KEEP YOUR DEER HERD ORGANIZED with a Proficient Tagging System Sponsored by KALA
QUALIFYING FOR A CONSIGNMENT SALE What Every Deer Farmer Should Know Sponsored by IDEFA
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DEER ASSOCIATION
North Dakota Deer Farmers Set Model Example for Event Attendance Sponsored by NDDRA
Winter 2024 l Volume 9 l Issue 4
BRANDON BOLLINGER (‘26)
President 56099 Dohm Road Loranger, LA 70446
985-264-3437
bbollinger@gulfcraneservices.com
DANIEL THOMAS (‘25)
242 Daniel Thomas Road Springhill, LA 71075
318-469-9404
dbthomas40@gmail.com
RICK PRIEST (‘27)
18610 Lake Harbour Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
225-572-9212
rick@bigladeer.com
ZACARY MARTIN (‘27) PO Box 758
Haughton, LA 71037
417-691-3316
zacarymartindjw@gmail.com
BJ CLARK (‘25)
38334 Shelby Drive
Denham Springs, LA 70706
225-445-4459
bjclark.ds20@gmail.com
MYRA BOLLINGER
Administrator
Whitetails Of Louisiana P.O. Box 436, Folsom, LA 70437 985-892-0056
whitetailsoflouisiana@gmail.com
JOSH KAPLAN (‘25)
Secretary / Treasurer 212 Aspen Drive Raceland, LA 70394
985-227-3664
rouwhitetails@gmail.com
BRAY BOLLINGER (‘25) 56099 Dohm Road Loranger, LA 70446
985-400-1667
bray@gulfcraneservices.com
KRISTINA ROTHSCHILD (‘24)
3220 Tisdale Road Eros, LA 71238
318-355-4197
krisrothschild@yahoo.com
KEVIN MEADOWS (‘26) 123 Journie Grace Street
Benton, LA 71006
318-423-8997
kevinmeadows0123@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATEAUGUST 22-23, 2025
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711 PARAGON PL, MARKSVILLE, LA 71351
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ROOM BLOCK CLOSES: 8/6/25
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Breeder Buck 2024 Showcase Magazine is
Just in time for semen sales, getting ready for breeding season!
We created this magazine in order for 2024 Breeder and Hunting Preserve advertisers to showcase their most recent photos of their bucks close to the last days of antler growth. We realize establishing a collective deadline for all states Fall magazines to publish on the same date to obtain last-minute photos would be impossible to achieve. With this magazine, advertisers have one more chance to showcase their bucks.
~ Thank you to all that participated!
... if you would like to participate in our 2025 magazine, give us a call for more information. 320-905-2622 or 260-222-3478
10 Full Days of Hunting Eastern Cape of South Africa
1x1 with Your Guide
$2000 Trophy Fee Credit
To be used on any Species on our Trophy Fee Price List with the exception of Cape Buffalo
Magazine Deadlines / Event Calendar
Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Winter Deadline & West Virginia Deer Farmers Association / New York Deer & Elk Farmers Association Winter Deadline
Tri-State Associations Winter Deadline
Whitetails of Louisiana Winter Deadline Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association Winter Deadline
Alabama Deer Association Winter Deadline
Upper Midwest Winter Deadline Quest for Michigan’s Best Winter Deadline
SETDA Spring Deadline
IDEFA Journal Spring Deadline
Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Spring Deadline
of Louisiana Spring Deadline
FREE business card
ads for members of Whitetails of Louisiana
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 Whitetials of Louisiana 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:
Myra Bollinger
whitetailsoflouisiana@gmail.com
MOBILE-FRIENDLY, WEB APPLICATION GMS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH NADR
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Iowa Whitetail Deer Association
Managing a deer herd has become abundantly easier through the introduction and availability of a new and improved GMS software program unveiled in April of 2024 by the North American Deer Registry (NADR). Originally created by fellow deer breeder Mike Owens in 2004 (and subsequently owned by NADeFA for several years) the GMS program was purchased by NADR in the fall of 2023. While the new system still essentially offers the same reliable features, it is now also mobile-friendly and web based which allows breeders to utilize technology, to create a more efficient process from sample submission to the receiving of results.
