The First Key Factor
The first factor would be to develop a well-planned layout. The layout should take the wild Whitetail deer's behavior into consideration. This means fields and runways should be set up so that during round-up, the herd can escape from you and into the holding pen. Fenced paddocks must lead to a central alley, whick leads to the holding pen.
Always keep in mind that the deer's natural instinct is to get away from you; therefore do not end the alleyway directly into the facility. A more effective method would be to have the alleyway turn into the facilities. This will enhance the deer's perception of escape, which will decrease their level of excitement resulting in a faster round-up.
Also keep in mind that the width of your alleyways should never be tapered in a "V" shape in the same direction you want to move the deer. Deer react adversely to the funnel effect this shape of alleyway creates.
The Second Key Factor
The second important factor to handling wild Whitetail deer is to have an effective holding pen and a safe and efficient handling system. A minimum of one holding pen (approximately 40' x 60' constructed of solid walls) at the handling facility will be necessary. Movement of deer from the holding pen to the handling facilities and between pastures and the handling facility is of the utmost importance. This movement is accomplished with gates and alleyways or dividing fences leading the deer in the desired direction.
Safety and Efficiency
Safety and efficiency can be achieved by answering the following questions when purchasing or building a Whitetail deer handling system:
Is the system fast, efficient and safe for both the animal and the operator?
Does the cradle allow for good access of the deer's body for viewing or working?
To make TB testing, tagging, velveting, sexing, inseminating and DNA testing easy, does the system provide good access from the front, side and back?
Can it handle deer of all sizes, with or without antlers?
How about future expansion, and will it serve your needs for many years to come?
Is resale value something you should consider?
The Third Key Factor
The third key factor to success in handling wild Whitetail deer is to have at least one experienced deer handler. Inexperienced deer handlers may make the mistake of believing that deer can be herded like cattle. It is important to understand that you do not herd the Whitetail deer. All that is required in order to maneuver the Whitetail deer into the handling facilities is to position yourself into the deer's habitat. Work with the deer's natural instinct to move away from you by strategically placing yourself in a position where the deer will be moving away from you, but in the direction of the alley and handling facilities. This enables the deer to perceive that they are going where they want to, but in reality it is exactly where you want them to go. Something like the taxman, you've got him right where he wants you. Continue to cautiously and slowly enter their comfort zone until they have entered the holding pen.
The Final Three Key Factors
Slowly and cautiously maneuvering the deer in your desired direction leads you to the final three key factors in handling Whitetail deer: patience, patience and patience! Round up with patience. If you do not succeed in getting your animals down the alley and into the holding pen the first time, simply re-enter their habitat, but this time from a different direction. It is important to be patient and leave them time to enter the alleyway and re-enter their pen if they wish to. Pressuring or herding deer can cause accidents, therefore, regardless of how long it may take, be prepared to move at their pace. Your round up may take ten minutes or it may take the deer an hour to gather the courage to move all the way to the handling facilities.
Suggestions
Anything that enables deer to move faster will definitely be appreciated; therefore a few other suggestions can be made. Before rounding up your deer, always check your gates and ensure that everything is set up correctly. You want your deer to be able to run into the handling facilities without any interruptions. Latching gates open helps to ensure that the gates do not fly closed from a gust of wind, which would make the deer fearful of getting close to it again. The last suggestion is to remember that deer are a herd animal and will panic if they are separated from the rest of the group, therefore if a deer has been separated from the group try not to herd him by himself.
Keeping the six key factors and the suggestions mentioned above in mind will help to guarantee success in your wild Whitetail deer handling experiences. Good luck!
The ones' that don't get penned are roped by trained chimps tied into a saddle on a Shetland pony. :wink:
:wink: :wink: :wink:
