Southeast Tines Winter 2023

SOUTHEAST TINES Winter 2023 l Volume 11 l Issue 4

DON’T FRET - YOU HAVEN’T LOST THOSE GENETICS YET! Sponsored by setda

HUNTERS – EMBRACING CAMARADERIE, NATURE AND CONSERVATION Sponsored by UDFOM

INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS SPONSORED BY cheri

BIG LOU@2 -331” FEDERAL EXPRESS / T-REX ll / SILVER KING

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CONTENTS

FEATURED ARTICLES: Don’t Fret - You Haven’t Lost Those Genetics Yet!.......................................... 23 How to Assist Your Taxidermist...................................................................31, 32 Insecticide Resistance - What it is and why it matters................................... 10 Hunters – Embracing Camaraderie, Nature and Conservation.................... 27 Minnesota Deer Farmers Find Challenges with Amended 35.155 Statute.... 41 My Most Memorable Hunt..............................................................................24, 25 Predator Series - Bobcats are Predators Too.................................................. 34 SeTDA Launching Scholarship Initiative, Opportunities................................ 15

SETDA INFORMATION: Consignment Donation Form...................................................................... 37 SeTDA Scholarship Information......................................................17, 18, 21 SPRING FLING - Event Information............................................................... 7 Vice President’s Message............................................................................... 4 Website Info - Southeasttrophydeerassociation.com.............................. 26

IN EACH ISSUE

Spring

Activity Pages...................................................................45, 49, 53 Advertising Information.............................................................. 56 Membership Application ........................................................... 55

Deadline February 7th

Quarterly Calendar.........................................................................8 SeTDA Business Cards................................................................ 39 SeTDA BOD......................................................................................2

ADVERTISERS INDEX

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PUBLISHING Kathy Giesen, Editor/Publisher 305 E. 350 N., Ivins, UT 84738 deerassociations@gmail.com 435-817-0150 • Fax: 435-359-5333

Website: deersites.com (Editorial Provided by Contributing Writers)

Blessed Bayou..................... Inside Back Cover Blosser Whitetails.......................................... 38 Blue Creek Whitetails.................Back Cover, 9 C&E Wildlife Products................................... 53 Cervid Central Market Place........................ 54 Cervid Solutions, LLC.................................... 13 Cervidae Health Research Initiative............ 11 Crescent Ranch.............................................. 33 CuddliEZ.......................................................... 26 Dan-Inject North America............................ 46 Droptine Studios............................................ 42 EZid, LLC.......................................................... 35 Head Gear, LLC.............................................. 50 Hilty Whitetails............................................... 43 Jo Jo’s Whitetails............................................. 47 Major League Whitetails............................... 40 NexGen Animal Health................................. 20

North American Deer Registry..................... 35 Osceola Whitetails.................... Center Spread Pine Creek Deer Farm................................... 14 Pneu-Dart......................................................... 5 Prime Acres Whitetails.................................. 19 Purina.............................................................. 52 Rocking JE Whitetails....................................... 6 Rocky Ridge Whitetails.................................. 22 Spotted Acres................................................. 12 Springfield Whitetails.................................... 51 Storm’s End Whitetails..................Cover, 3, 48 Stubbs Whitetails........................................... 30 Swamp Whitetails.............. Inside Front Cover Tajada Whitetail Ranch................................. 36 Trophy Whitetail Deer, Inc............................ 44 Whitetail Sales Auction................................. 49 Woodard Whitetails....................................... 16

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

James “Smitty” Smith Gum Creek Hunting Preserve 813-714-5045 Jsmith@crossenv.com www.GumCreekHuntingPreserve.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Dr. Bill Leffler 2 Base Down Farms PO Box 159 Morriston, FL 32668 561-373-2353 Bleffler2011@gmail.com Twobasedownfarms@yahoo. com

TREASURER

Dr. Juan Campos College of Veterinary Medicine Dept. of Large Animal Clinical Sciences University of Florida 108 Deriso Hall, Gainesville, FL 32610 352-363-0703 / jmcampos@ ufl.edu

Watch for These Sybols

- these are interactive links in the eBook that is sent out to all members This symbol indicates there is a video linked This symbol indicates there is a link to an email, website, or facebook page 2

