What’s it cost to raise Whitetails?

(BONUS! Savings tips / ideas below)

There isn’t a “one size fits all” cost but the following will help you calculate it to fit your needs. Be aware that different states require different fencing regulations and climates could also play a role in your setup.

  • Fencing – 8ft x 330ft fence roll ($500 – $600), Fence Post (free if you cut your own or up to $30/ea), Gates ($250 – $400), 10ft T-Post ($15), Misc. cost per post ($4 to cover concrete/staples etc), Labor to install (free if you do it yourself or up to $3-4/ft)
  • Supplies – Feed/Water Trough ($10 to $100/per pen depending on type), Tagging Supplies ($200), Fawn Cradle ($100)
  • Projector/Darts – Projector ($300 to $2,000), Darts ($5/dart)
  • Medication/Sedation – $1,500 to $2,000 should cover medication/sedation for beginning herd
  • Vet Services – Farm visit ($100/visit), CVI health certificate (for each deer that you sell $50/ea)
  • Permits – Fencing Inspection ($150), Dept of Ag Herd Application ($150)
  • Feed – Plan on 4lb feed consumption per day, per yearling and above ($0.25 – $0.36/lb, $12.50 – $18.00/50lb bag, $500 – $720/ton)
  • Bottle Feeding – Formula ($100/fawn), Supplies ($10/fawn)
  • Deer – Most will get started by buying bred (pregnant) does then get a breeder the following year. The sky really is the limit here. On average where I am, you can purchase good pedigreed bred doe for around $3,000. More for higher quality, less for unpedigreed low quality (often called “Brown” deer). This is the most important decision that will impact your businesses success. Breeder buck will cost from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on age/pedigree/look.
  • Optional – Handling Facility, Deer Chute, Shade Cloth, Trailers, Artificial Insemination, TB/Brucellosis Certification etc (as much as you want to spend)

EXAMPLE STARTUP COST – Fencing 1 acre and purchasing the necessary supplies to start ($9,000 DIY / $14,000 Hired). Purchasing 4 Bred Doe ($8,000 low end / $16,000 high end). Ongoing expenses such as feed, sedation, darts etc ($3,000).

YEAR 1 COST ($20,000 / $33,000), YEAR 2 COST ($12,000, Includes Purchasing Breeder Cost)

*Cost can be lower/higher depending on size, location, and deal finding abilities

SAVINGS TIPS

  • DIY – Start with the most obvious item, construct the fencing yourself. If you’re handy, you can definitely do it yourself with some fence construction research. I installed our entire fencing myself using a handheld power auger, truck, and four wheeler (no tractor necessary but it would help).
  • Posts – Cut down and delimb cedar trees to use as your fence post. Occasionally you can find used fence posts or contact the local utility company for used telephone poles.
  • Solar – If electric isn’t available, put up a solar system with marine battery. Plenty of juice for some lighting and 12v electric fence.
  • Gates – Construct your own using two bull gates (see picture below). You can find factory seconds for considerably less than new ($50-$75 less).
  • Fawn Shelters – Use IBC totes, plastic barrels, or anything else that only a fawn can get in and be sheltered
  • Landscape Timbers – Cheaper than pressure treated posts and can be used for H braces and posts for standing shade structures.
  • Snow Fencing – These are low cost and provide a barrier on the fencing. Reduces the probability of your deer hitting the fence and outside critters from squeezing through it. Use regular zip ties to secure it at the top/bottom/middle. At a minimum, use on the perimeter fencing, prevents fighting through fence with other bucks (electric fence will help as well).
  • Electric Fence – Put up an electric fence, 5 strand minimum and 6ft off the fence (allows mowing in-between and good separation from your cervid fencing). I believe installing an electric fence will save farmers the most money by reducing loss of livestock. Many risks to our herd come from being spooked by dogs, coyotes, strangers, and many other outside animals.
  • Free Materials – Goes without saying but free is “free”. I’ve had many friends donate materials from a barn that was removed/collapsed (metal for shelters), barrels for shelters & water/feed troughs, and fencing materials (posts etc).
  • Plastic Barrels – So many uses for around $10/barrel. Use these for shelters, cut in half for water and feed troughs, or use to store items in.
  • Saw Mill Scrap Lumber – Many Saw Mills have scrap cuts (8′-10′ long, 5″-8″ wide) they bundle and sell to the public, just call and ask them. For $200 you can get a large amount of lumber you can use in the corners, make shelters, and just about anything else you would use 2x4s for.

If you’re interested in becoming a cervid farmer, contact us today!

About Us

We’re a family farm located in Hodgenville who have always been drawn to the outdoors. We wanted to utilize our land in a way that would incorporate the entire family, keep our interest, and is unique. Whitetail deer checked all of those boxes and more.

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