Introducing Exotics

[A Click]

I am looking for some help with introducing some exotics onto our ranch. We have had some exotics in the past including axis, blackbuck, and bred whitetail does. They all got eaten by something within a couple of years. The only animals that have survived are the aoudad and the native deer.

There are a couple of thigs that we are going to try to do different this time. First, we put a skirting down all the way around the perimeter fence To try to keep the coyotes from getting onto the property. Second we are going to hire a trapper to come in and remove any predators that are still on the property. Third, we are going to try to bring in animals that are not pen raised. It seems that the pen raised animals don't have the same survival instinct as the native population.

We would like to start bringing in some new animals in the spring of 2023. Any information or help that y'all can provide would be greatly appreciated. It is a fairly big investment and we definitely want it to go better this time around.

[buck_wild]

I think you are on the right path. I was involved in a ranch once that fenced off 300 acres and added pen raised blackbuck and aoudad. All the BB were killed by coyotes within 3 weeks. The aoudad made it. We also found out there was a coyote den INSIDE the fenced area

[Texas452]

You have a good plan.
Maybe laying the new wire flat on the ground and anchor it down might keep coyotes from digging underneath.
I hog fenced hay meadows and the coyotes just dig under.

[ballgame]

I'd kill all the aoudad on the place if you care about feed loss and the condition of your feeders. At some point they get big enough that they break everything you have.

[A Click]

Thanks. We are laying the new skirting flat on the ground and tying it to the bottom of the existing fence. We are also trying to thin the aoudad herd by about half. This should help with the feed bill.

Where would you recommend getting the new animals from? I would prefer animals that are trapped off of a large property or pasture vs animals that are raised in 1-3 acre pens.

[ar3731guy]

another thing to consider is put water troughs around the perimeter. the new animals will walk and walk and walk the fence line. if they have water, it will help them until they get off the fence and explore the interior of the pasture.
i would have that trapper come twice after getting the predator fence down and every year after that. coyotes will find a way in and its a low cost item compared to the cost of the animals.

[HTOWN]

Thanks. We are laying the new skirting flat on the ground and tying it to the bottom of the existing fence. We are also trying to thin the aoudad herd by about half. This should help with the feed bill.

Where would you recommend getting the new animals from? I would prefer animals that are trapped off of a large property or pasture vs animals that are raised in 1-3 acre pens.

Wildlife buyer is a good place to look.

[bloodtrailer28]

Thanks. We are laying the new skirting flat on the ground and tying it to the bottom of the existing fence. We are also trying to thin the aoudad herd by about half. This should help with the feed bill.

Where would you recommend getting the new animals from? I would prefer animals that are trapped off of a large property or pasture vs animals that are raised in 1-3 acre pens.

Find you a good trapper and buy straight from him. What we did on most of ours and they did pretty dang good. We lost some to coyotes but the majority made it without a problem. Predator wire will definitely help but staying on top of trapping/snares is the most important thing.

[TreeCrab]

Axis

I trap Axis around Boerne area, feel free to shoot me a text when y’all are ready. 210-two six nine - 9258
Sean

[A Click]

another thing to consider is put water troughs around the perimeter. the new animals will walk and walk and walk the fence line. if they have water, it will help them until they get off the fence and explore the interior of the pasture.
i would have that trapper come twice after getting the predator fence down and every year after that. coyotes will find a way in and its a low cost item compared to the cost of the animals.

Those are both good ideas. Thanks.

[AntlerCollector]

How many acres are you talking about?

[A Click]

It is 300 acres with 2 box canyons that are darn near impenetrable.

[Slew]

Learn to set snares on the perimeter fence!

[A Click]

I trap Axis around Boerne area, feel free to shoot me a text when y’all are ready. 210-two six nine - 9258
Sean

Will do. Thanks.

[AntlerCollector]

Sounds like you have a good plan. Just be prepared to ride fences and look for signs of digging under. I’d set snares where I see a breech in the fence. You will probably catch the predator then fix the hole.

A good thermal scope and predator call will make sure you don’t get any sneaking around at night.