LEGISLATIVE RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
Sponsored by ILDFA
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Helping to Create Benchmarks for Deer Farmers
Sponsored by UDFOM
SECONDARY DEER BASED BUSINESSES
Providing Income Opportunities Outside of Deer Farming
Sponsored by MDFA
2024 Membership Application
(Illinois) ILDFA: Assoc. Member $25 Active Member $50 Lifetime Member $500 (Iowa) IWDA: _____ Assoc. Member $50 _____ Active Member $100 Lifetime Member $500 (Minnesota) MDFA: Assoc. Member $50 _____ Active Member $75 (North Dakota) NDDRA: Assoc. Member $50 Active Member $75 (South Dakota) SDEBA: Assoc. Member $25 _____ Animal Owners $50
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a resident of any of these states and required to be an active member, please select the correct level above. If you are not sure of your membership status with a state and you sign up, your payment will cover you for the next year. *** These states allow anyone that lives in their state and not raising deer but have interest to supporting the industry to be at the Associate Membership Level. This level is a non-voting level.
Name: Spouse or Partner:
Farm Name/Company:
Membership Address: City: State: Zip:____________County
Main preferred listing phone: Alternate listing phone: Fax: Email:
WebSite:
Check which apply ___:Own Hunting Preserve ___Own Breeding Operation ___Industry Supplier Species Raised: ___ Whitetail Deer ___Elk ___Mule Deer Other Species Raised:
Products I Offer: __ Meat __Velvet Antler __ Industry Supplies __ Feed __ Nutritional Supplements ___Vaccine ___Graphic Design & or Web Design Other Products or Services:
I hereby make application for membership to these associations, agreeing to conform to the Code of Ethics and Bylaws governing the associations.
Signature:
Date:
I give permission to have my contact information published in the annual directory and on the website Yes No
Please mail applications to:
ILDFA: Chet Hostettler, 510 S. Pine St, Arthur, IL 61911
IWDA: Tom Stumpf, 2045 270th St, Rockwell City, IA 50579 MDFA: Mark Volk, 9095 160th Ave, Royalton, MN 56373 NDDRA: Lani Schafer, 1223 18th Ave NW, Turtle Lake, ND 58575
SDEBA: Brandon Walker, 19145 Robbs Flat Road, Midland, SD 57552
Board of Directors
Adam Helgeland President Trophy Whitetail Deer 641-590-3410 adamhelgeland@gmail.com
Mike Hine Timberghost Ranch 319-394-9876 mike@timberghost.com
Fred Huebner Vice President Circle H Ranch 319-530-7824
Roger Strunk Secretary Strunk's Whitetail Haven 319-470-2413 rlstrunk@yahoo.com
Jake Lahr 319-975-0005
Mick Tonderum GMT Farms Inc. 712-260-7310 gmtfarms74@hotmail.com
Matt Nebel River Bottom Game Farm 563-580-4149
Chad Machart Prairie Antler Ranch
Thomas Stumpf
March 2, 1941 - May 23, 2024
Thomas L. Stumpf, 83, of Rockwell City passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
Tom is survived by his children, Dr. Todd Stumpf of North Twin Lakes, Tony (Jean) Stumpf of Booneville, AR, Tamara (Wayne) Pederson of Thompson Station, TN, Tricia Stumpf of Rockwell City, Teresa (Todd) Landt of Charles City, and Troy (Carolyn) Stumpf of Cedaredge, CO; 17 grandchildren, Shanda (Teresa Moss) Stumpf, Taren (Ryan) Flug, Vanessa (Cody) Hays, Jarret (Ashley) Harbour, Anna Stumpf, Ashlee (Kevin) Wein, Brandon (Chelsie) Pederson, Bryce (fiancé Mariah) Pederson, Elizabeth (Michael) Fialkowski, Briana (Michael) Faber, Shaley Landt, Keely Landt, Shau (fiancé Marissa) Landt, Jace Landt, Cole Stumpf, Nate Stumpf, and Emma Stumpf; 14 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Birdie, Cal, Pippa, Natalie, Adam, Olivia, Clara, Poppy, Eloise, Charlee, Camryn, Theo, and Willem; sisters, Marilyn Stumpf of Cedaredge, CO and Kay Eral of Lamars; sister-in-law, Doris Strutzenburg of Manson; and brothers-in-law, Russell Miller of Anchorage Point, AK and Dr. Casey Miller of Nemaha.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife Vickie Stumpf; parents, Arthur and Lucy (Thoma) Stumpf; brother, Norbert Stumpf; sister, Patty and her husband, Frank Amadeo; and brothers-in-law, Deland Eral and Scott Miller.
Thomas Lee Stumpf was born March 2, 1941 at Lake City, IA. He graduated Rockwell City High School in 1959 and then attended one year of college at Mankato State. On January 13, 1962 he was united in marriage to Victoria Miller at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rockwell City. The couple made their home on the Stumpf family farm west of Rockwell City where they raised their 6 children. Tom was an avid farmer and raised livestock for 30 years before retiring to pursue his passion of selling seed and raising white tail deer. He was a faithful member of St. Francis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Tom's family was always his number one priority. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren doing outdoor activities along with hunting and fishing. Tom never knew a stranger and had the uncanny ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he crossed paths with.
From the Iowa Whitetail Deer Association:
"Our beloved member is now hunting in the fields of heaven."
Mike Ryckman
President Ryckman Whitetails PO Box 565
Linton, ND 58552
Lani Schafer Secretary/Treasurer
1223 18th Ave NW
Turtle Lake, ND 58575
Board of Directors
Chris Ryckman
Missouri Valley Muleys 6160 1804
Bismarck, ND 58504
Bob Miller
Evolution Whitetails 10801 52nd St NE Bismarck, ND 58503
Butch Dick
Board Member 6379 123rd Ave SE Lisbon, ND 58054
President’s Memo
From President Mike Ryckman
I'm very optimistic about the current and future market demands for North Dakota Deer Ranchers - This is a hot hunt market!
We have a great outlook for long term advancement in CWD resistance and by making good reproductive decisions and breeding sires and does with good genetic markers things should only get better.
Our Annual Picnic will be August 10th at Missouri Valley Muleys in Bismark, ND @ 5pm. Please bring your own beverages.
Be Involved! Support your local ranchers and association!
ANNUAL PICNIC AUGUST 10TH
A young buck fawn being tagged and DNA sample taken to submit for testing CWD markers, GEBV values, and parentage at Mike Ryckmans farm.
Board of Directors
Grant Carrolan
President
Hidden Hollow Whitetails (618) 559-5952 gra5566@yahoo.com
Chet Hostettler
Treasurer Illini Whitetails (217) 246-8566 illwchet@gmail.com
Rick Davidson 2023-2026
Illinois Dominant Bucks (217) 260-2825 rdavidson@vivecrop.com
Rusty Karr 2022-2025
Dominant Genetics (309) 275-9567 rusty_k2000@yahoo.com
Chase Baker Vice President Baker Whitetails 618-841-9776 bakerwhitetails@outlook.com
Kyle Neal Secretary Neal's Whitetail Ranch (618) 967-0076 nealfarms38@hotmail.com
Billie Rix 2023-2026 Red Wire Ranch 630-816-8977 billierix@yahoo.com
Mark Voss 2024-2027 Voss Whitetails 618-343-5653
Larry Hackethal 2021-2024 (618) 893-2252 pro1ab@frontier.com
Ryan Sauls 2024-2027 Flatland Whitetails 618-380-3073
Riley "Dink" Vaughan 2023-2026 Vaughan Deer Farm 618-383-0227 vaughnriley780@gmail.com
Travis Phelps 2023-2026
Moultrie County Monsters 217-246-1319 mocomonsters@gmail.com
DEER & ELK PHOTOS WANTED!
Board of Directors
Greg Leenderts Chairman Whitetail Farms 507-227-6328 gleenderts@alliancecom.net
Brandon Walker Secretary/Treasurer Cedar Breaks Mule Deer Ranch 608-695-0796 brandon@cedarbreaksranch.com
Mark Hollenbeck
Sunrise Ranch 605-685-3376 markholl@gwtc.net
Shane Zylstra Vice-Chairman 605-777-2731 shane.zylstra1@gmail.com
Cody Warne Stone Meadow Ranch 605-222-7407 codybuckwarne@msn.com
Rob Curtis 605-840-1079 rclandd@hotmail.com
Liz Vogelsong 605-310-2703 lizblain21@gmail.com
If any members of SDDEBA or other breeders/ranches of South Dakota have pictures of their deer and or elk please email to Brandon Walker. We are looking for South Dakota deer and elk producer pictures that we can post on our website. We do not need to share your farm/ranch information unless you want us to.
Website: https://www.sddeba.com/
Board of Directors
Scott Fier President Buffalo Ridge Whitetails 507-829-3151 fierscott@gmail.com Steve
Crow River Whitetails 320-894-1914 crowriverwhitetails@gmail.com
Mark Volk Treasurer Volk Whitetails 320-232-3352 volkwhitetails@outlook.com Steve
Whitetails 218-526-0180 porterwhitetail@gmail.com
Gary Olson Olson Whitetails 507-269-9791 garypolson2005@yahoo.com
Steve Dougherty Zumbro River Whitetails 507-269-7346 steve@zumbroriverwhitetails.com Deb Holthaus 320-360-4667 Deb@Benefits-MN.com
Rack PlusTM for Outstanding results
O
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Deer & Elk 18 - 4 (816 86A A A) and Deer & Elk 18 - 5
Breeder (816 92A A A)
• Complete, pelleted feeds formulated specifically for deer and elk
• Provide multiple protein sources, stabilized rice bran, highly digestible energy and fiber sources, CitriStim®, and direct fed microbial
• Both products provide 18% protein and no more than 14% fiber; 18-4 provides 4% fat and 18-5 provides 5% fat
• 18-5 Breeder: Formulated specifically for the breeding herd; also provides natural-source vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, selenium yeast, and Antler D™*
CitiStim®, an ADM proprietary feed ingredient, is a proven, truly unique, whole-cell, inactivated yeast product that may help the animal strengthen its defense against health challenges by supporting and optimizing gut function, gut integrity, and body defense responses.