DIRECTORS Benny Wilkison Lil Oak Whitetails 3193 NW 216th St Lawtey, Fl 904-424-7233 liloakwhitetails@yahoo.com Mike Hunter MS Hunter Farm 8479 Puckett Rd Perry, FL 32348 850-843-0881 Mike.Hunter@etranscarriers. com Louis Scott Scott’s Game Farm 96769 O’Neil Scott Road Fernandina Beach, FL 32097 904-557-8940, 904-753-4091 Tim Cromwell 18015 NE CR 1471 Hampton, FL 32044 352-727-9528 Mike Vizcaino Osceola Whitetails 149 Sand Lake Dr Pomona Park, Fl 32181 904-814-7214 Mvizcain@bellsouth.net Ryan Boyd Legacy Ranch 3000 NW 28th Trail Jennings, FL 32053 904-874-4537 ryan@quick-catch.com

Dr. Bill Leffler Vice President, SeTDA

November 3, 2023

FELLOW DEER FARMERS, Have you also noticed how the days and seasons seem to be racing by. With summer behind us, fawns have been weaned, our bucks have finally grown out and are being sold, and our does being readied for the next season.

Can you feel the excitement as Fall arrives? The days are getting shorter, leaves are changing colors, camo clothes come out with the start of hunting season, and LOVE is in the air as the rut begins.

The most effective means to enhance the genetics on your deer farm is by artificial insemination or AI. Semen bought from huge breeder bucks inside and outside of Florida is now being put to use. These efforts have resulted in Florida now growing some of the biggest bucks in the country..... “ FLORIDA GROWN“.

I want to thank everyone, especially our sponsors and donors ( CHeRI and Dusty Dollar from Antler King/ Heartland ), and all the speakers that attended our Summer Picnic. It was a big success and everyone had a lot of laughs at our first dart gun competition.

For the dart gun competition we used Dan-Inject dart guns, Pneu-Dart 1/2 cc and 1 1/2 cc practice darts at targets set at 20 and 25 yards, approximately. Even with a large backstop some darts were still lost. A great time was had by all. The best shot, this year’s Braggin Rights, and 50% of the cash pot went to Mike Hunter.

Mike graciously donated his winnings, nearly $250 back to SETDA, way to go Mike!

Your BOD has heard the requests and concerns from many members about the very brief window to transport pregnant does being sold at our Spring Fling auction before they are due to give birth. We unanimously agreed, that in the best interest and welfare of those deer, to move the date up.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR....this year’s Spring Fling is on March 15-16 at the Double Tree Hilton by the Orlando Airport once again. This may be spring break for some which offers a great opportunity to introduce kids and others to what we love and what deer farming is all about.

The Fl. Ag. Commissioner, Wilton Simpson, will be speaking Friday at the event, updating all of us about the status of CWD in Florida.

Please check out our “new” website. You will find it to be much easier to use and a wealth of information.

You can also find us on Facebook. Remember that Your Board is here to HELP AND SERVE YOU. To quote a line from a song, “ with a little help from my friends” we can accomplish great things.

I want to wish all a safe and successful AI/breeding season, have fun and stay safe this hunting season, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As Always, Stay Safe, Well, and “Florida Strong” God Bless Bill Leffler

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Quarterly Calendar Update ~ Ad Deadlines & Events

DECEMBER SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER AUGUST

Provided by D&K Design, Publisher for State Association Magazines l VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS: DEERSITES.COM

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association Mulit-Magazine

Annaual Meeting Benefit Auction

Pennsylvania

Fall Deadline Fall Deadline Mulit-Magazine Southeast Tines Winter Quarter Begins Winter Deadline

North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Meeting

Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

Southeast Tines Fall Deadline

The IDEFA Journal Winter Deadline

LAST DAY TO SUBMINT *UPDATED BUCK PHOTOS

Veterans Day

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

Pennsylvania Deer Convention Winter Deadline

*SHOWCASE BOOK IN THE MAIL! to Deer Farmers in over 20 States!

Upper Midwest Fall Deadline

Visit our website for more details realated to events: deersites.com

Summer Picnic TBD

Whtietails of Louisiana

Bluegrass Trophy Buck Auction, Cave City, KY

The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

Expo & Auction

Thanksgiving

* See Showcase Flyer in this magazine for more information

* See Showcase Flier in this magazine for more information

Louisiana Winter Deadline

Labor Day

Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

CHUPP AUCTION!!!

