Whitetail breeders

[Sharpe Eye]

Looking to improve genetics on our mld3 property. We purchased from 2002-2004 probably 25 pedigreed deer from two different breeders. Bucks and does pedigreed 190"- 205" top and bottom. After feeding protein for 9 mo. Per year for the last 7 years and with about 20+- acres of winter summer food plots, we are just not satisfied with our overall buck herd. Our 5 and 6 yr olds are 145"-155" on average, with a few exceptions. After seeing these results my stepfather is thinking about purchasing deer again this yr and thinking about using different breeders. Our neighbor has a breeding facility with a few 190ish sire bucks, and we are doing some speculating on a few bred 2 yr old doe but feel he may be a little high on price. So, in closing, if you know of, or you yourself are, reputable breeders let us know. Management input always welcome too. Thanks.

David Sharpe

[Smart]

in to watch.....

[johnsonzl]

Contact Rick Harp at Arrowhead Creek Ranch. 830-385-2541

[Codie]

Looking to improve genetics on our mld3 property. We purchased from 2002-2004 probably 25 pedigreed deer from two different breeders. Bucks and does pedigreed 190"- 205" top and bottom. After feeding protein for 9 mo. Per year for the last 7 years and with about 20+- acres of winter summer food plots, we are just not satisfied with our overall buck herd. Our 5 and 6 yr olds are 145"-155" on average, with a few exceptions. After seeing these results my stepfather is thinking about purchasing deer again this yr and thinking about using different breeders. Our neighbor has a breeding facility with a few 190ish sire bucks, and we are doing some speculating on a few bred 2 yr old doe but feel he may be a little high on price. So, in closing, if you know of, or you yourself are, reputable breeders let us know. Management input always welcome too. Thanks.

David Sharpe

Just thinking out loud here, but I would say that there is a VERY good chance that just because your genetics are 190" deer that lived in pens their whole life (i.e. ate nothing but protien and didn't have predators (stress)), the chances of them maximizing their potential and being 190" bucks in the pasture (where protien is only a portion of their diet and there is stress) would be faily low. I am no pro, so don't take this for anything more than it is, my thoughts.

[Txnrog]

So, the deer didn't turn out to the size stated in their 'pedigree'? The management side of it is where I might be looking - what's your biologist say about your range conditions and carrying capacity v. where you are now? What part of the state are you in? Several studies have been made that show released genetics will degrade closer to the local population if there is not a significant change in range conditions.

BTW, 7 years for a deer program - you're still pretty young in the program. What is the size of an average deer native to the area? And what % of your total population was represented by those 25 deer you added?

[oneforthewall]

Jet Smith
Kerrville, TX
830-792-4694

[Nova]

How many native deer are left inside the fence. Those genetics only fair at best ( no offence intended) water down quickly when diffused with native populations.

[Tye]

Might try Sierra Mesa Ranch. They are located near Hico. I have been on the ranch as a guide once before and he has a very nice facility and has some great deer.

http://www.texashuntfish.com/app/view/YellowPageListing/1473/Sierra-Mesa-Ranch

[bowtechman]

try this:
Chuck Frazier
254-747-1037
coolidge,tx
he has some spectacular animals on his breeding program. he has had a brother or something like that to heart attack, and alot of other big names in the industry. he is a stand up guy and knows his deer breeding like the back of his hand. tell him joey perez gave you the contact info.

[Farmdog]

ths stress on the one year old bucks I purchased last year was was so severe they almost died, huge adjustment leaving the small pen for the big one IMO. I agree with Codie's thoughts too, but I am no expert...its agressive and extreme but thats why some of these guys just wipe out deer herds completely to start over. Good Luck

[canny]

I'm sure you already know this but I'm going to throw it out there anyway. Does have alot more to do with the production of big bucks than alot of people think. If it were me I would purchase more doe fawns from desired lines, I would then see if the seller would hold these fawns till they reach estrus then have them AI'd. At this point is when I would release them onto my property.

Have you considered building a some pens where you could bring in some bred fawns and then raise the male offspring till they are 2.5 yrs old and then turn them out to breed with the population?

[JeffJ]

ths stress on the one year old bucks I purchased last year was was so severe they almost died, huge adjustment leaving the small pen for the big one IMO. I agree with Codie's thoughts too, but I am no expert...its agressive and extreme but thats why some of these guys just wipe out deer herds completely to start over. Good Luck

Yep, that happened to us too except we lost a few. I have a couple of horror stories. Most bio's these days are recomending a soft release into a 5-10 acre pen and then the big release during a very lower stress time.

[Atfulldraw]

I don't think I'd do the same thing

again.



Wipe the slate clean or cross fence the ranch.

[Tick]

7 Years is short for a ranch starting from 0.

[Bigdeer33]

David, I am a Whitetail Breeder feel free to give me a call and we can talk about what you are wanting to do, and your goals with yalls ranch. I have serveral whitetail packages i will be selling, mostly Breed Does & Shooter bucks. give me a call 254.717.5797 Bryce Beatty