*Antler D is a trademark of Head Gear LLC.
Proven Performance
For more info, contact Troy Bjorge at 320-412-9957 AN_DeerHelp@adm.com www.ADMAnimalNutrition.com/wildlife
Minnesota Deer Farmers Fighting for Our Rights -
OVERVIEW
A Word of Inspiration from President Scott Fier
Personally, I’d like to say that I’m excited about the opportunity for the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association to have our day in court, to hopefully amend or change the new rules and regulations being forced upon us from the 2023 legislative session. A preliminary injunction (essentially a lawsuit of an emergency nature) filed last December by 30 Minnesota deer farmers who came together to file it, is being considered in a hearing July 10th at the Federal Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota. If the judge rules in our favor, we may have a chance to prolong or amend these regulations and get back to deer farming as we know it. However, even if our preliminary injunction is denied, our focus will shift to appealing in the Circuit 8 Court in St. Paul Minnesota, where our case will be heard by primarily conservative judges. We are standing together in the hopes of a favorable outcome.
We appreciate everyone from every state who supported our annual event and fundraiser March 2nd in Austin, Minnesota. While attendance may have been down, our fundraising efforts were tremendous. Money raised will be used to help pay our lobbyists and for our lawsuit. We can’t thank everyone enough who contributed and continue to support us. We may need to have another fundraiser here in the very near future, so please stay tuned. We are also very grateful to be represented by the law firm of Mohrman, Kaardal & Erickson, P.A. Government Litigation Attorneys in our battle to maintain our farms and our livelihoods. Let’s keep our chin up and stay motivated!
Scott Fier
507-829-3151
fierscott@gmail.com
The court hearing for the MDFA members was held on July 10th. More information to follow soon...
Fundraiser items, like Semen and these pure silver 10 Commandment Tablets, can be purchased on our website, MNDeerFarmers.com to help support our fight.
C&E BIOSOLUTIONS
PROVIDING FULL-CIRCLE ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS
By: Gail Veley
Each year, a dedicated customer of C&E BioSolutions orders $19,000 worth of product in one shot. “If you’re going to spend that much at once, you must really believe that it works,” offer Shane and Jennifer Horrocks of their recently re-energized company from 2007, C&E BioSolutions. Having years dedicated to products available through C&E as well as MaxRax® Wildlife Nutrition, Inc., which provides customized formulated feeds and analysis since 1998, Shane and Jennifer are ever so enthusiastic to share new products with their customers, as well as tout the benefits of seasoned “tried and true” ones.
Based out of Rockport, Texas, C&E BioSolutions specializes in producing precision released encapsulated probiotics, digestive enzymes and science backed supplements for your whitetail deer and exotic herds. C&E is also known for “bringing deer back to life,” Shane, 43, explained. “We hear a lot of good stories about this type of thing, like cleaning up scours
and saving so many fawns. Most of our products are fawn and antler growth driven.”
Shane and Jennifer are native Texans, who both grew up in the whitetail and exotic breeding industries. Shane started in 1994 on his family’s whitetail and exotic ranch in Junction, Texas. Jennifer began her wildlife experience in 2008 in Dimmit County, Texas bottle raising and vaccinating fawns, artificially inseminating superior does and managing hunts. Both have a combined experience working with more than 43 different cervid and hoof stock species. Educating customers about their products is their passion, and both couldn’t feel more eager about the recent addition of two new products. The first is “MaxRax® MR-1,” a mineral additive for your existing feed ration. The second product, “Defender,” is a C&E bulk probiotic to add to your current feeding program. All products through these companies are made and shipped throughout the U.S.A. “We also reward referrals and always appreciate having new customers pointed our way,” Jennifer said.
Shane, along with Jennifer, feel their education and real-world experience make them an ideal choice for running these companies and in turn, helping their customers realize success through healthy and prospering cervid and exotic herds. Shane, who earned a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition at Texas A&M, is also a member of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Coastal Conservation Association. Jennifer, 39, a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, is a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution as well as the Junior League of Corpus Christi.
As they look ahead, Shane and Jennifer are ready to further strengthen the trust they share with their customers, by inviting them to see for themselves how well their products work. “Jennifer and I are very grateful for the opportunities we have, and for all of our existing customers. We look forward to adding to our customer base and are always available for calls and emails. Don’t hesitate to reach out. In the grand scheme of things, it’s all about relationships and helping everyone win.”
Jennifer Horrocks
CEO/Sales/Support
C&E BioSolutions, LLC
210-410-2003
Email: contact@cebiosolutions.com Website: www.cebiosolutions.com
Shane Horrocks, M.S.
CEO/Nutritionist/Sales/Support
MaxRax® Wildlife Nutrition, Inc. 979-224-4399
Email: maxraxdeerfeed@gmail.com
Magazine Deadlines / Event Calendar
New York Summer Picnic
Every summer in the late 80’s, as a young teenaged boy, Eddie Ray Borkholder would put out a sign at the front of his Nappanee, Indiana home. It read “Fawns for Sale. $100.” He never had to wait long for interested customers. Turns out, no one can resist a fawn. In 1999, Jim Davidson was on his tractor one early June morning in Marshall, Illinois, when he saw an adult doe get hit and killed by a car. He quickly discovered she had a doe fawn. He made two or three rounds near the road to check on it, worried it would suffer the same fate as it’s mother.
Pretty soon, the little bleating fawn started following him. Concerned for her welfare, Jim, now 80, climbed down from his tractor, scooped up the precocious new life in his arms, and put her in the tractor with him. He rode all day with the tiny fawn either in his lap or right next to him. When daylight began to fade, he wasn’t sure what to do, although he was certain he couldn’t let her go out on her own. That night, as a gift he gave her to his very young grandchildren Derrick and Taylor, who shrieked with love for their new
GENERATIONAL FARMING PASSING DOWN THE LOVE OF AGRICULTURE
AND THE OUTDOORS
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Indiana Deer and Elk Farmers Association
pet and named her Bambi. When their father Rick Davidson (who would later own Illinois Dominant Bucks) got home, he was initially not pleased with what his father had done. At all. However, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to their family. And what began as just a love for deer, later turned into a full-blown business after buying 200 acres in 2005 from his Aunt Francie.
Like Davidson, Borkholder’s simple love of deer took a more serious turn in the 1990’s when he started his unique Patrick line and Pine Creek Deer Farm. However, a love for agriculture and all that came with it started much earlier for Borkholder and Davidson by the generations of family members before them, who knew what it was like to be up every morning before sunrise, work long hard hours in the sting of the cold or burning of the sun (along with
working up a hearty appetite) and later drop in bed grateful, tired and ready to start all over again the next day. Eddie Ray, the first is his family to farm deer, grew up learning the art of crop and dairy farming from his father, grandfather and great grandfather. His son Josie, in learning the art of raising deer, felt in his younger years that farming itself was, honestly, just a lot of hard, hard work. “Looking back, I see it now as more of a luxury and bonding time with Dad,” reflected Josie, who now owns Lone Pine Deer Farm with James Slaubaugh. “Today, farming is getting lost. We need to look at creative ways to continue, and deer farming is one way to do that. Dairy farming has become so
commercial and there aren’t many new dairy farms starting up. If we don’t take the opportunity now to carry farming forward it will be lost.”
Davidson, the first is his family to raise deer, is a 5th generation farmer, who comes from a long line of long-lived farmers who raised dairy cows and grew corn, soybeans and alfalfa. When most
children were learning to ride bikes, Davidson was learning to drive a tractor. As age six he sat behind the wheel for the first time, his great great grandfather Richard “Dick” Davidson patiently walking beside him, teaching him the skill needed to drive the now long outdated Ford 8N stick shift two-wheel drive metal seated tractor. “It took a while for me to catch on,” Davidson said. However, he learned along with that experience what drove his grandfather to farm his land. “Farming gets in your blood,” he said. “At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to farm and work as hard as my Dad. It was only after going away to college and being away from it, that I realized how much I missed it. It’s critical to keep family farms going. Farming is the backbone of our country. We are always going
to need to eat. Without farming, we lose valuable land and the love of the outdoors. Deer farming is an extension of that love and something we need to continue to pass down.”
OHIO FALL DEER CONVENTION at the mt hope event center
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 & 16
THURSDAY AUGUST 15
7:00AM Booth Setup
9:00AM Booth Visitation
12:00 Free Lunch
1:00PM Auction Starts with Elite 25 (Selling approximately 150 Lots)
4:30PM WDFO Annual Membership Meeting Followed by Speakers
5:00-6:30PM Dinner Served (ticket required)
7:00PM Donkey Ball Game
10:00PM Exhibit Hall Closes
FRIDAY AUGUST 16
7:00AM Doors Open
9:00AM Auction Starts
11:30-12:30 Free Lunch
4:30-6:30PM Dinner Served (ticket required)
6:30PM WDFO Benefit Auction (Followed by Raffle Drawings)
App. 9:30PM Event Ends
Schedule is subject to change. Stay tuned for updates.
TABLES {8 PEOPLE}
$1000 Table purchase includes all meals for event. Each table wins a gun & gets 8 UTV tickets. 8 cards of basket raffle tickets + other free gifts.
INDIVIDUAL SEATS
can be purchased for gun tables for $150 per seat. There will also be plenty of free seats available if you do not wish to purchase a table.
BOOTHS {10X10}
$250
Booth space will be very limited.
LOTS OF RAFFLE PRIZES
WOMEN’S RAFFLE
Sewing Machine
$500 Cash Mixer
HUGE BASKET RAFFLE
JOHNNY BLIND RAFFLE
MAIN RAFFLE
Kawasaki Mule
Stihl HT 135 Pole Saw Blackstone Griddle
St. Croix Rod & Reel
Solo Stove ‘Bonfire ’
GUN BLITZ
Draw subject to availability.
