What is a thermal drone wildlife survey and how accurate is it for deer counts in Texas?

A thermal drone wildlife survey uses advanced infrared cameras to detect heat signatures of animals through thick brush and at night. Old Goat Aerial Services delivers highly accurate deer population counts, buck-to-doe ratios, and fawn crop data that Texas ranchers use for MLDP compliance and wildlife management planning.

How does a thermal drone survey help with the Texas Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP)?

Accurate population data from a professional thermal drone survey provides the census counts TPWD requires for MLDP applications. This data helps landowners qualify for extended hunting seasons and additional deer tags through the Conservation Option.

Can thermal drone surveys help qualify for the Texas 1-d-1 Wildlife Exemption?

Yes. The detailed wildlife census data, maps, and management documentation we provide supports the wildlife management plan required for the 1-d-1 agricultural valuation, helping qualifying ranches reduce property taxes.

What North Texas counties does Old Goat Aerial Services cover?

We primarily serve the DFW Metroplex and surrounding North Texas counties including Tarrant, Parker, Wise, Johnson, Denton, Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, Hood, Somervell, Erath, and Palo Pinto counties, with statewide capability across Texas.

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North Texas Veteran Owned • FAA Part 107 Certified • TPWD Permitted

ABOUT OLD GOAT AERIAL SERVICES

Veteran-owned precision thermal drone services for North Texas.

Nathan Bricker is a retired United States Navy LCAC Hovercraft pilot and the owner of Old Goat Aerial Services in Fort Worth, Texas. With 18 years of marriage, three children, and a lifelong passion for the outdoors, Nate brings military-precision flying, advanced thermography expertise, and real Texas land-management knowledge to every mission.

As a licensed FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, Level 1 Thermography technician (Clemson Drones), and holder of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Aerial Permit, he delivers accurate, legal, and professional thermal drone services statewide — specializing in wildlife & herd management, MLDP deer surveys, livestock search & rescue, thermal guided hunts, agriculture mapping, and construction time-lapse.

Nate Bricker, owner of OG Aerial Services, holding a drone controller

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Veteran Owned

Retired Navy LCAC Pilot

Level 1 Thermography

Clemson Drones Certified

TPWD Aerial Permit

Statewide Operations

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Real Results from North Texas

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OUR SERVICES

Precision Thermal Drone Solutions for Wildlife, Agriculture & Construction

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ALL SERVICES

Thermal Wildlife & Herd Management

Accurate MLDP deer surveys, population counts, buck/doe ratios, and habitat assessment using professional thermal drone imaging.

Livestock Search & Rescue

Fast thermal drone missions to locate missing or injured cattle and livestock in dense brush or at night.

Agricultural Land Mapping

High-resolution aerial mapping of pastures, fence lines, water sources, and terrain for better ranch and farm management.

Construction Time-Lapse

Professional drone time-lapse videos and progress monitoring for barns, infrastructure, and ranch construction projects.

Benifits of a Professional Survey

A thermal drone survey from OG Aerial Services gives you accurate, reliable counts of the wildlife on your property. With clear population data in hand, you can make confident decisions about your hunting plans, habitat improvements, predator control, and overall wildlife management.

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