“We have around 75 users so far (and counting) that have purchased or migrated to the new software,” shared NADR Software and Support Specialist Sara Bohannon. “New GMS clients include both new and long-time breeders of whitetail deer and other cervid and exotic species. In addition, all existing GMS clients have been invited to demo and migrate to the new version. Like the original GMS system “this is a breeder’s personal and private database that can be used as sparingly or as abundantly as you’d like,” Bohannon added. “Conveniently, the new GMS system also allows for a much faster input of herd data, because of the immediate link to NADR. For existing NADR registered animals, you can import full lineage and
genetic data directly from NADR.”
It also offers the heavily requested “Dream Deer” feature which answers the question ‘What If?’ “It allows you to create a visual representation of a dreamsimulated pedigree. “Breeder feedback has confirmed this tool plays a crucial role in making good breeding decisions,” Bohannon said.
The new system also allows the user to transfer phone pictures into the appropriate GMS data section to display on lineages and track annual antler growth or other events. “You can also input animals from any pedigree source and build their own lineage page by assigning a sire and dam for each generation without depending specifically on NADR information,” Bohannon said. In addition, deer farm and preserve owners and their employees could all have congruent access, with their individual phones to this information through a single shared sign-on password. “We may add a feature in the future allowing for different levels of information sharing or limited rights to employees or others,” Bohannon explained.
Overall, the new system, the only one of its kind, allows for a more specific tracking of animals for the purpose of state reporting. “In every state that allows deer farming it’s crucial to have your records maintained properly and to be able to reconcile them as quickly and accurately as possible,” Bohannon said.
“NADR continues to work hard to provide the very best tools and the most valuable information in our GMS software program and genetic registry,” said NADR Executive Director Gary Cook. “We are ever continuing to seek ways to use technology to provide knowledge and state of the art services to our customers.” 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.
The New GMS System Features:
Herd Inventory -
Track all aspects of a herd, including tags, names, State I.D., birth weight, sires, dams, etc. Track pen assignments, display unlimited pictures and record medications of each animal.
DNA
Submittal & Retrieval -
Online submittal requests for DNA testing can be created with just a few clicks. When the specimen has been processed, retrieve the lineage and DNA information back into GMS.
GEBV/Codons -
Receive and store GEBV scores and Codon values from NADR for each animal.
Dream Deer –
Input Details here to simulate potential breeding outcomes. Create a visual representation of a dream pedigree including detail such as scores, genetic profile and custom comments. An estimated bloodline percentage calculation is displayed along with breeding history for both the sire and dam. Sire and dam pairings can be saved as good matches for future reference and reporting.
Lineage/Pedigree -
The fully interactive lineage screen displays lineage and pictures for each animal. Optionally, you can display the GEBV score.
Doe
Line -
Customizable field for each animal to record anchor doe detail to display on reports or grouping.
Pen and Group Management -
Create and assign as many pens or groups as desired. Pen and group detail included in inventory reports allows for sorting and reviewing animals by pen or group.
Reporting:
Several reports are available such as Herd Status, Removal History, Pen and Group reports, Medication History as well as Doe Line. A customizable Animal Search Report will filter and sort on any data fields associated with an animal. These reports can be printed or exported to excel or PDF.
Designed for All SpeciesNADR has spent countless hours with people in the industry to develop a program that will work for all Cervid species as well as Exotics.
More to Come! –
NADR will be rolling out more features in the coming year such as Animal Transfers, Customizable Reporting and Email Notification of updates.
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KEEP YOUR DEER HERD ORGANIZED WITH A PROFICIENT TAGGING SYSTEM
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association
As your deer herd grows in number, it becomes increasingly more important to keep them organized through the use of ear tags. In a farm setting, ear tags are typically used to help monitor disease, maintain accurate health, movement and sale records, establish potential research protocols and breeding programs. Using specific colored and numbered ear tags could also “help you keep track of which bucks your deer were produced from,” offers Dustin Blosser, manager since 2021 of Woodard Whitetails in Glasgow, Kentucky. “It’s also a very good way to make sure age classes are in order. While each farm has different ways of doing it, it’s important that it’s done accurately.”
Assessing accurate population trends, survival rates and utilizing proficient management strategies can be several reasons wildlife agencies use ear tags. Tags can come in the form of metal, plastic, scanned electronic identification (EID) tags or even Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) microchip tags. PIT tags, commonly used by various wildlife agencies, are transplanted under the skin and only activated when a deer passes close by to a specialized antenna and later, accounted for via computer records.
