Our drone-based herd analysis services provide landowners and hunters with organized, repeatable insight into deer presence and movement across a property. Using thermal imaging and structured flight planning through DJI FlightHub 2, surveys are conducted to observe deer activity across the landscape.
These surveys are designed to support informed wildlife and land management decisions by providing a clear snapshot of how deer are using the property at a given point in time.
Discuss Goals
We begin with a conversation about your property and management objectives.
Conduct the Survey
The property is surveyed using thermal imaging and structured flight paths designed to maximize coverage while minimizing disturbance.
Review Results
Collected data is reviewed and summarized in a clear, easy to understand format to support informed decision making.
Pricing
Pricing for herd analysis services is based on property size, property density, and travel distance.
Every property is different, so we encourage you to reach out to discuss your goals and receive an accurate quote.
Service packages are available and outlined below.
What These Surveys Are Designed To Do
• Identify general deer presence and distribution
• Observe movement patterns and bedding areas
• Evaluate how deer are using different parts of the property
• Support long term habitat and harvest planning
These surveys provide observational insight and are not intended to replace formal population studies or regulatory wildlife surveys.
Who This Service Is Best For
This service is ideal for landowners, land managers, and property stewards who are serious about wildlife management and want to base decisions on organized observation rather than assumptions.
Request a Herd Analysis
Frequently asked questions
Is this a true population census?
No. These surveys are observational and represent a snapshot of deer activity during the time of the flight.
When is the best time of year to conduct a herd analysis?
Late fall through winter typically provides the best conditions due to reduced leaf cover and improved thermal contrast. Surveys can still be conducted earlier in the season, but results may vary depending on vegetation and temperature.
What time of day are surveys performed?
Surveys are typically conducted during daylight hours, ideally when deer activity and movement are lower. This helps reduce the chance of counting the same deer more than once and allows for more consistent observation across the property.
How accurate is thermal imaging for herd observation?
Thermal imaging is highly effective at detecting heat signatures, but accuracy depends on conditions such as vegetation, terrain, weather, and animal movement.
Will deer be disturbed during the survey?
Flights are planned to minimize disturbance. Most deer show little to no reaction to properly conducted aerial surveys when flown at appropriate altitudes.
Can this help with harvest or management planning?
Yes. Herd analysis can support decisions related to habitat improvements, access planning, and long term management strategies by showing how deer are using the property.
Can surveys be repeated over time?
Yes. Repeating surveys under similar conditions can help track changes in deer activity and land use patterns over time.
Do some survey options take longer to complete?
Yes. Surveys that include antler and antlerless classification or buck photography typically require additional flight and review time. Extra time is spent confirming the presence of antlers and capturing usable images, which helps ensure accurate observation and documentation.
How can I prepare for a herd analysis survey?
To prepare for the survey, we ask that you provide the boundaries of your property in a KML file format. This allows us to plan flight paths accurately and ensure complete coverage of the area. A short video guide is provided to show how to create and send the file.
Certified in drone-based deer herd analysis, utilizing aerial and thermal data to support responsible herd assessment and land management decisions.