Kentucky Winter 2023 by DandKDesign

KENTUCKY Winter 2023 l Volume 6 l Issue 4

2024 NADEFA IN SPRINGFIELD

ILLINOIS PROMISES LASTING MEMORIES AND GOOD TIMES Sponsored by ildfa

QUALIFYING FOR A CONSIGNMENT SALE

WHAT EVERY DEER FARMER SHOULD KNOW Sponsored by Idefa

THE NORTH AMERICAN DEER REGISTRY (NADR)

MORE SERVICES AND INNOVATION FOR BREEDING AND MANAGING DEER Sponsored by iwda

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CONTENTS Spring

Deadline March 27th

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)

FEATURED ARTICLES: 2024 NADeFA in Springfield, Illinois Promises Lasting Memories and Good Times........................ 25 Hunters – Embracing Camaraderie, Nature and Conservation............................................................. 29 The North American Deer Registry (NADR) Offering More Services and Innovation for Breeding and Managing Deer.......................................................... 14 Qualifying for a Consignment Sale -What Every Deer Farmer Should Know...................................... 20

Featured Farm Story: Copper Creek Whitetails - Daniel & Ashley Stallard.....6, 7

IN THIS ISSUE

Activity Pages........................................................... 38, 43 Board of Directors........................................................... 2 Business Cards........................................................ 32, 36 KALA Classifides............................................................. 11 Membership Application............................................. 11 Members Message.......................................................... 4 Quarterly Calandar.......................................................... 8 ADVERTISERS INDEX Antler Ridge Whitetails..................... 15 Blessed Bayou.................................... 37 Blosser Whitetails................. In. F. Cov. Blue Creek Whitetails........................ 10 C&E Wildlife Products....................... 16 Cervid Central Market Place........... 42 Cervid Solutions, LLC........................ 41 Clear Creek Whitetails...................... 39 CuddliEZ............................................... 24 Dan-Inject North America.... In. B. Cov. Droptine Studios................................ 19 EZid, LLC.............................................. 16 Forrestville Whitetails....... Back Cover Fox Valley Animal Nutrition, Inc...... 12 Head Gear, LLC.................................. 35 Hilty Whitetails.................................... 13 Illini Whitetails..................................... 33 Jo Jo’s Whitetails................................. 28

Kentucky Whitetails.....Center Spread Major League Whitetails.................. 26 NexGen Animal Health..................... 30 North American Deer Farmers Association.......................................... 21 North American Deer Registry....... 15 Outskirts Whitetails........................... 21 Pine Creek Deer Farm...................... 31 Pneu-Dart............................................ 40 Prime Acres Whitetails........................9 Purina................................................... 27 Rocky Ridge Whitetails...................... 18 Springfield Whitetails..............Cover, 3 Tajada Whitetail Ranch..................... 44 Trophy Whitetails..................................5 Whitetail Sales & Auction................. 24 Woodard Whitetails.......................... 17 Zehr Bros Whitetails......................... 34

Watch for these symbols for interactive links in the eBook! This symbol indicates there is a video linked This symbol indicates there is a link to email, website, or facebook

KENTUCKY ALTERNATIVE LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION - BOD’S WWW.KALAKY.NET

EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tony Maddox CHAIRMAN 725 Rabbit Town Rd Winchester KY 40391 solidrockwhitetails@yahoo.com 859-556-7253 • 239-340-1171

Jason Becker PRESIDENT Campbellsville, KY jasonbecker757@gmail.com 757-692-5820

Jake Anderson VICE PRESIDENT 925 Guston Rd Guston KY 40142 janderson@theluskgroup.com 270-547-8432

PRESTON THOMAS SECRETARY Princeton KY 42445 prestonthomasfarms@gmail.com 270-889-1001

