Up to €3,000 subsidy for thermal imaging drones
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (BMLEH) will continue its successful federal fawn rescue program in 2026. The aim of the program is to support associations in purchasing modern drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras for fawn rescue, in order to protect fawns and other wild animals from being killed during mowing.
For the 2026 funding year, the federal government is providing a total of €2.1 million in drone funding for fawn rescue. Associations can receive a fixed amount of up to €3,000 in funding per drone.
The use of thermal imaging drones to rescue fawns has established itself in recent years as a particularly effective method of locating fawns in meadows at an early stage and bringing them to safety.
Why drones are used to rescue fawns
During the mowing season, young fawns instinctively hide in tall grass. Instead of fleeing, they press themselves to the ground when danger approaches. This often makes them difficult to see until it is too late for agricultural machinery.
Fawn rescue with drones and thermal imaging cameras enables systematic flying over meadows before mowing and detecting heat sources in the grass. This allows fawns to be found early and removed from the danger zone by helpers.
The use of this technology has established itself nationwide as an important support tool—especially for:
hunter
fawn rescue associations
farmers
nature conservation initiatives
Amount of funding in 2026
As part of the federal subsidy program for drones used to rescue fawns, financial support is provided for the purchase of suitable drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras.
Funding details at a glance:
Funding volume: 2.1 million euros
Subsidy: up to €3,000 per drone
Funding: Fixed amount
Funding applies to: Drones with thermal imaging camera systems for fawn rescue
Who can apply for funding
Certain organizations with the legal form of a registered association are eligible to apply. These include in particular:
district hunting associations
Hunting associations at regional, local, or district level
registered fawn rescue associations
The prerequisite is that fawn rescue using drones or the promotion of hunting is part of the association's statutes.
Who is not eligible for funding
The following, among others, are not eligible to apply:
private individuals
sole proprietorship
hunting associations
Hunting associations in the form of a civil law partnership (GbR)
Associations in the process of being established
The program is therefore specifically aimed at organized initiatives that regularly use drones to rescue fawns.
Application for the funding program
Applications must be submitted online via the electronic application system.
Important information:
One grant application may be submitted per applicant.
The application deadline is June 30, 2026.
Before submitting an application, it is essential to read the program guidelines and FAQs.
The Ministry provides the current status of the application process and further information here!
Suitable drones for fawn rescue
Special thermal imaging drones designed specifically for use with thermal imaging sensors are required for fawn rescue. Important features include:
Integrated or compatible thermal imaging camera
sufficient flight time for area control
stable flight attitude and precise control
reliable return-to-home function
Professional drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras for fawn rescue enable fast and efficient searches—especially in the early morning hours when temperature differences are most noticeable.
Technology as a support for wildlife conservation
The combination of modern drone technology and thermal imaging drones, together with the dedication of many volunteers, has helped to save thousands of fawns from being killed by mowers in recent years.
With the continuation of the federal funding program Rehkitzrettung 2026 (Fawn Rescue 2026), the federal government continues to support the use of digital technologies in nature conservation and animal welfare and strengthens the work of numerous associations and initiatives in Germany.