However, deer farmers rely on easyto-read highly visible ear tags as it
makes going through your inventory and finding a deer much faster and easier, Blosser, 26, said. “You don’t realize at first how you might start memorizing tag numbers and which deer are which. Someone rattled off “4012” and I knew what pen this doe was in, and who her parents were right off the top of my head.”
With fawns, smaller, temporary tags are typically attached and subsequently changed out after two months of age for an official farm tag. Blosser recommends using an ear tag clearly visible to the naked eye which can be read in a mere few seconds if necessary. “With our farm tags, the color changes to coincide with the year they were born. We have their number on one side and put our farm name and the sire and dam’s name on the other side. It’s good for farm tours and in letting people know right away about their pedigree. We also use four digits. Tags used this year start with “4” which stands for 2024. With our bucks we put a “B” at the end of the number and attach the tag in their right ear and attach the doe tags in the left ear. It’s really important to pay attention to whether it’s a buck or doe when you’re tagging. Seems like every year we have an intern that gets one or two wrong.”
Rather than just using numbers, ear tags are also available with letters
that (given there are 26 letters in the alphabet) can span over a much longer interval of time compared to numbers. Each farm ear tag should also be accompanied by a mandatory state “premise I.D.” Department of Agriculture tag. Although both can be placed in the same ear, Blosser recommends putting them in opposite ears to avoid potentially losing both should an ear, for example, get stuck in a fence. Likewise, it’s important to invest in fade resistant and very thick durable tags, as deer tend to chew on them. Adding more minerals to their feed is thought to help prevent this from happening, according to research.
Ultimately, an ear tag could help a hunter make a split-second decision, as farm tags get replaced with preserve tags when stocker deer are sold. “If you know what a certain color tag costs, then you can be better prepared when that perfect buck shows up,” Blosser said. “You have the ability to make that splitsecond decision, if need be, and take home the trophy you’ve always wanted.”
Yellow 12
The Most CWD RESISTANT HERD in Lousianna!
NADR#
DTW
NADR#
DTW Yellow 96 DTW Bodacious DTW White 96
DTW
IV
NADR#
DTW G IV
DTW Yellow 213
DTW G IV
DTW Red 13
DTW Yellow 83
DTW
Bambi
DTW G IV
DTW G
DTW Red
DTW Red 269
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DEER ASSOCIATION
NORTH DAKOTA DEER FARMERS SET MODEL EXAMPLE FOR EVENT ATTENDANCE
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the North Dakota Deer Ranchers Association
Creating a bright future for cervid farming and working together to strengthen the industry starts with deer farmers doing one thing. Attending annual events. On August 13th, 2022, the North Dakota Deer Ranchers Association Annual Picnic and Fundraiser event was only missing two members as they gathered in Linton, North Dakota at Ryckman Whitetails. Literally everyone else on the membership roster was there enjoying the camaraderie, speakers and fundraising activities. Yet, there was also something else very palpable at this event. Optimism about the industry, felt by all in attendance, was very bright.
“EHD may have bad last year but we got through it,” said President Mike Ryckman as he reflected on their event in 2021. “Since then, we’ve had three new farms start up. All of these things help create a good name for North Dakota in the deer industry. If
you support your organization, it gets stronger.”
CWD took the spotlight as a topic of discussion at the event. While CWD in North Dakota was first identified in 2009 in a wild mule deer and in a wild whitetail deer in 2013, as of August 2022 CWD has never been found in farmed cervids, according to North Dakota Board of Animal Health Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Carlson. Chris Ryckman, who serves with Carlson on the Board of Animal Health as a member and licensed producer who represents nontraditional livestock, presented a board update, explaining that the support for deer farming is strong among government entities such as the Board of Animal Health.
Should a case of CWD ever present itself among farmed cervids “we would manage it according to USDA guidance and take into account the producer’s wishes, with input from the Board of Animal Health,” Dr. Carlson explained when asked about the state’s stance on CWD. “We would work with the producer and explore if they’ve been compliant, and their herd would operate under quarantine for a determined period of time.”
Event attendee and NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer, who also served as a Board of Animal Health board member for close to 15 years, contributed to the CWD discussion. “We really appreciated Shawn explaining things to us in very understandable terms,” Mike Ryckman said. Discussion also centered around applying for funds through the North Dakota Animal Industry Board to aid in future CWD herd testing and regulation compliance.
