John Stoltzfus
5 Star Genetics
5835 N 1000 W Shipshewana, IN 46565
Phone: (574) 596-2347 jdwhitetails@gmail.com
Lester Eicher
Springfield Whitetails 14905 Springfield Ct Rd Grabill, IN 46741
Cell: (260) 341-3614 springfieldwts@gmail.com
Earl Hershberger
Clear Creek Whitetails 6960 W 200 N Shipshewana, IN 46565
Cell: (260) 350-3506 Fax: (260) 768-4761 earlcvpg@yahoo.com
Heath Alexander
Forgotten Mile Whitetails
6675 W 500 N Pennville, IN 47369
Cell: (260) 341-7296 Email: thaeh80@gmail.com
Josie Borkholder
Lone Pine Whitetails 1656 2B Rd Bremen, IN 46506
Home: (574) 248-2675
Fax: (574) 546-4211 josie@pinecreekchainlink.com
Nelson Miller
Antler Ridge Whitetails
71396 CR 25 New Paris, IN 46553
Cell: (574) 312-1349 Fax: (574) 538-2105 nelmiller26@gmail.com
Dr. Darryl Ragland, DVM, Phd 625 Harrison St West Lafayette, IN 47907
Home: (765) 494-3234
Cell: (765) 418-5673 raglandd@purdue.edu
David Schwartz
Shallow Pond Whitetails
3990 N 675 W Shipshewana, IN 46565
Cell: (260) 336-1687 shallowpondwts@gmail.comt
Jerry Schwartz
Countryside Whitetails
10852 W 900 N
Bourbon, IN 46504
Cell: (574) 907-9457
Fax: (574) 546-0390
Lonnie Whetstone
Whetstone Brothers Premier Whitetails 228 Ply-Goshen Trail
Nappanee, IN 46550
Phone: (574) 248-9188
Fax: (574) 773-2371
Office@WhetstoneBrothers.com
Lance Whitsell
Valhala Farm
1277 West Scratch Gravel Rd Liberty, IN 47353
Phone: (513) 839-5001 lance.whitsell71@gmail.com
Rober Yoder
Cedar Road Deer Farm 6664 Cedar Rd Bremen, IN 46506
Phone: (574) 646-2504 purchasinghid@gmail.com
**Erica Bratton (574) 220-5652 ~ indianadeer@gmail.com
Chair: Dr. Ragland Committee: Andy Aker, Lance Whitsell
Public Relations
Chair: Lester Eicher Committee: Trevor Vance
Chair: Josie Borkholder Committee: Robert Yoder
Chair: Josie Borkholder Co-Chair: Lonnie Whetstone
Member Relations: Erica Bratton Food: Jerry Schwartz Committee: Earl Hershberger, Nelson Miller, Brian Bratton, John Stoltzfus, Robert Yoder, Heath Alexander, David Schwartz, Lance Whitsell.
Chair: Earl Hershberger Committee: Nelson Miller, David Schwartz
IDAC
Chair: Dr. Ragland Committee: Shelly Chavis, Shawn Schafer
Hello Fellow Members,
I hope everyone is having a successful year. As fawning season comes to a close, we move into getting the stockers sold. The Indiana Buck Auction had a great turnout with many bucks sold.
The IDEFA Auction was a remarkable success in Shipshewana with well over five hundred people. Many free prizes were won by IDEFA Members. We had a great team of people that put it all together to make it happen. The all you can eat fish was a great hit. The Board is already working on how to make our 2023 Auction even better.
We received many ideas from IDEFA Members on how the Board can serve its members and make Indiana better. Our Member list keeps growing.
We had Farmers here from many states supporting us, please make sure you support their organizations as well. We need everyone’s support.
Thank you for your support, your President John Stoltzfus
Good day to you!
This summer seems to have flown by us, with not enough hours in the day to accomplish it all. Yet we are still so very thankful for all our many blessings. I hope that each of you and your families are doing great and have enjoyed your summer.
