Pen To Pasture: Releasing Pen-Raised Deer Into The Wild
By Judy Bishop Jurek
SCENARIO 1
Entering the gate of a high fenced ranch, a pickup pulls a fully enclosed cargo trailer. The driver, Buck Trophy, proceeds about a quarter mile until he spots a group of vehicles with people gathered all around. After handshakes, introductions, proper completion of paperwork with some casual conversation, the ranch owner Mr. Jones announced loudly, “Let’s do it!”
The trailer was opened, revealing six startled whitetail deer. A blur of tan streaked by the onlookers to disappear into sparse cover. In only an instant the trailer emptied. There was much excitement as the crowd cheered, clapped and whistled with joy as deer rush past them.
“Well, Mr. Jones, there are you! You’ve just gotten yourself a shipment of genetically superior bred does. And those young bucks in the group have impressive pedigrees, too. You’re on your way to having some outstanding antlers one day!” Trophy tipped his hat as he drove away, “Good luck. Let us know if you need more. We’re always happy to help.”
Less than two weeks later, an angry and frustrated Jones yelled into the phone at Buck Trophy about dead deer. “I’ve found whole deer, pieces and parts of whitetails, tags unattached to anything and only two game cam photos of any of the deer I bought from you! And those pictures were of the same one!”
Continuing his tirade, Jones ranted on, “What did you do to those deer before you dropped them off at my place? Did you handle them badly or haul them wrong? Not feed them properly or what? What kind of guarantee do I have? I cannot believe I paid you all that money for deer that died! Now what do I do?!?”
When Buck Trophy tried to ask questions about food and water as well as to explain a few things, Jones hung up on him. “An unhappy customer,” Trophy thought to himself as he shook his head, “Some of these folks just don’t understand. Think you just buy ‘em, turn ‘em out and you’ll have giant antlers tomorrow. It’s not that easy!”
SCENARIO 2
After much time, effort and careful planning, Buck Trophy arrived at the Smith Ranch with a trailer of deer. Buck shook hands with Mr. Smith, his ranch foreman and a wildlife biologist. They went over the deer shipment, completed the proper paperwork and discussed the unloading process. All was tranquil.
The foreman directed Trophy to the high fenced area where the deer were to be unloaded. Only a few yards from where he parked there was a canopy of tall trees with thick cover.
Slowly the gate opened; whitetails quickly slipped into dense brush. The truck exited immediately as the process was completed swiftly and quietly.
Over the next few days the new deer were allowed to settle down. After three weeks the animals are allowed to enter a much larger pasture at their leisure. Temporary feeders and watering stations had been strategically placed so the deer could easily find their familiar nourishment as they discovered new territory.
The interim supplies were later removed. The Smith Ranch had created multiple permanent water sources in the form of troughs, stock tanks and even a man-made stream. Select protein feeders, supplement food plots and natural browse further ensured the new deer had adequate food sources as they grew accustomed to the terrain and other wildlife on the ranch.
Game camera photos revealed the new whitetails frequenting all areas. Circling buzzards alerted the Smith foreman of a problem a few weeks later. He discovered a dead deer; it was a new one. Too late for a necropsy, there appeared to be no obvious cause of death. However, the foreman knew these things just happened, sometimes with no explanation.
The remaining deer survived to fawn and develop antlers. New whitetails were soon growing up on the Smith Ranch. Preparations for another deer delivery began. The transition for the latest arrivals would be repeated exactly the same as the previous shipment. Why mess with success?
Pen to Pasture Deer Release MEthods
Like so many things in life, there’s always a wrong way and a right way to do things. Following the right course, there’s a better avenue of doing something correctly. The very best route maybe the most expensive or time consuming, or both. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve and the desired end results.
The above statements most certainly apply to breeding and raising whitetails, mule deer and even exotics. It stands to reason this philosophy would also pertain to releasing pen raised animals into the wild. Again, with many of life’s endeavors, there is controversy on each side of high and low fences alike – to release or not release as some people say it doesn’t work while others proclaim it can be done successfully.
