Deer recovery archive
A hunter-focused collection of field searches, recovery photographs and thermal footage from deer recovery work.
Deer recovery and herd analysis
Explore the search details, photographs and thermal footage from VDS field work below.
Velvet Buck Recovery
This impressive buck carries a large rack with long tines, all still covered in velvet. The close aerial footage captures the size and detail of his antlers, offering a clear look at a standout velvet buck.
Nighttime Deer Recovery
A nighttime thermal search identifies a deer near wooded cover. Switching to the zoom camera and spotlight provides a clear view of the buck, turning a distant heat signature into a confirmed location.
Woodland Deer Recovery
A thermal signature draws attention to a buck partially concealed beneath evergreen branches. A closer aerial view reveals the deer among tangled vegetation and fallen leaves, illustrating the visibility challenges encountered during recovery searches.
Herd Analysis
During a herd analysis flight, VDS captures a detailed aerial view of a buck and marks its location. Visual and thermal imagery help document the deer’s antler development, behavior, and presence on the property, giving landowners useful information about their local herd.
Thermal Deer Recovery
VDS follows a thermal signature to a buck lying in an opening between trees. The drone’s spotlight and zoom camera provide a detailed view before the camera returns to a wider perspective of the surrounding terrain.
Wildlife Encounters
An aerial search reveals an albino doe resting in wooded cover. After detecting its heat signature, VDS switches to the visual camera, capturing the doe’s distinctive white coat against the surrounding leaves and vegetation.
