Breeding
Zelda's ranch is home to a controlled breeding facility. This breeding program was established in 2002 using a separate 3-acre pen inside the 280-acre enclosure.
The breeding buck known as "Bigun" is held within a smaller area with 15 hybrid does. From 2003-2006, Bigun has sired 48 buck and doe fawns. It is common for bucks sired by Bigun to have first year antlers of 8 to 11 points. A limited number of fawns are available for sale. Breeders may also purchase straws for AI.
We have been using one dominant buck to do all the breeding. Below are pictures of Big-Un, our primary breeding buck. In the last 8 years, Big-Un has had antlers that have scored from 230 to as high as 265 points. He weighs over 300 pounds and continues to grow massive racks.
The herd size at the ranch is around 75 to 90 animals. It is kept this size for the best buck to doe ratio and growing conditions. Zelda's Ranch is TB certified and CWD monitored according to regulations established by Agriculture department and the DNR. We have in place a handling facility within the 3-acre pen, to best manage the animals and to reduce the stress on them.