Deer Drone Recovery Cost?

[Bowhunter57]

I've never used a Deer Drone Recovery service, but I've heard more good things about them, than bad.
Do the prices vary a lot from one business to another?

What are the average costs for a recovered deer service?
What are the average costs, if the deer isn't recovered?

 

[Hedgelj]

I gave @RedCloud gas money and a few steaks for his time and effort in recovering my buck this fall. He asked for gas money, the rest was a thanks.

@giles and I had a good talk on the phone about my options after my shot. If you remember I shot from the ground with an almost straight on shot with a Ravin crossbow. Due to the less than desirable shot angle and the fact I've didn't know exactly where he ran after the shot (he spun and was far enough down a hill I couldn't see him run away from me) and that on the trail I thought he had run but had no blood on in 50-60 yards were why we decided a drone may be my best bet.

I could be wrong but I didn't know how successful a dog would be if I couldn't put them on blood or fur to get started.

 

[giles]

I think in a situation of an unknown shot, and no Canopy, a drone will always be the best bet. You can scan a large area very fast and never step foot in the thickets.

A good dog can track without any blood. They actually follow a scent from a gland in the hoof, not blood. But with an unknown shot placement, you could just be putting unneeded pressure on the local deer. Had your situation been early season, I would've suggest a dog. It wouldve outperformed the drone.

All in all, every situation is different and if you have questions, call me or someone else any time. You were clearly flustered and worked up on the phone. I didn't tell you anything you didn't already know, you just needed to work through the process of information and situation. Thanks for the shout out, but I didn't do much beyond answering the phone. Anyone here can call me any time, most of you have my number.

 

[Buckmaster]

Drone Mike gets $250-$500 on average. His setup is around $25k.

 

[giles]

I will also add that the deer not being recovered has nothing to do with the service offered. The price should not matter. Just like it should not matter if buck/doe/spike/250". The service is to locate the animal. Often when talking to people with drones, the deer not located are the most time consuming. They often also require multiple trips.

 

[gjs4]

Know a few guys that have used services, as stated above, 3-500$ appear the norm.

The go to DJI Matrice IR setup is for sale by them for 13k, but have seen it elsewhere for sub 10k and other capable droves for 5-6. The ones for 2-3k are not going to work out. Guessing they will be far cheaper by next season. (Dont forget you need an FAA license to legally use these.)

 

[Bowhunter57]

Knowing the cost, it would have to be an extremely nice buck, for me to use this service.
I understand their cost of their equipment, combined with their success is what makes it justified.

It also encourages me to make better shots....or don't take the shot at all.

 

[giles]

Knowing the cost, it would have to be an extremely nice buck, for me to use this service.
I understand their cost of their equipment, combined with their success is what makes it justified.

It also encourages me to make better shots....or don't take the shot at all.

I encourage you to only take shots at extremely nice bucks then. If you aren't willing to do what is right after the shot, please don't take the shot.