Anderson Whitetails

JAKE ANDERSON • ANDERSON WHITETAILS

Written By: Mrs. Kathy Brooks

Chances are that you’ve never heard of Guston, KY. This small community of about 2300 people lies a few miles southwest of Brandenburg and is so obscure that you can drive through it and not even realize you’ve been there. It does have a post office, but that’s it. Not even a caution light!

However, Jake Anderson of Anderson

Whitetails is putting Guston on the map for deer farmers and those interested in becoming deer farmers. Anderson

Whitetails is quickly rising in the ranks as a great place to find good genetics if you’re looking for big bucks.

Jake, an HVAC technician by trade, started Anderson Whitetails in 2015 with only seven deer on one-acre of ground. This new venture transpired after his attention was drawn toward Whitetail deer when one of his customers went on a high-fence hunt . The hunter was eagerly describing the big bucks on the preserve and for the first time, Jake realized that growing those big bucks sounded very interesting and profitable. “I started doing research on deer farming and knew it was for me,” Jake says. In a very short time, he jumped in with both feet.

Anderson Whitetails now boasts about 80 deer on 10 acres, and that’s after he sold about 40 bucks and does last year! With well-known genetics from deer such as McNificent, Gunfighter, FedX, Texas Tea, and several other “famous” bucks spread throughout his herd, Anderson Farms boasts quite a resume of great genetics. In just seven short years, and after much research and lots of hard work, Jake has been blessed, both through live and AI breeding, to have fawns born on his farm that form a great line-up of promising bucks and productive does with superb genetics. “Quality over quantity” is Jake’s MO (modus operandi), and he strongly recommends this to others who may be interested in deer farming. “I would rather buy one really good animal versus two “ok” animals,” Jakes asserts. He also strongly believes in buying his deer from a farm(s) that have a good vaccination program and a healthy herd. “It’s definitely easier to keep the animals alive and thriving if they are healthy when you get them,” he stresses. “Do your homework,” Jake says. “Before you purchase a deer, look closely at its genetics and choose only those that will project you toward your goals.”

Jake is also convinced that providing a high-quality feed has helped his herd to consistently generate a beautiful frame, produce great antler growth, and sustain does that deliver and nurse lively fawns. He has developed a trusted “recipe” for his feed using the best ingredients available and mixes his own ration. He is firm in his belief that this special ration is vital to the success of his herd.

Keeping deer fawns flourishing is one of the biggest challenges that Jake sees to deer farming. The past seven years’ experience with his fawns has made him resolved that if you buy deer from a healthy herd and give priority to a stringent vaccination program, then the herd health should be vigorous and produce nice results. Anderson Whitetails has experienced a very low herd mortality rate, and Jake believes that he owes this success to his system of buying healthy and vaccinating as advised by his veterinarian.

Even though Jake is technically considered a new face in the deer industry with only seven years under his belt, he has already proven that it is possible to grow quickly into a successful deer farming operation if you follow some careful guidelines and work hard.

Don’t be surprised if one day you’re traveling down Hwy 60 in Meade County, Kentucky and see a big sign that says, “Welcome, to Guston, KY-home of the BIG BUCKS at Anderson Whitetails Deer Farm.” Jake’s fellow KALA members are glad to call him one of their own. We wish you all the best!