Circle J Ranch,
I tell you what. I will join your discussion as I would much rather talk about the positives in this industry instead of hashing the same ol' same ol' over again.
Oh I don't know, things like despite one of the worst economic times in many many years and how many folks are still making money with their deer either in shooting stock or in breeding stock. Many industries it takes years to turn a profit and then some times it never does happen and they close their doors. I know of several who are having their best years ever the last couple of years since starting in deer. They have planned properly and made wise buying choices and have reaped the rewards of their hard work.
I won't speak any more for those folks, but I will share with you our fortunes the last couple of years.
Over 15 years ago my AWESOME wife (who I would give everything up for in a heartbeat) and I started with deer. We were fortunate to have folks who were very knowledgeable in growing whitetails to help us. Those folks did everything they could to guide us to the extent they could. I did have to see that they were more of the old school style of raising deer and therefore keep in mind that new ideas might be worth while looking into.
I combined many of the new ideas along with the old proven techniques and studied my butt off looking at what had worked for others. Not just in drugs and handling but in genetics and sales as well.
Back when CWD was all the rage
and many were jumping ship or cutting back we took steps to increase the quality of our production by purchasing top notch does and semen, and we put in motion a plan to open a high fence hunting facility in partnership with another deer grower.
The investment we made in the hunting area has more than paid for its self and our decision to increase the quality of our breeding does was also a successful plan. Every year after making that decision we saw an increase in the size of the bucks we were producing. That increase in size of the bucks was great to see because it told me that what I was
really trying to do was maybe working. My real intention with our herd was to increase the quality of our breeding does each and every year.
I can honestly say I have never planned a breeding to try and grow a big buck. My planning has always been to raise the strongest and most prolific herd of does possible. My theory was that along the way if your doing things right you will grow some big bucks.
In 2009 we had a 268 4/8" 2 year old buck. In 2010 he is estimated to be right around 300" and carries a massive frame with super long tines and the correctly placed extras to make him just what I was hoping for. He has a womb brother who has sort of been lingering in the shadows of him as well. That brother is a cleaner and wider version but still carries the same great pedigree and is estimated to be 210" to 220" at age 3 this year. Super long tines, wide, and a laid out style that resembles his grand father to a large extent. Which of course shows he is bred with predictability.
But through all this we continued to build the quality of the doe herd which has always been our herd strategy. I can say that in the fall of 2010 we are breeding the most amazing lineup of does to date. And I am continuing to stay focused on my original breeding plan by breeding specific does to specific bucks for a specific reason.
In the January of 2009 we entered our very first auction offering some of the very best we had to offer at that time. This was
14 years after entering the whitetail deer industry. That auction was a success for us and put us in just a little better position in the industry in terms of farm recognition. But more than anything it was a great feeling to see the rewards of the many years of hard work, investment and effort my wife and I had made. When our lots sold at that first auction I was not only proud for my wife and I, but also for those who had helped us get started so many years before. I only wish one of the major players that helped us could have lived to see it.
The following year we again participated at auction and done well. It also was a great season for us not only at the auction house, but also aside from the auctions because of a great partnership that we developed with Dream Ranch on one of our big bucks we produced. That partnership was as I see it yet another reward for our hard work and investments over the many years.
This auction season we are planning to again offer some outstanding lots for sale. Again some of the very best we have to offer, and they are even better than ever before. Just what they are, and in which sales each lot will be is still being debated, and is of course yet to be juried by the auction houses. I am however confident that these lots will be selected for entry to the sales, and that bidders will see the top quality being offered.
This posting may sound like a bunch of horn blowing hype to some.
But what those folks need to realize is that Laurie and I started with 2 deer and one pen a half acre in size. We hand built the pens ourselves to save money, we didn't have big dollars to invest when we started. I recall the first time I told Laurie I wanted to buy a doe fawn for $800. She had a COW saying, "Are you nuts!?!? I am not buying a fawn for $800 just to have the thing die on us!!!"
My point is we started with nothing, from nothing, and worked our way to where we are today. Learning as we went. Back then vets would barely even talk to us deer folks about a deer much less did they know anything about treating a deer. We struggled and fought for everything we have accomplished over the past 15 years. We are not rich folks even though some will doubt this fact because of what I do now for a living and what Laurie does. But you have to remember we started in deer over 15 years ago and built it slowly to now.
What is the point to all this? Well it should be clear but to some it won't be so here is the long and short of it. If your new such as less than 5 years into deer be patient. Make wise buying choices. Never spend more than you can afford to lose because deer can and do die. Study and study some more. Vets don't know everything and most times they are just a place for you to bounce ideas around and then get the drugs you need to try and fix the issue your self. Deer are not all created alike. Some produce better than others and some are worth more than others. True this is not always the same thing. My advice is select what produces
and what is worth more than the average, and use both to move your herd forward. If your rather new at this, don't try and reinvent the wheel. Take what is proven and develop it from there.
The economy is down. News flash!!! HaHaHa, like everyone didn't know this already. What this means is now is the time to buy to improve your herds. JR Ewing said the time to buy oil rigs was when the price of oil was down. Well folks oil is down now. That said buy WISELY please. Don't fall for smooth talking folks who are trying to sell what they have not had luck selling before now. Study the sales books and do your homework.
Plan carefully, buy wisely, keep costs low, but don't skimp on the important stuff. Don't save a dollar now to spend or waste two dollars later. Don't lose a valuable animal by skimping on the drugs you choose to use. Don't try and reinvent the wheel. Buy bloodlines that hold their value and produce time after time. Stay informed about the markets in your area and try and make alliances with those who can help you. And never be afraid to ask for help from those who have been there and done that.
There is money to be made in this industry to those who take their time and invest wisely. And there is a ton of fun to be had as well.
Enjoy yourself!
