When Every Minute Counts, Drone Tech Makes a Difference

Real-World Uses in Ohio and Beyond

Whether it’s a missing dog, an injured deer, or escaped livestock, locating a heat signature in a large area quickly becomes a race against time. Walking fields, woods, or open terrain on foot is exhausting, slow, and often fruitless. That’s where thermal drones come in.

Using advanced infrared cameras mounted on drones, we scan wide areas from above. These drones can detect body heat even in thick cover, low light, or hard-to-reach spots. In many cases, a single 15–30 minute flight can spot what would take hours to find on the ground.

At Midwest Drones, we’ve been called in to help with:

• Lost pets like dogs and goats that disappeared into cornfields or woods.

• Injured or downed deer after a hunt, to confirm location and reduce spoilage.

• Escaped livestock, including cattle and horses.

• Wildlife tracking on private property or for conservation purposes.

• Search efforts after accidents or natural disasters.

  
  

Thermal recovery works best within the first 24–48 hours of the incident, especially when the target is still producing body heat or movement.

What to Expect from a Thermal Recovery Mission

We deploy from our South Charleston, Ohio location and arrive on site ready to launch. Each flight includes:

• A high-resolution thermal + RGB drone.

• Grid search patterns customized to terrain and last known location.

• Real-time viewing and live tracking if a target is located.

• Video footage and marked coordinates for follow-up retrieval.

• Fast action, often within hours of your call.

  
  

We operate under FAA Part 107, are licensed and insured, and follow all ethical and legal standards for search and recovery operations.

When to Call Midwest Drones

If you’ve lost track of a beloved animal, need hunting recovery, or want to proactively locate something on your property, don’t wait. Thermal search works best before scent fades, tracks are erased, or body temperature drops.

Even if the case seems tough, it’s worth the flight. Our job is to find what others can’t.

The Technology Behind Thermal Drones

Thermal drones utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance search and recovery missions. The infrared cameras detect heat signatures, allowing us to locate living beings in various environments. This technology is not just effective; it’s also efficient.

How Thermal Imaging Works

Thermal imaging captures the infrared radiation emitted by objects. Warmer objects, such as animals, emit more radiation than cooler surroundings. This difference allows the camera to create a visual representation of the heat, making it easier to spot targets even in challenging conditions.

Advantages of Using Drones

Drones offer several advantages over traditional search methods. They can cover large areas quickly, reducing the time needed for recovery efforts. Additionally, drones can access hard-to-reach locations, such as dense forests or rugged terrain, where ground searches may be impractical.

Success Stories from Our Missions

At Midwest Drones, we take pride in our successful missions. Here are a few notable examples:

Case Study: Lost Dog in a Cornfield

In one instance, we were called to locate a missing dog that had wandered into a vast cornfield. Traditional search methods had failed, and time was running out. Our drone quickly scanned the area, and within minutes, we located the dog, safe and sound.

Case Study: Hunting Recovery

Another memorable mission involved recovering a downed deer after a hunt. The hunter was unsure of the location, and the search was becoming increasingly difficult. Our thermal drone was able to pinpoint the deer’s location, allowing for a swift and efficient recovery.

Conclusion

Thermal drones are revolutionizing search and recovery operations. With their ability to quickly locate heat signatures in challenging environments, they provide a vital service when every minute counts. If you find yourself in need of assistance, remember that Midwest Drones is just a call away.