Alabama
Indiana
Pennsylvania
Southeast
Tri-State
United
SECONDARY DEER-BASED BUSINESSES PROVIDING INCOME OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF DEER FARMING
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Minnesota Deer Farmers Association
Finding creative and lucrative ways (within the scope of the deer industry) to subsidize your deer farm may prove beneficial and ultimately cost-effective, offers Mark Volk of Volk Whitetails in Royalton, Minnesota. When Mark and his wife Mary started their 8-acre farm in 2014, fate would later point them in a direction they never saw coming. Today, in addition to raising deer, they also own and operate CuddliEZ, a custom embroidery company that manufactures deer masks with farm logos that keeps Mary extremely (if almost) too busy. This demonstrates there are various ways to turn an additional profit from deer farming, other than just the raising and selling of deer, Volk, 40, explained.
Some of these ways include:
Deer Velvet: Widely used in oriental medicine, deer velvet, when taken as a supplement, is thought to increase joint mobility, overall flexibility, strength, energy and blood flow. Found growing on the outside of buck antlers in the summer, deer velvet contains important chemicals, amino acids and collagen. Antlers
in velvet that are properly trimmed and stored from whitetails, red deer and elk can be sold to interested manufacturers, such as Cervid Labs USA, who purchase elk antlers. Other companies who purchase antlers in velvet can be found with online research.
Deer Capes: A deer cape, essentially the hair and hide from the nose to shoulder of a deer, if properly skinned, can be sold to the taxidermy market to enhance wall mounts. They can also be prepared and used as stand-alone decorative displays.
Urine Collection: Doe and buck urine, used to cover up the scent of hunters while attracting deer to a hunting location, is a popular go-to for hunters. Several deer farmers have taken to the business of collecting, processing and selling deer urine as the demand is very high. Through the construction of special collection stalls, substantial amounts of urine can be collected in a short amount of time, adding to the appeal of starting or contributing to a urine collection and distribution business.
Antler Collection / Selling: Hard deer antlers are used to make a variety of useful items such as tools, jewelry, chew bones for dogs and much more. Single antlers and antler sheds are bought from deer farmers from a wide variety of U.S. companies and are usually priced from $8 to $15 per pound.
Antler Replication / Taxidermy:
Although very time-consuming, antler replication and taxidermy is highly sought out as the demand from hunters for these services is very high. Those in this profession are never without work and devote long hours to perfecting their craft and keeping customers happy.
Farm Tours: A fascination with deer, particularly whitetails, is the driving force behind every deer farmer’s desire to raise deer. Likewise, the general public often shares this fascination and curiosity. For several years Mike Czora and Sandy Malone of Prime Whitetails in Rush, New York offered “Walk with Whitetails,” at a reasonable price to individuals and families interested in an up close and personal experience, after they realized how popular it could be. Turns out they were right.
“Our secondary deer business of making embroidered deer masks has helped us cover the cost of our feed,” Volk said. “It can be vital to look for other ways to financially subsidize your farm. We all know how quickly costs add up and how important having discretionary income can be.”
Disclaimer: The information contained in this advertisement is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medications shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular medication. You should consult with your veterinarian about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has the FDA approved the medications to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Medications compounded by Mixlab are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Mixlab compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals. Mixlab does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific dosing, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, veterinary care providers, or other information that may be contained in this advertisement. Mixlab is not responsible nor liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this advertisement.
ADVOCATES FOR CWD RESEARCH FUNDING IN D.C.
APRIL 2024 | Washington, D.C.
This year, the NADeFA fly-in to Washington, D.C. happened between April 8-10th. Members from North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Michigan, and New York joined together to represent NADeFA in our nation’s capital. The group had the opportunity to talk to lawmakers about the key issues that affect them, specifically the adverse effects of chronic wasting disease (CWD), the need for a cure, and the importance of indemnity money for deer farmers and ranchers nation-wide.
The Congressional meetings were focused on two sets of asks for FY 2025. The first one, is for the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act to be funded at $15 million. For context, the bill was passed in the last Congress by efforts from Capitol Hill Consulting Group, in collaboration with the NADeFA fly-in, and was authorized $70 million a year for research and development efforts aimed at finding a cure. Of that amount, half will go to State Agriculture and Wildlife agencies to manage CWD activity within their states, while the other half will be used to improve the science surrounding the disease. However, NADeFA is asking for a fifth of the authorized dollars due to the limited funds in FY2025, and are seeking to use it as seed money to get the program started. The second request was for Congress to appropriate $18.5 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection (APHIS) to fund the Cervid Health Program, a $1 million increase over FY24, and ensure that indemnity money is set aside for those farms affected by CWD.
One of the main priorities for the visit this year was to characterize CWD as a national issue and emphasize that with increasing Congressional support focused on live testing and genetic resistance research efforts, an answer for this disease is on the horizon. Key meetings included Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Congressman GT Thompson (R-PA), Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), and Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). Additionally, NADeFA members were able to meet with APHIS Administrator Dr. Michael Watson in USDA and Taylor Schmitz from the Congressional Sportsman Foundation.