Complimenting the day were farms tours as well as productive fundraising activities including Guess the Score from a collective set of six antlers. Winner Chris Ryckman was only off by a mere six inches. “Everyone involved in a deer association really enjoys these types of activities and also shares so much in common with each other and shares common interests,” Mike Ryckman said. “This makes it easier to strive toward a common goal and work together.”
As Mike watched the crowd devour elk roast and deer sausage, the wheels were already turning for next year.
“We’ll have another interesting agenda and a good turnout I’m certain,” he said. “I hope for the very same thing for all the other deer associations. Let’s keep this thing going.”
FLORIDA DEER FARMERS
FIND CHALLENGES WITH STRONGER AND MORE FREQUENT WEATHER
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Southeast Trophy Deer Association
This past September, Bill Leffler turned to a fellow elk hunter in Wyoming, the same week Category 4 Hurricane Helene was making landfall in his home state of Florida, where he owns and operates
Two Base Down Farm. “What would happen here in Wyoming if 20 inches of rain fell in one day?” he asked his hunting companion. He only had to pause a moment. “Everything would disappear,” he answered.
Of the many things a Florida deer farmer faces in the aftermath of a hurricane, perhaps one of the most disturbing is “that nothing will ever be the same,” offered Ryan Boyd of 253-acre Legacy Ranch, in Jennings, Florida. “Nothing will ever, ever look the same. Hundreds of our trees were uprooted. We had a direct hit from Helene with winds up to 144 miles per hour. Somehow, we didn’t lose any deer. But so far, we’ve spent $14,000 in tree removal alone. Insurance won’t
cover it.” In the three-plus years that Ryan and his wife Glorianne have run Legacy Ranch in the Sunshine State, they, like so many other deer farmers, have endured hurricane after hurricane especially within the last few years. The most recent hurricane, Milton, made landfall October 9th as a Category 3 hurricane with winds up to 120 mph. It was the second most intense Atlantic driven hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and, at press time, the strongest tropical storm worldwide in 2024.
However, many variables make Florida, the 27th State of Our Union founded in 1845 and the 22nd largest U.S. state, an attractive and welcoming place to live. Temperatures are generally warm year-round and the tropical climate, access to scenic beaches and tourist attractions only adds to the appeal. Yet, strong hurricanes were not unknown to residents of Florida
even from the very start. In 1928, Hurricane Lake Okeechobee went on record as being the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall. The next one to match its strength would be 77 years later, Hurricane Katrina, which severely affected several southern states such as Louisiana, Florida and Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama.
Today, strong hurricanes in the state whose motto is “In God We Trust” have become the norm. Nonetheless, Leffler feels his resolve has grown in strength, too. “When Milton came there were trees and fences down and animals died,” he said. “There was no power for four or five days. You learn to be prepared with plenty of food, water and gas. I dug an 8-foot wide and 5-foot-deep trench on my property to help with the massive flooding we’ve dealt with. But others have had it much worse.”
Adding to the difficulty of storm damage management directly relates to the quantity of hurricanes that have recently occurred. “There’s so many people who need help, resources are stretched pretty thin,” said Mike Hunter of 260-acre Big Bend Hunting Preserve in Perry, Florida. “After being hit with four hurricanes in the past 13 months, it just takes the wind out of your sails. I think of all the hard work. As you get older you think about these things and the fact that you lose a
little hope. Sometimes I think about not having deer after these things happens, but I’ve never thought of leaving Florida.”
Like Hunter, Leffler and Boyd feel loyal to and rooted in Florida. “Florida is my home,” Leffler said. “You do what you need to do to survive. You become Florida Strong. We live in a beautiful state. We feel pretty blessed. In our neighborhood everyone helps everyone else. There can be silver linings in hardships. You value your friends and family even more. And you work even harder to maintain your passion for what you love doing the most. Deer farming is at the top of the list.”
You do what you need to do to survive. You become Florida Strong. “
Disclaimer: The information contained in this advertisement is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medications shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular medication. You should consult with your veterinarian about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has the FDA approved the medications to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Medications compounded by Mixlab are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Mixlab compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals. Mixlab does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific dosing, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, veterinary care providers, or other information that may be contained in this advertisement. Mixlab is not responsible nor liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this advertisement.
