Read About Deer Breeding

Deer Breeding can be an interesting hobby, or a very profitable business. Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Deer Breeding - Breeder Facts

  1. Professional Affiliations:

    The North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA) and the North American Elk Breeders Association (NAEBA) are the largest organizations in the United States that are dedicated to promoting breeding, handling and deer farm management. Many states and Canadian provinces also have regional associations.
  2. Why Use a Breeder:

    Deer breeders are dedicated to breeding healthy and disease-resistant deer for hunting or for human consumption.
  3. How to Find:

    You can find deer breeders by contacting NADeFA or NAEBA, by contacting the state or regional association, or by searching on the Internet.
  4. What to Expect:

    Most serious deer farmers will take you through a process to determine the extent of your knowledge of deer farming, and be ready to help you as much as possible to help you become successful with your venture.
  5. Breeder's Surroundings:

    The deer farm should be well maintained, and you should see adequate food and water supplies, as well as appropriate shelter for the deer. There will be plenty of room for the deer to roam. There will be strong, high boundary fences.

Deer Breeding - Newborn Facts

  1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

    The average doe has 1-2 fawns per birth.
  2. Age To Be Sold:

    A fawn can be sold when it has reached 4 months of age.
  3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

    A healthy fawn will have a full coat without bald patches. It will also be very active, running and jumping and playing with other fawns.
  4. Registry:

    Deer should be registered with the North American Deer Farmers Association or the North American Elk Breeders Association.
  5. Recognized Characteristics:

    A healthy deer will have good body mass. Bucks will have healthy-looking antlers.
  6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

    Depending on the breed of deer, fawns can be purchased for between $150 and $800.
  7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

    The breeder should have all breeding and vaccination records available for your inspection.

Deer Breeding - Breeder Concerns

  1. Breeder Reputation:

    Like any animal breeder, there will be those who raise deer without concern for temperament or the health of the animal. That being said, a reputable deer farmer will give you names of other customers that you can contact who will vouch for the reputation of the deer farmer.
  2. Pet Health:

    Deer and elk are prone to chronic wasting disease, tuberculosis, and brucellosis.
  3. Assurances:

    A reputable deer or elk farmer will be available to you after you purchase his or her animals to help you to insure your success with the animals.