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline Annaual Meeting Pennsylvania Benefit Auction Fall Deadline Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

Tri-State Associations Winter Deadline

Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction

& North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Pennsylvania Deer and OutdoorAnnual Expo Meeting Louisiana Kentucky Alternative Fall Deadline Livestock Association Southeast Tines Summer Showcase Fundraiser Auction Event Fall Deadline

2023 SOUTHERN TOP 30 Whitetail & Specialty Extravaganza

Christmas Day

Kentucky & New York Winter Deadline

Kentucky & New York Fall Deadline Upper Midwest Summer Deadline

Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

JANUARY OCTOBER

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association Summer Picnic

Whtietails of Louisiana Expo & Auction

The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

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Veterans Day

(Observed)

Texas Deer Association Annual Convention

2023 Ohio Fall

Upper Midwest Summer Deadline

Summer Showcase Fudraiser Auction Event

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Columbus Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Northern Top 30 Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline

Labor Day

Quest for Michigan’s Best Winter Deadline

Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Louisiana Fall Deadline

Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction & Annual Pennsylvania Deer and Outdoor Expo

SPRING MAGAZINE PRIME SPOTS: Halloween Cover: High Xpectations Whitetails | Back Cover: Rocking JE Whitetails Kentucky & New York Inside Front Cover: Swamp WhitetailsFall | Deadline Center Spread: Riverswamp Whitetails Ads due no later than February 7th, deerassociations@gmail.com

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INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS How does insecticide resistance occur?

What is insecticide resistance?

Insecticide resistance is a change in the sensitivity of an insect population to an insecticide, resulting in the failure of the insecticide to kill the insect / vector when applied correctly. In other words, insecticide resistance occurs when “insecticide will not kill the target insects as well as it used to”.

A few insects may survive the initial application of insecticide.

Surviving insects multiply and pass the resistance traits to their offspring, and applications with the same insecticide become less effective

How to reduce the development of insecticide resistance?

The Insecticide Resistance Committee and the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center recommend applying an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to minimize the development of insecticide resistance.

Monitor the pest. Trap and correctly identify the species that is causing the issue.

Apply only when necessary. Insecticides should only be used if insects are numerous enough to cause economic losses that exceed the cost of the insecticide plus application.

Integrate multiple control strategies. Consider exploring non-chemical strategies for the control of pests. For example, habitat modification, and insect trapping.

Time insecticide applications correctly. Apply when the insects are most active and vulnerable.

Read and follow the instructions in the label. Do not spray more than what the label recommends.

Rotate insecticides. The repeated and excessive use of an insecticide (for example, permethrin) or insecticide class (for example, pyrethroids) can lead to resistance.

Did you know that CHeRI entomologists are working on determining what is the best time to apply insecticides to control biting midges?

Scan the QR code

If the same insecticide is used continuously and exclusively, the majority of the insect population is likely to become resistant.

resistant insect

killed insect

Insecticide Classifications

Insecticides are classified by the way they affect insects at a molecular level, this is called “mode of action”. The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee classifies insecticides by number and letter that represent different modes of action.

Insecticide Rotation

The goal of insecticide rotation is to alternate insecticides with different modes of action to minimize the development of insecticide resistance. Note that using products with different trade names will not work to avoid insecticide resistance if the active ingredients are from the same chemical class.

Additional Resources to complete a 3-min

• Access the insecticide classification https://irac-online.org/mode-of-action/ • Pest Information Office https://pested.ifas.ufl.edu

Contact us for more information: survey on insecticides wec.ifas.ufl.edu/cheri @vilmalikesflies Authors: Vilma Montenegro, M.S.; Eva Buckner, Ph.D. & Nathan Burkett-Cadena, Ph.D. @UF_IFAS_CHERI vilma.montenegro@ufl.edu

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Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida.

We are disease ecologists, virologists, entomologists, agronomists, and veterinarians who develop the best intervention strategies to reduce mortality and increase production in your herd. We offer free diagnostic assays for Florida deer farmers to determine which viruses are killing their deer.

ufifas.cheri@gmail.com UF IFAS Cervidae Health Research Initiative

www.wec.ifas.ufl.edu/cheri @UF_IFAS_CHeRI

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WEANING TIME IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO VACCINATE YOUR FAWNS To ensure maximum health of your animals, Evolve your Herd, Today!

