Deer Recovery Services

At Alpha Drone Services, I provide fast, reliable deer recovery using advanced thermal drone technology. As an FAA Part 107–certified pilot, I operate professional-grade equipment to locate downed or wounded deer efficiently—reducing search time and increasing recovery success.

I am fully insured and hold a West Virginia Guide / Outfitter License, ensuring all services are legal, professional, and compliant within the state of West Virginia.

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Service Coverage Area

We proudly serve North Central West Virginia, including counties such as Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Taylor, and surrounding areas. Our service also extends into select parts of Ohio and Western Maryland within reasonable travel distance. If you're unsure whether your location is covered, feel free to contact us for confirmation.

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Deer Recovery Pricing

When you call us, you’re not just getting a drone in the air—you’re getting the best possible chance of putting hands on your deer. Every recovery is unique, but our pricing is straightforward:

Basic Deer Recovery Search: $300 per search
• Covers up to a 5-mile search radius from the last known location

Travel Distance:
• First 60 miles included
• Beyond 60 miles, $1.50 per mile travel fee applies

We’ll do everything possible to recover your deer, but nature doesn’t offer guarantees. What is guaranteed is maximum effort, advanced thermal drone technology, and a fast, professional response.

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📞 Call / Text Now: 304-677-5401

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What You Get

• Thermal-equipped drone search focused gride like pattern around the impact site and likely travel routes

• Rapid confirmation of a recovered deer or proof of life

• Short pre-flight interview to determine shot details and optimize the search

• Aerial scanning of areas that are difficult or impossible to ground-track

• GPS location of the deer when located

• Real-time communication during the search

• Guidance on next steps if the deer is still alive

• Reduced recovery time compared to traditional tracking

• Less pressure on the deer, increasing overall recovery odds

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How to Book

Call or text 304-677-5401 or use our Contact Form to schedule your deer recovery. For the best chance of success, we recommend reaching out as soon as there’s any doubt about the hit.

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FAQ

How does drone deer recovery work?

We use a thermal-equipped drone to locate heat signatures in the area of impact and along likely travel routes. This allows us to quickly confirm a recovered deer or determine proof of life, often much faster than traditional tracking

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When should I call for drone deer recovery?

As soon as you’re unsure about the hit. If there’s any doubt, back out and call. Waiting too long or pushing a wounded deer can greatly reduce recovery odds.

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What information will you ask for before flying?

Before launching, we’ll do a short interview to gather key details that help focus the search:

• Estimated shot distance

• How the deer reacted when shot

• Point of impact (as best as you know)

• Weapon and caliber / Broadhead Type

• Type and amount of blood found

• How far the deer was tracked

• Whether the deer bedded down

This information helps determine likely travel patterns and recovery success.

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How quickly can you deploy for a deer recovery?
We strive to deploy within 24 hours of booking, with emergency options available for short-notice requests.

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What if my location is outside your service area?
Contact us to discuss your location—we may be able to accommodate depending on distance and scheduling.  

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 Do you operate at night?
Yes, we offer night recovery using the drones thermal imaging, infrared cameras, and spotlights.

Thermal drone recovery is extremely effective at night and during cooler conditions when heat signatures are more distinct.

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Can thermal be used during the daytime?

Yes. Thermal imaging can be used during the daytime and is often very effective.

That said, cooler conditions produce the best results. Overcast days are ideal because reduced sunlight limits ground heat, making deer stand out more clearly from their surroundings. Bright, sunny days—especially after prolonged heat—can reduce contrast but do not eliminate the effectiveness of thermal recovery.

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How long does a typical recovery take?

Most dee minutes once airborne, depending on terrain, weather, and how long the deer traveled.

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 How do I prepare for the recovery search?

Clear as much vegetation as possible near the last known location.

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What if the deer is still alive?

If proof of life is confirmed, we will relay that information immediately. At that point, the hunter can make an informed decision on next steps.

In many cases, the best option is to return the following day, allowing the deer time to bed down and expire without additional pressure. Pushing a live, wounded deer often decreases recovery odds.

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Is recovery guaranteed?

No recovery method is 100% guaranteed. However, drone thermal recovery significantly increases success rates—especially when the right decisions are made early.

• Backing out immediately, or not pursuing at all when a shot is questionable, greatly improves recovery odds. Pushing a wounded deer often causes it to travel farther, leave the area, which reduce the effectiveness of the recovery.

• Waiting too long to decide or calling as a last-ditch effort typically lowers success rates. The sooner we’re contacted and accurate information is provided, the better the chances of a quick and successful recovery.

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Do you offer pet recovery services?

Yes. We provide thermal drone assistance for lost pets, particularly dogs, when conditions allow. Thermal imaging can help locate animals quickly, especially in low light or cooler conditions.

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Do leaves on the trees affect thermal drone recovery?

Yes. Heavy foliage significantly reduces the effectiveness of thermal drone searches. Leaves hold heat and block clear line-of-sight, making it harder to detect a deer beneath the canopy.

While thermal drones can still be used with full foliage, no pilot can honestly guarantee a recovery under those conditions. Claims of guaranteed finds with full leaf cover are simply not realistic.

Thermal drone recovery becomes far more effective once leaves begin change color and thin out.

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