Michigan Fall 2023

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall 2023 l Volume 16 l Issue 3

CWD SYMPOSIUM

RESPONSIBLE HUNTING SCENT ASSOCIATION

HUNTERS – EMBRACING CAMARADERIE, NATURE AND CONSERVATION Sponsored by UDFOM

MINNESOTA DEER FARMERS FIND CHALLENGES WITH AMENDED 35.155 STATUTE Sponsored by MDFA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS / ADVERTISERS Activity Pages....................................................... 46, 51, 52 Advertising Information.................................................... 56 Board of Directors.............................................................. 1 Business Cards................................................................. 36 CWD Symposium................................................. 17, 19, 21 Event Calandar................................................................... 5 Gongwer Alert................................................................... 38 Hunters – Embracing Camaraderie, Nature and Conservation.................................................................... 40 Membership Application.................................................. 55 Minnesota Deer Farmers Find Challenges with Amended 35.155 Statute................................................................... 43 President’s Message.......................................................... 2 Recipe - Venison Mushroom Swiss Burgers................... 34 Scholarship Application................................................... 24 Scholarship Guidelines.................................................... 26 Scholarship Evaluation Rubric................................... 30, 31 UDFOM Corporate Sponsors........................................... 12

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RED ARROW WHITETAILS – SUPPLYING THE INDUSTRY WITH QUALITY STOCKERS................8 MAGAZINE GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PUBLISHING

THUNDER BAY WHITETAILS – THRIVING UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP.......................... 10

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

Jo Jo’s Whitetails....................................... 18 Major League Whitetails............................ 47 NexGen Animal Health............................... 14 Outskirts Whitetails.................................... 20 Pine Creek Deer Farm................................ 54 Pneu-Dart.................................................... 42 Prime Acres Whitetails..... Inside Back Cover Purina.......................................................... 23 Rocky Ridge Whitetails........................ 28, 29 Size Matters Whitetail.......................Cover, 3 Spotted Acres............................................. 48 Springfield Whitetails..................... 13, 22, 50 State Line Cryogenics......Inside Front Cover Storm’s End Whitetails............................... 31 Thunder Bay Whitetails.............................. 11 Trophy Whitetails.......................................... 7 Walnut Ridge Whitetails............................... 9 Woodard Whitetails.................................... 44 Zehr Bros Whitetails..................................... 4

Winter

Deadline Jan 31st

(Editorial Provided by Contributing Writers)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President – Doug Roberts Phone: 810-241-9554 droberts@conquestdeerfarm.com

Membership Chair – Terry Edwards Phone: 989-657-3628 northernselectgenetics@gmail.com

Legislative Chair– Ryan Halfman Phone: 517-281-2936 blacklabelwhitetails@gmail.com

Vice President--Ken Brown Phone: 517-525-4036 kennybrown988@yahoo.com

Board Member – Merle Shepard Phone: 313-268-1727 scishep@aol.com

Secretary – Mathias Dekker Phone: 989-415-6201 mathiasdekker@gmail.com

Secretary / Treasure – Tricia Davis Phone: 231-878-2229 (Cell) pedavis69@gmail.com

Fundraiser Chair – John Wilson Phone: 989-324-0543 platinumwhitetails@yahoo.com

Marketing Chair--Quincy Querfurth Phone: 269-325-8101 quincyquerfurth97@gmail.com

Legislative Chair – Gina A. Bozzer Phone: (989) 619-3495 gina@stormwhitetails.com

Board Member – Kyle Eckert Phone: 989-350-0483

Scholarship Chair--Jason Kanouse Phone: 231-342-9642 jrk8_98@yahoo.com

kyle@br2whitetailsalesandservice.com

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE DOUG ROBERTS

Hello everyone and welcome to Fall!

It seems like summer had just began and now with the colder temps coming in quickly the fall season of moving animals, weaning fawns and hunts beginning is here. That means everyone is extremely busy trying to get everything done in a short time.

I am hearing that the ranches are doing very well but are having trouble getting the shooter bucks they need. This shows us how strong the deer and elk industry is in Michigan.

