Thermal Drones | Ohio Deer Hunter

Jack Huston has taken deer management to new heights by using thermal drones to survey deer populations across multiple states. Through thousands of drone flights, Huston has gathered eye-opening data on deer behavior, habitat preferences, and why accurate population counts are essential for sustainable management. His work demonstrates how thermal drone technology is transforming what landowners and hunters know about deer movement and habitat use. How Thermal Drones Are Changing Deer Management Just three years ago, Huston saw the untapped potential of thermal drones for wildlife recovery and herd surveys. What began as a tool for deer recovery soon evolved into a full-scale surveying operation. Today, he has logged flights over more than 200,000 acres, analyzing roughly 30,000 deer across eight states. His unique perspective helps landowners see their properties with fresh eyes, often revealing that deer populations are much larger than expected. Explore Top Rated Thermal Drones for Deer Surveys Surprising Data from the Sky Surveying over 200 farms, Huston discovered a common pattern: landowners tend to underestimate their deer herds by up to 25%. This gap can lead to overbrowsing and unhealthy herds if not addressed. https://youtu.be/Jjm3ImWXmsk?si=6lnBwQKx7CzpdufL High Deer Numbers and Habitat Use One standout example came from a farm in southern Iowa, where a deer count jumped from 420 in November to more than 910 by January. This spike showed how deer migrate to food-rich areas when conditions change. Huston also found that mature bucks often bed in overlooked, less desirable spots, while does prefer areas closer to food sources. These findings challenge traditional assumptions about bedding areas and offer new insights for habitat planning. Food First: The Power of Browse Huston’s surveys consistently prove one thing: deer are driven by food. Even bedded deer are often found browsing. This highlights the importance of providing quality browse to attract and hold deer on your land year-round. Building Smart Management Strategies Maintaining a balanced deer density is crucial for herd health. Huston recommends aiming for around 100 deer per square mile on Midwest farms. This level supports healthy population growth and larger, stronger bucks. For long-term success, he advises: Running annual surveys at the same time each year to track population changes Implementing targeted doe harvests to balance herd numbers; A process that can take several seasons Busting Myths About Thermal Drone Surveys Some landowners are skeptical of thermal drone data, believing they already know their land inside out. But Huston’s work often uncovers surprises that even experienced hunters miss. By revealing real-time herd numbers and movement patterns, drones help landowners make more informed decisions. Accurate, detailed data gives managers the power to maximize habitat potential, protect herd health, and plan for the future. Final Thoughts Jack Huston’s work with thermal drones is reshaping our understanding of deer behavior and population management. By adopting this technology, landowners gain a clearer, more accurate picture of their herds and the tools to manage them wisely. As more managers embrace thermal drone surveys, expect better-informed strategies that support healthy deer populations for generations to come. If you enjoyed these insights, be sure to check out Jack Huston’s work at Midwest Deer Surveys and the WHTL YouTube channel for more in-depth looks at modern deer management! “This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.”