Hello Cervid farmers,
I am interested in getting into the whitetail industry. I am not looking to start off large and by no means make a living, yet. I want to start with a small herd.
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I have come here to get educated. I have spent quite some time researching the whitetail industry. Unfortunately, there are no local deer farms I can visit to help with this important process. I am full of questions and have come here searching for answers.
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First and foremost, I was wondering if whitetail farming can be done under a decent budget. Keep in mind, I am only interested in a small herd. What would be a good ratio? Deer are social animals as I have learned and know that I should not pen any buck nor doe alone (unless quarantined). I am also working on a few acres (say 3). However, this property has the potential to expand (for future engagements).
This next question goes along with the layout of my farm, which I see is a common thread on this forum page. With a small herd, would it be best to invest in a dart gun or cattle chute? Working with limited space, a cattle chute and barn may not be the possible. What are your thoughts/ personal experience with dart guns?
Stocking my herd. This goes hand in hand with my first question. What price range of stock should I look for. How far is too far? And again, what ratio of deer should I look for. Should I start with a breeding buck, yearling buck and breeding does, or yearlings? Also, what is the best method of breeding: AI or natural? Do I simply pen a buck and doe in the same pen during breeding season?
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Thank you to anyone who has taken timeout of their day to help me. Anything at all will help and I am grateful for any of your knowledge. I am very fortunate to have found you. I am sure I have a million other questions, but this will do.
Hunter R.
[email protected]
Baldwin Co., Alabama
I am interested in getting into the whitetail industry. I am not looking to start off large and by no means make a living, yet. I want to start with a small herd.
--
I have come here to get educated. I have spent quite some time researching the whitetail industry. Unfortunately, there are no local deer farms I can visit to help with this important process. I am full of questions and have come here searching for answers.
--
First and foremost, I was wondering if whitetail farming can be done under a decent budget. Keep in mind, I am only interested in a small herd. What would be a good ratio? Deer are social animals as I have learned and know that I should not pen any buck nor doe alone (unless quarantined). I am also working on a few acres (say 3). However, this property has the potential to expand (for future engagements).
This next question goes along with the layout of my farm, which I see is a common thread on this forum page. With a small herd, would it be best to invest in a dart gun or cattle chute? Working with limited space, a cattle chute and barn may not be the possible. What are your thoughts/ personal experience with dart guns?
Stocking my herd. This goes hand in hand with my first question. What price range of stock should I look for. How far is too far? And again, what ratio of deer should I look for. Should I start with a breeding buck, yearling buck and breeding does, or yearlings? Also, what is the best method of breeding: AI or natural? Do I simply pen a buck and doe in the same pen during breeding season?
--
Thank you to anyone who has taken timeout of their day to help me. Anything at all will help and I am grateful for any of your knowledge. I am very fortunate to have found you. I am sure I have a million other questions, but this will do.
Hunter R.
[email protected]
Baldwin Co., Alabama
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