Starting a Game Ranch

[KUJays]

I have a few buddies who are throwing around ideas of starting a game ranch. It got me thinking about what all is involved and needs to be addressed when doing so. Don't know a better place to find out than here. Any advice to pass on?

[Videographer]

How big is the game ranch will determine what ideas you need to be looking at.

But go ahead and prepare on needing a vetrinarian and being familiar with laws on transporting/tagging your new "livestock".

I just got off the phone with a fella who lost $4500 on a Gemsbok as he found it dead this morning. So depending on what you guys have as "game" you're definately going to want to know your livestock in and out, and network with other ranchers who already have the livestock you are wanting to raise as well.

[cosmiccowboy]

Don't do it thinking you are going to make money. Return on investment is lower than an interest bearing checking account if you break even at all.

[bigrack]

fence it, helicopter count it, get a biologist for help on how many you animals you have or can run, they are well educated and know, at least most do, feed and water the animals.

[Dr. D]

Better have some DEEP pockets.

[Cameron]

First you are going to need someone (i.e. Like Myself) to come out and control the population that is already present on the land. Then work from there to rebuild as you would like.

[MountainMan]

First you are going to need someone (i.e. Like Myself) to come out and control the population that is already present on the land. Then work from there to rebuild as you would like.

I'd be willing to donate my time to help with that cause.

[Horitexan]

Prepare to dump all your time and money into it, and THEN some! Expect a lot of stress and heartache and little, if any, reward for quite a while. If you do it right and focus on the LONG term you will eventually have a great place. I see a lot of people expect short term results and most are sorely disappointed.

Is the property high fenced already? Last I heard, high fence was running between $8000 and $10,000 a mile.

I wish you the best of luck with your ranch!

[venado]

The first question to resolve is , Why are these guys interested in this? (BTW, game fence is much higher than that now.)

[Bluesman]

Chambers is for sale I think. A good one for sure.
1,100 acres for only $3 mil. (might want to call)
You could buy an existing business with a good rep.

[faycotrophyhunter]

last i heard of the fencing price was $15,000 a mile

[IDAHO_BOWMEN]

Game fence is running about 5 buck a foot.Do not expect to just have it take off and be making money, that wont happen.

[cosmiccowboy]

Don't fantasize that you can put a business plan together and go borrow money to do it. If they don't already own the land virtually free and clear they better have cash and lots of it.

[Encinal]

My suggestion would be to call the guy building the fence and ask him for a job.

That would make you more money in the long run.

[KUJays]

I havent been completely dragged into their idea yet(although they are trying), but think they are just wanting to have something they enjoy doing. Just kind of a going into business together type thing. Not really expecting to make alot of money or make money quick. Haven't seen the place but they say it is already high fenced and contains whitetail from previous owner, but no exotics. How long is a realistic expectation to the point where you can bring in enough to pay ranches bills and put some back into it?