Breeding - Q&A
The deer breeding industry is growing rapidly in Texas and across the country, so many landowners and ranchers have questions about deer breeding and starting a deer breeding operation. Here are answers to some common questions. Q: Why should I raise deer?
Whitetail and mule deer are among the most coveted game animals in Texas and, indeed, in all of North America. As long as our hunting heritage remains a part of our culture, there will be a demand for trophy deer. That demand also makes for good business sense. The deer breeding industry generated more than $650 million toward the Texas economy last year and produced proportionate gains across the country. Deer breeding — or ‘deer farming’ as it’s known in some areas — can be a lucrative and thriving business or simply a labor of love for those who enjoy deer. Q: Do I need a license to breed deer?
Answer: There are several permits required to breed and raise deer in the State of Texas. Some helpful and informative links through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) include Deer Breeder Program, Deer Management Permits, and Trap, Transport & Transplant Permit Program. For more information, call Texas Deer Association at 210.767.8300 or visit our General Information page. Q: What is involved in starting a deer breeding operation?
Answer: The start-up cost of breeding deer can really vary depending on your goals and your level of commitment. Some ranches invest millions of dollars in their operations, while others start with only a few thousand. Some are full-time operations and others are part-time avocations. Many things will have to be associated with initial start up cost such as fencing for pens, feed, medicine, water availability, permits, feeders, and of course the deer themselves. Q: Is it better to begin with fawns or adult deer?
Answer: There are different sides to each. Buying does or bred does will increase your numbers faster because they have a greater chance of being bred and conceiving the next breeding season, and bred does will bring a fawn with them. Fawns can be bought and bottle fed until weaning which could make them calmer and easier to handle, but will have a lower rate of conceiving as yearlings the following year. Q: Should fawns be bottle-fed?
Answer: Bottle-fed deer are easier to handle, medicate and artificially breed. Overall, their acclimation to humans often has a calming effect on the entire herd, and potential clients are always impressed to see a young buck eat out of your hands. However, it should be noted that bottle-fed deer, especially the bucks can be just as dangerous as any wild deer. There are also other things to consider if thinking about bottle feeding such as the required time and supplies. Q: Who buys deer?
Answer: Most raised deer are sold to other breeders who are bringing in new stock or who are just getting started. Hunting operations and ranches looking to improve upon their ranch genetics are also frequent buyers. There will always be a large demand for high-quality deer within the hunting industry. Q: How do I advertise and sell deer?
Answer: Marketing is the key to success, and the Texas Deer Association provides deer breeders with great opportunities to promote their operation and sell their deer. Every other month, the TDA publishes Tracks Magazine, our popular publication filled with informative articles on deer breeding and ads showcasing breeder operations around the state. The TDA also provides exhibit opportunities at the annual TDA Conference & Trade Show held every August and sponsors several live deer auctions during the year. Also, the Total Membership Marketing package is available to TDA members. This is a paid service to submit a pamphlet or ad that TDA will take to both TDA sponsored and other events where the TDA booth will be setup (click here to email Cesar). Q: Are there “how to” books for raising deer?
Answer: Currently, there are no known books which provide comprehensive instructions and ‘how-to’ advice in the deer breeding industry. Networking with other deer breeders and attending educational seminars are still the best ways to gather information. The Texas Deer Association is the state’s only non-profit organization solely dedicated to improving the quality of deer, and our membership includes more deer breeders than any other state-based deer organization in the country. As a result, the TDA holds educational seminars and conferences throughout the year on deer- and deer-breeding topics and offers priceless camaraderie among other deer breeders. It’s a great way to get started. For more information on joining the Texas Deer Association, visit our Membership page. Q: Do I need a special vehicle to transport deer?
Answer: Efficient and humane transportation of deer requires thoughtful preparation and careful handling. Deer can be safely transported in almost any type of conveyance built for larger livestock, but a few details can greatly improve handling and reduce injuries. For example, walls should be smooth and free of any sharp protrusions and floors should provide adequate footing, padding and absorption. Hay or woodchips work well for padding. In addition, vehicle compartments should be kept dark to keep the deer calm and always be well ventilated. Air intakes should be positioned to avoid exhaust fumes and direct drafts at eye level, particularly in warm weather. Q: Before breeding deer, should I visit other deer breeding operations?
Answer: If you are considering deer breeding, then visiting an active deer breeding operation is an absolute must. Most deer breeders welcome the chance to show off their hard work and their success, plus there is no substitute for seeing a breeding operation firsthand. Q: What’s the best way to stay up-to-date with the deer breeding industry?
Answer: Join the Texas Deer Association. In order to be a successful deer breeder, it is important to stay in tune with the industry by networking with breeding experts and receiving the latest industry news. The TDA holds dozens of educational seminars, banquets and conferences during the year and provides a perfect way to stay in touch with the latest news. For more information on joining the Texas Deer Association
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