Is Thermal Drone Deer Recovery Legal in Montana?
If you just shot a deer or elk and lost it in Central Montana timber, the first question is usually: can I legally use a thermal drone to find it?
Short answer: yes — for recovery only. You cannot use a drone to scout or hunt live game.
What Montana FWP allows
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks treats drones as aircraft under hunting rules. Their enforcement guidance (as explained by Ron Howell, head of FWP Enforcement) is practical:
If a drone locates a deceased animal that was legally shot, you may recover it. The hunt is over. The priority is preventing meat waste.
If a drone locates a live animal, you may not keep hunting that animal in that area for 24 hours.
Drones may not be used to scout, herd, or pursue live game during an active hunt.
Meadowlark Drones flies recovery missions under those rules, plus FAA Part 107 regulations.
Recovery-only, in plain terms
Legal thermal drone recovery means:
You already legally shot the animal.
You are trying to find a wounded or downed deer or elk — not looking for a new one.
The drone is there to locate it and get you coordinates, not to continue the hunt.
If we find the animal still alive, we stop the search as a hunting aid and explain the 24-hour restriction. We do not use the drone to chase wildlife or disturb other hunters.
Why night searches work better
Thermal cameras see heat. At night and early morning, the ground is cooler, so a deer or elk stands out more clearly — even in timber, draws, and low light. Daytime flights are possible, but heat from rocks, sun, and vegetation makes it harder.
We fly a DJI Mavic 3T thermal drone for this work.
How a recovery flight works
You call with last-known location, time of shot, and terrain.
We deploy the Mavic 3T and scan the area.
If we locate the animal, we give you coordinates or walk you in.
Do this before we arrive: don’t push the animal, mark last blood or last seen, and have hunt details ready.
What it costs
Base fee: $150 per mission
Mileage: $1 per mile
Success fee: $500 if the animal is successfully located
We’re based in Lewistown and serve Central Montana, including trips toward Billings and Great Falls.
Who flies it
Meadowlark Drones is family-owned by Shawna and Brandon Sandau. Both hold FAA Part 107 commercial certificates, and the company is insured.
Ready to recover your deer or elk?
Call (406) 580-2434 or email meadowlarkdrones@gmail.com. For the best thermal results, plan on a night or early-morning search.
More on how it works, pricing, and Montana rules: Thermal drone deer and elk recovery in Central Montana