This article is being written to simply state the experiences and opinions of a variety of wildlife enthusiasts, to show strong points as well as some weaknesses. From this writer’s lifetime cattle ranching experience, there are many similarities between bovines and deer, even humans, just one of which is putting new creatures in a strange environment.
Animals in foreign surroundings are naturally confused and disoriented. Remember your first day of school, first day in the military, first day at a new job? It’s not so bad if there’s a familiar face alongside you but more stressful if there’s nothing but strangers all around. Where’s the water fountain, the nearest place to eat, take a break; how do you get from one place to another? You get the picture.
Due to a new environment, just like people and cattle, some deer will succeed while others will not. Deer don’t always survive, don’t always breed right back and antler growth may decline. On the other hand, they may thrive to produce healthier fawns and increase the bone mass of headgear. Read on to see what some experienced folks have to say about it all.
“Water, water, water! The single most important factor in releasing deer is WATER! If you could transport deer by boat out into the middle of a big pond or lake and drop them overboard, that would be the way to do it.” This was followed by a hearty laugh from Marty Berry.
The owner of Berry Whitetails called within minutes of receiving my e-mail query about this article. “I’m highly opinionated,” Berry said boldly, “I’m a deer breeder with years of experience raising deer, releasing them and teaching others how to do it. I’ve had great success releasing deer for many years that others will attest to.”
Berry stated matter-of-factly that hydration is the biggest concern. “Deer get stressed and they sweat! They need to be re-hydrated before release; they only have so much time to stay alive without water,” said Berry, adding, “I prefer to release in the dark as deer will cool down faster. If you can put them in a temporary trap for a while with plenty of water, then open the gate, you’ll have better success.”
As a rule of thumb, Berry says South Texas deer released in South Texas do great. Deer with northern blood influences don’t do so good (in Texas) due to possible drastic changes in the atmosphere, feed, climate and range conditions. Predation is a worry although some areas have much higher risks than others.
“If done correctly, you should not lose any more deer for the age class released than those that live in that area and die from natural mortality,” said Berry. “And by natural mortality, I mean weather conditions, fighting, old age, etc. Releasing pen raised deer has been done, is being done right now and will continue to be done with success.”
“Maybe it’s not rocket science,” said Gene Riser of Riser Whitetails outside George West, “But if this is a new activity that you propose to try, it takes some new ways of thinking about deer.” This remark comes from a well-known, highly respected deer breeder and one of the founding fathers of the Texas Deer Association.
“The existing world for deer you move has been turned upside down; they’ve been taken into a new world. Chances are, they have never seen, much less tried to eat, the plants in their new home.” Riser said while supplemental food will help, the water and even the smells in the air will be different.
“Deer are a lot like cattle in that they will walk the fence of a new pasture. Feed and water needs to be placed where those animals traveling fences will find them.” Riser reminded that coyotes can be a problem for deer not conditioned to them. As new deer may be walking fence lines trying to gain their bearings, hungry song dogs will be doing the same. “A coyote can run a deer in a fence or corner and kill it right there,” stated Riser, “You need to have performed some predator control before releasing deer.”
“Preparing a pasture is very important. Take out does or bucks, depending on what you’re going to release.” Riser says deer are very social but that doesn’t mean they are friendly and will welcome new deer into the neighborhood. “Every one needs a place to sleep. A soft release is most important if it’s at all possible.”
The term soft release was used often while researching this article. It commonly means using a temporary trap or pasture larger than previously used yet smaller than the deer’s eventual residence. Building a trap of ten acres or less in the midst of the larger pasture that will be their final home is best as it will be full of the same brush.
Many believe you should acclimate the deer in a soft release pasture for a minimum of two weeks. This allows time for the animals to get oriented, to get their built-in GPS coordinates in their heads tuned in. When the gates are opened, let the deer come and go as they please. Nature will take over from there.