WES BREWER TREASURER Hodgenville KY 42748 mwb5304@yahoo.com 502-297-1309

DIRECTORS Ethan Woosley

9064 Shrewsbury Road Leitchfield, KY 42754 Singlecreekwhitetails@gmail.com 270-316-9698

David Miller

1873 Forestville Rd Mumfordville KY 42765 270-537-5357

Henry Woodard

9776 Roseville Rd Glasgow KY 42141 woodardpropertiestn@gmail.com 423-595-8898

Joe Miller

4195 Penchem Rd Guthrie KY 42234 jmgreenlandsod@safecom.link 270-483-2140

MESSAGE FROM MAGAZINE CHAIRMAN: ETHAN WOOSLEY On Behalf Of K.A.L.A Hello all! Hopefully everyone is enjoying this Holiday season 2023! We hope you had a very Merry Christmas, and were able to enjoy it with your friends and family. Happy New year! As we begin a new year and look back on 2023 and the developments within the industry, we are hoping and striving to ensure that 2024 begins as well as it possibly can! As we begin a new year, remember that it is never too early to start preparing for the upcoming fawning season! With order delays and issues noted throughout this past year, it is a good idea to go ahead and order your RFID tags, farm tags, and any RDD’s you may need. As we look back on 2023, I would like to take a moment to thank our magazine team who have been so much help to me throughout the year! As the year has progressed, I have had nearly more than I could accomplish land in my lap, and I greatly appreciate everyone that has helped in any way! Thank you, Kathy Brooks with Sinking Creek Whitetails, Mary Ann Hall with Solid Rock Whitetails, and let us welcome a new member to our team, Grayson Steele with ACE Whitetails! Thank you all for your past and present efforts to ensure that certain features in our magazine get accomplished. Elections are coming soon! If you are interested in running for a position in K.A.L.A. we have elections at our upcoming meeting January 27, 2024 at 12 Eastern time in Springfield, Kentucky at the Cooperative Extension Office. Please be on the lookout for the event as it will be posted to the Facebook page soon! If you are interested in taking an active role, please contact a board member or officer in advance! Ethan Woosley

KALA FARM COPPER CREEK WHITETAILS DANIEL & ASHLEY STALLARD By: Grayson Steele

fter a year of researching and looking into different deer breeder markets, the Stallard family decided to get into the deer breeding market in the spring of 2022 on a farm located in Dawson Springs, KY.

fed, rain, snow, or shine, while also checking on the deer daily. His wife, Ashley, helps feed and basically lives at the pens during her favorite time of year, fawning season. Their daughter, Remi, feeds treats to the deer and loves hanging out with the bottle fed deer, especially Johny and June. Their 16 year old son, Hunter, is a huge help on the farm and Daniel gives all the credit to him for being the reason their pen and shelters were completed.

Daniel Stallard said, “it’s a family deal.” So much so that the deer pens are located right behind their house, allowing the family to watch the deer while grilling dinner on their back porch. Daniel ensures the deer are

Although two years doesn’t seem long, the Stallard family has learned a lot during such a short time in the deer industry. Learning by experience on the fly has been their biggest challenge. Daniel stated that

just in their first year they experienced a prolapsed doe, a broken leg, a broken skull cap, a buck fawn born blind in one eye, and even a havoc filled situation due to a bobcat getting in their fawn pen. Yet, through all of the challenges, Copper Creek Whitetails are proud to say they are in the 2024 Northern Top 30 and even have a couple lots that include deer born on their farm. On a personal accomplishment level, Daniel said it’s about having friends that are more like family. It was thanks to several individuals including KALA members: Boyle Underhill, Shawn Longest, and Randall Chapman that he was able to save several deer during stressful situations. Which is

FEATURE exactly why Daniel recommends building relationships with other farmers so when “something crazy off the wall happens you have someone to call that can help you think through how to treat them.” With a goal of having the best breeders in Kentucky and growing a 200-inch yearling every year, Daniel spends much time studying pedigrees and understanding what crosses work and don’t work. It was worth all the hard work this year for the Stallard family as their goal come to fruition with their first 250-inch plus yearling, called Stacked Deck. After doing this a couple years, there are a few things Daniel

suggested to those starting out. He suggests buying deer that are already in NADR and looking at the buck offspring (yearling and 2-year-olds) when looking to buy a doe. He also wished he had thought about buying a buck fawn, to get a year ahead on making money on the stocker market. For those that have been farming for awhile, he says, “remember why you got into this and live in the high moment. When the low moments hit, take time to reflect on the high moments and don’t let the negativity in the deer industry around the country get you down.”

