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Deer Drone Recovery - in Ohio

Sgt Fury

Sgt. Spellchecker
I took a shot on a doe Saturday evening and she mule kicked. The CRP field is still standing tall (7') and we couldn't see much at all. A guy I work with had a drone for sale that would fly in the wind. So I bought it. We didn't find her but I could see how a thermal would be the real advantage to this. I don't think a short legged dog would've been any advantage. Especially not knowing if I even hit the deer. Being that I watched her mule kick with my naked eye and not in the scope, I'd say I shot under her. Either way, I own a little drone with zoom now that will fly in some steady winds. If Seth doesn't purchase a legit one, I'd be willing to waste my time if anyone needs it. But it really wasn't a game changer without the thermal. It was good enough to ease my mind that I missed and she isn't laying out there.
You could also use it this spring checking large fields for shed antlers.👍
 

LonewolfNopack

Junior Member
1,648
135
The woods
I passed my 107 test today, so likely I will have something in place next season perhaps if I pull the trigger on a good one. The drone I have now is good for doing like you said, checking CRP or crop fields during the day, but I wouldn't trust in much in the woods or charge a paying customer for its use.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I passed my 107 test today, so likely I will have something in place next season perhaps if I pull the trigger on a good one. The drone I have now is good for doing like you said, checking CRP or crop fields during the day, but I wouldn't trust in much in the woods or charge a paying customer for its use.
Yeah, the $200 I spent on this unit used was more for my ability to sleep. It was real informative on seeing the trails and such though and I could see myself using it for things like that. I'd also be interested in riding along with you if you go for this. Someone to keep you awake and give me something to do.
 

LonewolfNopack

Junior Member
1,648
135
The woods
Yeah, the $200 I spent on this unit used was more for my ability to sleep. It was real informative on seeing the trails and such though and I could see myself using it for things like that. I'd also be interested in riding along with you if you go for this. Someone to keep you awake and give me something to do.
Ill definitely take you up on that if I go through with it. One of the many things I like about the thermals is that you can search (actually preferred- better heat contrast and less sun shadows) at nighttime, so its something you could do after your day job or family obligations.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Ill definitely take you up on that if I go through with it. One of the many things I like about the thermals is that you can search (actually preferred- better heat contrast and less sun shadows) at nighttime, so its something you could do after your day job or family obligations.
Yup and I figured you would take full advantage of that. My car also gets about 50 mpg🤣
 
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LonewolfNopack

Junior Member
1,648
135
The woods
Damn you, Seth. I just bought a used thermal scanner. Not sure what I'm gonna do with it but couldn't pass up the deal. If it helps me recover one deer it'll be worth what I paid. AGM tm160
I still haven't pulled the trigger on what I want yet. But thats the way I look at it too. I see this technology as legitimately helping people find deer that they otherwise wouldn't. Less unrecoverable deer. Less guys losing 3 deer before finally putting a tag on one. Better for hunters and better for the deer.
 

Buckmaster

Senior Member
14,502
205
Portage
Indeed. At age 3 Maxx will be retired as a couch dog. The infrared drones will obsolete tracking dogs. It’s the Early Retirement Weiner Plan. 🌭
 
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LonewolfNopack

Junior Member
1,648
135
The woods
I am bringing this back up. I recently purchased a thermal drone with 200x zoom for our business. Its a professional grade drone. So far I have been beyond impressed with the capabilites. It honestly is scary how clear the 200x zoom is from extremely far distances. Im excited to see how it develops as the uses seem many for wildlife and conservation work. Your going to start seeing a lot more drones on our landscape, like it or not....good or bad.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I am bringing this back up. I recently purchased a thermal drone with 200x zoom for our business. Its a professional grade drone. So far I have been beyond impressed with the capabilites. It honestly is scary how clear the 200x zoom is from extremely far distances. Im excited to see how it develops as the uses seem many for wildlife and conservation work. Your going to start seeing a lot more drones on our landscape, like it or not....good or bad.
Ive been waiting for the text to come over to find those 2 bucks! 😂