Another believer in using the soft release method is Lee Wheeler. “It depends on the acreage size. For releasing on big acreage, deer need to know where food and water are and a soft release helps,” said the owner of the San Cajo Ranch at George West. He’s a long time friend and neighbor to Gene Riser.
“I treat deer like my cattle, like livestock,” Wheeler said, one of the pioneer breeders of the deer industry with many years experience under his belt. “They can be alive one day and dead the next. I really don’t do a whole lot of special things for them.” His does usually go into a small enclosed pasture to acclimate before being turned out to roam the entire ranch.
“Bucks do better when released in the spring rather than the fall but it also depends on their age.” Wheeler added, “Releasing bucks after they’ve shed antlers lets them get their pecking order down before the next season and the rut. It doesn’t seem to make much difference on the time of year for releasing doe.”
Warren Bluntzer has been involved with wildlife for over 30 years, in part from his own Wildlife Consulting Services, Inc. As a wildlife biologist, he’s been releasing deer for a multitude of clients with very good success. “It’s easy to release deer,” said Bluntzer, “The real challenge is the preparation prior to opening the gate. Don’t take for granted that everyone knows what it takes to make this endeavor successful.”
“Proper planning and preparation beforehand is of the utmost significance to help ensure survival of every animal. However,” Bluntzer warned, “Not every deer will live. It’s as simple as that. Sometimes it has nothing to do with anything other than Mother Nature if you’ve done the best you can. Depending on the time of release, there are differences in releasing bucks versus does.”
“Anytime you’re involved in the hunting industry, ethics play a vital role whether it’s raising or releasing deer.” Bluntzer stated, “Some people release deer for profit in regards to hunting operations, others do so to enhance their genetics and a few simply want to let penned deer revert back to their natural habitat to enjoy their final years in the wild.”
Bluntzer stressed the importance of obtaining the proper permits from every participant before moving and/or releasing whitetails. “The consequences of violating game laws, regulations and rules are not pretty. All parties involved need proper permitting and documentation.”
David Hayward, current TDA President, has been releasing whitetails for a number of years. On the Redmon Ranch near Columbus, the pen raised deer adapt quickly to the natural habitat of their surroundings. He believes bucks have better, increased antler growth in the pasture due to less stress and because food plots supply more nutrition than hay bales or silage.
“If the natural forage is plentiful, there is much less stress on an animal and it will thrive,” Hayward stated quite simply. “We have a feeder for every 50-75 acres with plentiful water sources of various types. A new deer won’t wander around for a day or two trying to find food or water.
“We’ve released bucks shortly after the velvet is shed. Within the ten day rule, antlers are cut off. However, this can be stressful as bucks cross other bucks’ territory.” Hayward said, “In March, or shortly after that, it is less traumatic for all deer as it’s easier to join into doe circles and newly formed bachelor groups. Deer are very social.”
In his experience, Hayward says, “When turning out younger deer together they tend to stay together, at least initially. Deer released in the fall or during breeding season move all over the ranch, trying to find their own area.”
Hayward stated a release should be based on the reason for results. If wanting to hunt, bucks should be turned out before the season. To improve genetics, a spring release would allow both bucks and does to be better prepared physically to acclimate and establish their territory before the breeding season comes back around.
“Survival rates are directly related to stress and should be considered by anyone releasing whitetails.” Hayward said, “Someone buying deer should be encouraged to use the same feed the deer were used to so they can smell it and go straight to it. Deer go down when not accustomed to a new feed.”
“My biggest concern is that people considering releasing pen raised deer should do their homework, perform research before opening the gate.” Hayward emphasized, “Talk to people with experience, get advice and follow it!”
Chase Clark owns Artemis Outdoors located at Three Rivers, Texas. Clark has been a private wildlife business consultant for almost a dozen years with clients in the Lone Star state and beyond. Many of his clients seek to improve their deer populations and be good herdsmen through the use of controlled releases, habitat enhancement and selective harvesting.