It is evident that having a business plan and goals to reach has paid off for Copper Creek Whitetails. The farm has grown from starting with seven bred does into now having over 50 deer in two states. We can’t wait to see them at the Northern Top 30 and to see what this farm is capable of as the future unfolds.

CONTACT: DANIEL & ASHLEY STALLARD 214-897-1958

COPPER CREEK WHITETAILS

Quarterly Calendar Update Ad Deadlines & Events

Quarterly Calendar Update ~ Ad Deadlines & Events

FEBRUARY MARCH SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

JANUARY AUGUST

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

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Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

Alabama Deer Association Pennsylvania Winter Deadline Fall Deadline

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association Annaual Meeting Benefit Auction

North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Meeting

Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

Southeast Tines Fall Deadline

Martin LAST DAYLuther TO SUBMINT *UPDATED BUCK PHOTOS King Jr. Day

Summer Showcase Fudraiser Auction Event

Northern Top 30

Texas Deer Association Annual Convention

Upper Midwest Summer Deadline

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Summer Picnic TBD

Quest for Michigan’s Best Trophy Winter Deadline Bluegrass Buck Auction, The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

Upper Midwest Winter Deadline

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

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

2023 Ohio Fall Deer Convention

Whtietails of Louisiana Expo & Auction

Cave City, KY

* See Showcase Flyer in this magazine for more information

* See Showcase Flier in this magazine for more information Spring Quarter Begins

OK Annual Convention

Southeast Tines Spring Deadline IDEFA Journal Spring Deadline

Labor Day

Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

KS Annual Convention

IA Annual Meeting

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

Pennsylvania Spring Deadline

alabama Deer association Spring Auction

Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction & North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Pennsylvania Deer and OutdoorAnnual Expo Meeting Kentucky

Louisiana Fall Deadline Southeast Tines Fall Deadline

Alternative Livestock Association

Summer Showcase Fundraiser Auction Event

2023 SOUTHERN TOP 30 Whitetail & Specialty Extravaganza

Kentucky & New York Fall Deadline Upper Midwest Summer Deadline

Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association Summer Picnic

Whtietails of Louisiana Expo & Auction

The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

MDFA Annual Banquet

Louisiana Spring Deadline

UDFOM Annual Convention Southeast TDA Spring Fling

Alabama Spring Deadline

Whitetails of Wisconsin Banquet & Fundraiser

NADEFA Annual conference and Fundraiser

Columbus Day

Kentucky & New York Deadlines

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline

Quest for Michigan’s Best Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline Spring Deadline

Labor Day

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association SPRING PRIME SPOTS: Cover: Joe Miller • Back Cover: John Stoltzfus • Center Spread: Joe Miller Louisiana Fall Deadline Ads due no later than March 20th. deerassociations@gmail.com Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction & Annual Pennsylvania Deer and Outdoor Expo

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Kentucky & New York

ILDFA Annual Convention & Fundraiser

Memberhip Application Member Name:________________________________________ Farm Name:___________________________________________

MEMERSHIP DUES:

New Member: ________

Regular Voting Membership $100 Out of State Associate Membeship $50 (non-voting)

Address: ______________________________________________

I hereby make application for membership the Kentucky Alternative Livestock Assocation.

Phone:________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

I agree to conf irm to the bylaws and code of ethics governing the association.

__________________________________________ Signature Date: ______________________

Renewal: ________

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Online application avaliable on our Website: kalaky.net Mail to: Jason Becker 737 Finely Ridge Road Campbellsville, KY JasonBecker757@gmail.com 757-692-5820