This year’s Annual Event held in Shipshewana brought people from near and far. We enjoyed seeing each of you and having time to visit. We hope everyone enjoyed the evening and we sure appreciate the support you all have for our Association and our industry!
This year’s ballot came with a survey. We’d like to know how you feel we, as an Association can bring more value to our industry. Each comment will be assessed by the Board. If you were unable to attend or even have more ideas, please feel free to reach out to a Board Member or email us, we’d love to hear from you!
As with each year, we set up the Committees, there is always room! If you’d like to help, we’d love to have you. Many hands do make light work. The event planning and executing are made easier by the many people who volunteer.
The Annual Meeting is typically when we collect renewals for the following year. Please note you’re your membership runs from January 1st to December 31st. There is still plenty of time to get membership renewals in prior to the first of the year.
Here’s to a very healthy, happy, and successful Fall!
Erica BrattonAdministrative Secretary Cell: 574-220-5652 • Fax: 952-955-6022 indianadeer@gmail.com
Blue Creek Whitetails – Devoted to exceeding expectations 10-11
IN EACH ISSUE
Advertising Information 29, 38
Business Cards FREE! 39 Recipes 42
IDEFA: Administrative Report 2 BOD Message 50 Event Sponsors 14 Membership Form
59 President’s Message 2
ADVERTISERS INDEX
5 Star Genetics 46
Antlers by Design 28
AR&R Antler Replica & Repairs 54
Blessed Bayou 24
Blosser Whitetails 40
Blue Creek Whitetails Cover, 4
C&E Wildlife Products 50
Cervid Solutions, LLC 56
Clay Kuntry 44
Clear Creek Whitetails 6
Cougar Ridge Whitetails Inside F. Cover CuddliEZ 38
D&M Whitetails 7
Dan-Inject North America 47
Derby City Whitetails 54
Eden Meadow Whitetails 8
Ezid LLC 28
Head Gear LLC 41
Hilty Whitetails 21
Illini Whitetails 9
J & L Ranch 48
Jo Jo’s Whitetails 34, 49
Male Maxx 12
NexGen Compounding 16
Pine Acres
53
Pine Creek Chain Link 27
Pine Creek Deer Farm 17, 60, In. B. Cov.
Pneu-Dart, Inc 52
Prime Acres Whitetails 51, B. Cover
Purina 18
Rocky Ridge Whitetails 23, 36
Rolling Acres Whitetails 19
Shallow Pond Whitetails
13
Springfield Whitetails Center Spread
Sunrise Supply, LLC 45
The Forgotten Mile 20
Thompson Trophy Whitetails 37
Trophy Whitetails 43
Whetstone Brothers 26
Whitetail Syndications - Forgiven 58
Whitetail Syndications - High Riser
22
Woodard Whitetails 32
Yoder Brothers Whitetails 45
Zehr Bros Whitetails 55
With incorrigible weather patterns becoming increasingly stronger and more frequent in recent years, for both hurricanes and tornados, deer farmers should plan adequately this spring to protect their animals and property. “The biggest thing you need to be mindful of with wind, are the trees around your fences and buildings,” explains Bray Bollinger of 2 Brothers Whitetail in Loranger, Louisiana. “Make sure when you are building a fence to avoid the possibility of trees that could fall on it, or trees that could compromise your house or outbuildings.”
Many deer farmers in southern states suffered losses and damages as a result of strong weather systems such as Hurricane Ida, a Category Four hurricane that formed on August 26th, 2021. According to internet research, the storm was responsible for 115 fatalities as well as destruction in Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia and New Jersey. The year 2021 was the sixth consecutive year of above average tropical cyclone activity and the third most active on record. In addition, it was the fourth most-costly year for those effected, following behind hurricane damage caused in 2017, 2012 and 2005.
Hurricanes, whose season is typically between June 1st and November 1st on any given year, have also begun forming earlier. Tropical storm Ana formed on May 22nd, 2021, the seventh year in a row this phenomenon has occurred. However, hurricanes are not the only destructive forces a deer farmer may deal with. Deer farmers in Oklahoma as well as in states such as Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Kentucky face seasonal tornadoes. According to the internet, 1,254
tornadoes were reported nationwide in 2021. On December 10th, 2021, a massive tornado lasting close to three hours with 190 mph winds blasted through Kentucky, caused major damage in at least five cities.