There was a CWD symposium that took place at the end of summer. An article is in this Quest Magazine and it gives you a very good idea of what the agencies in charge are thinking and shows the direction they are planning on going.

convention as well as advertising to the industry and public.

A few board members have been busy meeting with House Reps and Senators to educate them on the importance of our industry to the Michigan economy. We are also meeting with Karoub to layout a financial plan to take back the House and Senate with our PAC money.

If anyone has questions or concerns please reach out to one of your board members. We are here to help you.

Doug Roberts UDFOM President

Breeding genetic resistance into your herd is definitely going to be something our industry is doing and most believe it will eliminate CWD within the deer/elk farming industry.

Your board of directors are working hard on the 2024 convention and are asking everyone planning or wishing to donate to the cause, please donate as soon as possible. It really helps us put on a better

Watch for these symbols for interactive links in the eBook!

This symbol indicates there is a video linked

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S

Quarterly Calendar Update ~ Ad Deadlines & Events

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

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

Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline

Labor Day Columbus Day

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

Louisiana Fall Deadline

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline

2023 SOUTHERN TOP 30

Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline Kentucky & New York Fall Deadline

Labor Day

Whitetail & Specialty Extravaganza Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

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

Louisiana Fall Deadline

Halloween

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Kentucky & New York Fall Deadline

Mulit-Magazine Winter Deadline Southeast Tines Winter Deadline

Columbus Day

The IDEFA Journal Winter Deadline

Veterans Day (Observed)

Veterans Day

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline

Tri-State Associations Pennsylvania Fall Deadline Winter Deadline

Labor Day Columbus Day

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction &

Louisiana Upper Midwest Annual Pennsylvania Deer and Outdoor Expo Fall Deadline Fall Deadline Thanksgiving Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline Halloween

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Kentucky & New York Fall Deadline

Halloween

Mulit-Magazine Winter Deadline Southeast Tines Winter Deadline

The IDEFA Journal Winter Deadline

CHUPP AUCTION!!!

Veterans Day (Observed)

Veterans Day

Mulit-Magazine Winter Deadline Southeast Tines Winter Deadline Pennsylvania Winter Deadline Columbus Day

The IDEFA Journal WinterMidwest Deadline Upper Fall Deadline

Veterans Day (Observed)

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline

Pennsylvania Winter Deadline

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FEATURE STORY

RED ARROW WHITETAILS – SUPPLYING THE INDUSTRY WITH QUALITY STOCKERS By: Gail Veley

Daniel Hostetler and his two sons didn’t hesitate in 2017 when one of their neighbors wanted to sell them his two whitetails. “It was the first time I realized how much I loved deer,” Daniel, 65, reflected. While the trio quickly bought the deer and put up a fence “we didn’t look at genetics.

We fed them and cared for them. They were about 125” to 150”. I thought ‘wow’ we had great deer.” A year later, in

such as the latest CWD findings and the necessity to “go with the flow,” he said. “There have been a lot of changes.

We may not always agree, but we always comply with the DNR.” When Daniel isn’t tending to his deer, he operates Hostetler Metal Sales, his very own roofing and siding business and “second passion.” He also enjoys turkey and deer hunting and attending the UDFOM conventions. As long as the “Good Lord” wants him to, Daniel will continue to raise deer. “I knew Michigan would be a great place to raise deer,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed going to UDFOM auctions and state meetings to mingle with deer farmers.

The benefits and raffles go to a good cause.”

Daniel Hostetler 269-999-6242 hostetlermetalsales@ibyfax.com

2018, Hostetler and his wife Dora and family moved from Ohio to Hartford, Michigan in pursuit of a dream – to start Red Arrow Whitetails and become official deer farmers.

As the dream took shape, better genetics came along with it in the likes of a Gladiator XL son, Sudden Express, a Storm Express daughter as well as genetics from Permafrost, Blue Chip, Blackjack and Ice Man. “I realized as a deer farmer you have to walk before you can run. In the time I’ve raised deer I realized it doesn’t cost more to feed a better deer. And I wanted better and fewer deer,” said Daniel, who grew up farming. “I love learning about whitetails and studying genetics.”