In their free time, the group had the opportunity to visit Arlington Cemetery and closed the successful trip with the yearly tradition of dinner at Fogo de Chao, an internationally-renowned Brazilian steakhouse. The impact of those who took time out of their schedules to come to D.C. is incredibly valued and noted. Fly-ins are an essential component in Congressional communication, especially when discussing issues affecting you and your community. The meetings have a proven record of securing policy changes as seen with the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act. It was a pleasure having NADeFA visit us here in D.C. last month and we are excited for next year’s trip!
By Caroline Herrera Capitol Hill Consulting
Trophy Breeder Bucks Showcase Book 2024 Application
Advertisers running ads in any of the 2024 Multi State Association Magazines will have the opportunity to place a single buck update photo in the D&K Design September Showcase Book.
Reservation for space and buck info will be due no later than August 21st, 2024. If you have an existing picture ready to go, that will also be due at that time. If you would like to send in a last minute photo of your buck, the cutoff date is Monday, September 2nd by 9am CST. Placement will be in order of first come first serve. Printing and mailing will start September 4th and be in hand between September 16th-20th. Just in time for semen sales getting ready for Breeding Season. These will be mailed to members of the 19 state associations we service. (More information will be mailed out to all current advertisers closer to the date)
Cost: $175.00 each 1/4 page ad or 4 for $650.00 (Pre-register and we will contact you for further information)
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL
HELPING TO CREATE BENCHMARKS FOR DEER FARMERS
Through Safari Club International (SCI), farmraised deer who win antler competitions can be included in the record books. “SCI truly appreciates a deer for what they can grow on their head,” explains SCI Master Measurer Steve Uchytil. “They have their own classification for farmed deer. Not all hunting clubs are like that. SCI allows qualified or “Estate” deer to be included in their record books.” Having a deer in the SCI record books “is a great way to make a name for your farm,” said Uchytil, who began antler scoring in 2017. “As a deer farmer, it’s fun to be involved in competitions and create benchmarks for improvement and to be competitive with other farms. Pedigrees don’t matter and the better you can compete antler-wise, the better it can be for your farm.”
For more than 50 years, SCI, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has protected the freedom to hunt and has promoted wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI has close to 200 chapters representing approximately 106 countries with a membership of 50,000 and growing. In addition to operating a 501(c)3 foundation, SCI has the largest record book of any hunting organization.
At trade shows such as NADeFA, as well as other deer association conventions, antler scoring competitions are one of the most anticipated events and can involve several antler scorers and their
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by UDFOM
assistants. For Randall Bush, 81, being an SCI Master Measurer for 34 years has been one of his greatest passions. His work has taken him to numerous events and states and even to places as far away as Mongolia. Through his work as a Master Measurer, he has witnessed firsthand how hunting organizations have changed lives and created lasting memories.
From involvement in wounded warrior hunting clubs from Texas to Alabama to helping handicapped children with guided hunts, Bush feels certain this was truly meant to be his life’s work. Although he worked 47 years as a pharmacist and retired years ago, Bush can never see himself retiring from the deer industry. “SCI has been my life,” he said. “I have more energy now than ever before.”
Like Bush, Uchytil also looks forward to the time he spends scoring antlers as events such as The Monster Buck Classic, The Whitetails of Wisconsin annual convention, The Minnesota Deer Farmer’s annual convention and others. “I’ve probably scored about 2,000 racks,” he said. “I guess one of my most fun experiences and memories was The Monster Buck Classic a few years ago. I scored 100 plus racks that day and had to teach a bunch of kids about it. I had no shortage of helpers that day.”
In his time as an antler scorer, Uchytil has handled between 50 to 120 racks in one day. Depending on the size of the rack, each one takes
an average of 20 or more minutes to score. “Some of the most interesting racks are mule deer,” he said. “There aren’t usually a lot of them. Some of their antler features are very different than whitetails.”
As the deer industry continues to grow and hunting preserves further embrace their role in land conservation and stewardship, being active in organizations like SCI strengthens the voice of all those involved. “We need the SCI standing behind us, promoting ethical hunting, recognizing farmed deer for what they are and supporting the work that we do,” Uchytil emphasized. “We appreciate what they have allowed us in the deer industry to accomplish and thrive upon.”
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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DEER ASSOCIATION
NORTH DAKOTA DEER FARMERS SET MODEL EXAMPLE FOR EVENT ATTENDANCE
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the North Dakota Deer Ranchers Association
Creating a bright future for cervid farming and working together to strengthen the industry starts with deer farmers doing one thing. Attending annual events. On August 13th, 2022, the North Dakota Deer Ranchers Association Annual Picnic and Fundraiser event was only missing two members as they gathered in Linton, North Dakota at Ryckman Whitetails. Literally everyone else on the membership roster was there enjoying the camaraderie, speakers and fundraising activities. Yet, there was also something else very palpable at this event. Optimism about the industry, felt by all in attendance, was very bright.
“EHD may have bad last year but we got through it,” said President Mike Ryckman as he reflected on their event in 2021. “Since then, we’ve had three new farms start up. All of these things help create a good name for North Dakota in the deer industry. If
you support your organization, it gets stronger.”
