Deer cause annual losses of tens of millions to forest owners. Moose damage can be effectively prevented by using a bio-based feeding deterrent in sapling stands. Hirvidrone project explores the potential of drone technology and artificial intelligence in preventing moose damage. The project examines through practical demonstrations and derived calculations how saplings treated with a feeding deterrent can be identified in sapling stands and how the deterrent, which effectively prevents moose damage, can be distributed from a drone to selected sapling individuals. The primary target groups of the project are forest service entrepreneurs and forest owners. The project investigates the productivity and costs of drone distribution of the feeding deterrent and examines the potential of the operation as part of new forest service entrepreneurship. The project communicates its results to its reference groups and brings together various stakeholders (forest owners, forest service entrepreneurs, and wildlife managers) for discussion.

In fear of moose damage, spruce is favored at the expense of other tree species. As a result, spruce has been cultivated in recommendations for poorer and drier growing sites, which weakens tree growth, forest biodiversity, and increases the risk of insect damage. Forest damage caused by incorrect tree species choices reduces the forests' capacity to bind and store carbon. The project aims to provide a cost-effective solution to support forest management. At the same time, the project seeks to enhance rural vitality through new entrepreneurship and the growth and diverse utilization of forests.

The project will be implemented from 2024 to 2026. It is nationwide. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Finnish Forest Centre, the Natural Resources Institute Finland, the National Land Survey's Geospatial Research Institute, and the Finnish Wildlife Agency. In addition, the project's EIP innovation group developing the new solution includes Finsilva Oy, Metsähallitus, Kuusamo's Joint Forest, CareliaForest Consulting, EräsPete Wilderness Services, and forest owner Esa Rantakangas.