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SOUTHEAST TROPHY DEER ASSOCIATION LAUNCHING SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE, OPPORTUNITIES By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by SETDA

S

ETDA is taking steps to ensure that the deer industry remains a sustainable and viable lifestyle for future generations through the start-up of a scholarship fund. Should SETDA receive appropriate and qualified applicants this year from either high school seniors or students currently enrolled in college, the first SETDA scholarship, estimated to be $3,000, will be awarded in December.

Qualifications for consideration include the intention to attend or to be presently enrolled in a college located in the southeast portion of the U.S. in states such as Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida. An applicant’s career plans should include involvement in the deer industry among other stipulations such as prior experience in a wildlife field pertaining to deer, academic excellence, financial need, letters of recommendation and involvement in agricultural-related activities and organizations.

need that little extra push and perhaps students in rural areas that don’t have the same opportunities that others might,” said Dr. Juan Campos, DVM at the University of Florida Department of Large Animal and Clinical Sciences.

Should applications for scholarships be received by the December 15th deadline this year, Leffler and Campos will review each one and subsequently present to the board their recommendation for a scholarship recipient. A winner would then be announced in January and invited to attend the annual SETDA Spring Fling in 2024, to share their inspiration for applying. Should airfare be necessary for the recipient, SETDA will purchase their plane ticket, Dr. Campos said.

for a scholarship application. There are no restrictions placed on how the scholarship money is to be spent, whether it be used toward tuition, books or personal expenses related to getting an education. “We give it to you on good faith that the money will be well spent,” Dr. Campos said.

Depending upon the success of the scholarship program, applicants who receive one may be eligible to try again should the SETDA board give approval, Dr. Campos said. “We believe the scholarship fund will be of great benefit to many and we want to support those who will continue our legacy and promote conservation and land management in the way that deer farmers and preserve owners do.”

Scholarship funds are acquired through money made at state association auctions as well as donations from members, Dr. Campos explained. Interested applicants should visit the SETDA website at www:southeasttrophydeerassociation.com

“Speaking as someone who received scholarships for my education, I always appreciated any assistance I got,” said SETDA Vice President Dr. Bill Leffler, who earned his Doctorate in Optometry in 1983. “Ironically, the cost of education goes up faster than other things do, and we want to award and assist students who are working hard toward graduation and accomplishing their career goals.”

Although SETDA planned to start a scholarship program several years ago, it took a revisiting of this unrealized dream from Leffler and SETDA Treasurer Dr. Juan Campos in February 2022, for it to become a reality. “The whole objective is to help those that

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The Scholarship Application can also be downloaded at southeasttrophydeerassociation.com.

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DON’T FRET, YOU’VE NOT LOST THOSE GENETICS YET

By Dr. Bill Leffler Long ago a friend told me, now that you have livestock remember that you are only a blink away from having deadstock.

So trust me when I say that everyone who raises animals will sooner or later experience the unexpected loss of one. When it’s a family pet we grieve, but when it’s one of your biggest trophy breeder bucks ..... don’t panic!

Hopefully you have already collected semen from him, if not, don’t fret because you’ve not lost those genetics yet. So long as the buck did not die from illness or disease, but rather from an accidental injury or hunting, his semen can still be harvested.

The procedure is called Epididymal Semen Harvest and Freezing. There are a number of places that can do this. I have personally used The Large Animal Clinic at The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital. It is important to remain calm, move quickly, and follow the simple instructions below.

1. INFORMATION: Contact the facility and notify of impending shipment. Remember that not all facilities accept Saturday / Sunday deliveries. Call them first. ( If possible set up an account in advance)

as possible ( see photos below).

3. PACKAGING: Wrap them in 2 paper towels and place them in a plastic zip lock bag to prevent them from freezing. Place them and 1-2 frozen gel packs in an insulated container ( the best is a styrofoam container but lots of bubble wrap will also work).

4. SHIPPING: The container must be shipped overnight counter-to-counter. For optimal recovery of sperm it needs to arrive WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DEATH of the animal.

It is always best to email or fax a Shipped Testes Information Form as well as include one inside the shipping container. A sample of one is below.

