Hello. I was wanting to get the expert opinion of this site. Would a normal, Alabama doe be work AIing to a good strand of Northern genetics? I do not know what kind of genetics the Doe has. I wasn't sure if it would be just a waste of time to try and Ai some good genetics and see what happens. Any advice?
Joined Apr 2009
1,428 Posts | 0+
Northeast Wisconsin
Everyone has to start somewhere. You can start by AIing the doe to known genetics and then take those offspring and AI them a few years down the line to better genetics. It is a building process and not everyone can start with top of the line genetics on both sides. Also, what are you looking to accomplish? Good deer for a hunting preserve? If so that is exactly the way to go. Top of the line breeding stock may take a long time to accomplish starting with an unknown - but hey you never know - you might just hit the right combination.
Joined Oct 2009
3,165 Posts | 1+
upstate ny
I'm not sure i would go to far without knowing the background of the doe.Wild rivers is right if you are just looking for ranch bucks you MIGHT be ok but with all the good proven pedigreed deer out there today you would have some known option's.Either way good luck as you will have fun doing it!!!
In Alabama it's the best way if you want northerns to live that far south! Unless your Troy Zachini!!!
Joined Jul 2009
1,215 Posts | 0+
Deer Park, Alabama
Jason is exactly right for Alabama. If you want a decent survival rate, start with an Alabama doe. Also, do not get to much northern blood in your off spring. If you cross the 50% line you will need a good shovel.
Thanks for the plug Jason. Jlunn14 it is never a waste of time when you are trying to improve your genetics. We are all trying to do the same thing. Some are using AI and some are doing it with live breeding or both. Build off of the does that will survive in your area and don't move too far from the ehd resistant gentics from your area. Northern genetics will make it, but you have to weather the ehd storm. If you want to start with northern genetics. Find someone who has gotten them to live in southern Alabama for multiple years and get some does from them.
So just for example the doe has 120-130 inch genetics at best and you AI her to a good buck, odds are that you will come with some good 170 inch deer maybe? Also, how much would a starter doe(if there is such thing) be from those of you in Alabama. Sorry for the simple questions I am new to this and trying to figure out the best way to get started. Thanks so much for your help
Joined May 2009
1,166 Posts | 0+
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
You need to start out with the best you can. You will have problems selling deer that doesn't have a name behind it here. Unless you are raising shooters. Then it doesn't matter. I can tell you this much. All the farms in the state that have good deer usually sell out 6 months to a year in advance. So be careful on what you buy and get the best you can and you will be ok. Remember a junk doe that doesn't produce eats the same amount of feed as a great doe.
It is stricly for release in our hunting preserve that just family hunts. We have just the deer that were in there when we fenced it in, and we are killing up to about 160" deer right now.
Joined May 2009
1,166 Posts | 0+
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Are you breeding the deer and releasing the offspring?if thats the case you can buy some cheap texas blood to ai or buy you a good southern breeder buck..you can pm me and ill try to point you in the right direction..a good friend of mine has the best southern blood in the state and you can get some from him..the cheapest way would be to ai..I will help you in anyway that you need.We can always use a new face in the biz..