Wild Game Recovery
Ethical Carcass Recovery
Respect the Hunt & Recover your Harvest
Successful hunts don’t end with the shot. We provide ethical and efficient wild game recovery using thermal drones to locate wounded or deceased animals quickly, even in low light or rugged terrain. Our service helps hunters reduce waste & overharvest, honor fair chase values, and ensure their harvest is recovered with respect.
The Debate Around Thermal Drone Recovery
Using thermal drones to locate wounded or deceased game is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it can be abused. This is a controversial topic of discussion within the hunting and conservation community. While many see it as a way to reduce waste and overharvest, others raise questions about fair chase and how new technology fits into traditional practices.
We recognize that the use of drones for game recovery is a developing issue in Montana and across the country. Our services are focused solely on recovery after the hunt, not on aiding in the pursuit or harvest of animals. We remain committed to operating within state regulations and to working with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to ensure our practices align with both the law and the principles of ethical hunting.
Despite the controversy, we truly believe this is an important tool to enhance conservation outcomes, uphold ethical hunting standards, and strengthen the relationship between FWP, hunters and the public.
Explore the documents below to further understand our perspective and to see the steps we’ve taken to provide an ethical and legal service.
Understanding the Limits of Thermal Drones
While thermal drones are a powerful tool for game animals, they are not a guarantee. Success depends on factors like weather, terrain, animal movement, and how quickly a search begins. In hot daytime conditions, dense cover, or when too much time has passed, thermal imaging may be less effective. We believe in being transparent with our clients—drones can greatly improve recovery chances in the right situations, but they are just one tool among many.
Factors That Increase Success
Fast response after the shot or last sighting (We recommend that evening if the animal isn’t located by nightfall)
Cool weather, evening, or early morning searches (better thermal contrast)
Larger game species (elk, deer, antelope) with stronger heat signatures
Clear blood trail or last-known location to narrow the search area
Open terrain like pastures, hillsides, or sparse woods
Recently downed animals that still hold body heat
Access to land without restrictions
High-resolution thermal drones and experienced operators
Factors That Decrease Success
Delays in starting the search (If alive, animal can move far from initial location; If dead, body heat fades, scavengers may interfere, & meat starts to spoil)
Hot daytime conditions reducing thermal visibility
Dense cover, brush, or heavy timber blocking sight lines
Bad Weather - Rain, snow, or fog preventing drone flight
Small game species with weaker thermal signatures
Competing heat sources like rocks, livestock, or campfires
Restricted land access limiting search area
How much does it cost?
Providing drone recovery requires specialized equipment, licensed & insured pilots, careful planning, travel and field time. Charging for this service ensures we can maintain high-quality gear, cover operating costs, and continue offering reliable recovery support to hunters when they need it most.
Prices And Descriptions of Services
Base Thermal Search & Locate – $350 base fee
Includes 2 hours of “in-the-air” search time
Additional Search Time – $50 per 30 minutes
If requested
Remote Access Fee – $50 (minimum) up to $ 250 (maximum)
Required if the drone can’t be flown from the operator's vehicle. The operator must remain within visual line of sight of the drone which is not always possible from the road, depending on location. The search equipment is heavy and fragile, making off road travel more difficult. Minimum charge is $50 to leave the vehicle, with a maximum of $250 and 2 miles from the vehicle. The fee depends on distance, elevation gain, terrain, ground cover, snowcover, etc. and will be assessed after arriving at location.
Travel Fee – $2 per mile
Distance from Missoula to Search Location with the first 25 miles FREE
Success Bonus – $100
Charged if visual confirmation and GPS coordinates are provided. This saves you money if we can’t locate your animal.
Recovery Assistance – $100 per hour
Assistance with carcass extraction is situation dependent and is not always available but if you need our help to get your game out, we will do our best to make ourselves available.