Deer Farmer

RLAwhitetails · Nov 28th 2010, 11:29 PM

We need a place to sell what we raise for a fair price, just my second year with deer so far a lot of money out none back in. The way it looks now there is no way that I can ever get back what I have invested. Good quality is cheaper now so I am still getting new stuff in and replacing the junk I bought just 2 years back (giving it away) Have farmed all of my life raised a lot of cattle there was always a market for them even though it was up and down always could sell when I wanted or needed to. Am finding out with deer it is a whole differant ballgame there, love to raise them but dont see any profit in it at this time. Could have bought a lot of good cattle for the same money that I have in deer that I am not even sure I will be able to sell for enough to cover feed cost next year. Guess time will tell.

Four Seasons Whitetails · Nov 29th 2010, 03:35 AM

I am afraid you are sooooo right.There are alot of people in our shoes.I feel so bad for anyone that spent their life savings on deer thinking that they will be able to replace it in short order.I myself spent enough but sure didnt break the bank with mine..oh well i guess i couldnt think of better pets and it sure is nice looking at those big racks glistening in the fresh snow...

IndependenceRanch · Nov 29th 2010, 08:21 AM

I have always said don't spend more than you can afford to lose, and make smart buying choices. There are a lot of folks who buy deer thinking they will have quality breeding stock and then later can't understand why the deer they bought have such little value. People need to stop trying to reinvent the wheel and go with what works. Fair or not some bloodlines simply bring more money than others in the breeding markets which gives the grower an outlet for their fawns and adult does. Provided they are breeding them correctly as well. As to the current hunt buck market we again this year seen hunt ranches looking for more bucks in mid Nov and early Dec. Late bookings were again the norm this year. But hunt bookings are still down from the previous years and we all know this is from the current economy. Things will be improving it is just a matter of putting yourself in the right position for when the change happens.

Wisdom · Nov 29th 2010, 06:13 PM

There is a lot of good advice out there. Here is my opinion among all the other good advice.

I personally feel now is the best time to purchase whitetail deer weather you are just starting or have been in the business. However one must not go into the business blinded by promises and big antlers. If it seems to high priced then it likely is. Ever one of us breeders if we were honest would tell you our most expensive deer do not always throw the best bucks. In fact I have some no name does that are producing all 200+ bucks. In fact 100% of our breeders have come from does that would not bring $100 at an auction. Pedigree means nothing unless it has it on the head. If you think pedigrees will make you money. Try selling one to a hunter.

There are a lot of great does out there with 250 to 300 inch pedigrees behind them that can be bought for $1000 to $1500. Or open does for less than a thousand. If one does their home work and make some phone calls there are a lot of breeders willing to sell these good does.

Concerning a breeder buck why spend thousands of dollars and time AIing when 250 breeder bucks can be purchased for 5-6 thousand dollars. You will have 99% conception and almost no late fawns.

Also before you start raising deer contact a hunting ranch and ask their advice. Chances are may have a doe or two for sale also. When it comes time to sell your shooters I bet they will remember you. I guarantee they will remember you if you purchase your breeding stock from everyone except them.

Predator3 · Nov 29th 2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpha and omega whitetail

As for me, my son in law seems to say when I discuss High Fence Hunting he says, hunting in a zoo again? So this year I am getting him and his Father both a hunt for Christmas. Now this is just 2 does but still it will be a High Fenced Hunt non the less. If we all could do this for hunters who seem to not understand maybe the word would spread in a more positive way, maybe some of those will in turn buy low priced doe hunts for family and friends and so on and so on. This is just my thoughts on a smaller scale

Henry I think that could be the best idea I ever heard. What if we gave away doe hunts at every deer show across the country. Each state org. could be responsible for their shows. This wouldn't cost much to do and I don't see anybody turning them down. We could also raffle buck hunts sponsored by Nedefa. We could take this a step farther and video the ones that would allow us to capture the full experience. Got my wheels turning and their pretty rusty.

Wisdom · Nov 29th 2010, 07:06 PM

AAAHHHH

Rusty Paul I think you and Henry are on to something. I will open our ranch to hunt, lodge, guide, skin and feed some of the hunters for FREE.