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Owner Information: Name, Address, and Primary Phone ( and Farm Name )

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Animal Name: include Tag#, and NADR#

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Shipping Information: Fed Ex or UPS with Tracking# (preferred method) or

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Name of Courier and Phone #

2. TESTICAL REMOVAL: The simplest and quickest is to merely cut off the scrotal sac with testicles still inside. If you remove the testes from the sac, try to leave as much of the vas deferens attached

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My Most Memorable Hunt New Zealand Red Stag Hunt with my wife. - This was one of the best hunts I have ever been on. The sound of stag roars echoing through the mountains, coupled with the best scenery on the planet made for an incredible hunt!

Argentina dove hunts with my kids. Becca knocked down over 1,000 that day shooting better than 85%. Way to show those guys what a girl can do.

Super dark Blackbuck for Texas hunter at 2 Base Down Preserve!

We were after an 11 footer on the Kissimmee river but Debbie was tired and fed up with all the bugs. So the next gator she saw was good enough.

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Check this out. Levy county Florida lease with one of my hunting buddies. Ask her and she will remind you that anything boys can do, girls can do better.

I called 5 gobblers in that morning and with the help of the decoy, Justin took his best bird ever, nice beard but look at the hooks.

Still made it to wafflehouse in time for breakfast!

A proud father with his son’s best buck. That’s a 151” wild native Hernando Co. Florida buck with a future great taxidermist.

Congrats Matt.

After 15 years finally beat the odds, 1/56,000 for non-resident Colorado Rocky Mountain Sheep. Didn’t eat that tag.

To have your Most Memorable Hunt featured in the next Southeast Tines send a photo and a short story to deerassociations@gmail.com.

Subject line should be “My Most Memorable Hunt”.

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Custom Embroidery

Mary Volk “The Mask Lady”

320.232.7493 cuddliez@outlook.com

Deer Masks • Caps • Koozies • Apparel

Check Out Our New Website! southeasttrophydeerassociation.com

• • • • •

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Keep up to date on upcoming events View the photo galleries for past events Check out the Scholarship page - Sign Up or Donate!

Renew your membership Access the latest SeTDA Magazine

HUNTERS – EMBRACING CAMARADERIE, NATURE AND CONSERVATION

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By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by UDFOM

enny Brown fixed his rifle scope on the large cat high in a tree. Over the pounding of his own heart, piercing rush of adrenaline and frenzied barking of hounds, he could hear his guide telling him “Take your shot!!

Take your shot now!” A twig snapped.

He fired. And in an instant the hunter became the hunted as a 163-pound mountain lion came intentionally cascading down on top of the two men. As both jumped and struggled themselves out the way, the cat landed ten feet from them and raced off, it’s now obliterated and bloody paw leaving a trail. “Go! Go,” the guide called out.

Brown, then 42, sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him, even falling, knocking the wind out of himself as he traversed back down through the steep snow at 7,000 feet, the same mountain he had just spent the better part of two hours crawling up. Panting hard, he once again found his target, now unable to tree itself yet still in full defense mode. As the dogs circled and barked, the cat lunged, grabbing one dog square on the head. Instantly, another dog bit the cat on the rump, causing it to let go and spin. Brown reacted in the microsecond it took for his finger to pull the trigger. And fired. The cat was down. Done.

a road, where vehicles were waiting.

Romey survived. It was a welcomed ending to a hunt in St. Mary’s Idaho, that brought two treasures for Brown, a 92-pound gray timber wolf and a mountain lion. The mountain lion was found on a hunch. The timber wolf was found after spotting a moose kill.

“I’ve always been an avid hunter,” Brown said. “Growing up I did rabbit hunts and whitetail hunts and then took a liking to hunting the predator side. I always wanted to shoot a wolf and spent a week in Canada to no avail.” However, Brown’s dream would become reality on that St. Mary’s, Idaho hunt, preceding the mountain lion hunt.

On the hunt “this wolf looked right through me. Right through my soul,” Brown recalled of the day he lay in wait, letting out an occasional answered howl that eventually found him able to take successful aim. “While I was in Canada, I learned how to call the wolves and let out a howl,” Brown shared. “I waited ten minutes and howled again.

This time, I had a couple howl back at me. And when they wouldn’t howl back and didn’t howl back, I knew they were coming to check me out. They were coming.”

