Input..

I am planing on buying about $30,000's worth of deer to get started in the industry. Any suggestions on which direction i should go with that kind of money???

Scott



Owner of Mo-Thunder is Harden Sunderland 660-537-0481 Fayett MO http://www.hardwoodranch.com/mo_trophy_hunt_11.jpg



Scott Follett

Thanks..!!!

Go for quality, not quanity! I'd take 5 great doe over 10 good doe. Breed with deer you like the look of, because in 4 or 5 years, that's the kind of deer you'll be producing. If you breed with non-typicals, most of your deer are going to look like non-typicals and vice versa. Also, buy from someone you completely trust is going to stand behind their deer and always use a contract. Many friendships have been lost over handshake deals. Always buy deer that are DNA'd or are guaranteed to DNA to what they're supposed to be out of. Make a business plan now and figure out exactly what your expenses are going to be yearly and how many deer you will need to sell to cover those expenses, and be prepared to lose money for the first few years. You can't sell deer if you're growing your foundation herd, so don't expect to make money your first couple of year, because you won't. Finally, go to as many sales as you can and follow WE so you'll know which genetics people are buying. There are more buyers and more money in deer with pedigrees that the industry likes. Anyways, I could go on forever, but these are just a few thoughts to ponder....

Thanks alot Steve... Appreciate your help..

I think Droptine nailed it. Follow his advice and you will like the results in a few years.

Nick Biser

Team Biser Whitetails

Here is some advice you may consider. When purchasing deer, ask if the stste you are buying from has open or closed borders. You can get more value from your dollar because generally, states with closed borders sell their deer for much higher prices than those states whose borders are open. Just one man's opinion. Not intended to start a debate on open vs. closed borders. That debate is in another thread on this forum.

Steve and others are right on the money. The other thing to consider is your location. What state do you live in? Most states that allow deer farming have at least a few good, reputable breeders, but some states are stacked a little more deeply with great deer than others. At the end of the day, YOU have to come up with a plan that you can live with, and like Steve said, decide what type of deer you want to produce. We all have our own individual "likes" when it comes to the look of a whitetail... that's something you should consider for youself. Do you like mass, tine length, crazy non-typicals, big wide open huge framed deer... are you more concerned with how many inches a buck has on his head no matter how ugly it may look, or do you want something that looks like a whitetail, but just HUGE??? If you haven't guessed you can probably tell what I like... BIG HUGE frames with a great look that makes you say WOW!



Pick apart the pedigrees and ask what they've produced and put on the ground. Too many times I've seen a pedigree with every popular name in the industry in it, but that doesn't mean that it will CONSISTENTLY produce anything.... a bunch of popular names thrown together doesn't give you passdown traits and consistency, a proven, well bred pedigree will... maybe not EVERY time, but it sure improves your chances of getting what you want.

I'm not saying that the popular lines don't produce... of course they do! I have a good bit of "big name/popular" genetics on my own farm... but I'm very particular with how I breed them. All I want you to be aware of is that breeding deer (or anything for that matter) is a little more complicated than just throwing a few random names together and hoping that it produces for you.

Good luck and I wish you well.

Scotty i just started also.you can drop 30 grand on one deer or ten deer.I think just starting you would be wise to go with the big typical look as thats what the industry seems to want now.Just use the advice you get her and do it yur way.You cant go wrong on this site.Just look at lots of deer and what other people are raising and follow the pack.These guys have been doin this for a long time and us new guys can ride their along with them.

Thanks alot everyone. Im located just outside Huntsville Alabama. Ive heard alot of good things about The Dream Ranch in Guntersville. Any opinions on Alabama???

The guy at Dream Ranch is Will Ainsworth - He is a very good guy and has great genetics. You will have to buy in Alabama since no deer can be imported into your state. Ask Will about his Shadow genetics and you can't go wrong. Stay with the best does you can afford.

Bill

I'm in Alabama. If I can help you in any way let me know. We always welcome new breeders. 205-826-6965

Scotty

I'm also in Alabama. You have to figure out what kind of deer you want to produce. Do you want to grow breeding stock or shooters? Visit as many farms as you can. If you would like to come see my farm or need any help please call. 334-346-2255. Ask for Troy

Scotty, we sell fencing materials that you may need and I would welcome the opportunity to help supply your needs, give me a call.

Scotty,

I would recommend waiting until after the Alabama Auction before commiting to buy.It will prob. be in march or april and there will be alot of good deer and usually some good opportunities to get a good deal.. I saw prices last year go from 2-3k to 50k depending on what you are trying to raise..

We are planning to do atleast one lot....A mix & match......Pick a doe and any two fawns.. We AI'd to Gladiator,Dreamranger,GD Extreme Dream and Xtreme Sneakers...

Alabama is one of the states with closed borders. It is my understanding that WT deer there command a premium price as the result of a "locked" market. I have been told that in AL $30,000 will buy about 5-6 run of the mill, no great pedigree does. Good Luck!

Give John Biddle a call,he has the best southerns in the state.The southerns have alot less trouble with EHD.His number is 205-337-4521.Avoid the auction,much better deals off the farm.

The auction is about like other auctions the great lots do very good but their are usually some good lots that will be affordable. I saw some pretty good open does go for around 3000.00 if I remember correctly. I have heard that Mr Biddle prob has the best southern herd in alabama.

But if you are looking for the best deer in the state, Judging by what he's putting on their heads i would have to say Will has them...

What about Hurricane Creek Lodge????

Todd Oulette and Dee Murphy are great guys and have some good deer as well. I believe they will be growing out a big group of AI'D yearlings this year and should have some good one's.. I think they did several Maxbo, Outcross etc...