Predator3 · Nov 29th 2010, 07:26 PM

I just see this as a total win win for every body. We get a chance to send people that normally wouldn't have ever hunted free ranging deer inside a high fence preserve and the preserves get recognition to new customers. I'm so excited I just ran out back and gave all my deer a free scoop of Shock Effect. Ok I didn't give any to Marks buck but don't tell him I need the advantage.

ddwhitetails · Nov 30th 2010, 01:41 PM

This is a great idea no doubt......Ok I am not going to wait and wait and wait to see if everyone agrees with this as it really is an awesome idea........We deer farmers need to pitch in and supply the deer as the preserves will be supplying their services.......now who would be responsible for heading up the hunts and seeing that we are getting to the outdoor shows and doing the promoational giveaway hunts? How can we get a list of willing deer farmers who will donate some doe and even a buck........how do we get a list of willing preserves to put on these promotional hunts? It is a great idea but now the hard part comes and that is putting it in motion and getting the ball rolling. what are some thoughts on these questions. Think about it...we do have a flooded market right now.......instead of just eating all of our deer that we are having trouble getting rid of lets find a purpose for them and that would be to help promote High Fenced Hunts........

Wisdom · Nov 30th 2010, 04:37 PM

Put us first on your list of ranch's to help out

The Wilderness in Pa.

814-931-4400

Predator3 · Nov 30th 2010, 06:47 PM

Whiskey Ridge Whitetails and Shock Effect Probiotics will donate a doe and I'm sure I can persuade a few preserves to put on the hunt. I am on the Missouri state board and would be more than happy to set it up here. I believe the hole program needs to be under one umbrella and organised by NEDEFA. I think we could set up a raffle for NEDEFA members only. The raffle will be for NEDEFA to purchase a shooter buck from a member. The buck will be donated to a Preserve to be hunted by the grand prize winner. The grand prize winner would be drawn from the people at the shows who put their name in the box. We could use all the names collected from the shows across the country to mail out info pacs on what we do or on hunting free ranging deer inside hunting preserves. How can we lose?

I'm sure there are some negatives. Lets here them.

Circle J Ranch · Dec 1st 2010, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Predator3

Whiskey Ridge Whitetails and Shock Effect Probiotics will donate a doe and I'm sure I can persuade a few preserves to put on the hunt. I am on the Missouri state board and would be more than happy to set it up here. I believe the hole program needs to be under one umbrella and organised by NEDEFA. I think we could set up a raffle for NEDEFA members only. The raffle will be for NEDEFA to purchase a shooter buck from a member. The buck will be donated to a Preserve to be hunted by the grand prize winner. The grand prize winner would be drawn from the people at the shows who put their name in the box. We could use all the names collected from the shows across the country to mail out info pacs on what we do or on hunting free ranging deer inside hunting preserves. How can we lose?

I'm sure there are some negatives. Lets here them.

Paul i think you got a good thing going here! Im in! The Circle J Ranch Whitetails will donate a doe. I personaly will donate my time for the show here in Pa. Keep me posted im on board

Wisdom · Dec 1st 2010, 07:07 PM

Here is the contact person for the Harrisburg Eastern Sports Show. It is one of the biggest in the country.

Another show that may get alot of attention for breeding and hunting The Harrisburg Farm Show.

Steven K. LaRoche

Sales Manager

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

www.easternsportshow.com

(203) 840-5343 Direct

(203) 840-9343 Fax

(203) 807-1524 Cell

alpha and omega whitetail · Dec 2nd 2010, 09:12 AM

I will do all I can to help. I am good at planning and organizing so that is my contribution. If you want me to do that then ok but if you don't then thats ok as well. I tried this a few months ago with Cabelas and Gander Mountain but with my wifes cancer and now her passing a few months ago I just did not have the time nor the drive and I am sure you all understood. There are many deer farmers who attend the Eastern Sports Show and a raffle box could be placed at each booth and maybe something could be done with Steven and Andy since you are there every year maybe you could ask him about a few giveaways, maybe 1 per day to a lucky person of their choosing. Maybe a certain day do a 2 doe giveaway for a father/daughter hunt or a buck/doe for a husband/wife hunt or whatever. Maybe it is just for a person who has never hunted in a high fence area before and you can still do the combo hunts as I mentioned above. If this is to work we need preserves to offer their services and maybe some deer as well as breeders, this must be a united front not one area.

alpha and omega whitetail · Dec 2nd 2010, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Circle J Ranch

Paul i think you got a good thing going here! Im in! The Circle J Ranch Whitetails will donate a doe. I personaly will donate my time for the show here in Pa. Keep me posted im on board

Matthew, since I am no longer with BF Products, Inc. I would be more then happy to help you out at your booth if you can get me a pass and we can put a raffle box in your booth! Call me

alpha and omega whitetail · Dec 2nd 2010, 09:14 AM

Heck, If someone can get me a pass for the show I can help them as well and also maybe push the raffle, just a thought. I want to help the only way I can at this point. I love this business and as you all, I want it to grow back to where it was but we need hunters.