A deer farm requires land for both grazing and producing a supply of winter feed. Although up to 8-10 does can be grazed per acre, this may result in increased stress for the animals. Alberta Agriculture recommends that 3 to 4 per acre may be more appropriate. Deer will do very well in marginal land as long as there is feed, brush cover and water. Rotational grazing systems will help utilize pasture to its fullest potential and reduce parasite levels. Deer will require access to water particularly in winter. If natural shelter is not available, it will be necessary to build sheds or other facilities to protect them from harsh weather.
Regulations specify fencing requirements. Good fencing is required to prevent domestic deer from escaping and wild deer from entering a game farm. Predators such as coyotes (and dogs) can be a problem and fences must be predator proof. In Alberta perimeter fences must be 9 feet high while in Saskatchewan the minimum requirement is 7 feet. It is highly recommended that stucco or chicken wire be attached to the outside bottom of the perimeter fence and extending 2 feet along the ground to prevent coyotes from digging under the fence. The chicken wire will also aid in preventing the escape of fawns. A single electric wire on the outside of the perimeter fence at a height of 5 inches can also be used to stop predators from digging under the fence.
The most important component of a white-tailed deer farm is the handling facility. Farmers should take the time and money to build a good one. Handling facilities must have a squeeze and alley way designed to hold animals securely and safely. Since white-tailed deer are nervous animals, producers must learn to handle them in a manner that prevents injury to the animal.