With strong winds being a major component of these types of storms, Bollinger recommends chaining your gates and shut “because they could blow right open and snap off past what you already use,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a major chain but something with a lock. Lock all gates internally and externally. We’ve had it happen once when we didn’t do that, and our gates blew wide open.”
Should shade cloth be attached to your fencing, Bollinger recommends removing it in the event a storm is predicted. “If you leave it up, it could pull your fence right down with it,” he said.
As important as fence locks and netting maintenance, is the literal strength and placement of your fence.
“Every four “T”-posts you should put in a bigger line post for added support,” Bollinger said. “However, you don’t want your fence too strong. You want your fence to have a little “give” to it so a deer can bounce off of it and not get hurt, but you also want something that can withstand heavy winds. Also, be aware of how flooding affects your property, and make sure water doesn’t push up against the fence.”
Lastly, wrapping chains around large, older established trees such as oak trees, is also something Bollinger highly recommends, to avoid the trunks splitting and the potential loss of a revered tree. “Remember as much as you try to protect trees and fences and property, there’s only so much you can do. Everyone has their struggles, anywhere you live,” Bollinger said. “Just do your best to be prepared.”
By: Gail Veley
Sunlight appears on the horizon in southern Texas, promising another beautiful and warm day. Before the sun can climb higher, Jimmie Neeley, manager of Blue Creek Whitetails in Falfurrias, Texas arises from his bed, reaching for his cowboy boots and coffee. He steps outside and takes in a full breath of fresh morning air in his beloved home state, ready to put in another 12 or 13-hour day of caring for close to 1,600 deer and doing what he loves most.
Neeley, 40, is just as devoted to the breeding farm on 250 sprawling acres as owners
Billy and Alice Oehmig, who upon meeting Neeley in 2019, knew he was the right man for the job. Upon embracing Neeley, his wife Kayla and his years of experience doing everything a rancher does from baling hay, caring for livestock as well as deer, the Oehmig’s embraced another idea. Moving their farm to a more viable location. While Blue Creek Whitetails spent 20 years operating in El Campo, Texas, the land was prone to hold moisture longer than desirable for raising deer. When a parcel of land became available four hours away in Falfurrias, the Oehmig’s quickly
acquired it. “We were able to design and build the farm exactly the way we wanted it,” Neeley said, as he reflected back on March 26th, 2020, Kayla’s birthday and the day they closed on the land. Later that afternoon, bulldozers arrived to clear the way for the dream to take shape. By September that same year, two does took up residence. In March of 2021, the rest of the herd, then numbering 1,200, were moved over a six-day period to their new paradise that specializes in selling breeding stock, stocker bucks and does with reputable genetics and potential to produce.
As accomplished as this move and new establishment made the Neeley’s and Oehmig’s feel, something deeper was driving them to pursue this goal - the
desire to produce the strongest and most marketable pedigreed deer possible on an even larger and better scale than ever before. “We also believe in the top-quality customer service,” Neeley said. “Whether you do business with us or not, if we get calls, we go above and beyond to help everybody out and answer their questions.
When you look at the industry as a whole, just one person can’t be successful. And if there’s somebody really struggling it tends to have a ripple effect and effect everyone. We want everyone to be successful.”
“That is one thing that is really important to Mr. Oehmig,” Neeley emphasized. “If you buy a deer from us and it only lives two weeks and dies, we will make it right. We want our customers to be successful and we will always do right by them.”
Creating a strong customer base is enhanced not only by their great customer service, but with the high-end quality genetics found throughout the herd including their latest homegrown prize breeding buck “Are You Ready,” a two-year-old
mainly typical buck currently measuring 340” whose pedigree includes Sudden Express, Freeze Frame, Gladiator Hammer and Tasha. Other farm sires include High Power, Dillon, Big Sir, Simply Irresistible, Ice Man and Wanted.
