This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Ideal density and doe:buck ratio in Hunting Preserve

Joined Aug 2009
86 Posts | 0+
M
I am starting a 1,000 acre hunting preserve. Will start by taking all existing animals out of that area and will release bucks and does that I now have in my pens.



I intend to release yearling bucks and does every year until I reach a reasonable population of deer.



1.- What could be an ideal doe:buck ratio to try to maintain in the preserve?



2.- What would be the ideal density to maintain in 1,000 acres, considering that we will be providing all year long free consumption protein and minerals?



Any advice and experiences will be greatly appreciated.



EG
 
1000 acres is about 1.5 sq miles if you have 50 does and 50 bucks in your preserve there will be 100+ fawns every year so with fawn mortality you will need to harvest 30does every year and 35 bucks starting in year three so your population will be 50 does 75 fawns 150 bucks total 275 animals harvest should reduce the population to 200 animals.... they add up in a hurry .... does your enviroment allow this many animals....water ,browse without overgrazing damage...
 
Not sure on the density without knowing the property, but a 4:1 buck to doe ratio is the highest I would go. Above that you'll see too much antler damage and death.
 
I like 75-80% bucks. The bucks is where u make your money. If it's in a state that can import you can always buy shooter bucks cheap. That way you don't have to feed all the does and fawns. I wouldn't want to feed fawns for three years before I could shoot them if I didn't have too. Just my 2 cents
 
My preserve is about 50 miles south of the Texas/Mexico border. Very similar to South Texas brush.



I just got the result of our yearly sensus and we currently hold (free ranging deer) about 1 deer per 7 acres.



We are about to close our preserve and start taking all deer out, in order to release only deer from our pens.



Thanks for all your comments.