Send To: LDAF Fax or Email: (225) 237-5555 5825 Florida Blvd, Suite 4000 VetReports@ldaf.state.la.us Baton Rouge, LA 70806
AHS-20-57 (R. 2/17)
WOL EXPO AND Southern Top 30
Science that delivers the health & productivity you require
G FORC E™
SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED NATURAL SUPPLEMENT TO HELP GROW LARGE, HEALTHY DEER AND BIG ANTLERS!
Nutrient rich formula contains highly bioavailable ingredients, including our proprietary calcium/phosphorous complex with Antler D TM, that are required to support body and bone growth, especially for fast growing bucks
Contains probiotics and targeted enzymes to support gut health and proper digestion
Available in pellet or powder that can be top dressed or mixed in feed. Great for antler growing season and young bucks, too
PeaceMaker
PRECISELY FORMULATED TO HELP MAINTAIN A NORMAL AND RELAXED DISPOSITION IN ALL CERVIDS
Provides optimal levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to promote calmness and provide help for restless animals
Contains no herbals, tryptophan or chemicals, eliminating concerns of unwanted side effects
Use PeaceMaker to “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation, weaning and anytime destructive behavior may occur
ENTERIC HEALTH FORMULA
POWERFUL SOLUTION FOR HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY
Helps maintain digestive health and productivity
Contains micro-encapsulated probiotics, targeted enzymes and a novel fiber complex
Use in does before fawning, during lactation and all cervids during times of environmental stress
FAWN ARRIVAL™ POWDER & PASTE
HELPS PRODUCE HEALTHY, FAST GROWING FAWNS
Helps maintain normal digestive health
Supports a healthy immune system
Feed powder for 14 days to bottle fed fawns
Paste is ideal for fawns left on does
FAWN & DEER XTR™
ROBUST FAST RESPONSE FOR FAWNS & OLDER DEER
Innovative formula delivers max digestive support, especially in newborns
Rapidly delivers help for GI health and a functioning immune system
May also be used post-tranquilization to support healthy recovery
Word Search
Frost
Winter
Season
Evergreen
Frigid
Gourd
Pumpkin
Cornucopia
Autumn
Harvest
Nutmeg
Chestnuts
Cider
Caramel
Equinox
SUDOKU
The rules for sudoku are simple:
A 9x9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.
To challenge you more, there are 3x3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.
Ultimate Venison Meatballs
Enjoy these easy baked venison meatballs with your favorite sauce and pasta for a hearty, comforting meal. They’re tender and meaty without any gamey taste. A crowd-pleasing way to enjoy ground venison!
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small red or yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup )
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 pound ground venison
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 egg, or flax egg
• 1/4 cup oat flour or breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add onion to the pan and cook until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper and cook an additional 2 minutes. Turn off heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.
3. Meanwhile, add the remaining ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled onion mixture and using clean hands mix together until thoroughly combined.
4. Using a medium cookie scoop, roll the mixture into balls and place on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
6. Use as desired or freeze for use at a later date.
Send us your recipes! We want to hear your favorites! (Recipes don’t need to include venison - cookies, salads, breads, ect, are all welcome!) Send recipes to:
deerassociations@gmail.com
Answers to puzzles will be available in the next
or can be found on our website: www.deersites.com
Coloring pages can be mailed to: Samantha Uchytil 19291 59th St NE, New London, MN 56273 or emailed to: deerassociations.com for a chance to be featured in the next issue!
I AM JOINING AS: (PLEASE CHECK ONE) ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP (VOTING PRIVILEGES): $100.00/YR.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (NON- VOTING): $50.00/YR.
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP (VOTING PRIVILEGES): $750.00
I HEREBY MAKE APPLICATION TO THE WHITETAILS OF LOUISIANA AND I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION I HAVE PROVIDED IS TURE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE:
Mission and Purpose :
To promote the business of raising and marketing Whitetail Deer in the state of Louisiana.
To promote high ethical standards in the care, handlin g, and harvesting Whitetail deer
To provide educational opportunities for members of the corporation and other interested people through the sharing of inform ation concerning whitetail deer.
To serve as a collective voice in governmental issues that affec t whitetail deer producers, so as to enhance the whitetail deer industry. To require members of the corporation to operate in a legal, honest and forthright manner with fellow members, other whitetai l deer producers and the general public