Catering to the farm’s breeding and herd health goals is Kayla, 39, the farm’s office manager, who is grateful to share in Jimmie’s passion. She is also grateful for the enthusiasm shown by their three children, Trey, 19, Taitlyn, 17, and Tripp, 16, in learning the value of hard and honest work. As Jimmie looks back on the day in 2011 when deer first intrigued him as he assisted Shiloh Sosa
with a difficult fawn birth, he finds one thing in particular the most gratifying today. “When you are able to help a customer truly achieve their goals,” he shared. “We value our customers. Without them, it doesn’t matter how good your deer are. Without customers, they are just deer.”
By: Gail Veley
Evidenceis mounting that MaleMaxx, a nutritional supplement for does manufactured by GenMax, LLC, is helping to improve the sex ratio of buck to doe fawns at several whitetail deer farms. Various deer farmers have reported to GenMax owners Dr. Cliff Shipley and Dr. Rick Balsbaugh, an increase of 20% to 30% more buck fawns over doe fawns being born each fawning season. While the biological mechanism for this phenomenon has not been fully pinpointed, it is speculated that the ingredients and nutritional value found in MaleMaxx may allow for a greater mobility and concentration of male sperm versus female sperm to fertilize an egg, among several other unproven theories.
While traditional theories may suggest that either the “X” or “Y” chromosome predominantly effects the sex of offspring, research has shown that other factors way heavily into the outcome of breeding.
Some of these factors include environmental conditions, the density of the herd population and/or nutrition. Focusing in on the nutritional side of breeding ratios was the catalyst for creating a product to help whitetail deer farmers, said Dr. Balsbaugh. “Our goal was not to try and make a million dollars or market this on a huge scale, it was to help the deer industry,” he said.
After reading a peer-reviewed paper 10 years ago which attributed nutrition as the key to altering breeding outcomes, Dr. Shipley turned to Dr. Balsbaugh, a nutrition specialist for 30 years for a major feed company. He asked him to create a product for this purpose as both men, long-time friends, felt it was worth pursuing. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Balsbaugh had created something he felt he was ready to try and Dr. Shipley’s deer farm, Salt Fork River Ranch in St. Joseph, Illinois, then became the living laboratory.
In the eight years that Dr. Shipley has subsequently fed MaleMaxx to the does on his farm, he has experienced a 70:30 male to female ratio, as opposed to the more typical 50:50 male to female ratio found at most other farms. After seeing these results, MaleMaxx became commercially available four years ago.
“I had a guy walk up to me at this past NADeFA and tell me ‘don’t stop making that stuff,’” Dr. Shipley said. “He said he’s been having an 80:20 male to female ratio every fawning season on his farm ever since he started using MaleMaxx.”
While a majority of farms now using MaleMaxx have had favorable results, some said they have not. “When we investigate, we conclude it’s because they have not followed the recommended feeding guidelines or the deer haven’t consumed it,” Dr. Shipley said. “It is also speculated that feeding humic acid, in conjunction with MaleMaxx, may have an effect on the efficacy of MaleMaxx.”
Recommended doe feeding is ½ pound per day as a replacement, not in addition to, a ½ pound of other grains you are feeding. While feed costs are volatile at the moment, the average cost to feed a doe MaleMaxx is about $11 per month. Considering the additional revenue a farm may realize in having more bucks to sell, there is a substantial return on your investment, Dr. Balsbaugh explained.
Feeding protocols dictate that MaleMaxx be fed 28 to 30 days prior to doe breeding and 28 to 30 days after breeding, on the chance your doe did not “take” the first breeding cycle and needs to be bred to the backup buck. MaleMaxx is available in 50-pound bags and costs approximately $45 per bag. Other GenMax products include ZenMax, a calming agent used to lessen the aggression of bucks in the rut or to aid in the safe transport of deer. Visit their website at www.malemaxx.com.