CWD took the spotlight as a topic of discussion at the event. While CWD in North Dakota was first identified in 2009 in a wild mule deer and in a wild whitetail deer in 2013, as of August 2022 CWD has never been found in farmed cervids, according to North Dakota Board of Animal Health Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Carlson. Chris Ryckman, who serves with Carlson on the Board of Animal Health as a member and licensed producer who represents nontraditional livestock, presented a board update, explaining that the support for deer farming is strong among government entities such as the Board of Animal Health.
Should a case of CWD ever present itself among farmed cervids “we would manage it according to USDA guidance and take into account the producer’s wishes, with input from the Board of Animal Health,” Dr. Carlson explained when asked about the state’s stance on CWD. “We would work with the producer and explore if they’ve been compliant, and their herd would operate under quarantine for a determined period of time.”
Event attendee and NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer, who also served as a Board of Animal Health board member for close to 15 years, contributed to the CWD discussion. “We really appreciated Shawn explaining things to us in very understandable terms,” Mike Ryckman said. Discussion also centered around applying for funds through the North Dakota Animal Industry Board to aid in future CWD herd testing and regulation compliance.
Complimenting the day were farms tours as well as productive fundraising activities including Guess the Score from a collective set of six antlers. Winner Chris Ryckman was only off by a mere six inches. “Everyone involved in a deer association really enjoys these types of activities and also shares so much in common with each other and shares common interests,” Mike Ryckman said. “This makes it easier to strive toward a common goal and work together.”
As Mike watched the crowd devour elk roast and deer sausage, the wheels were already turning for next year. “We’ll have another interesting agenda and a good turnout I’m certain,” he said. “I hope for the very same thing for all the other deer associations. Let’s keep this thing going.”
Easy Venison Pie
Make a venison pie packed with pancetta, mushrooms and red wine, topped with golden puff pastry. It’s cooked low and slow for beautifully tender meat.
Ingredients
• 2½ tbsp sunflower oil
• 2lbs diced venison
• 3.5oz smoked bacon lardons, pancetta or chopped smoked streaky bacon
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 7oz chestnut mushrooms, quartered, or baby chestnut mushrooms, halved
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 5oz red wine or dark ale (optional)
• 2 beef stock cubes mixed with 20oz boiling water
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (freeze the white for another recipe)
• 13oz sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 320F. Heat half the oil in a large flameproof casserole, brown the venison well in batches for 10 mins over a high heat, then set aside. Scatter the bacon into the pan with another ½ tbsp oil and sizzle for 8-10 mins until golden. Stir through the onions and bay leaves, drizzling with the remaining oil, and cook over a low heat for 5 mins until browned. Lower the heat to medium, then add the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes more until softened.
2. Scatter over the flour, stirring until the flour turns brown. Tip the meat and any juices back into the pan along with the ketchup and give it all a good stir. Pour over the wine or ale, if using, and bring to the boil. Bubble for a few minutes, then pour over the stock. Season and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and put in the oven for about 2 hrs until the meat is tender. Will keep chilled for three days or frozen for up to three months. Leave to cool completely first. Defrost in a fridge overnight before reheating thoroughly in a microwave or pan until the meat is piping hot.
3. To make the pie, heat the oven to 425F. Tip the filling into a 24-26cm rimmed pie dish and brush the rim of the dish with some of the egg yolk. Unravel the pastry, drape it over the dish and use a knife to trim and press against the rim. Re-roll the trimmings to make a decoration, if you like. Will keep covered and frozen for up to three months. Defrost fully before continuing with step three.
4. Brush the pie with the remaining egg yolk and season with sea salt flakes, if you like. Make a few little slits in the centre of the pie to allow the steam to escape, and bake for 30-35 mins until deep golden.
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LEGISLATIVE RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Illinois Deer Farmers Association
Establishing legislative relationships when there isn’t a pressing issue can be fundamental in solving issues if and when they do arise, explains Dr. Ray Favero of Whitetail Genetics in Braidwood, Illinois. “Being able to see the people one-on-one that make legislative decisions and deepening these relationships, helps in bringing both sides together to solve issues when that time comes,” he added. In a time where the farmed deer industry is still growing, it has never seemed more popular. With that, the urge to combat CWD has gained matching momentum and as a result, great conflicts in some states among deer farmers and the powers that be. However, some states have experienced firsthand the benefits of resolving issues, while others are just starting their own battles.
For example, each spring in Pierre, South Dakota, members of The South Dakota Deer and Elk Association sit down face-to-face with members of the South Dakota Animal Industry Board to discuss issues and solve problems such as CWD. In 2021, Missouri deer farmers rejoiced after a revised Wildlife Code was established, giving them more leeway for dealing with CWD testing from deer mortalities, among other beneficial things. In Oklahoma, the recent November 1st, 2023, passage of House Bill 1844 has opened
their borders for receiving deer, greatly aiding the ability to operate on a larger scale. Oklahoma also recently passed legislation enabling the release of farm raised deer into the wild, to help introduce CWD resistant animals into wild herds. These are just a few examples of success stories. Yet, in Minnesota, deer farmers have only recently begun a legal battle to change difficult rules and regulations scheduled to take effect September 1st of this year.
