03/05/2026
182 deer on 500 acres.
We just wrapped up a thermal drone survey over 500 acres of prime Iowa whitetail ground and the results were eye opening.
Total deer located on March 1: 182
Breakdown from the analysis:
• 25 shed bucks
• 4 bucks still carrying antlers
• Several button bucks
• And a whole lot of does
The landowner already knew there were a lot of does on the property. What the survey revealed though was just how extreme the imbalance really is.
The current buck to doe ratio is greater than 1:5.
This is exactly why thermal herd surveys are so powerful.
For the first time, the landowner now has real data instead of guesses. We can clearly see herd density, buck numbers, and the true ratio across the property.
Now we can build a plan to start chipping away at that ratio, which will improve buck age structure, herd balance, and the overall quality of deer on the farm for years to come.
Better information leads to better management.
Antler Aerial
