Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes, yes. Thermal imaging can reveal heat differences that are difficult to see from the ground, especially in fields, woods edges, creek bottoms and other areas with usable aerial visibility.

Success depends on factors such as weather, vegetation, terrain, elapsed time, the animal's location and whether the camera has a clear enough view.

Call as soon as you think you may need help. An immediate launch is not always the best option, but early contact lets us discuss the shot, last known location, weather, terrain and the best timing for a thermal search.

There is no single time limit that applies to every recovery. Thermal contrast changes with air temperature, sunlight, ground temperature, weather, vegetation and the condition and location of the animal.

Rather than relying on a fixed number of hours, call and we can evaluate the conditions for your specific situation.

No. Thermal cameras cannot see through trees, branches, buildings or other solid objects. They detect infrared energy from surfaces that are visible to the sensor.

Gaps in vegetation and viewing the same area from several angles can sometimes reveal a heat signature that is difficult to see from one direction.

Sometimes, but standing corn can be difficult because the plants can block the thermal camera's view. Row direction, plant density, openings, camera angle and the animal's position all affect the search.

Thermal is used to locate a possible target, then the Matrice 4T's visible-light and telephoto cameras help examine and verify what we are seeing. You can also watch the search live on a 24-inch HD display when you are on site.

If the deer is confirmed dead, the Matrice 4T's laser rangefinder and positioning system can help provide precise GPS coordinates for the location on the ground so the recovery point can be identified.

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife guidance says recovery involves an animal presumed dead. If the drone reveals that the animal is still alive, even if wounded, the drone can no longer be used to pursue that animal.

View the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Drone FAQ.

Yes, when the operation is otherwise lawful. Kentucky Fish & Wildlife's current drone FAQ states that a drone equipped with infrared or thermal technology may be operated at night.

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife strongly encourages coordination with the adjoining property owner before a drone search. If the deer is found dead on neighboring property, permission is required before physically entering that property to retrieve it.

We will discuss property boundaries and permissions before the search begins.

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife's current guidance states that commercial activity, including commercial drone services, is prohibited on public land. Because HeatSeeker is a commercial service, paid recovery work is not conducted on public land.

Mark the shot location, last blood, last known location and direction of travel. Avoid unnecessary grid searching if possible, and have property boundaries or mapping information available. Those details can dramatically narrow the search area.

HeatSeeker uses the DJI Matrice 4T, an enterprise thermal drone equipped with a thermal camera, wide-angle camera, medium telephoto camera, telephoto camera, NIR auxiliary light and laser rangefinding module.

The Matrice 4T's native thermal resolution is 640 × 512. DJI also supports 1280 × 1024 thermal output when Super Resolution is enabled under supported operating conditions.

DJI specifies a measurement range of up to 1,800 meters under stated target and environmental conditions. Actual performance can vary with target reflectivity, angle, rain, fog and other conditions.

Yes. When a point of interest is identified, the Matrice 4T's laser rangefinder works with the aircraft's positioning system to help determine the location and provide precise GPS coordinates for that point on the ground.

No. A heat signature tells us that something has a different thermal profile from its surroundings. Shape, movement, location, viewing angle and visible-light cameras are used together to help determine what the target actually is.

Yes. Rain, fog, wind, direct sun, warm ground, high humidity and rapidly changing temperatures can all affect thermal contrast and visibility. Some conditions are much better for thermal searching than others.

Yes. Thermal aerial searching can help cover larger areas efficiently when a pet or livestock animal is missing. The usefulness of thermal depends on terrain, cover, weather, time of day and the last known location.

Yes. HeatSeeker can conduct wildlife surveys and deer herd census work to help document animals using a property. Results may include counts, observations, imagery and GPS locations for relevant points of interest.

Yes. Thermal and visible-light aerial inspection can help identify temperature differences and visible areas of concern on roofs and other structures. HeatSeeker can provide imagery of observed conditions but does not provide roof-repair estimates or roof-age estimates.

Yes. HeatSeeker provides aerial photography and video for real estate, properties, events and custom projects. Visit the Services page for current packages and options.

Yes. If you need something located, inspected, documented or mapped and it does not fit one of the standard services, contact HeatSeeker. We can discuss the mission and determine whether a drone is the right tool for the job.

Current deer-recovery pricing is:

There is no finder fee and no additional charge based on the size or value of the deer.

HeatSeeker is based in Meade County, Kentucky and primarily serves Meade, Hardin, Breckinridge, Hancock and surrounding counties, including communities such as Brandenburg, Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Vine Grove and Hardinsburg.

Work outside the immediate area may also be available depending on distance, airspace, weather and mission requirements.

For time-sensitive searches such as deer recovery or a missing animal, call or text (502) 791-6447. For inspections, photography, mapping or custom projects, you can also contact HeatSeeker through the website.

No. Weather, airspace, visibility, property access, regulations and site conditions can affect whether a mission can be conducted safely and legally. HeatSeeker will review those factors before operating.