The Basics of Deer Farming

Deer farming is the raising of deer for meat and milk. It involves a fenced-in piece of land, suitable for grazing, and a pair of healthy male deer. There are several species of deer that are suitable for raising livestock. Here are some common types: one-horned, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. All of these are popular as livestock.

Challenges of deer farming

There are several challenges to deer farming, including the fact that the animal is part of the wildlife population. While some species of deer can be privately owned and managed, the vast majority of states and provinces regulate these species and require a license. Some areas do not allow private ownership of certain types of deer while others require a license to grow certain species. The most important thing for a deer farmer to remember is to keep the number of animals per acre to a minimum. This will reduce stress on the animals, and also help the pastures remain healthy.

The deer that are raised for meat or milk should be pastured and rotated every few weeks to two months. When the deer are in winter, they should be fed hay at a rate of 1.5 to 3% of their body weight. Avoid fattening the deer, as they will not breed well and may be unfit for meat production. You should also provide shelter from the elements, fresh water, and mineralized salt blocks. Ensure that you have a copper supplement. Many states have joint regulations for cervids.

A commercial breeding program

Another consideration for deer farmers is whether they’ll breed the animals themselves. Some don’t want to be part of a commercial breeding program. This is not recommended for many reasons: first, deer can be temperamental and aggressive. And second, you don’t want to have a male dominating your females. In nature, the dominant male will fight other bucks for dominance, but in a commercial setting, the situation is different.

If you decide to raise deer for meat, you need to comply with local laws. Some states do not allow the farming of certain deer, while others prohibit the killing of deer for meat. But you can still start a small operation. Moreover, there are plenty of resources and support services available in the industry. You can apply for a grant from a government agency. While deer farms are not legal in every state, they are generally allowed on some public lands.

Protection of the animals

Aside from the legal aspect of deer farming, you’ll also have to be careful to protect the animals. Make sure to check with the local agriculture department. The state will not allow any deer for sale without a permit, and some may even prohibit hunting. So, be careful not to violate the law. If you can’t control the deer, they will kill you. This is why the state departments of agriculture are often a great resource.

Some deer farmers let the does raise the fawns, while others bottle-raise the babies. This helps them become more comfortable around humans and is easier to treat medical problems. Inoculations and name recognition are other ways of promoting deer farming. Aside from the legal aspects of deer ownership, the state’s laws also determine the types of animals that can be raised. In most cases, the animals are not a threat.

Legal aspects of deer farming

In addition to the legal aspects of deer farming, there are other benefits of raising deer. Since deer are less expensive to raise than other types of livestock, deer farming is a great option for many people. While the animals can be a nuisance, the animals are largely harmless. In addition, they don’t need much space to grow. Unlike other livestock, deer are also not as destructive to pastures.

Conclusion

It is not always possible to raise deer commercially. Although many states have legal requirements, many farmers still raise them as livestock. In some states, commercial deer farming is legal. However, despite the legalities, it is not recommended to produce more than two hundred deer a year. Despite the legalities, this practice is profitable. It also creates jobs. It is also a great source of food. This is the reason why it is so popular in the United States.