Here are some general questions to ask of the seller.

• handle your animals?
• What does your feeding program consist of?
• Do you pail feed or use self feeders?
• How big are your pastures and how many animals do you run per acre?
• Can I talk to previous buyers? If so ask for names and phone numbers.
• When was your last TB test?
• What is for sale?
• How old are the animals?
• Do you have fawning records?
• Do you single sire breed?
• Can I see the registration certificates?
• Do you tag at birth? If not, do you use DNA technology?
• Where did your stock originate from?
• Where did the breeding buck come from?
• What did the breeding buck score and what sort of antler genetics are in his past?
• Can I see the breeding bucks antlers from previous years? (if applicable)
• Do you vaccinate? If so, with what and how often?
• How often do you

Once you have established the answers to these questions this should give you a good idea if the farmer is willing to share as much about his stock as possible. If they are not willing to share this information then it may be wise to look around some more. Be sure you are satisfied with all the answers. If something still isn’t clear then try to rephrase your question. Are you comfortable with what you are buying? Look around as much as possible. Ask to see the animals. Do they look healthy, ask to see the feed and the handling facilities. This is a great chance to see how these deer have been handled. All this information will help you to realize how well the animals will adapt to your farm.

If all the information is clear to you and you feel theses are satisfactory animals for you then ask about the sale contract.

• Do you have an agreement for sale?
• Do you deliver or do I pick up?
• Do you require a deposit?
• Is the deposit non-refundable?
• Is there any guarantee on these animals?
• What if the animals are not in satisfactory condition?
• What if the animal gets sick within days of arriving at my farm?
• What if I can not take delivery or pick up on the specified date?
• Will the animal come with some of your feed for the transition to my feed?

Again make sure you are satisfied with the answers. The more willing a farmer is to ensure you are happy with your purchase the more you can rest assured you are dealing with a reputable seller.

If you are buying out of province, check to see that the animals are allowed to cross the border and that if there should be any problems you are not committed to a deal that can not be followed through with.

A few things a sale contract should include:

Understand all the terms of the contract. The more homework you do now the less chance of an innocent misunderstanding.

When you receive your deer, a portion of the certificate should accompany them. Whether your deer are picked up or delivered be sure to get a copy of the transport permit. A livestock manifest should accompany any delivered animals. You will need to fill one out if you are picking the deer up. Double check the tags with the registration certificates, transport permit and livestock manifest. This should ensure everything was done properly and legally.

Send in your portion of the certificate with all the information filled out on the back to Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Your copy of the new certificate should be mailed back to you in a few weeks.

Last but not least, keep in touch with the seller. They should be willing to help you with any questions you should have or any situations which may arise. Try for your own records to keep as detailed of an account as possible. This will help if and when you decide to sell these animals or any offspring. Happy shopping!