SETTING UP YOUR DEER FARM

from NY Fall 2020

HELPFUL TIPS FOR DEER HARVESTING

ADVICE FOR OPTIMUM SUCCESS

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by KALA U pon venturing forth to build a deer farm, one crucial question needs to be answered first. “How many deer do you plan Next, consider an ideal place for a fawning facility should you include one on your farm. Ideally, it would be nestled amongst pens where expecting does would ultimately reside. Although on raising?” asks veteran deer farmer this may seem obvious “some people

Henry Woodard of Woodard Whitetails have no clue when they set out to in Glasgow, Kentucky. “Most people create deer pens,” said Mike Sulfridge tend to underestimate the amount of of Big Antler Ranch in Annville, deer they are going to end up with. Kentucky. Crucial to the success of a

Always plan for expansion.” deer farm is not only the location and size of deer pens, but their shape as

Having “benchmarks” or clear business well. Considering deer are prey animals, goals and a clear vision of where avoid making your pens too small or you’d like to be in five or ten years can square-shaped but rather make them make designing, building and utilizing long and narrow such as 100 x 300 your deer farm an easier endeavor. feet, Sulfridge said. “This gives them the

Although there are several factors to ability to run from perceived danger take into consideration, first analyze rather than the feeling of being in a the land where you plan to build your fishbowl that a square-shaped pen pens, Woodard advises. Avoid low spots gives them.” that don’t have excellent drainage.

Next, consider an optimum location Within each pen both food and water for a handling facility should you plan sources should be placed within close on having one, and place deer pens proximity of the human gate, for your and crowding alleys in convenient safety. Shade should also be provided proximity. However, don’t think of a either naturally with trees or by artificial handling facility as merely a place to do structures such as carports or lean-to

A.I. procedures. “Think of it as a place to sheds. Ideally, cover would be provided load or unload bucks without having to over food and water sources as well to dart them,” said Woodard, whose 200- make it more palatable for deer to eat acre deer paradise includes a breeding and drink, ensuring proper nutrition farm as well as a hunting preserve. and hydration year-round particularly in summer months. Quantity of deer inside each pen is an important factor as well. In general, allot for 3,000 square feet per deer or about 15-16 deer per acre (an acre measuring in at 43,560 square feet.) Next, take into consideration the type of fencing you wish to use in constructing each pen. Although chain link fence is more expensive compared to game fence, fawns are less likely to get stuck in chain link or escape through it, which can cause immeasurable stress for them and lactating does. Stress is perhaps responsible for claiming more cervid lives than anything else and although Woodard is content with the functionality of his farm begun in 2003, “if I had to do over I would build an observation deck over my deer pens,” he said. “It would give me and my customers a chance to see the deer without having to go into or next to the pens.” An observation deck would also allow Woodard to more easily spot a sick deer.

Spotting and treating sickness is paramount to your overall herd health, along with the awareness that deer tend to hide illnesses as an instinctual form of survival. Spending time in your pens provides you the opportunity to keep your pulse on the health of your charges, Woodard emphasizes. With health and low stress at the forefront of any decision making, stress is also greatly reduced in deer that do not undergo darting. With that in mind, should your farm also include a hunting preserve, design your pens such that bucks can be released directly into it, without first having to dart and transport them, Woodard said. “This obviously makes the transition much smoother and less risky.”

Because successful deer farming requires a considerable investment upfront, ensure you have adequate funds set aside as banks are not especially keen to provide loans for this type of endeavor, Sulfridge said. However, the State of Kentucky could be a viable resource for business loans and grants and doing research is highly recommended. Above all, do your homework and study all the information that is available out there, Woodard added. “Talk to successful breeders to learn their habits and secrets. And always be open to other ideas besides your own.”

Photo credit: Dan Verrips

ONCE IN THE CROSSHAIRS WE’LL TAKE IT FROM THERE

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