Deer Thermal Drone Surveys

Accuracy, professionalism, and discretion

Thermal drone deer censuses are the core of our work at BH Wildlife Consultancy. We have successfully conducted hundreds of surveys across the UK and Europe for a wide range of clients - from private estates to national landowning organisations covering all types of terrain and habitat.

Our reputation for accuracy, professionalism, and discretion has led to long-term contracts with many of the country’s largest landowners, ensuring continuity and the highest standards in deer monitoring.

Depending on the timing and season the drone survey is conducted, we are able to accurately identify species, gender, age class of deer and even how deer utilise a site. We have worked with 11 different species of deer in the UK in both the wild setting and in deer parks.

Why use Thermal drones for Deer Surveys and Census?

Deer are largely crepuscular or nocturnal, making traditional population counts difficult - especially when consistent, verifiable figures are needed across multiple estates or stakeholders. Historically, this has led to disagreements, undercounts, and uncertainty in management plans.

At BH Wildlife Consultancy, we harness the power of the latest thermal drone technology to overcome these challenges. Our method delivers:

Accurate, photographic census data

High-resolution thermal images with time/date/location stamps

Mapped population distribution for clearer habitat use insight

Deer Species

How is the Thermal Drone used to detect Deer?

The video below demonstrates the remarkable detection ability of our thermal imaging sensors paired with high-definition super zoom optics. These tools work together to deliver unmatched clarity and detail -making it possible to:

Identify species with confidence
Assess sex ratios within herds

Understand fecundity (adult-to-juvenile ratios)
Map distribution and range across landscapes

This footage was captured simultaneously using the three integrated cameras mounted on our drone payload offering thermal, zoomed-in, and wide-angle views all at once.

We tailor each drone job to the requirements of the client and the landscape so get in touch with us to discuss what you would be looking for in the contact us section below.

Package 1

Planning and delivery of drone survey flying to CAA standard.
All images and videos resulting from the survey. These include scenery images, thermal imagery and the daylight photographs of the deer.
Distribution Map showing the distribution counted on the day(s).
Heat Map – Highlighting hotspots.
Age/Sex ratio map (if applicable).
Excel database with density breakdown.
Operator observations during the survey.

Package 2

Planning and delivery of drone survey flying to CAA standard.
All images and videos resulting from the survey. These include scenery images, thermal imagery and the daylight photographs of the deer.
Distribution Map showing the distribution counted on the day(s).
Heat Map – Highlighting hotspots.
Age/Sex ratio map (if applicable).
Excel database with density breakdown.
Operator observations during the survey.
A detailed report to accompany the maps and data collected
Additional outputs include imagery series examples, charts showing sex ratio, recruitment calculations and conclusion/recommendations depending on clients needs.