Lessons From Drone Surveying 192,000 Acres of Deer Habitat

This week on Huntin’ Land, Joe Baya and Butch Thierry talk with Justin Ballard of Paragon Aerial Solutions about what he has learned after drone surveying roughly 192,000 acres of deer habitat in one season. Justin breaks down several major lessons from the drone survey data, including how often mature bucks and high deer concentrations show up in thinned, burned pine plantations with good understory rather than in the places many hunters assume deer should be. He also explains why landowners often overestimate their deer numbers, why buck-to-doe ratios are commonly more out of balance than people realize, and why properties that shoot more deer and keep the herd within the land’s carrying capacity tend to produce better mature bucks. The episode also covers the importance of sanctuary areas, low-pressure access, bedding cover, food, and overall stress reduction. Justin explains that true sanctuaries—areas landowners rarely or never enter—consistently hold relaxed deer, and that even small or unintentional sanctuaries can make a noticeable difference. The group also discusses predator pressure, rut behavior, neighboring landowners working together, mature bucks with small home ranges, and how drone surveys can help confirm whether a target buck is still using a property. To close the show, Justin explains how Paragon is also using lidar mapping for duck properties, flooded timber, levee planning, pond work, and water-control decisions. By creating bare-earth models and flood simulations, landowners can see where water will go, how deep it will be, and where levees or duck holes should be placed before spending money on construction. The episode is ultimately a practical look at how better data can help landowners stop guessing, make better management decisions, and leave their property better than they found it. Sponsors First South Farm Credit Southern Seed and Feed Deep South Crane Rentals Dixie Building Supply / Baker Metal Works Chemical Warehouse Texas Hunter Farm Credit of Northwest Florida Black Buffalo National Land Realty