After Brown’s successful wolf harvest, fellow hunters at base camp helped gather up and bring the wolf back.

While Brown has yet to ever hunt a wolf or mountain lion again, the memories remain etched in his soul.

From the thrill and adrenaline to the camaraderie shared among hunters, this is what drives the sport. This is the very backbone of what hunting preserves provide to those who are also in search of their treasure, just the same way Brown, owner of PR Whitetails in Leslie, Michigan was.

“Recently I had the joy of being asked to help cook at Ultimate Whitetails for a large gathering of hunters,” Brown shared. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking.

For three days I hung out with guides and got to see the sights. But there was one guy I’ll always remember. He shot a huge nontypical deer. As he’s telling the story he’s got tears in his eyes. I thought to myself ‘that’s awesome.’ This was his life dream. He was thrilled. Here’s an honest hardworking guy able to enjoy the thrill of the hunt and connect with others who share a love of nature.

Opportunities like these might only come once in a lifetime. I’m grateful the deer industry can provide that.”

Brown, now able to release every bottled-up emotion, cried. Cried from physical pain. From relief. From satisfaction. Satisfaction that was now interrupted by another urgent matter.

Romey, the dog seized by the mountain lion, was bleeding badly and needed urgent vet care. “We’ve got to get him to the vet,” the guide said, with a tone far different than the one used earlier to order a gunshot. Brown jumped up, grabbed Romey and literally slid on his buttocks further down the side of the mountain, landing in a creek next to

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How to assist your Taxidermist with making your mount better represent your Cervidae We know every 1/8inch matters.

So you want to cut off or need to cut of his antlers, but want to also have them mounted. We know that every 1/8 inch matters when you are scoring your buck for records so let us help you and help us at the same time.

He’s on the ground now what?

1. Get pictures of the rack from the front, the back, the top and both sides.

2. Measure the width of your bucks rack. See picture below.

3. Cut off one side and measure the base that remains on his head, and measure the circum- ference of the antler at the base. Then repeat for the other side. Remember, you still have antler on his head so if you are wanting to mount him you either use artificial bases or wat until approximately March for the bases to fall off and ship them to your taxidermist.

An artificial base might be your best bet if you are planning to go to shows.

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Are you planning to grow this Cervidae for a few years or longer?

If so, have you thought about or even heard about detachable antlers? Detachable antlers are the way to go if you are going to grow a buck for a couple years. With detachable antlers you are able to easily take your previous years antlers and put the next years antlers on the same mount. They also make it easier for transporting mounts to shows! We all know the mounts can get heavy with all those inches. Why not make it easier on yourself?

Skinning your Cervidae.

When having your deer mounted you are better to have extra hid then to little hid! Your taxidermist can always cut off extra skin, but they can’t add skin. Skinning mistakes can be costly!

Please follow the detailed picture below if you are not sure how to skin your deer or call your taxidermist for some guidance.

Remember, your deer MUST be completely skinned out to cross state lines and you MUST have a confirmation number(s) (HP, hunting preserve, number and your GFL #) ready for the taxidermist and meat processor. Be sure to know your state laws!

by Mathew Young

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Tony’s Artistic Taxidermy Homosassa, FL

(352)206-4745

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BOBCATS ARE PREDATORS TOO

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By Mark Neely • Sponsored by SeTDA

n the southeastern United States, bobcats rank up towards the top of the food chain, especially in Florida.

They are not quite as mean and nasty as coyotes, but they will do whatever it takes to survive. Bobcats are carnivores and will eat just about anything they can catch. Rabbits will make up a large part of their diet, but other small mammals will become dinner too. During the spring and early summer, fawns and piglets are a favorite. If he stumbles across chickens, goats and sheep, he will surely take advantage of them. Full size deer are not usually on the menu, but when a bobcat gets hungry, they have been known to attack and kill an adult deer.

Bobcats are rarely seen, especially during the daytime, but they live all around us. If you happen to live in an area with low coyote populations, the number of bobcats will be higher. Since bobcats and coyotes compete for a lot of the same foods, they will attack and kill each other whenever they can. Leading a solitary life style, the female will claim her territory of about 5-6 square miles and defend it. Every couple of days she will roam her territory and make markers of scent using urine, feces and anal glands to let others know they’re in her area. A male bobcat will do the same, but his territory is usually twice the size (10-12 square miles) of the female. His territory will overlap several female’s territories and during the breeding season, he will mate

a female and leave. The male bobcat does not help in the raising of young and he will even mate with more than one female if he can.

