Thermal deer recovery · West-central Ohio
Thermal Deer Recovery
Post-shot thermal search assistance for hunters and landowners. When the blood trail runs out, StrataWing uses aerial thermal imaging to help locate a downed deer so recovery can continue on foot.
Pricing
Simple, upfront pricing
Standard pricing has two parts. Any extended-travel charge is disclosed before dispatch.
Step 1
$250
Dispatch/Search Fee
Required before deployment.
Step 2
$100
Recovery Fee
Standard recovery fee for the mission.
Extended travel beyond the normal service area may require an additional fee, always disclosed before dispatch. Any additional searches or return visits are discussed with you and priced separately before deployment. Recovery is not guaranteed.
How it works
From request to recovery
- 01
Request
Submit the recovery request with the shot time, last known sign, location and property-access details. For a time-sensitive request, call or text StrataWing directly.
- 02
Qualify
StrataWing reviews conditions, location, airspace and permission, then confirms whether a search is practical and when we can arrive.
- 03
Dispatch
The $250 dispatch/search fee is required before deployment. Any extended-travel fee is disclosed first.
- 04
Search
A thermal-equipped aircraft searches the area around the last known sign while you remain on the ground and follow the operator's directions.
- 05
Recover
The operator guides you toward any likely find so you can complete the recovery on foot. The standard recovery fee is $100.
Scope
Recovery assistance. Not hunting.
This service exists to help hunters recover animals responsibly. It is deliberately limited.
What this service is
- Post-shot search assistance for a deer that has been legally shot and is believed to be down or mortally wounded
- A thermal view of cover, fields and terrain that is slow or unsafe to grid on foot at night
- Clear communication about conditions and the likelihood of a useful search
What this service is not
- Hunting deer with a drone
- Pursuing, driving or herding live deer
- Guiding a hunter to a live deer so it can be shot
- A guarantee that a deer will be found
Honest expectations
What affects a search
Thermal imaging detects heat contrast, not deer specifically. Conditions matter, and no operator can promise a find.
- Terrain
- Vegetation & canopy
- Weather
- Temperature
- Property access
- Time since shot
- Animal movement
While you wait
- 1. Mark the last blood or sign with tape, a pin or a GPS waypoint.
- 2. Back out quietly. Pushing a wounded deer often makes recovery harder.
- 3. Note the shot time, the deer's reaction and its direction of travel.
- 4. Do not enter adjoining property without permission. If the deer may have crossed a property line, begin working to obtain landowner permission and tell StrataWing about the access situation.
- 5. Keep your phone on and nearby so we can reach you.
Questions
Deer recovery FAQ
Do you guarantee you will find my deer?
No. Thermal search can be very effective, but results depend on terrain, vegetation, weather, temperature, access, time since the shot and how far the animal moved. We will be straight with you about conditions before dispatch.
When is each fee paid?
A $250 dispatch/search fee is required before deployment. The standard recovery fee is $100. The recovery fee may be reduced or waived at StrataWing Aerial LLC's discretion based on the circumstances and outcome of the mission. Any additional searches or return visits will be discussed with you and priced separately before deployment. Recovery is not guaranteed. Submitting a request does not create a charge.
Do I need landowner permission?
Yes. You need permission to be on the property where the search takes place, and for any adjoining property the deer may have crossed onto. Let us know the access situation on the request form.
How far do you travel?
Our primary service area covers west-central Ohio, generally within about 45–60 minutes of the Urbana–Springfield area. Extended travel may be available for an additional fee disclosed before dispatch.
Is this a hunting service?
No. StrataWing provides post-shot recovery assistance only. The aircraft is never used to hunt, pursue, drive or locate live game for the purpose of taking it. Hunters remain responsible for following Ohio hunting regulations, including tagging and game-check requirements.
How soon should I call?
Contact StrataWing as soon as you determine you may need recovery assistance. Mark the last sign, back out quietly, and provide the shot details. Based on the shot, conditions and time elapsed, we can discuss when a search is appropriate.
Deer down and the trail went cold?
$250 Dispatch/Search Fee + $100 Recovery Fee. Send the details and StrataWing will confirm availability before dispatch.