Interms of saving whitetail deer from succumbing to upper respiratory diseases such as pneumonia “the most valuable animal on your property is the one that just died,” explains Josh Newton, COO of Cervid Solutions and Operations Manager of Red Ridge Whitetails in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. “Because this deceased deer can provide insight as to what caused their death and give you greater abilities to treat others with an appropriate antibiotic regiment.”
Being that pneumonia can manifest itself virally, bacterially, chemically or as a result of an injury, some antibiotics may work better than others for effective treatment. And pneumonia, aside from the type caused by an injury, is almost always contagious. In addition, fluctuating weather patterns, such as severe drops in temperature or significant precipitation, can play a vast role in the overall health and longevity of a cervid herd or how susceptible they may be in contracting pneumonia.
“Each farm is judged on it’s merits individually,” Newton said. “A northern deer farm is far different than a farm in an area such as southern Missouri where winter is a lot less hard on animals from a pneumonia standpoint.”
Symptoms of pneumonia, which can affect deer of all ages including fawns to older adult deer, can include a chronic dry cough, erratic shallow rapid breathing (most noticeable as a bouncing motion in the flank area), foaming at the mouth (unlike the look of chewing cud), diarrhea and nasal discharge. These symptoms are usually accompanied by dehydration as fawns tend to lose their desire to nurse and adult deer tend to lose their desire to eat and drink.
“Pneumonia is probably one of the most significant diseases that affect farmed deer,” said Dr. Rachael Weiss of Applied Reproductive Concepts in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. “If a farmer is losing a significant number of deer, I always recommend a necropsy and culture because many don’t know what is affecting their deer. The necropsy and culture will be a baseline to appreciate what is going on and choose the most appropriate treatment options.” To this end, choosing the right antibiotic (such as Draxxin, Zactran or sulfa drugs such as SMZ’s) can be the difference between life and death as some forms of pneumonia may be resistant to certain antibiotics. “We refer to this as the MIC or Minimal Inhibitory Concentration factor,” Newton explained. MIC defines levels of susceptibility or resistance of certain bacterial strains to administered antibiotics. “Having a reliable MIC assessment impacts your choice of a therapeutic strategy because of the potential effectiveness on an infection therapy,” he emphasized.
Newton feels any decisions regarding treatment regiments should always start first with your veterinarian. Therefore, having a good VCPR (Vet Client Patient Relationship) is just as important as developing a keen eye for illness, as antibiotics can only be acquired through veterinarian prescriptions. Acting quickly to isolate sick animals could also help save others if done promptly.
This, along with maintaining an ideal number of deer in your pens, is another important proactive and preventative measure.
“Ask yourself, what is your “Morbidity and Mortality Goal” for your farm and how many deer you are willing or able to lose,” Newton asked. “Also think about this. What is the maximum number of deer you could safely raise in the worst conditions? Consider your fawn program, too, and then bump back the number of deer in your pens. Because realistically, how much time and money do you want to spend intensely managing deer or treating sick animals?”
Joe Bisogno checks the upcoming schedule at his deer hunting haven, Timber Hills Lake Ranch in Mapleton, Kansas, and a huge smile spreads across his face. Because during that particular week, he’s hosting women hunters. Not only that, women hunters who belong to Wander Women Kansas, a group specifically organized to encourage camaraderie and skill building among women while embracing the outdoors. While it may not be the only group of women hunters he clears his schedule for, it is one of his favorites.
“A woman should not feel afraid to try something like hunting,” Bisogno explained. “They should not feel limited. It’s something that more and more women are doing.” While Bisogno, 41, enjoys spending time with hunters from all walks of life, men and women included, he personally feels women take instruction well and often times
better than men, and often times are a better shot than a man. “And I really enjoy the first-time women hunters, too,” he added.
