Deer Farming In The USA

Deer farming in the United States is a relatively new agricultural endeavor but according to the United States Deer and Elk Farms Directory, deer farms exist in 34 states. Since whitetail deer are prevalent in Midwestern states like Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, it isn't surprising that these traditional farming areas are home to some 35 listed deer farms. U.S. deer farms can be found in just about every state that has a native whitetail deer population. Having a native population of deer implies that whitetails are well adapted to the local climate and habitat and this improves the chances of a successful deer herd.

There are approximately 18 million wild whitetail deer in the continental United States but they rarely inhabit areas west of the Rocky Mountains. The primary deer species in this area is the mule deer which is larger and sturdier that whitetails in order to survive the harsh terrain. Deer farming in the United States is centered on these two native species as well as raising the large elk that live in western Canada, the United States and northern Mexico.

Many deer farms in the United States operate as hunting preserves instead of commercial livestock operations. Hunters are willing to pay large sums of money to bring home a trophy buck (male) with a set of antlers worthy of the record books. The Boone and Crocket Club, named after the legendary United States pioneer hunters Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett, has been keeping track of deer antler size records since its founding in 1887.  The Pope and Young Club is another trophy registration organization.  Most United States deer preserves provide ethical fair chase hunting for trophy animals.

Deer farming in the U.S. also includes operations that raise what are termed exotics, species of deer (or any other animal) that are not native to North America. Typically, the exotic deer are species originally imported from Europe and Asia such as red deer, fallow deer and sika deer. Owners of hunting preserves engage in selective breeding in order to raise high quality animals. Hunters are willing to pay a premium price to obtain an unusual species without the overhead of travel to another continent. Preserves usually allow their deer herd to roam freely in a large fenced area and typically offer food, lodging and guide services to hunters and other guests.