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THE NORTH AMERICAN DEER REGISTRY (NADR) OFFERING MORE SERVICES AND INNOVATION FOR BREEDING AND MANAGING DEER By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by IWDA Deer farmers, through the unwavering innovations of NADR, can now know exactly which GEBV markers and codons their deer possess, along with standard DNA parentage markers. “Our recently upgraded technology is allowing us to include GEBV markers and codon information with our standard parentage testing,” said NADR Executive Director Gary Cook. “This information allows breeders to maximize the reduction risk regarding CWD. The science allows them to genetically reconstruct their herds, making them less likely for CWD to occur, by virtually layering genetics from animals that are less susceptible to CWD. This will greatly influence breeding decisions as well as the future of the deer industry.” Established in 2007 as an independent agency to help validate the deer industry, NADR has also recently purchased Game Management Solutions (GMS) software from NADeFA. “Our goal is to reinvent it so it can be opened from a phone and utilized in web-based applications,” Cook said. “We’ve been spending considerable time and effort revamping it to make it a much more powerful tool.” GMS, a tracking system designed to help manage every aspect of deer farming, will be available on a subscription basis in late winter or early spring, depending on when NADR is ready to introduce it. Currently, NADR maintains a DNA registry for whitetail, fallow and mule deer and as such, has tested almost 400,000 tissue samples. In addition, NADR is working on adding SNP markers for axis deer that will be available in 2024. Deer farmers looking to sell, breed or participate in consignment sales are strongly encouraged to register their deer with NADR, through the submission of tissue samples. Sample submission options include an excel spreadsheet,

GMS software or manually. Samples could include pulled (not shaved) hair between 30-50 millimeters long from the underside of the tail, an antler core from the base of a shed antler, semen straws or used semen straws with the cotton plug still intact. However, AllFlex tissue tubes can be handled much quicker through an automated process versus hair or blood, explained Lindsey Kogut, NADR Senior Lead Scientist. “We need to constantly remind people that we’ve grown, and samples can take weeks to process,” she said. “The earlier you get them to us the better. We will keep you informed and let you know when it’s in process.” One of the advantages of the revamped GMS software will be the ability to notify breeders when samples are in process and when results are available.

the latest CWD research and how GEBV’s and codons influence resistance. “Genetic improvement for reduced CWD susceptibility is not a single step process. It is a work in progress and is a standard practice in commercial/production livestock species as well,” Kogut said. “This information takes the guess work out of it and can provide an immense level of comfort to deer farmers. I cannot imagine where the deer breeding industry would be without the efforts of NADR.”

As a more recent staff edition, Kogut, is responsible for ensuring parentage and GEBV results are reviewed and released to the breeders in an accurate and timely manner. Drawing from the extensive research conducted by Dr. Christopher Seabury, Kogut spends a considerable amount of time talking with deer farmers in an effort to explain

You may reach NADR staff by calling 405-513-7228, faxing them at 405-513-7238, sending an email to nadr@deerregistry.com or visiting their website at www:deerregistry.com. NADR is located at 1601 Medical Center Drive, Suite 1, Edmond, OK, 73034.

“We continue to work hard to provide the very best tools and the most valuable information in a genetic registry,” Cook said. “NADR is ever continuing to seek ways to use technology to provide knowledge and state of the art services to our customers.”

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QUALIFYING FOR A CONSIGNMENT SALE WHAT EVERY DEER FARMER SHOULD KNOW By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by IDEFA Building your farm name through consignment sale participation is one of the smartest moves a deer farmer can make, offers Chris Ezell, co-owner of Whitetail Sales Auction LLC based out of Urich, Missouri. Although some consignment sales such as Top 30 (North and South) may be more exclusive and feature only the country’s top 30 breeders for that particular area, others such as Chupp auctions and NADeFA’s annual consignment auction offer opportunities for quality livestock or valuable and useful items to be featured and sold from a wider pool of consigners. As with every auction, programs are distributed describing each auction lot. “What deer farmers need to realize is what a great advertising opportunity it is to be in the program,” said Kristy Schwartz, President of Whitetail Marketing Inc., and Graphics/Catalog Designer for Whitetail Sales Auction LLC. “Even if you aren’t participating as a consignor, you can still advertise. Placing an ad allows people to identify with your brand. Coming to the auctions also allows you to gain insight and guidance from others and make goals for your future. It also helps your state.” Since the early 2000’s, Schwartz, 39, has been at the forefront of creating auction programs and working hand-inhand with each consignor to make sure