Facilitating events such as these is Wander Woman Kansas Founder and Kansas native Jessica White, who, since 2018, has been organizing events designed specifically to bring women together for outdoor adventures. Among those adventures is not only hunting but fishing, kayaking, rappelling, hiking and paddleboarding, to name a few. Yet hunting is one experience that perhaps nurtures the most substantial personal growth among group participants. “Being outdoors at a place like Timber Hills Lake Ranch can be so peaceful,” White, 36 said. “When you are working really hard together, you bond in a different way and on the same level, too.” The adventure is frequently so profound that afterwards, some women volunteer to come back as guides.
Yet building camaraderie and confidence isn’t the only benefit of participating, as conservation and land management plays a big part in the advantage of hosting women hunters who aren’t after a big trophy buck, but who want the experience instead, Bisogno said. Through the years in his part of the country, he’s seen a marked increase in the number of women
hunters. “It used to be about 90% men and 10% women,” he said. “Now it’s about 70% to 30% but in states like Arkansas it’s definitely 50-50.”
White believes that groups such as Wander Woman Kansas play a role in the annual increase of women hunters. “I started this group to empower women and figured out along the way that there were so many opportunities,” she said. Before starting Wander Woman Kansas “I struggled and unless I had a man taking me around, I felt hesitant to take the initiative,” White added. “Being involved in Wander Woman enables you to have that comfort and space where you don’t have to be an expert to have access to the kinds of activities that we do. I know when we go to Joe’s place for our annual Deer Camp, we are never going to be disappointed. He hosts us because he believes in us and wants us to be successful. It’s very family oriented. Even my Dad participates as a guide.”
“It’s amazing to see how excited the women are after a hunt,” White said. As the evening bonfire is being built and marshmallow sticks are being gathered “they praise each other and help each other and become really good friends. You’d never know they didn’t know each other beforehand. It’s the most wonderful thing to watch.” Bisogno agrees and feels there is another wonderful thing about hunting that may often get overlooked. “There’s nothing political about the outdoors.”
• 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
Darryl Ragland, DVM, PhD Jerry Schwartz Lonnie Whetstone
Mycoplasmas are a family of bacteria that has a well-documented history of negative impacts on the health of livestock. They are bacteria that lack a cell wall, a characteristic that differentiates them from other bacteria. This has consequences regarding treatment of affected animals because some antibiotics exert their action on the cell wall of susceptible bacteria. Mycoplasmas also appear to have the ability to evade the immune system after establishment of infections. This makes control of the organism through vaccination and other means very challenging. Major food animal species like cattle, swine and poultry are affected by disease conditions due to infections with mycoplasma. In addition to large ruminants like cattle, small ruminants, including sheep and goats, are susceptible to disease conditions precipitated by mycoplasma infections. Therefore, mycoplasmas can pose significant health challenges to livestock populations and represents a pathogen that deer farmers should be aware of as well. Deer farmers should be knowledgeable of this particular bacteria because it has emerged as a pathogen of significance on some farms.
Mycoplasmas are often associated with respiratory infections in livestock and deer are susceptible to mycoplasma infection. Information related to mycoplasma infections in deer is not as extensive as that available for cattle and other food animal species. However, the impact is still the same, mycoplasma infections can result in significant disease of the respiratory tract and result in death of affected animals.
Reports, as well as the author’s own experiences, indicate that mycoplasma infections in deer can be catastrophic and fatal. One particular mycoplasma, Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis), has been extensively described as a cause of respiratory disease in bovine calves and has been similarly reported as a cause of pneumonia and respiratory disease in deer. M. bovis may gain access to deer herds through introduction of animals that are colonized with the organism, but may not show clinical signs of disease. These “asymptomatic carriers” can shed the organism in nasal secretions and infect deer that are in close proximity via direct transmission. Establishment of infections in susceptible animals can then result in development of significant infections of lung tissue and result in death, even in the face of antibiotic treatment.
