Deer Farming 101

Although deer farming is relatively new to North America, its history dates back centuries. In prehistoric times, the deer were an important source of food as well as a source for tools and weapons, which were crafted from antler. In Europe, venison became the preferred food of nobility. In the 1970's, after much success in New Zealand, deer farming became popular in Canada and the US.

Whitetail and Mule deer are native to North America, thrive in our environment and climate, and are very hardy and disease resistant.

Deer farming is a rapidly maturing industry, which shows powerful potential in the international marketplace. It can be conducted in a manner which is profitable, environmentally sound, enjoyable and consistent with current trends of agricultural practices.

Advantages to Deer Farming:

Deer have a high rate of reproduction. Twins are the norm and triplets are not uncommon.
Deer offer economic viability on a smaller land base than possible for most other agricultural enterprises
Deer are very efficient animals and don't require large amounts of feed. They are combination browsers/grazers which means their feeding has moderate impact on forage.
minimum labor input and do not require fawning assistance
relatively simple to manage
no special shelters
virtually no waste management or odor
easily maintained on marginal farmland

L E A R N M O R E

Find out more about deer farming by selecting a link below:

Alberta Whitetail & Mule Deer Association
Box 591
Eckville, AB CANADA
T0M 0X0

Ph: 403-748-4040
Email: [email protected]