every detail is correct. Dates, times and places for every annual deer auction (as well as all advertising deadlines) can be found by visiting https://www. whitetailsalesauctionllc.com. Perhaps it could be seen as every deer farmer’s dream to be among the 30 breeders chosen for the Top 30 North or South auction, and to enjoy the prestige that goes along with that. “It all depends on the genetics you have on your farm,” Ezell said. “It might be tougher for a new farmer to initially get in, but possible after some dedication and hard work. It’s a great goal to shoot for.” The Chupp Auction, always held in Shipshewana, Indiana, generally features consignors from Indiana and closer surrounding areas. Ensuring that the quality of each auction lot falls within certain accepted parameters is in the hands of Ezell and Lester Eicher, who with Ezell, are at the helm of Whitetail Sales Auction LLC. Along with the Chupp Auction is a guaranteed good time with catered food, the unmatched hospitality of the Amish and the charm and culture of Shipshewana itself, a city with an Amish population of close to 90 percent. “If you haven’t been to this auction, you definitely need to come,” Ezell said.

The NADeFA auction, always held during the annual spring NADeFA convention, offers a chance to bring a wider variety of auction lots and showcase your best animal or most useful or well-crafted item such as a picnic bench (or even a magazine advertisement and article in your own quarterly deer association magazine.) NADeFA, which always draws a sizable and vast crowd from every state that raises deer, also offers a unique and interesting trade show as well as educational classes and the chance to mingle with some of the best producers in the deer industry. A percentage of profits from auctions often end up being donated to a worthy cause such as nonprofit organizations that support hunting and conservation, various deer associations and even individuals within the deer industry in need of additional support for personal reasons. “The deer industry is full of generous people willing to help others,” Ezell said. “Every deer farmer should make an effort to be a part of these auctions.” Interested auction attendees or participants should contact Ezell or Eicher if they have questions or need more information about deadlines.

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2024 NADEFA IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS ILLINOIS PROMISES LASTING MEMORIES AND GOOD -- PROMISES GOOD TIMES TIMES ®®

By: Gail Gail Veley Veley •• Sponsored Sponsored by by ILDFA ILDFA By: Attending The The North North American American Deer Deer Attending Farmer’s Association (NADeFA) national Farmer’s Association (NADeFA) national convention could could prove prove to to be be aa game game convention changer for your deer business. changer for your deer business. “Developing long-lasting long-lasting business business “Developing relationships through through face-to-face face-to-face relationships meetings and camaraderie is one one of of the the meetings and camaraderie is most important reasons for deer farmers most important reasons for deer farmers and those those who who sell sell products products and and services services and to attend NADeFA,” offers Kathy Giesen, to attend NADeFA,” offers Kathy Giesen, Editor and and Publisher Publisher of of multiple multiple state state Editor deer association association magazines, magazines, and and steadfast steadfast deer convention attendee. “At NADeFA you convention attendee. “At NADeFA you get a very good mix of state association get a very good mix of state association people. I feel this convention in particular people. I feel this convention in particular will draw from every state deer association will draw from every state deer association and be very well attended. There will also and be very well attended. There will also be a lot of educational and fun activities.” be a lot of educational and fun activities.”

anticipated anticipated event. event. Springfield, Springfield, aa city city known known for being home to President Abraham for being home to President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln, the the invention invention of of the the corn corn dog dog and and horseshoe sandwich as well as Springfield horseshoe sandwich as well as Springfield Lake, Lake, aa beautiful beautiful and and popular popular reservoir, reservoir, isis also also rich rich in in culture. culture. In In 1812, 1812, Explorer Explorer John John Kelly built the first cabin in Springfield, Kelly built the first cabin in Springfield, noting noting the the area’s area’s vast vast abundance abundance of of wild wild deer and game. Today, among the city’s deer and game. Today, among the city’s grid grid structured structured streets streets is is The The Abraham Abraham Lincoln President Library Lincoln President Library and and Museum, Museum, a mere 12 minutes from the convention. a mere 12 minutes from the convention. NADeFA attendees will receive a special NADeFA attendees will receive a special admission rate of only $10 if they visit the admission rate of only $10 if they visit the museum during the convention, which is museum during the convention, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Scheduled for March 20th-23rd 2024 Scheduled for March 20th-23rd 2024 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield Illinois, NADeFA will also feature several Illinois, NADeFA will also feature several guest speakers. “We typically cover a wide guest speakers. “We typically cover a wide variety of topics such as information on variety of topics such as information on starting a deer farm to the latest CWD starting a deer farm to the latest CWD findings to herd health and management,” findings to herd health and management,” said NADeFA Executive Director Shawn said NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer. “A sampling of this year’s Schafer. “A sampling of this year’s speakers includes Justin Greenlee and Dr. speakers includes Justin Greenlee and Dr. Chris Seabury.” Chris Seabury.”

