Federal Funding Program for Drones with Thermal Imaging Camera Systems for Fawn Rescue 2025

On March 19, the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) published the latest edition of the Federal Funding Program for Fawn Rescue.

Eligible for funding are:

• District hunting associations and hunter associations at regional, local or district level in the legal form of a registered association whose tasks include the cultivation and promotion of hunting, and
• other registered associations at regional or local level whose tasks include the rescue of wild animals, primarily fawns during meadow mowing (so-called fawn rescue associations). The focus on fawn rescue must be proven by the statutes.

Not eligible to apply are:

• Hunting cooperatives (cf. § 9 Federal Hunting Act)
• Associations in formation
• Public institutions
• Associations whose statutory area of activity is not within the federal territory
• Private individuals.

One drone including accessories (batteries, propellers, cables, chargers, transport containers, etc.) is funded per association.

60% of the eligible total expenses and a maximum of €4,000 per drone are funded. This means you receive €4,000 for total costs of €6,667.

The funded drone may only be used until December 31, 2028 for the rescue of wild animals during meadow mowing and, in exceptional cases, for disease control.

This is a two-stage procedure. The application for the first stage can be submitted up to and including June 17, 2025.

1. Submit application for funding online (until June 17, 2025)
   • The following documents are required for this:
     • Currently valid association statutes
     • If applicable, drone certificate and technical data sheet
     • Wait for grant notification.
     • After receipt of the grant notification, the drone can be purchased.
2. Submit application for payment.
   • The form for proof of use will be provided by email with the grant notification.
   • The application can only be submitted after payment for the drone.
   • The deadline for proof of use ends on September 30, 2025.

The online application system is currently being revised. We will update the information on this page as soon as news is announced.

The website of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food on the topic of fawn rescue can be found here:

Declaration of conformity DJI Matrice 4T