The female bobcat will give birth to 1-6 kittens in one of several “dens” within her territory. These dens may be a rock pile, hollow log, cave or anywhere safe from the elements. Her kittens are weaned after one month and begin eating whatever mom kills. After 11 months, mom will kick her kittens out to find their own home ranges and she will start the cycle of raising a new family.

If a bobcat (male or female) has found your deer pens, it will be back. A young deer is not a challenge for a grown bobcat. It will climb your fence, kill a fawn and drag it up and over the fence so it can eat in a place of safety. This wild cat will rid you of all your fawns unless you stop him. Like other nuisance wild animals, you can shoot them to protect your deer, just be careful where your deer are and what’s behind your target.

Let’s take a look at a couple of trapping options that may be just as, if not more, successful. Always check the regulations of your state before using any trap.

Legholds - In the state of Florida, you’ll need a Steel Trap Permit from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (free) to use a leg hold trap, but this is a very good option. Someone who understands their target animal and knows where and how to set these traps can be very efficient.

Snares - These cable traps are an option and legal to use anytime, but if used in an unsafe manner, they could be dangerous for your deer and your pets.

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Cage Traps - A bobcats will usually go into a cage trap without too much thought if the bait is something they want. Some cage traps are designed with a separate room in them for live bait such as a rabbit, chicken or quail. This room protects the bait animal, and uses the bobcats natural instinct’s against him. I personally use a rooster in this trap because when he crows, it gets the bobcat’s attention and after a minute or so of walking around the trap, he usually commits and gets caught.

Trapping is a great option, because once the traps are set, they’ll be working 24/7, day and night. Then again, if trapping ‘ain’t yo thang’ but you like the idea, you can always hire a trapper to do it for you.

If this is your decision, then I recommend you interview the trapper and get a good feel for who they are. You’ll want to be able to trust them because they will be all over your property, and you’ll want to feel sure that they know what they’re doing.

Mark Neely 904-613-3344 my243rem@yahoo.com

Microchips • USDA 15 digit ISO

• 9 digit Avid and 10 digit Euro.

Avid Readers • Avid MiniTracker Livestock

Coupon: event 21 Limited timM ee on ffteio r nm thein staiodn this ad for discount

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SETDA MEMBERS BUSINESS CARD SPREAD Welcome to our SeTDA members Business card spread.

This is not just FREE advertising but a way members, both old and new, can reach out to each other for your services or to buy and sell deer.

If interested in getting into future business card spreads, send your Farm or Business Cards to; deerassociations@gmail.com or mail to: D&K Design, 305 E. 350 N., Ivins, UT 84738 Due to the high volume of business cards we have we rotate the cards in each quarters magazines. If you’re concerned that yours is missing resend your card anytime and check to see that your membership is still active.

The SeTDA wants to hear from you and show new and established deer farms and preserves who you are and where in Florida you are located. We look forward to hearing from you and creating a great advertising spread for our members!

Thank You, SeTDA BOD’s

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Yo u

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zin

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ds

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ive

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Websites promote you 24/7: no employee will do that.

830-368-4285 | www.DroptineStudios.com | Admin@DroptineStudios.com 42

6.5 PRC Storm Express / Express / Silver Hawk

Noah & Sarah Hilty South Whitley, IN

260-248-1684

HILTY WHITETAILS

Word Search Arctic Avalanche Blizzard Boots Carol Cocoa Crisp Evergreen Fireplace Freezing Frost Hibernate

Holidays Igloo Mittens Nordic Nutcracker Penguin Quilt Scarf Sled Snowflake Snowman Sweater

Help Reunite the Deer Family!

Answers to puzzles will be available in the next issue, or can be found on our website: www.deersites.com

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512-920-4757

orders@WildlifeCaptureEquipment.com

979-203-6735

info@DanInjectDartGuns.com

Let our 25+ years of experience in the field be yours

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Side-Ported Needles Re-Usable!

NET GUNS & NETS

PISTOLS Great For Short Range Shots!

