Practice
We plan deer numbers for each game farm around its veld and water, and keep every stocking move within the permit rules.
We match deer numbers to each camp’s veld, water and shade, building in drought buffers. Our team gives practical, legal stocking advice for new herds or restocking, with full support for permits and veld condition.
Stocking is about matching the right number and type of deer to each camp, so the veld stays in good shape and the animals remain healthy. On South African farms, this means paying attention to the natural forage, water points, shade, fencing, and the official carrying capacity for each fenced area. Because fallow, red, sika and chital deer are all Category 2 under NEMBA, every movement and sale must fit the permit rules and keep the animals on the right piece of ground.
Our stocking advice helps game farm owners, managers, and conservation breeders who want to establish, expand or rebalance a deer herd. We work with those starting new herds under permit, restocking after a drought, or adding new bloodlines for diversity. Our plans always put veld recovery, camp rest and water security at the centre.
Deer Farming starts every stocking assessment with a visit to walk the camps, check water and veld, and review fencing. Our herd husbandry manager leads the husbandry side, looking at deer pressure, camp rest rotation and shade. Our pasture and forage manager assesses the veld, forage stand, and drought buffers, especially when a strong El Niño is forecast.
We work through the Red Stag Highland, Axis Woodland, and Trophy Ethics Programme, matching species and age classes to habitat and game farm goals. Our veterinary liaison officer checks in with the game state veterinarian on movement health rules, including foot-and-mouth protocols if needed. We help with NEMBA permit advice and ensure each buyer is properly permitted. Stocking plans include recommendations for veld rest, water upgrades, and backup power for electric fences and water pumps. We also give clear guidance on record-keeping, paddock rotation and when to bring in new genetics.
Overstocking leads to bare veld, pasture collapse and thin animals, especially in dry or hot years. Understocking can let grass go rank, thicken bush and waste grazing potential. Missed water checks or fencing faults can bring escapes or water stress, both of which break permit conditions and risk animal health.
Our team keeps a strict eye on veld condition, water reliability and shade, especially in times of berg winds or high summer temperatures. We plan for drought with extra forage, limited camp use and regular veld walks to spot trouble early. Before every restocking we test the generator and battery systems. We insist on proper permits and regular veterinarian input to keep farm compliance and herd health front and centre.
Carrying capacity changes with rainfall, so plans must be adjusted seasonally, especially in the Karoo or Highveld where the veld can be slow to recover. Autumn is a good time to review camp rest and veld health, while late spring and early summer need close checks on water supplies as the first calves arrive in November. In a very strong El Niño year, water and forage planning stays critical right through the summer.
Movement of live deer is always under permit, and if there is a local outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, extra steps are needed before animals can leave a property. This is why we keep close contact with the game veterinarian and help with Veterinary Red Cross permits where needed. Staff training in low-stress handling, veld monitoring and water checks is built into every plan, with our farm visits coordinator overseeing education days and visit bookings. For advice or to set up a farm walk, use our contact form.
Records and advice
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