ILDFA Vice President Chase Baker and ILDFA Vice President Chase Baker and Board Member Dr. Clifford Shipley believe Board Member Dr. Clifford Shipley believe that Illinois, a state with a very good that Illinois, a state with a very good reputation for raising deer, is a perfect reputation for raising deer, is a perfect choice and central location for hosting choice and central location for hosting NADeFA. “Springfield is a good city with NADeFA. “Springfield is a good city with easy access from the interstate and airport easy access from the interstate and airport to the hotel,” Dr. Shipley said. In addition, to the hotel,” Dr. Shipley said. In addition, ILDFA members hope Illinois “gains the ILDFA members hope Illinois “gains the exposure it deserves in being a great state exposure it deserves in being a great state to be a deer farmer,” Baker added. “We to be a deer farmer,” Baker added. “We see it continuing to be that way in the see it continuing to be that way in the future.” future.”

Board members for The Illinois Deer Board members for The Illinois Deer Farming Association (ILDFA) are pleased Farming Association (ILDFA) are pleased that Springfield, the capital of Illinois, will that Springfield, the capital of Illinois, will serve as the host city for this always muchserve as the host city for this always much-

As bright as the future is for Illinois deer As bright as the future is for Illinois deer farmers, is the prospect for new NADeFA farmers, is the prospect for new NADeFA attendees to make life-long friends attendees to make life-long friends and business partners, and for more and business partners, and for more

seasoned attendees to strengthen and seasoned attendees to strengthen and deepen existing relationships. In addition deepen existing relationships. In addition to events such as the anticipated Antler to events such as the anticipated Antler Competition, Silent Auction, Benefit Competition, Silent Auction, Benefit Auction, Consignment Auction, Dart Auction, Consignment Auction, Dart Gun Gun Competition, Coloring and Photo Competition, Coloring and Photo contest contest and a Culinary Competition is the convention hall itself, featuring is the convention hall itself, featuring booths from deer farms as well as those booths from deer farms as well as those promoting various products and services promoting various products and services geared toward helping a deer farmer geared toward helping a deer farmer succeed. succeed.

“There are approximately 2,500 members “There are approximately 2,500 members reached through our publications with the reached through our publications with the various state deer associations,” Giesen various state deer associations,” Giesen emphasized. “Therefore, I feel there emphasized. “Therefore, I feel there should be at least 2,500 people that attend should be at least 2,500 people that attend NADeFA. Many deer farmers have never NADeFA. Many deer farmers have never been to a national convention. Everyone been to a national convention. Everyone owes it to themselves to go. Sponsorships, owes it to themselves to go. Sponsorships, and the recognition that comes with that, and the recognition that comes with that, are also available for anyone who wishes are also available for anyone who wishes tosponsor sponsoraameal mealor oran anevent.” event.” to Toregister registerfor forNADeFA NADeFAor orto tohave haveaabooth, booth, To visitthe theNADeFA NADeFAwebsite websiteunder underNADeFA NADeFA visit 2024. “We are expecting a good size 2024. “We are expecting a good size crowd,”Schafer Schafersaid. said.“This “Thisisisan anevent eventthe the crowd,” wholefamily familywill willenjoy. enjoy.Plan Planon onattending. attending. whole You will really have a great time.” You will really have a great time.” Formore moreinformation: information: For www.nadefa.org www.nadefa.org Phone:330.454.3944 330.454.3944 •• Fax: Fax:330.454.3950 330.454.3950 Phone: Email:info@nadefa.org info@nadefa.org Email:

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HUNTERS – EMBRACING CAMARADERIE, NATURE AND CONSERVATION

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

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: Ethan Woosley: Singlecreekwhitetails@gmail.com This gives KALA 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. Please Note: Business Cards will be rotated as space allows, if you don’t see your card here it should appear in the next issue. If you have any concerns please double check that your membership is up to date and feel free to contact us or resend your card.

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