Working with both high and low fence properties ranging from little to very intense management techniques, Clark estimates his clients have released over 1,000 deer.
“Releasing pen raised deer is an art,” said Clark, “It’s a matter of involvement, way more than a simple Good Luck wish when you open the gate. The biggest key is selecting the right conditions and time of year for long term stocking success with the best survivability.”
Clark recommends using a soft release pasture that allows deer to be put into a transitional environment with a mixed diet. “It’s fantastic if a person is able to do so. Some ranches simply aren’t set up for it,” Clark said. “Having the right habitat and environment lessens stress on the animals enabling the deer to adapt more quickly.”
“My preference is releasing deer in the spring versus summer or fall. My reasoning is that spring is a peaceful time, both socially and nutritionally.” Clark added that spring brings on natural vegetation regardless of where you are; there are more available food sources with lower fiber content and higher digestibility.
“To me, turning bucks out before breeding season can be like turning sheep out to wolves although sometimes it’s a necessity.” Clark concluded, “I just prefer spring releases. There’s not as much competition for resources and no breeding season stress. Deer released in the spring have time to acclimate into a less hostile atmosphere.”
Sheldon Grothaus owns Texas Whitetail Breeders and raises both whitetails and mule deer. He’s had great success releasing an average of 300 deer per year over the last decade. The majority of his business involves selling and releasing deer. Grothaus says he’s had very good survival rates with both bucks and does.
“It depends on the situation as to how you go about it,” said Grothaus. “On my personal ranch, we open the trap gate and let them mingle their way out. However, when I sell deer, I recommend a somewhat soft release into a 2-5 acre trap. Leave the animals there at least a week to calm down and rest up before turning out.”
“It’s an old wives’ tale about unloading them by a pond and they’ll know where water is.” Grothaus said preparation is most important, “What you’ll find is sometimes the deer will walk fences. Putting temporary water in corners can make a big difference.”
“None of my deer are bottle raised nor do I buy Northern genetics to breed that particular influence into my herd. In my opinion, deer that are too tame or have northern blood don’t do as well in the brush,” Grothaus stated. “That’s just my opinion and what works for me.”
“The time of release is influenced by your plans for the animals. It depends on what you’re buying,” he said, “If does are open, I recommend releasing them in October but prefer bred does to be let loose in March. Stocker bucks should be turned out in September before shedding their velvet.”
Daniel Senter is a wildlife biologist employed by Mike Jensen’s Rhode Ranch. “I really believe using a soft release pasture is the only way to go about releasing deer,” said Senter. Ideally, something similar in size to a DMP pen works well. We leave them in for a month or so and then just leave the gate open.”
“If you take deer out of a pen and drop them into the unknown, it stresses them out. They may not find food and water.” Speaking from experience, Senter stated, “It’s possible in the first year to have a 40%-50% loss when deer are simply turned out.”
“We learned the hard way but changed our methods. It’s tough sometimes.” Senter says to his knowledge they haven’t lost a single released deer to any stress related situation in two years since implementing the soft release method. He likes turning bucks out in early August so they can rub out their antlers in the brush while adapting to their environment.
A bit different approach comes from the owner of Montgomery Ranch Properties at Azle, northwest of Fort Worth. “My primary reason for breeding deer is for genetics, for improving the quality of the deer on my ranch although I do sell some. My underlying principle is my desire for deer to remain wild,” said Don Montgomery, a deer breeder for 20 years.
“I want deer to stay wild, not be made pets. We’ve had to bottle raise a few here and there, but prefer not to. Our deer aren’t so wild they hit the fence but they aren’t gathered round begging for treats either.” Montgomery stated it’s important deer have flight-from-predator intuition to help their survival. “When I turn deer out, they’re deer again. It’s amazing to see pen raised deer revert back to their natural instincts.”
