M3 WHITETAILS

from FL Fall 2020

CHERI

M3 Whitetails Ranch

– Promoting Top-Quality Does and Bucks

By: Gail Veley

Pre-dawn sounds within a dark, cold Texas woods were both scary and exciting to then four-year-old Mark McMillan. Whether it was listening to the howls of nearby coyotes or the trepidatious steps of whitetail while waiting for daylight, he felt very secure next to his Dad during his first deer hunt. And although they didn’t find a suitable target that morning, a love for the outdoors and whitetails was born. Today McMillan, 66, is clearly zeroed in on his goal of growing big, clean typical Texas deer and offering them to ranchers and breeders from his M3 Whitetails Ranch in Franklin, Texas.

“Like my bucks, buy my does,” McMillan begins. “I focus on selling does that don’t disappoint. Sixty percent or more of how a buck looks comes from the doe. The right mother is more likely to produce a son that a buyer desires. Yes, I sell bucks, too, but they pretty much sell themselves. However, my program centers around if you like my bucks, buy my does.”

McMillan offers live bucks and does for sale in Texas and Mexico and any state that allows importing of Texas TAHC certified deer, as well as semen straws and embryos to most all states where deer farming exists. Having been in business since 2009, McMillan feels his farm genetics today combine the best production with the best pedigrees from the most recognized and respected deer in the industry. His two facilities are TC1 and TAHC CWD certified.

“If I thought 11 years ago, I could produce bucks that look like mine do today, I would have been thrilled,” he said. Therefore, as he began and then forged ahead in the industry, he infused successful northern genetics into well-known Texas lines and developed through the years a recognized herd worthy of their price tag. “If you want quality production, you need to invest in quality does and breed them to the right bucks,” he said. “Pedigrees are important but only if they come with proven family production history.”

With 870 deer currently residing within 60 acres of deer pens, one deer captures his heart and attention more than any other. McMillan’s early morning routine not only involves his quiet time, it includes visiting McNificent, his prized breeder buck who is gracing this month’s magazine cover. With coffee in hand, McMillan grabs a handful of animal crackers then opens his front door to behold McNificent, his stunning five-year-old buck, standing a mere 60 feet from his front door. Although he shares his pen with eight of his sons, only McNificent will eat his favorite treat from McMillan’s hand.

McNificent, with an inside spread in the mid 30’s, has flyers on each side of his main beams, giving the impression of a 53-inch inside spread. Among the 60 or so well above average yearlings that McNificent has sired, is one who appears to be a larger carbon copy of him. “Some bucks combine looks, pedigree and production,” McMillan explained. “But that is more the exception, than the rule. McNificent is one of the exceptions! Like my buck? Buy my Straws!”

“I can promise all of my customers this. You will be very happy with what you buy from M3 Whitetails, or we will bend over backwards to make it right,” McMillan said. He feels the support of his wife Robyn, along with his dedicated, loyal and appreciated employees, will ensure his farm remains viable for years to come.

Mark McMillan

979 -777-0951 (cell)

Email: mmcmillan@m3whitetails.com