question for those who have released deer into their HF ranch

[SwampRabbit]

Honestly we have an extremely low number of native deer that live on our ranch. They all come from the bordering ranches to feed and then go right back. We would turn all feeders off ahead of time and then whatever deer we trap we would hunt during hunting season. I really think we would trap less than 10 deer.

Okay, I get it now. I was confused when you said "trap" the first time... you meant trapped inside your HF. Not deer you will trap (helicopters, nets, etc.) So in reality, you might never really get all the deer. 800 acres is a big place to hide in for a deer or two. I am not familiar with your cover, but I assume you have some for the deer you are bringing in... so it exists, for them to hide.

A follow-up question. If the deer don't stay on your place typically, that must mean there is a reason. What are you doing to improve the ranch to make the new herd more comfortable with the ranch?

[JDL]

Theres a lot of people over thinking the question

It would be nice if you could TTT wild trophy mature bucks and turn them loose on your place. But if your going to buy "stocker bucks" I would probably go with younger deer in the 2-3 year old range. I would then get 1 or 2 mature bucks that score over 170" and bring them out. If you cant TTT wild bucks, you should bring in some wild does from one of the premier ranches. They will help turn your "stocker bucks" into more wilder deer. I would also make sure to buy bucks that have the look your going for. ex big typicals, real wide, big brows, big drop, etc.

Also if your place has any county road frontage you probably want to drive around a lot and let people see your truck. Those released bucks can be easy for poachers to shoot when they are first brought out to a new place



And that is one of the most disgusting things I've heard in awhile, should be ashamed of yourself

Thanks for your input. We are definatly looking into theTTT deer

[txtrophy85]

I am a fan of the TTT program.

bringing in pen raised does is okay, in my experience the pen raised bucks are an iffy proposition if there are wild bucks in the ranch.


if you are able to get rid of the majority of native deer, I would restock with the best pen raised genetics OR.....TTT deer off a ranch that did the same thing years prior.

I would Try the TTT route if I could get them from a ranch that was stocked with pen raised genetics