Welcome and thank you for visiting. The non-native deer farming program at the Overton Center was established in 1991. Over the last decade, involved input, and effective cooperation, among our Research and Extension faculty, our support staff, and our remarkable graduate students has resulted in key investigations into management and production practices for non-native deer species and elk. While some of this material is applicable only to the humid climates of the southern U.S., much of it has relevance throughout the world. To date, over fifty technical publications help to form the basis for sound decision-making practices within a wide variety of operational designs.

The Overton program has primarily focused on aspects of reproductive management, pasture systems, business planning and product marketing for relatively intensive operations where the main goals include venison and/or velvet production, as well as seed stock production. Our research facilities are currently being expanded from 16 to 22 acres under high fence, containing over 250 head across three species (fallow, sika, and red deer) and a 2400 sq. ft. handling facility.

While the information presented here is not intended to be all inclusive, each segment is based on first-hand empirical trials and continues to evolve into new areas of investigation as time and resources permit. We will be adding new information to this site as it becomes available. Please let us know what you think, and feel free to come back and visit us.

Kind Regards,
The Overton Deer Farming Research & Extension Team

Click Through To Deer Farming Site Map