Thermal Drones Transform Wildlife Management with Advanced Search Capabilities

Virginia-based Captured Media operator Justin Updyke reports that Thermal Drone technology is revolutionizing deer recovery and herd management, with data showing 70 percent of located deer are found alive during recovery operations, reports North American White Tail.

The technology, implemented through a specialized drone named Jarvis, AKA DJI Matrice 30T, was designed for Search and Rescue missions but has proven ideal for Wildlife applications. The system combines an infrared camera, a wide-angle camera, a 200x zoom lens, and a super bright spotlight. This search and rescue-grade configuration enables effective operation in challenging conditions, including high wind and rain, with particular effectiveness during rainfall when heat signatures become more distinct against the cooled environment.

Field data from the 2023 hunting season has revealed precise insights about wounded deer behavior. Research shows that 95 percent of fatally shot deer bed down within 150 yards of the shot location, with nearly all wounded deer positioning themselves to observe their back trail. Thermal detection proves most effective during evening hours, as daytime sun exposure heats rocks, stumps, and other porous objects that can interfere with detection.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has established laws in black and white explaining how drones can and cannot legally be used for wildlife management. This regulatory clarity, unusual among state agencies, provides thorough answers protecting both operators and clients, enabling confident adoption of the technology.

Market demand has shown significant growth, particularly during peak hunting seasons. Major outdoor retailers like Green Top have embraced the technology, helping spread awareness. During the opening evening of Virginia’s muzzleloader season, Updyke received 10 calls within 24 minutes, demonstrating intense demand for the service.

Post-season applications have proven equally valuable. In one documented survey after hunting season ended on a 1,200-acre hunting property, the technology enabled precise counting of 174 deer, including 34 bucks. This level of accuracy helps landowners answer critical questions about deer populations, bedding areas, and habitat requirements for food and cover.

The service has found application across multiple user groups, including landowners, hunting clubs, and property managers seeking to understand their local deer populations. These post-season herd analysis surveys represent one of the most accurate tools available for determining total deer numbers in a given area.

Photos courtesy of Justin Updyke