Drone Deer Recovery

[Cabin Fever]

My son was telling me about some YouTube videos of a guy that does drone deer recovery in Ohio. I looked it up and have watched a few videos and found it pretty interesting. Amazing how quickly he can locate deer, dead or alive, using thermal imaging, then actually use video to zoom in on the deer to identify and sometimes even be able to see where it was hit! Crazy! Helps determine if they can pursue it then or need to give it more time. Saves bringing in a dog and risk pushing the deer and seems to locate deer much faster. Thought I'd post incase someone else might find it interesting. Not sure what the legalities of it would be in NY though. There's a bunch more videos out there, these are a few of the ones that I watched.

 

 

 

[mowin]

I think it's great. Not sure what NY could say about it if you are on private lands. 

[BowmanMike]

I wouldn't spend $500 on that.

[mowin]

23 minutes ago, BowmanMike said:

I wouldn't spend $500 on that.

I only watched part the first video.  Didn't see the $500 part.  

Do the dog guys charge, or do they mostly do it for free and except tips? 

[grampy]

21 minutes ago, mowin said:

I only watched part the first video.  Didn't see the $500 part.  

Do the dog guys charge, or do they mostly do it for free and except tips? 

In DeerSearch we would accept donations. Average donation $40 to $50 is what was given. Sometimes nothing.

[LET EM GROW]

I think its great! and Amazing!! 

Couple things i don't think it will do is find a dead deer that's been laying there a long awhile and lost all body heat.. I mean IT probably can, with just NV or Day vision and with no leaf cover at a lower flying altitude, Also, That thing has to be stupid expensive to have the type of Thermal imaging, Night Vision and day camera.. I couldn't imagine. I bet it would certainly pay itself off in a couple seasons. Keep  your track jobs to a 12 hr max post hit or something, however long bodies take to lose their heat.. 

[HeavyUser]

Is it legal in NY to use a drone to scout for deer?

 

Yup

https://dronesvue.com/can-drones-be-used-for-hunting/

Edited December 15, 2022 by HeavyUser

[HeavyUser]

Holy Hell.... He charges 450 for recovery and then another 100 if he finds the deer, this does not include mileage fees. 

 

[Steuben Jerry]

1 minute ago, HeavyUser said:

Holy Hell.... He charges 450 for recovery and then another 100 if he finds the deer, this does not include mileage fees. 

 

I bought my own drone for not much more than that. No thermal capabilities unfortunately.

[Cabin Fever]

I watched one of his video's and he said the drone and equipment costs ~$20k! Most of the deer I saw him recover were in less than 15min! He was doing 6-7 calls in one night. I guess he also offers training to others that want to get into it. 

[Buckmaster7600]

2 hours ago, HeavyUser said:

Holy Hell.... He charges 450 for recovery and then another 100 if he finds the deer, this does not include mileage fees. 

 

I know it shouldn’t matter but being where he is in Ohio I bet he isn’t getting called for doe recovery’s very often I bet most of his calls are for big bucks. Most people especially out of state hunters or hunters that are looking for their “target buck” would be more than willing to pay his fees.

[DoubleDose]

I think it is best within 24 hours of hit.  Still will have thermal image and shouldn't bump or push a wounded animal.   After 24 hours I would think dogs on scent would be better than night vision or day vision.  

[Cabin Fever]

5 minutes ago, Buckmaster7600 said:

I know it shouldn’t matter but being where he is in Ohio I bet he isn’t getting called for doe recovery’s very often I bet most of his calls are for big bucks. Most people especially out of state hunters or hunters that are looking for their “target buck” would be more than willing to pay his fees.

Yeah, all the bucks I saw him recover were pretty friggin' huge!

[HeavyUser]

28 minutes ago, Buckmaster7600 said:

I know it shouldn’t matter but being where he is in Ohio I bet he isn’t getting called for doe recovery’s very often I bet most of his calls are for big bucks. Most people especially out of state hunters or hunters that are looking for their “target buck” would be more than willing to pay his fees.

True, I guess take advantage of the money if its there. 

[phade]

4 hours ago, LET EM GROW said:

I think its great! and Amazing!! 

Couple things i don't think it will do is find a dead deer that's been laying there a long awhile and lost all body heat.. I mean IT probably can, with just NV or Day vision and with no leaf cover at a lower flying altitude, Also, That thing has to be stupid expensive to have the type of Thermal imaging, Night Vision and day camera.. I couldn't imagine. I bet it would certainly pay itself off in a couple seasons. Keep  your track jobs to a 12 hr max post hit or something, however long bodies take to lose their heat.. 

He can, the thermal changes due to decomp and also from absorbing sun/heat from the process of temp change night to day. Pretty crazy.