Idaho’s Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) purchased a fixed‑wing eBee X drone from AgEagle Aerial Systems on January 29, 2026. The NDAA‑compliant platform offers up to 90 minutes of flight time and can map roughly 1,250 acres in a single sortie, positioning it as a cost‑effective alternative to helicopter or ground surveys for monitoring wildlife‑induced crop depredation across the state’s rural landscapes.
The acquisition replaces expensive, noisy helicopter operations with a quieter, lower‑cost solution that can be deployed more frequently. The eBee X’s compatibility with multispectral and thermal sensors allows IDFG to quantify crop damage and track wildlife movements, directly supporting the department’s mission to reduce economic losses to farmers and ranchers caused by large game such as elk, deer and moose.
For AgEagle, the sale is a tangible win in its commercial portfolio, adding a government contract to a growing list that includes the U.S. Army and the NATO‑led Kosovo Force. CEO Bill Irby noted that fixed‑wing drones provide “low cost and reduced noise signature” compared to helicopters, underscoring the strategic fit for agencies like IDFG.
AgEagle’s financials remain under pressure, with trailing‑twelve‑month revenue of $12.64 million and a -56.2% three‑year growth rate. The company’s stock trades below key moving averages, reflecting ongoing headwinds. Nonetheless, the Idaho contract demonstrates continued demand for its endurance‑optimized platforms despite broader market challenges.
The transaction value was not disclosed. The single‑unit purchase highlights IDFG’s broader move toward advanced technology, as the department has recently proposed rules on drones and thermal imaging for hunting and wildlife management.
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