M. bovis has been described in fawns, and because of their age, may be at greater risk of death from respiratory infections caused by M. bovis. However, age does not confer protection from the effects of M. bovis and older animals will become infected and succumb to pneumonia precipitated by M. bovis as well. Moreover, mixed infections are possible since other bacteria are often recovered from the lungs of deer diagnosed with pneumonia due to M. bovis. The severity of infections will vary, but M. bovis can cause extensive damage to lung tissue, thereby rendering affected areas of the lung non-functional. M. bovis is associated with a form of pneumonia known as bronchopneumonia, where the airways are inflamed and diseased and cause the animal to experience difficulty breathing. Evidence of disease throughout the thorax may be observed at necropsy with the presence of lung abscesses
and inflammation of the lining of the thoracic cavity being possible. Mixed infections with opportunistic bacteria can contribute to the severity of gross lesions affecting the lungs and thoracic cavity and Arcanobacterium pyogenes has been described as a co-infecting agent in deer.
Clinical signs of infection with M. bovis will vary, but affected deer may or may not exhibit a cough, may inflate their cheeks when breathing as an indication of severity, may exhibit a nasal discharge and may utilize their abdominal muscles to assist with breathing.
Affected deer may exhibit fevers and are often depressed and off feed. Deer showing clinical signs are candidates
for treatment and the appropriate antimicrobials should be selected on the advice of your veterinarian. Recall that mycoplasmas lack a cell wall, which means that antibiotics that affect bacterial cell wall constituents as its mode of action are not suitable for treating M. bovis. Based on laboratory testing, there is a short list of antibiotics that are viewed as the most viable options for treating M. bovis respiratory infections and they include enrofloxacin (Baytril® 100), tulathromycin (Draxxin®) and florfenicol (Nuflor®). Again, you should consult your veterinarian about selecting the most appropriate medications for managing respiratory disease concerns on your farm.
Respiratory concerns due to M. bovis can present significant challenges with control and treatment after it gains entry into susceptible herds. Although mycoplasmas are recognized for their ability to evade the immune system,
vaccination of susceptible deer may be a worthwhile investment in time, effort and money for increasing immunity in herds and minimizing concerns with M. bovis. For this purpose, an autogenous vaccine would have to be prepared for use in herds where M. bovis is present and causing clinical disease. Several autogenous laboratories provide services for preparation of products for deer. Your veterinarian will be necessary to manage sample collection and submission to the autogenous laboratory, as well as to ensure that the required regulatory approvals have been obtained to legally use autogenous products in your herd. Use of autogenous vaccines to control M. bovis represents a tool that can be used as part of a comprehensive plan to promote health of the herd and minimize clinical disease. Response to vaccines and their effectiveness will vary.
Mycoplasmas are a distinctive family of bacteria that affect the health of livestock. M. bovis has emerged as a significant challenge to health on some deer farms. The bacteria is spread by direct transmission and likely enters farms through carrier animals. Infections can result in pneumonia, generalized illness and death of deer of all ages. Devoid of a cell wall, M. bovis can be difficult to treat and the list of antibiotics considered to be effective is short. Use of vaccines to stimulate immunity on deer farms should be part of a comprehensive strategy to promote herd health and requires the use of an autogenous preparation. Your veterinarian should provide guidance on treatment and prevention and control measures adopted on your farm.
References available upon request
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 IDEFA 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.
Email to: Erica Bratton indianadeer@gmail.com
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
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
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
1 lb . venison , cut into 2- inch cubes
2 t bsp . curry powder
1 tsp . ground allspice
1 tsp . ground corlander seed
2 t bsp . vegetable oil
1 onion , chopped
2 large tomatoes , peeled and seed
1 t bsp . tomato paste
3 garlic cloves , minced
8 oz . diced pumpkin ( or other winter squash )
1 habanero chile , seeded and diced ( optional )
3⁄4 cup chicken stock
2 t bsp . cilantro , chopped
s alt and freshly ground pepper
1. P ut the cubed venison in a large bowl along with the curry P owder , alls P ice , coriander , and generous doses of salt and P e PP er . M ix well to co M bine the s P ices and to coat the M eat . r efrigerate , covered , for at least 1 hour ( P referably longer ).
2. h eat a large P ot or d utch oven over M ediu M - high heat . a dd the vegetable oil . w hen the oil is just beginning to s M oke , add the venison and cook until well browned on all sides , about 8 M inutes .
