WYOCENA — The squirrels appeared as small dots scurrying through the woods.
People are also reading…
A 32-inch television monitor on the tailgate of Nathan De Master's pickup truck allows hunters to watch a split screen during a search for a deer. The image on the left is from the thermal imaging camera while the image on the right is from the drone's zoom camera.
Nathan De Master, of DeMaster Drones in Poynette, prepares to launch his drone, equipped with thermal imaging, zoom and wide angle cameras, and a high-intensity spotlight. De Master was helping a deer hunter locate an animal that had been shot near Wyocena in Columbia County.
Nathan De Master readies his craft as he prepares to try to find a deer shot by a client the previous day near Wyocena. De Master is one of 35 certified drone pilots in the state who specialize in finding deer.
Nathan De Master of DeMaster Drones, left, works with client Brady Ohlin as they plan their next aerial surveillance location while looking for the buck that Ohlin’s girlfriend, Autumn Pete, shot near Wyocena.
Brady Ohlin, left, and Nathan De Master plan a search over a mix of woods and farmland in rural Columbia County.
A drone view of an injured buck that Nathan De Master was searching for in rural Columbia County. The deer had been shot by a hunter who was unable to locate the animal.
Photos: Searching for deer via drone
Deer Drone
Nathan De Master of De Master Drones launches his drone during a night search of 165 acres of farmland and woods near Wyocena. De Master often works at night, which is advantageous when using thermal imaging.
Deer Drone
A deer shot by a hunter near Wyocena is seen live on a monitor being fed by a drone.
Deer Drone
Nathan De Master of DeMaster Drones, left, works with client Brady Ohlin as they plan their next aerial surveillance location while looking for the buck that Ohlin’s girlfriend, Autumn Pete, shot near Wyocena.
Deer Drone
A 32-inch television monitor on the tailgate of Nathan De Master's pickup truck allows hunters to watch a split screen during a search for a deer. The image on the left is from the thermal imaging camera while the image on the right is from the drone's zoom camera.
Deer Drone
A drone view of an injured buck that Nathan De Master was searching for in rural Columbia County. The deer had been shot by a hunter who was unable to locate the animal.
Deer Drone
Nathan De Master, of DeMaster Drones in Poynette, prepares to launch his drone, equipped with thermal imaging, zoom and wide angle cameras, and a high-intensity spotlight. De Master was helping a deer hunter locate an animal that had been shot near Wyocena in Columbia County.
Deer Drone
Nathan De Master readies his craft as he prepares to try to find a deer shot by a client the previous day near Wyocena. De Master is one of 35 certified drone pilots in the state who specialize in finding deer.
Deer Drone
Nathan De Master of De Master Drones readies his craft as he prepares to try and find a deer shot by a client the previous day near Wyocena.
Deer Drone
Brady Ohlin, left, and Nathan De Master plan a search over a mix of woods and farmland in rural Columbia County.
Barry Adams covers regional news for the Wisconsin State Journal. Send him ideas for On Wisconsin at 608-252-6148 or by email at badams@madison.com.