“My advice to anyone thinking about releasing pen raised deer is that it depends on the purpose,” said Montgomery. “It’s less stressful on bucks to be turned out while still in velvet versus hard antler. Doing a soft release is good but may not be necessary in all cases and depends on the ages of deer being released.”
Dr, James Kroll is one of the three founding fathers of the Texas Deer Association and is well-known for his extensive knowledge of all things whitetail. He recalled a vital lesson he learned as a child that also provides a quite interesting theory in relationship to releasing pen raised deer.
“When I was a kid I read a book about hamsters and decided I really wanted some,” Kroll said. “My dad said I had to earn my own money. They cost $1.50 each. Well, I worked hard and saved until I had three dollars. After paying for a pair, the lady at the pet store then asked how much I wanted to spend on a cage.”
Kroll said he was disheartened as he had no money for a cage; he hadn’t thought about the need for one. The lady was nice enough to loan one temporarily. At home, Kroll took an apple box, lined it with hardware cloth, put his hamster pair in it and fell asleep watching them, so thrilled by his new possessions.
To his surprise, the next morning there was a hole in the box. His prized hamsters were gone. The moral of his story holds a message he’s never forgotten: “Don’t get the hamsters before the cage!” Even with the drought this past year, and in some places two years, Kroll has achieved almost 100% survival of releasing pen raised deer due to “building the cage ahead of time.”
Kroll maintains that with proper preparation, work and knowledge ahead of time there is no reason releasing pen raised deer will be less than successful. “Think of it in comparison to taking a city dude and suddenly dropping him out in the country,” laughed
Kroll, adding, “If you prepare the urbanite for the country and the habitat for its new resident then all will be fine.”
The motto of this writer has always been: When in doubt, read the directions! In this case, the directions are to simply ask questions and/or request help from those with experience. There are many deer breeders, buyers and sellers before you who have learned the hard way and are more than willing to assist you from repeating the mistakes they have made.
The Texas Deer Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife personnel, independent biologists and numerous other knowledgeable people are out there waiting to assist you. Use them to help yourself. Good luck and prosperous deer management to you!
Pen-To Pasture Seminar & Region 8 Meeting Q&A
In conjunction with the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Texas Deer Association held many events. On February 12th an early morning meeting of TDA’s Region 8 was followed by a seminar regarding the release of pen raised deer.
Dr. Charles DeYoung, Professor Emeritus and Research Scientist at the Caesar Kleberg Institute at Texas A&M University - Kingsville, was the speaker. Dr. DeYoung has been researching South Texas whitetails for over 30 years. Warren Bluntzer served as moderator for the audience participation.
Texas Parks and Wildlife White-tailed Deer Program Leader Mitch Lockwood attended. “I was impressed with the program,” said Lockwood. “The bottom line is that it’s in the best interest of all players to do what’s best for the resource. It’s quite evident those participating in the meeting were keenly interested in doing just that.”
Lockwood stated the program speaks very well of both the organizers and participants. He’s enjoyed working with TDA’s Breeder User Group as well as the White-Tailed Deer Advisory Committee, believing relationships have strengthened over the years between TPWD and TDA.
“Tremendous progress has been made in the deer breeder permitting program, making it more efficient for all.” Lockwood said, “I’m very pleased with the improvements of the online deer breeder system (to be released spring 2010). A whole new online deer breeder application is to be available in TWIMS in 2-3 years. TDA has been instrumental in making these improvements.”
As part of Region 8’s order of business that day, there was a panel of questions professionally orchestrated by Fred Edgerton. TDA members participating with questions included Buddy Jordan, Dennis Kotzur, Tyler Campbell, Mike Reavis, and veterinarian Dr. Dan McBride. Also in attendance was Ray Favero, PhD, who specializes in whitetail reproduction.
Their questions and answers will be presented in a later issue of TRACKS. Please watch for it.
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