BLOWPIPES

HOODS AND MASKS 46

CARRY RUGS

C02 DART GUNS

Use as close as 1 yard!

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Made of Aluminum Won’t Bend or Break!

JAB STICKS

Fully Automatic. Liquid Releases within 1-1.5 seconds!

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SUDOKU

The rules for sudoku are simple: A 9×9 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 3×3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.

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Does the sound of antlers clashing make you cringe each fall?

PEACEMAKER

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SAVE 5% ON PEACEMAKER THROUGH PBS ANIMAL HEALTH DURING SEPT-NOV 2023

DESIGNED TO HELP INCREASE YOUR PEACE OF MIND... WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST!

Rut and reduced feed intakes can bring out the worst in bucks and irritable behavior can rear it’s ugly head!

PeaceMaker is scientifically formulated to provide optimal support levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to help maintain a normal and relaxed disposition in cervids Now enhanced with appetite stimulants and probiotics for digestive health Contains no herbals nor tryptophan, eliminating concerns of unwanted side effects Use PeaceMaker™ to help “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation and other key times during the year Now available in a 30 lb resealable bag and 11.25 lb pail to help fit your operation’s needs

NEW 30 LB. RESEALABLE BAG!

FAWN & DEER XTR™ PASTE

ENTERIC HEALTH FORMULA™

Designed to quickly support normal GI health Novel formula delivers powerful immune support Can be used post tranquilization to help speed recovery

Supports digestive health and a healthy immune system Natural formula contains Encrypt®, egg proteins, enzymes, micro-encapsulated probiotics and a prebiotic Top dress or mix in feed during fawning season, weather changes, times of stress and when top performance is desired

ROBUST, FAST GI SUPPORT FOR FAWNS & OLDER DEER

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

DIGESTIVE HEALTH & IMMUNE SUPPORT CERVIDS OF ALL AGES

HEAD GEAR LLC 1383 ARCADIA ROAD, SUITE 102 / LANCASTER, PA 17601 PHONE 717-509-5724 WWW.HEADGEARLLC.COM

Science Geared For Deer

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Introducing the Newest Technology Found in Select AntlerMax® Free-Range Deer Feeds

Bio-LG™ Contains Lemon Grass and Supports • Intake • Healthy Skin • Healthy Hair Coat • Overall Health

For more info on Bio-LG™ please contact your local Purina Dealer. purinamills.com

©2023 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved.

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Last Issues Puzzles ~ Answer Keys ~

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SOUTHEAST TROPHY DEER ASSOCIATION Dr. Juan Campos College of Veterinary Medicine Dept. of Large Animal Clinical Sciences University of Florida 108 Deriso Hall, Gainesville, FL 32610

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Multi State Magazine Advertising Pricing Guide ~2023-2024 Advertising Packages~ • Alabama Deer Association • Illinois Deer Farmers • Indiana Deer And Elk Farmers Association • Iowa Whitetail Deer Association • Kansas Elk and Deer Association • Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

• Minnesota Deer Association • Missouri Deer Association • New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association • North Dakota Deer Ranchers • Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association • South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders

• Southeast Trophy Deer Association • United Deer Farmers of Michigan • Whitetails of Louisiana • Whitetails of Oklahoma

Buckaneer Package:*

40 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (10 Publications x 4 quarters) - 16 State Associations

$185 / Issue ($7400./ Yr) ~ Full Page $103 / Issue ($4120. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (55-56% Discount off single ad placement)

Doe-Re-Mi Package:*

16 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (4 Publications of your choice x 4 quarters) $204 / Issue ($3264. / Yr) ~ Full Page $112 / Issue ($1792. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (48-54% Discount off single ad placement)

Yearling Package:*

4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (1 Publication x 4 quarters) $238 / Issue ($952. / Yr) ~ Full Page $130 / Issue ($520. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (40-48% Discount off single ad placement) Single Issue In Any Of Our Ten Publications:

Full Page: $400.00

1/2 Page: $250.00

To Order Advertising, Contact Our Customer Care Representative, Samantha Uchytil at: deerassociations@gmail.com 320-905-2622 Fax: 435-359-5333 Find us on Face book: DeerSites

* Quarterly recurring payment pricing available upon request

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www.deersites.com

435-817-0150