Deer Recovery

How Thermal Recovery Works

Every object radiates infrared energy based on its temperature, and a downed deer’s body heat is no exception. We fly a DJI thermal drone equipped with an uncooled microbolometer sensor over the last known area and surrounding cover. That sensor picks up the infrared radiation itself and converts it into a live thermal image, so a deer’s heat signature glows clearly against the cooler ground and brush — letting us spot it from the air in minutes, even in total darkness, heavy timber, or standing corn — then guide you straight to it.

Don’t assume it’s too late to call. In our experience, deer have been successfully recovered as long as four days after the shot, so it’s always worth reaching out even if you think the trail has gone cold.

We’ve recovered 187 of 215 deer we’ve been called out for — an 87% success rate. The other 13% weren’t a case of our equipment or search coming up short: in nearly every one of those cases, the deer simply wasn’t hit fatally, meaning there was no downed animal in the search area to find.

• Works in total darkness, heavy timber, and thick cover
• Covers hundreds of acres in the time a ground crew covers a few hundred yards
• No disturbance to other deer on the property
• Live thermal feed shown on an external display so you can watch the search in real time
• Most recoveries located within minutes of takeoff
• A QR code drops a pin on your phone’s map app, leading you straight to your deer

Call or text as soon as you know you need help — recovery odds are highest the sooner we’re called, and we take calls nights and weekends.