Proper positioning of SEDATED deer

Hi everyone:



I previously posted a thread on antler cutting and some of the responses got me thinking about this topic so I thought I would start a new thread. Anyway, what are your opinions on the proper positioning of a whitetail deer while under sedation?



Thank You!



Daniel Zola

Hollow Road Whitetails

www.hollowroadwhitetails.com

we darted 9 bucks and removed all horns today somewhat of a nightmare but the way we staged each deer after removing horns were tucking all legs under the body and keeping the head even with the body not to far up and we had every deer come to pretty easy even on that we had to dart 3 times as soon as we reversed him he came right to and was full of life the only hard thing was trying to keep all the bucks seperated once one was darted so they wouldnt try to fight

The proper position for any animal during sedation is sternal repose.

I always situate the deer sitting up on the brisket with the legs tucked under the body when they are on the ground. Is that the position you are referring to? I have only heard of it called sternal recumbency. That covers when the deer is on the ground, however, what about when you have to move the deer? When moving my deer around my farm, I use an old army stretcher and then onto the back of my mule. When I place the deer on the stretcher, the deer can no longer be in the sternal position and instead has to be laid on its side, much like if you were transporting a dead deer out of the field in the back of a pickup truck. Also, when removing antlers etc, the deer usually lay over on their side. Do you see any problems with this?



There was also talk on the other thread about the head being uphill or downhill etc when working on hillside surfaces. How do you position the deers head?



Thanks,

Daniel Zola

Hollow Road Whitetails

www.hollowroadwhitetails.com

We use square movers blankets 10x10 and lay them on the floor and put (Off) bug repellant on all the edge so the ants won't bother the deer when they are trying to wake up. As far as a proper position ? We just lay them flat on the floor, seems they are more relaxed ...never had an issue on them choking or dying.Some people put them upright position, but i guess we all work different and its good we share opionions on situations like this. We did (29) 2yr old bucks lastnight,darted them and remove horns ....no issues at all !!! All up and running !!! Goodluck!!!

Thanks Mira Vista:



I always like to improve on my methods and to make sure I am always doing the best I can for the animals. You hear stories of choking and bloat and I if I can prevent the preventable dangers then, of course, that is what I want to do.



Also, when you did all of those bucks, what was your plan? Did you dart them all first and then start cutting or did you do one at a time? Typically if they were going to remain in the same pen I would think it would be wise to dart them all first so they don't gore the sedated deer. I have the option of moving them into a free pen so I can take my time and do one at a time but I am curious as to how you did it.



Also, how long after sedation do you administer the reversal? If you use tolazine?



Let me know.



Thanks,



Daniel Zola

Hollow Road Whitetails

www.hollowroadwhitetails.com

I relocated them to another pen,I darted five at a time,I used a bottle of telizol mixed with 6cc of 333 Strength.I used 1-1/4 cc on the deer itself on a 1-1/2 dart.....Once moved to the new pen,I sawed off the antlers and gave it 3cc vitamin B,2cc vitamin a-d,

and 2cc of Ivomec for parasites. Once I was done handling them I must of taken 30 minutes or so I would administer reversal 2cc,by the time I went for my next load they were up and moving. Plan was to remove the horns before the rut ...they will fight and tear up fencing.

You got several great yearlings on your website.....your on the right track !!!!!

Thank you for all your helpful information and thank you for the nice comment on my yearlings. Your information will be very valuable.



Thanks Again!

Daniel Zola

Hollow Road Whitetails

www.hollowroadwhitetails.com

Daniel, I left you a message ,check your inbox ......