Search & Recovery

Thermal Drone Search & Recovery in North Louisiana

24/7 dispatch. Under 30-minute local response. 500+ missions completed with an 8-minute average find time. Our DJI Mavic 3 Thermal sees what people can't — through brush, across water, in total darkness.

The Process

How It Works: 4 Steps to Recovery

1

Call

Call (318) 245-4047 any time, day or night. Give us your location and situation — downed deer, lost pet, missing livestock.

2

Launch

We mobilize immediately. Under 30 minutes for local calls. The Mavic 3 Thermal is airborne within minutes of arrival.

3

Locate

Thermal imaging sweeps the search area at altitude. The 640×512 sensor detects body heat through brush, canopy, and darkness. Average find time: 8 minutes.

4

Recover

We pin GPS coordinates and guide you directly to the animal. You walk straight to it — no more grid-searching in the dark.

Applications

What We Recover

Primary

Deer Recovery

Our core mission. Gut shots, blood trail gone cold, deer into thick bottomland. Thermal finds them when tracking dogs and flashlights fail. National Deer Alliance recognizes drone recovery as an ethical best practice for reducing waste.

Pets

Pet Recovery

Lost dogs and cats in rural areas, swamp edges, and piney woods. Thermal spots a 10-pound animal at 150+ yards in total darkness. Faster than search parties on foot.

Livestock

Livestock Recovery

Cattle, horses, and goats that break fence or scatter during storms. We cover hundreds of acres in minutes, flagging every heat signature on the property.

SAR Support

Missing Person Search

Aerial search support in coordination with local law enforcement and SAR teams. Thermal covers 100+ acres in under 15 minutes — a force multiplier for organized searches.

Equipment

DJI Mavic 3 Thermal

640×512
Thermal Resolution

Uncooled VOx microbolometer. Detects temperature differentials as small as 0.03°C (NETD). See specs at DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise.

45 min
Max Flight Time

Extended hover time means thorough coverage without battery swaps. Multiple batteries on hand for extended searches.

15 km
Transmission Range

O3 Enterprise transmission with 1080p live feed. Operator sees the thermal image in real time from the ground station.

Night
Optimal Conditions

Thermal contrast is highest at night when ambient cools and body heat stands out. Most deer recoveries happen between dusk and dawn.

Pricing

Transparent Rates, No Surprises

We publish our pricing because you shouldn't have to negotiate when your deer is getting cold.

$250
Standard Callout

Includes up to 2 hours of search time. Covers mobilization, flight operations, and thermal scanning.

+$100
Recovery Bonus

Additional fee charged only if the animal is successfully located. No find, no bonus.

$1.50/mi
Travel Beyond 25 mi

Per-mile charge for callouts outside our primary 25-mile radius from base.

15% Off
Military / First Responder / Youth

Discount for active military, veterans, first responders, and hunters under 18.

Regulations

Louisiana Drone Deer Recovery: Legal Status

Learn More

Deer Recovery Resources

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drone deer recovery legal in Louisiana?

Yes. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved drone-assisted deer recovery for the 2026-27 season. The drone must be operated by an FAA Part 107 licensed pilot and used solely for locating downed game — not scouting or herding. Always verify WMA-specific rules on the LWFC website.

How quickly can you respond to a call?

Under 30 minutes for calls within our primary North Louisiana service area. We dispatch 24/7, 365 days a year. For locations beyond 25 miles, factor in travel time. Most of our deer recovery calls come between 7 PM and midnight during season — we staff accordingly.

Can thermal drones see through trees?

Thermal cameras detect heat radiating through gaps in canopy, brush, and undergrowth. Dense hardwood canopy can reduce direct line-of-sight, but heat still escapes through foliage gaps. We optimize flight altitude and pattern for the specific terrain. Nighttime is optimal because ambient temperatures drop while body heat remains, creating maximum contrast on the 640×512 thermal sensor.

Do you do search and rescue for people?

We provide aerial search support for missing persons in coordination with local law enforcement and SAR teams. Our thermal platform covers large areas quickly — 100+ acres in under 15 minutes — making it effective for organized search efforts. We do not conduct independent SAR operations without agency coordination.

What happens if you don't find the deer?

You pay the $250 callout fee regardless — that covers mobilization, flight time, and equipment. The $100 recovery bonus only applies if we actually locate the animal. Factors that affect success: time since shot (sooner is better), ambient temperature (cold nights = strong thermal contrast), terrain density, and shot placement. Our overall recovery rate is high, but we're honest about the variables.

24/7 Dispatch

Lost a deer? Call now.

Every minute counts. Thermal contrast fades as the animal cools. The sooner you call, the faster we find it.

Call (318) 245-4047