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Another Farm Layout (Input PLEASE)

Joined Mar 2011
197 Posts | 0+
Smethport, PA
We are moving to a bigger space. This field has 2 small ponds and 2 big ponds. The big ones are off limit, the small ones are fed by spring coming off the hill and drains into the big ones. I sent a lay-out of the area we can use, plus an idea for pens I had. (Yellow squares represent gates) Runways are the small spaced areas.



1st. Is it wise to include the small ponds inside the enclosure?

2nd. Do you think Im using this space to its fullest?

3rd. Will this work for does, bucks & breeding?



We are looking at keeping our numbers under 65 deer.. Pens 1, 2 & 3 are about 300Ft X 120ft so I could certainly make more pens but smaller in size! Ultimately we want to be able to have 15-20 shooters at any one time, as well as 30+ does. With a breeder or 2 seperate as well.



This area is about 300 yards by 250 yards
 

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Hi Chris, your setup looks very similar to mine. I'm from Missouri and was led to believe having ponds in the pens were a huge breeding ground for mosquitos and mig flys. So I have tried to uliminate any oppurtunity for standing water in my pens. Does your gates between pen 1,2 and 3 tie them all together? Mine do and this helps to make one large pen during the breeding season and makes it easier to seperate my deer. Have you considered putting a gate at the end of 4 and 5 to tie them together? Just some thoughts. Good luck with your move.



Brent
 
I agree with Brent about the ponds...while they may be visually appealing they are going to be an issue. My biggest concern would be consumption of waste matter. They are going to use that water as a toilet and then drink right from it.
 
My opinion is that 65 deer is a lot for that size property. 15-20 shooters, thirty bred does plus many fawns. Maybe the space is larger than I think but I personally think your asking for trouble.



Dan
 
The fawns (does anyways will be puled and taken to my current farm.) And I have another field the same size available across from pens 1,2 & 3. If push comes to shove. How many deer should go into a pen that is 300ft X 120Ft? I was thinking 8-10
 
I knew there was something I was missing. I'm sorry did not realize there was another farm. That size pen is about an acre. I would put 6 no more than 8. Again just my opinion, I like very few as possible. My fawning pens are 165-200 and I will put 2-3 does I have a200-300 pen and it only will have 4-5 bucks. I'm sure you can put more but my thoughts are to give them as much as possible. There are a lot of people that put many may more and it may work for them. Thank you.



Dan