However, none of the progress made within states enjoying more relaxed regulations would have taken place, without all sides being willing to come together and discuss concerns face-to-face. In Dr. Favero’s home state of Illinois, regulations for deer farming have never been “terribly bad,” he said. “One of our large problems a while back was that landowners would call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and ask about deer farming. The response from the DNR was ‘no it’s illegal and the department is not issuing any new permits.’ After years and personnel changes and talking with the DNR, staff finally began telling the landowners the truth. Having state deer association representation through lobbyists is a vital component in accomplishing goals such as this, as well as opening lines of communication for correct
information to be obtained. If you think strictly in terms of partisan politics, you might not get far,” he shared. “In the Illinois House and Senate, we are about 70% liberal but through a lobbyist you bring both sides together and compromise, especially with one that’s been around for a while. The American Farm Bureau is an excellent way to find lobbyists, or through a referral from another allied organization. Make sure a couple of your state deer association members are also members of the Farm Bureau and Farmers Union, as both sides of the political isle need to be covered.” These proactive measures can also potentially assist in explaining the economic benefit that deer farming is within a state. “Here in Illinois, hunting preserves are part of our growth,” Dr. Favero emphasized. “Now we have seven or eight where we used to only have two or three.” Standing behind every hard-working deer farmer in North America is NADeFA. Each year, selected representatives spend a few days in Washington, D.C. to interact with national lobbyists and to mingle with senators and individuals from state departments. “We may not necessarily discuss specific issues,” Dr. Favero said. “But it is rather all about relationship building. They’ve been very, very good trips. These trips to Washington are very beneficial to NADEFA and are very personally rewarding.”
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AN ACT
By: Archer, Moore, and Pfeiffer of the House and Green and Bullard of the Senate
ENROLLED HOUSE BILL NO. 3462
An Act relating to live game; creating the Chronic Wasting Disease Genetic Improvement Act; requiring creation of certain pilot program by certain date; establishing program’s purpose to enhance genetic durability of Oklahoma deer against chronic wasting disease; establishing program at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; requiring certain assistance of the Department of Wildlife Conservation; requiring collection of DNA samples; requiring certain procedures and determinations; allowing for the establishment of testing locations; limiting participation in program; providing for certain timeline of program activity; authorizing the promulgation of rules; providing for a one-time permit fee; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.
SUBJECT: Live game
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 6-520 of Title 2, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Chronic Wasting Disease Genetic Improvement Act”.
B. No later than November 1, 2024, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry shall establish a pilot program to enhance the genetic durability of Oklahoma deer against chronic wasting disease. Such pilot program shall include, but not be limited to, the following program characteristics:
1. The Department of Wildlife Conservation will begin collecting DNA samples to establish a baseline of average genetic codon markers and genomic breeding values for native, free-ranging Oklahoma whitetailed deer. For establishing testing locations in the state, the Department shall use Interstates 35 and 40 as dividing lines or established Department deer management zones as published in the current hunting regulations guide;
2. Limit participation in the program to native white-tailed deer, born and raised in Oklahoma with genetic resistance breeding, including the SS allele at codon 96, and that surpass the genomic estimated breeding value cutoff established for the program by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; and
3. Beginning in 2026, during the months of February and March and through the fifteenth of April, bred female and male deer may be released.
C. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and the Department of Wildlife Conservation may promulgate rules as needed to implement the provisions of this act.
D. The Department of Wildlife Conservation may charge a one-time permit fee, which shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for citizens purchasing deer as a result of criteria established in the pilot program.
SECTION 2. This act shall become effective October 1, 2024.
Whitetails of Oklahoma is proud of their Legislators, Wildlife Agency, and Ag Department, for all working together to make Oklahoma leaders in the nation.
Hilty Whitetails
Phone (260) 248-1684
1 Year Old Bucks
#1272/392131
#1300/392156
2 Year Old Bucks
Crossword
SUDOKU
The rules for sudoku are simple:
A 9x9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.
To challenge you more, there are 3x3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.
Backyard
Barbecue
Butterflies
Canoeing
Festivals
Fireworks
Gardening
Hayride
Humid
Strawberries
Sunshine
Watermelon
Answers to puzzles will be available in the next issue, or can be found on our website: www.deersites.com
Coloring pages can be mailed to “Samantha Uchytil, 19291 59th St NE, New London, MN 56273” or emailed to deerassociations@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in the next issue!
44
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16 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (4 Publications of your choice x 4 quarters)
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ADVERTISERS INDEX -
If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to the email address below.
This gives Upper Midwest members a way to reach out to one another for services and to buy or sell deer! There will be limited pages for these card spreads, first come first serve. The overflow would be placed in the next issue and cards will be rotated each quarter.
ILDFA: Lisa_shepard83@yahoo.com IWDA: adamhelgeland@gmail.com
MDFA: fierscott@gmail.com NDDRA: ryckman219@gmail.com
SDDEBA: jamesfam13@outlook.com
If you have any questions please contact: Kathy Giesen: 435-817-0150
