Introducing New Genetics

Willjw5 said:

Hey everyone I am new to the forum l am interested in the any advice I can get.



Let me start by saying I am new to deer farming I have a hunting preserve that is roughly 1300 acres under high fence in North Florida and has been under high fence for the last 15 years. I was heavily involved with QDMA practices and management and had what I would consider great success producing 140-160" deer with the same herd that was there when my family bought the place. Over the last five years we have seen a major decline in antler growth which I believe is due to line crossing and interbreeding.

I have built a 15 acre breeding pen on the property I guess my first question would be is it in my best interest to kill all the native herd before I release the new genetics. To keep the native heard from breeding down my good genetics. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

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Four Seasons Whitetails said:

I would wipe the old herd out for sure. I mean if you are going to spend the money anyway, Why not! If you are talking 140-160 as 3 year olds they would be gone for sure. Hunt the bucks you have this year and maybe throw in a doe for free. Thats a big area so i doubt you would get them all anyway.

As far as new blood. I would raise them in the breeding pen untill their ready to be turned out and then just leave the gate open so they can come and go fo a bit if they want but with a huge 1300 acres...They probably wont be back for awhile!! Good Luck!

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Willjw5 said:

Hey everyone I am new to the forum l am interested in the any advice I can get.



Let me start by saying I am new to deer farming I have a hunting preserve that is roughly 1300 acres under high fence in North Florida and has been under high fence for the last 15 years. I was heavily involved with QDMA practices and management and had what I would consider great success producing 140-160" deer with the same herd that was there when my family bought the place. Over the last five years we have seen a major decline in antler growth which I believe is due to line crossing and interbreeding.

I have built a 15 acre breeding pen on the property I guess my first question would be is it in my best interest to kill all the native herd before I release the new genetics. To keep the native heard from breeding down my good genetics. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Click to expand...

Willjw5 said:

I was raising 140-160" Florida deer five years ago today the biggest deer we have seen this year is probably 115" which is why I would be concerned to turn my pen deer out to breed with my wild heard also I have found out how vital it is to have a good doe or does as the foundation of your heard which raises my question to should I wipe out the entire native herd but I appreciate your response.

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