What's the predator situation like? I'd make sure and do a major predator eradication effort before spending money on stock. Then money on any holes in the fence for more to enter. They'll wreak havoc in a high fence place on the fawn crops. Heck, all ages for that matter.

7won3
Ate1niner
6to3too

They really don't sir. Predator numbers are going to be a county or area component. It was actually a non issue for us in Kimble County for the better of 30 years we had the place. We had few kills in the big picture of things. Most of the kills were animals I would take out anyway. Most of the exotics in their native ranges had much more aggressive predators ( lions, tigers, cheetahs, hyenas jaguars etc.) than what we have in Texas…..sans the mountain lion…..and know how to defend themselves and their young very well.
We never experienced an increase of predators due to having exotics under high fence and never had a problem with them on our fawn or African hoofstock babies.
Our main issue was with hogs messing the fences up and I welcomed any predators that may prey on the damn hogs.
Keep an eye on predator numbers and for kills and keep them in check? Yes. But folks worry way to much about seeing a predator on occasion and jump to conclusions on goals of eradication.

Wow. Great advice and contacts! Thanks to everyone.

Howdy Dammit said:

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Congrats on the ranch! What county is this?

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The place is outside Mountain Home. Great country.

Yes. Truly Gods Country. You did good. Hope you get to enjoy it and make beautiful memories for many many years.