About SandJack Whitetails in Mount Enterprise, TX
Science-Backed Whitetail Breeding in East Texas
SandJack Whitetails is a selective whitetail deer breeding operation based in Mount Enterprise, TX, focused on producing genetics built to resist Chronic Wasting Disease. While most breeding programs center on antler scores and physical conformation alone, this farm anchors every breeding decision in two specific genomic benchmarks: SS Codon 96 markers and negative Genomically Estimated Breeding Values (GEBV).
That distinction matters more now than it ever has. CWD pressure on captive and wild deer populations continues to grow, and genetics that look impressive on paper but carry hidden susceptibility are a liability — not an asset. At SandJack Whitetails, you won't find that tradeoff.
Connect with us to learn more about our current herd and available genetics.
A Two-Pronged Approach to Disease Resilience
Every whitetail carries specific alleles at Codon 96 of their prion protein gene, classified as GG, GS, or SS. Deer carrying a G allele — whether GG or GS — carry significantly higher susceptibility to CWD and are more likely to spread it. Deer with the SS marker have inherited the protective S allele from both parents, and decades of research confirm they are highly resistant to the disease. SandJack Whitetails breeds exclusively for SS-carrying animals, ensuring offspring inherit that built-in protection from the start.
But Codon 96 alone isn't the whole picture. CWD resistance is a complex, polygenic trait — meaning thousands of genetic markers across a deer's entire genome influence susceptibility, not just one. That's where GEBV comes in. Genomically Estimated Breeding Values calculate a deer's overall genetic susceptibility across its full DNA profile. On this scale, negative is the goal: a score like -0.05 or lower signals meaningfully reduced susceptibility, and the further below zero, the more genetically durable the animal.
By pairing SS markers with highly negative GEBVs — an approach aligned with research pioneered by genomic scientists including Dr. Christopher Seabury — SandJack Whitetails stacks both layers of protection into every breeding pairing. The result is fawns that carry top-tier disease resilience alongside strong conformation and growth potential, traits that pass forward to future generations rather than fading out.
What You're Investing in When You Buy from SandJack Whitetails
When you purchase genetics from this Mount Enterprise operation, you're not buying a one-generation animal. You're buying a breeding line built to hold up — one where the science behind the pairing is transparent and verifiable, not just marketing language.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
- Selective breeding program anchored in SS Codon 96 markers and negative GEBV scores
- Dual-marker approach that addresses both single-gene and polygenic CWD susceptibility
- Fawns bred to pass disease-resilient traits to future generations
- Breeding decisions aligned with current genomic research in whitetail CWD resistance
- Located in Mount Enterprise, TX, serving the deer farming community
Whether you're building out a breeding program or adding durable genetics to an existing herd, the foundation matters. Reach out to SandJack Whitetails to discuss available animals and how these genetics can work for your operation.
