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Thinking ahead... Let me hear your stories...

S

SouthTxOutdoors

Joined Jul 2012
2 Posts | 0+
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hello everyone,



I've been flirting (ok, ok obsessing) with the idea of starting a whitetail breeding/selling business here in Texas. I've got the land, but after that, there just seems to be an overload of information regarding just exactly where to get started. Also, before I go any further, I'd just like to say that this is the friendliest forum I have EVER seen, much less been apart of. I'm no stranger to forums as they are very good information sources (y'all know that!) but every post I have been reading on here is just so helpful and informative that it's just unreal! You are some of the nicest people I've seen on a forum.



As mentioned earlier, I'm having a little trouble just knowing where to get started. I'm not trying to quit my job and work on the ranch full time, although I do plan on doing that one day, but just starting small and working my way up. So I figure what better way to gather some helpful information. I'm sure some of you fellows have had some high's and lows in the process of your whitetail experience. Things you might be proud of, as well as some instances your not so proud of. :rolleyes: How about did you get started? Loans or business plans you used or didn't use? Outlines or diagrams of your pen setups? Ideally I would like to really visit a farm that is successful in the subject of healthy deer, not just quantity. I know we have some good ranches here in Texas but I feel that since I do plan on going into this business, they might not want me to visit or "study" their facility because I am/will be competition. I just want to grasp an idea of what I want in my own deer farm thats all. Anything you guys and gal's might contribute will be extremely appreciated.:)



Side note: The ranch/farm will focus on raising quality deer for the sell to other ranches or farms. I want to focus on very strong genetics and very healthy deer. Although I am a hunter and have been all my life, I love animals and consider myself a very strong conservationist. These deer will not only be my "business" so to speak, but will be cherished and loved as well. Again, thanks for any help you can spare.



God bless
 
SouthTxOutdoors said:
Hello everyone,



I've been flirting (ok, ok obsessing) with the idea of starting a whitetail breeding/selling business here in Texas. I've got the land, but after that, there just seems to be an overload of information regarding just exactly where to get started. Also, before I go any further, I'd just like to say that this is the friendliest forum I have EVER seen, much less been apart of. I'm no stranger to forums as they are very good information sources (y'all know that!) but every post I have been reading on here is just so helpful and informative that it's just unreal! You are some of the nicest people I've seen on a forum.



As mentioned earlier, I'm having a little trouble just knowing where to get started. I'm not trying to quit my job and work on the ranch full time, although I do plan on doing that one day, but just starting small and working my way up. So I figure what better way to gather some helpful information. I'm sure some of you fellows have had some high's and lows in the process of your whitetail experience. Things you might be proud of, as well as some instances your not so proud of. :rolleyes: How about did you get started? Loans or business plans you used or didn't use? Outlines or diagrams of your pen setups? Ideally I would like to really visit a farm that is successful in the subject of healthy deer, not just quantity. I know we have some good ranches here in Texas but I feel that since I do plan on going into this business, they might not want me to visit or "study" their facility because I am/will be competition. I just want to grasp an idea of what I want in my own deer farm thats all. Anything you guys and gal's might contribute will be extremely appreciated.:)



Side note: The ranch/farm will focus on raising quality deer for the sell to other ranches or farms. I want to focus on very strong genetics and very healthy deer. Although I am a hunter and have been all my life, I love animals and consider myself a very strong conservationist. These deer will not only be my "business" so to speak, but will be cherished and loved as well. Again, thanks for any help you can spare.



God bless
Click to expand...



We deer farmers love to show off our deer and talk deer. I have a farm in south Oklahoma. Call or come up and I'll show you everything I have and answer any questions you have or get answers to any questions I don't know. We as deer farmers love to help each other out. Don't be afraid to visit deer farms we look forward to having people over to look at our deer.

Call if you have any questions I might can help point you in the right direction down there. Tom 918-424-5293
 
The first thing you have to remember is the closed borders. I think you will do most if not all of your deals with other texas farmers. I would call a few of the guys in texas and talk to them. I have done deals with a couple texas guys with semen and they were very willing to talk, But then again.. Im not in texas. Good luck with your start!!!
 
The number one fact: Quality over Quantity! If you get that part wrong, all you will have is a big feed bill and expensive venison until you can get it fixed. It's gonna cost you money, you may as well spend it where it will give you the best return.

EDIT: Just to clarify- make sure that your lines aren't just something that you feel should produce some nice shooters, but give yourself some marketability on your does as well. Some lines may produce- and while you don't need to go crazy in the hype machine- you need some name recognition there. The margins are simply too tight for mistakes if you are stuck with a bunch of meat does, or not to have the pedigree to back a potential monster buck you may grow. Granted, I don't know the Texas marketplace, or your specific market.

Also, I suspect many of the guys in Texas would be happy to help you out and get you going, even if they don't give away all their trade secrets! ;)
 
Jeff23 said:
The number one fact: Quality over Quantity! If you get that part wrong, all you will have is a big feed bill and expensive venison until you can get it fixed. It's gonna cost you money, you may as well spend it where it will give you the best return.
Click to expand...



Very true but don't get caught up in the hype either you can get some very nice bloodlines without spending your life savings.
 
Jeff23 said:
The number one fact: Quality over Quantity! If you get that part wrong, all you will have is a big feed bill and expensive venison until you can get it fixed. It's gonna cost you money, you may as well spend it where it will give you the best return.

EDIT: Just to clarify- make sure that your lines aren't just something that you feel should produce some nice shooters, but give yourself some marketability on your does as well. Some lines may produce- and while you don't need to go crazy in the hype machine- you need some name recognition there. The margins are simply too tight for mistakes if you are stuck with a bunch of meat does, or not to have the pedigree to back a potential monster buck you may grow. Granted, I don't know the Texas marketplace, or your specific market.

Also, I suspect many of the guys in Texas would be happy to help you out and get you going, even if they don't give away all their trade secrets! ;)
Click to expand...







Very well said!!!! also buy proven does with strong anchors!!Also semen from proven bucks that are not oversold!!!! Good Luck!!!!!





Scott Neeb

www.chanllowfarms.com

In the heart of Pa Dutch Country
 
We would be more than happy to show you our deer. I would be surprised if you found any breeders in Tx that would not want to show there deer. If you do find one you dont need there deer.
 
We are in Wisconsin, but have a weekly Tv show that the stars are the deer. We talk about how this isn't a hobby or a job but a lifestyle. We talk about the biology of the deer and what we do raising them AND on our hunting ranch. If you can catch the show it is on Dish network, channel 240, Directv channel 608, Tuesdays at 9:30 am central time, and Wed. Night at 10 pm central time, Wild Rivers Whitetails. Also on Dish channel 232 Rural tv several times on Saturday and Sunday. Check it out!
 
Wireless, thru' our internet. I can't remember which program. We get the Outdoor Channel, Pursuit and the Sportsman's Channel among 80 channels; all Christian programs. I've seen the show 3-4 times so far. I'm a channel surfer...The show included Gary putting up a bow stand and sighting in some rifles. I do like the show...'not a lot of hype or over focus on vendor products.
 
Thanks for the information. I've contacted a few deer farms down here already, none have responded but hopefully eventually they will get back to me.
 
I too have found this forum to be a wonderful group of people. I'm a "newbie" raising fallow deer, not whitetail- but the members here have been nothing but friendly and supportive!!
 

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