3. a dd the onion , to M atoes , and to M ato P aste , and continue to cook , stirring , for 4 M inutes , or until the onions are li MP . a dd the garlic and cook for another M inute . a dd the P u MP kin , chile ( if using ), and chicken stock , and bring to a si MM er . r educe the heat to low , and si MM er gently for 2 hours or M ore , or until the M eat is very tender . s tir in the cilantro and serve with lots of rice .
s erves 4. Provided by FIELD & STREAM
LONNIE WHETSTONE
Hope this finds everyone doing well. Just a few lines to thank everyone who helped sponsor or donate an item at the 2022 IDEFA Picnic. And a special thanks to all the out of state people for attending and all the locals as well. We had great attendance and a very good sale. Hope everyone is having a great farming season and the bucks are looking good. It is an exciting time of the year again as we get into breeding season and selling bucks as well stockers breeders etc.
Blessings to all, Lonnie Whetstone
Photo credit: Dan Verrips
By: Gail Veley
RedRidge Whitetails is more to Operations Manager Josh Newton than just a place to raise and sell deer. At the end of the day, the farm is a representation of all that is good about the deer industry. From the development, breeding and raising of quality seed stock for hunting ranches, to the practice of superior animal husbandry to the promotion of private land management and conservation, Newton’s goal is to help the industry as a whole to thrive and prosper. And he wants the governing bodies in his state, as well as in other states, to know how diligently deer farmers work to improve the health and vitality of whitetails in many facets including the potential eradication of CWD.
Yet, there are moments when Newton relaxes, however brief and cherished those moments might be on the peaceful and lush 10-acre farm in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Then, he just simply enjoys his deer and his role as a father to his young daughters
Lena, 5, and Gianna, 2. Watching them interact with fawns alongside his wife Lisa, 37, reminds him of how it all started. For this, Newton is grateful for the other lessons offered through deer farming. “The real lesson is the life itself,” Newton, 41, shared. “And whether we like it or not the reality is that life does exist and (the deer) depend on you. Sadly, some do die. But these experiences create a normal traditional value mindset and animals are a great conduit for that.”
Creating the desire to raise deer started in 1999 when Josh was 17 and visited his uncle’s deer farm for the first time. Within moments of being there, what stirred in his soul was something he couldn’t ignore. He bought his first deer and never looked back. Through working on the farm and learning a vast majority of relevant management skills, he eventually became the operations manager of Red Ridge Whitetails in 2006 after a fateful encounter and subsequent three-hour conversation with the owner. Today, Newton might be considered a walking encyclopedia or a beacon of information on whatever subject pertaining to whitetails you want to discuss. His never-ending drive to represent the industry and continually learn also extends to his role as President of the Pennsylvania Deer Farmer’s Association.
His education didn’t always come easily or happen overnight. It evolved after Newton’s worst and ultimately best experience at Red Ridge Whitetails. After the heartbreak and exasperation of watching close to 20 fawns die within
three weeks in 2008, Newton vowed “never again.” Through his grief and resolve, Cervid Solutions, a company dedicated to providing cervid specific vaccines as well as health management protocols, was founded and today ensures that all deer at Red Ridge (and other farms) live the healthiest lives possible. By using Cervid Solutions as the foundation for putting prevention through herd health at the forefront of the farm’s daily operations, and limiting the number of deer per acre, Red Ridge stays poised to continue setting a good example to others.
They are proud to raise typical deer from the likes of Roman, Rango, Legion, Big Fuzz, Two Big and Artisan among several more. Providing preserves and ranches with big-bodied, hearty, classic, genetically viable typical stocker bucks remains a steadfast goal. Their herd, numbering close to 50, are all DNA certified and registered and also GEBV tested for CWD susceptibility.
“The whitetail industry for me always has been, and will continue to be, my labor of love,” Newton said. “Through Cervid Solutions, I can always provide the best health tools for Red Ridge Whitetails and for a multitude of other like-minded deer farmers.”
Lena and Gianna
