, altitudes, and regulations involving drones. We’re not pretending to be aviation lawyers here. We’re just giving you the simple version: If you’re operating a drone in the Sturgis area, know the restrictions before you launch it. Because “I didn’t know” is generally not the winning argument when somebody official comes looking for you. Be safe, Meade County! In a social media post Saturday, the Sheriff’s Office issued the following warning: Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More