Details - Deer farming in the United States - Biodiversity Heritage Library

Deer farming in the United States

Title

Deer farming in the United States

Related Titles

Series: Farmers' bulletin (United States. Department of Agriculture), no. 330

By

Lantz, David E. (David Ernest)

Type

Book

Material

Published material

Publication info

Washington, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1908

Notes

Cover title.

Contents: Importance of the deer family -- The domestication of deer -- Species to be selected for breeding -- The wapiti, or Rocky Mountain elk : Habits of the elk ; Elk venison ; Domestication of elk ; Management of elk in inclosures, Range, Food, Fence, Cost of stock, Vicious male elk -- Breeding of Virginia deer : Experiences of breeders ; Management of Virginia deer ; Wild deer is private game preserves -- Game laws in relation to deer farming.

The domestication of deer and elk offers an interesting field for experiment, as well as remunerative returns for the investment of capital. The wapiti and the Virginia deer can be raised successfully and cheaply under many different conditions of food and climate. The production of venison and the rearing of both species for stocking parks may be made profitable industries in the United States. Instead of hampering breeders by restrictions, as at present. State laws should be so modified as to encourage the raising of deer, elk, and other animals as a source of profit to the individual and to the State. Safeguards against the destruction and sale of wild deer in place of domesticated deer are not difficult to enforce. For this purpose a system of licensing private parks, and of tagging deer or carcasses sold or shipped so that they may be easily identified is recommended. It is believed that with favorable legislation much otherwise waste land in the United States may be utilized for the production of venison so as to yield profitable returns, and also that this excellent and nutritious meat, instead of being denied to 99 per cent of the population of the country, may become as common and as cheap in our markets as mutton.