The worst of times

This thread has much truth. And I think we can all agree that in addition to all the things going against us, mentioned above, we also have the unavoidable stinking buck mortality. Seriously it's the worst. I always tell everyone, I aim for ten buck fawns a year, so I can have 6 or 7 to sell in two years. It might as well be written in stone, 5-25% of my buck fawns won't see their first birthday. Even when they survive and even thrive, clean up and through weaning, some will always end up doing something stupid and hit the fence, or some other tragic unpredictable circumstance will arise and take a couple out. I have never lost bucks to fighting each other, even without cutting antlers, but I literally lose them every other way imaginable. Meanwhile the doe fawns, which I don't even bother vaccinating, tagging, or even look at anymore (because I cull them out of the herd each fall) thrive. In fact I came to the conclusion long ago that when I see a fawn down and out in the pens, might as well start dragging my lip. Cause its going to DEFINATELY be a buck fawn. Ha-ha. Sad but true. I know its just a part of the business we have to accept, but it hurts to see buck mortality year after year, while never seeing it in does. Not saying that I want my doe fawns to all die, just a bit aggitating because bucks are the only thing that'll pay the bills for me as a monitored herd.

Sorry to turn things a bit off topic, but I was just venting a little. I am sure many of ypu have had those bad years as well. I am already down to only 5 buck fawns. All 10 of my does fawned. It was another very disappointing year for me for buck numbers. So disappointing in fact, that I lined up a shooter buyer who is taking all but 2 of my does (the 2 i am keeping are staying as family.pets) this September. I need to rethink some things and decide when, or if, I'll ever breed whitetails again. It's not as fun as it used to be for me, like it used to be when I only had 4 deer.

jerrilee cave1030191434552234



I've done some checking and you need to check your state regulations to see if farmed venison can be sold in your state. If not, your state association needs to work on getting legislation passed so that it can be done. Indiana allows it but Ohio does not. Selling your yearling doe for $100 does yourself a favor because the market will be less flooded with bucks.




We can sell venison in New York state. You first need to have the deer looked at by the state vet ...to verify that it is healthy...then you can harvest it and take to a USDA certified slaughter house to have it processed.

Well I think there is a strong market for shooters. If the hunting market grows, everyone will profit. If someone is a breeder but doesn't like what they get for shooters they can always start their own preserve. We enjoy that part of our business, but it is definitely a lot of work and a big investment which is ongoing.

Tim,


I believe to be legal you have to take the live animal to the USDA slaughter to be able to sell the meat to the public.  That is the requirement here in Montana.  But who knows it can be different in every State as we all see.  Interpretation is everything.  LOL


As far as selling the does for 100 that would only cover the CWD charge here.  Lay the fact we have to pay 36 bucks a year tax on each animal.  I personally myself need 250 to just cover the cost of production, tax, paper work and CWD to break close to even.  But like Jerrilee said it is better to get that doe out of production so more bucks are not raised to help get our production under control.  That is why I slaughter 45 does a year for the family, production is going down on this ranch.

Jack

USDA certified slaughter facilities are not required to test heads in Indiana.

Antlershed1030331434589468



Sorry to turn things a bit off topic, but I was just venting a little. I am sure many of ypu have had those bad years as well. I am already down to only 5 buck fawns. All 10 of my does fawned. It was another very disappointing year for me for buck numbers. So disappointing in fact, that I lined up a shooter buyer who is taking all but 2 of my does (the 2 i am keeping are staying as family.pets) this September. I need to rethink some things and decide when, or if, I'll ever breed whitetails again. It's not as fun as it used to be for me, like it used to be when I only had 4 deer.




 


THE DEER INDUSTRY IS LOOSING A VALUABLE MEMBER IN PA

Like I said there is no consistency to CWD requirements State to State.  If we take the animals to a USDA facility we still have to collect the heads for CWD and submit them to our Vets.  Montana sticks to their interpation that all heads 12 months and older will be tested no matter what..  I think it is just a way to drive us out of business.  You have to play by their rules or you can't sell out of State.

I was told by our last state vet (retired now...last June) that we could harvest at our facility ...(after he verified health) then transport to the USDA inspected slaughter house to be processed and the packages would not be stamped Not For Sale. We still need to have them tested for CWD if they are I believe 12 months or older.


Jack


He also stated that the slaughter houses do not want live whitetails at the facilities ....not equipped to handle them I am guessing.. ( I am going to talk to them myself to verify this) .... 


I have not been through this process yet.

Matt..Not to mention the out of the 5 remaining buck fawns 3 will damage their racks as yrlings...2 for life...1  will take yrs to straighten up so 2 good fawns left to sell at 2 or ...if one has to keep them til 3 then another will be lost soooo...yeah