Roe Deer Fawn Rescue with Drones: Dedicated Individuals Sought

Roe Deer Fawn Rescue Using Thermal Imaging Technology

Operations to rescue roe deer fawns using thermal imaging technology are preferably carried out shortly before dusk and until sunrise. Flexibility, teamwork and a willingness to volunteer are essential requirements, as Andrina Herren explains.

In August, online information events on roe deer fawn rescue with subsequent practical insights will take place. Who are these aimed at?

Andrina Herren, Media Officer, Rehkitzrettung Schweiz: The free information events are open to all individuals who are interested in training or would like to gain an insight into the work of a drone pilot.

What requirements are necessary to participate in roe deer fawn rescue?
Getting up early is one requirement. Roe deer fawn rescue using thermal imaging technology is preferably carried out shortly before dawn until sunrise, and in some cases also in the evening after sunset. Once a field is lit by the sun, it becomes difficult to impossible to obtain a reliable result. It is also important to be available during the season. The roe deer fawn rescue season normally takes place between May and July, and somewhat longer at higher altitudes. Operations are heavily weather-dependent and take place before or during periods of fine weather. During this time, it is important that working individuals are very flexible and able to make time at short notice when needed. A further complication is that operations are difficult to plan, as the decision to mow a field can sometimes be made at very short notice. Furthermore, a genuine enjoyment of teamwork is a must. Roe deer fawn rescue is not a one-man show. Only when collaboration works optimally does it become a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

We have fully booked courses every year and can save even more roe deer fawns each year with this method.

Andrina Herren, Roe Deer Fawn Rescue Switzerland

Technical Skills and Membership

What is the situation regarding technical skills?
Roe deer fawn rescuers must be willing to fly the copter outside of the fawn rescue season as well, in order to consolidate and maintain their proficiency with the device. In this way, accidents and crashes of the aircraft can be largely prevented. The acquisition of the equipment represents a financial investment that must be covered. Whether this is financed from private funds or realised through crowdfunding is left to each individual. The instructors all work on a voluntary basis. However, in order to cover our expenses, we charge a fee of CHF 250.–. One year of membership in the association is included in this amount. Upon payment of the course fees, one automatically becomes a member of the Rehkitzrettung Schweiz association.

What does membership offer?
The association is an excellent platform for exchanging experiences and stories. This allows everyone to benefit from the wealth of experience of others. The association also offers affordable training and continuing education.

How many people do you need?
That is difficult to estimate. There are clearly still gaps on the map of pilots. But even in areas where we already have a good network, there is sometimes a lack of capacity to cover all the requested fields.

How do you assess the development potential for roe deer fawn rescue by multicopter?
This question is also difficult to answer. What is certain is that we record fully booked courses every year and that we are able to rescue even more fawns each year with this method.

Detailed information about the course can be found in the fact sheet «Course Description Roe Deer Fawn Rescue». More on the topic of Wildlife and Animal Protection.

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