Today his five-acre farm, whose specialty is raising more typical type deer for the stocking industry, is home to about 20 deer. Last year, with the help of Craig Frye of Spotted Acres Whitetails, Red Arrow Whitetails built a barn and acquired a handling chute, making the job of raising deer that much easier. Enjoying the deer alongside the family is Daniel’s father, who recently turned 93.

While Daniel is grateful to be a part of the deer industry, he realizes the fortitude it takes to stay abreast of things

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FEATURE STORY

THUNDER BAY WHITETAILS – THRIVING UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP By: Gail Veley Mathias Dekker is still counting his lucky stars. Dekker, 26, is now in his second year as the new owner of Thunder Bay Whitetails in Hillman, Michigan. Formerly owned by industry veterans Gary and Terry Edwards, Thunder Bay Whitetails today is striving to carry on the expected traditions practiced by the Edwards since first beginning their farm in 1992.

Buying Thunder Bay was a case of Dekker being in the right place at the right time. His initial plan after graduating from Michigan State in 2019 was to be in the dairy business. Shortly after moving to Idaho to begin this new venture, he realized dairy farming wasn’t for him. As he searched for a better alternative, he enlisted the help of one of his college friends, whose father happened to be a deer farmer. “He gave me some numbers of some deer farmers and got the number of Gary Edwards,” Dekker’s story begins. “I called him and after that he invited me to tour his place. The following day after the visit, Gary called with proposing the idea of selling the farm to me. Between the savings I had built up and the support of my family, I eventually was able to make the deal happen. I’m extremely grateful this opportunity presented itself.”

Dekker, who enjoys both gun and bow hunting, does not hesitate for one moment to acknowledge the big shoes he has to fill in taking over Thunder Bay, a 50acre “cornerstone” in the deer industry. “One thing Gary was known for was honest business and pleasing his customers,” Dekker said. “My goal would be to uphold the high standards Gary and Terry brought to the industry

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and build upon that. Moving forward I’d like to continue pushing genetics for big bodies and massive frames.”

Genetics flowing through the pedigrees at Thunder Bay started with the Patrick line and now also include sires like Express, Triple Ex and Voodoo’s Magic, just to name just a few.

Dekker, who in his youth, shot his first eight-point buck while hunkered down on a cold snowy morning in Bad Axe, Michigan, would have never believed then, that he would be where he is at today. This prized buck is the only buck mounted in his house and serves as a constant reminder of how his dream got started. “To think what we’re able to grow today compared to that,” he said. “It’s really amazing.” As Dekker looks to the future, he aspires to grow his business as well as one day have a wife and family. Dekker is also grateful to have the continuing support of Gary Edwards. “That was crucial to me,” he added. “Gary has been a great mentor and he’s only a phone call away.”

Mathias Dekker 989-415-6201 thunderbaywts@gmail.com

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Responsible Hunting Scent Association CWD Symposium As I write this annual newsletter I feel extremely fortunate to have attended the 4th International CWD Symposium in Denver CO. The amount of data that was shared with all the studies and research that have been done since the last one in Salt Lake City 14 years ago is astounding. As you all know, science has come a long way in that short time. There were some main themes I would like to share with our membership and honestly the world as a whole. CWD is portrayed as very scary, while it can be and has been devastating for some I left with a feeling of hope.

We heard over and over about what approach or approaches, ideas that have been studied for years.

Some studies have been running since the last CWD Symposium. From CWD sniffing dogs to thermal imagery and other surveillance and detection methods. RT-QulC testing of course is being talked about more and more. Dr. Davin Henderson talked about RT-OulC is significantly more sensitive of a test as it is amplifying the prions once the substrate is prepared. He also shared the progress on live animal RT-QuIC testing. Currently the USDA only uses IHC (lmmunohistochemistry). ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) which is a faster test than IHC was also discussed and used on many of the models.

Hunter response, perceived risks vs. actual risk it has been studied that hunters won’t go if prevalence of CWD is high. Wisconsin saw an 11% drop in license sales and it is stated that 30% of the deer in Wisconsin have CWD. 30% of that 30% are tested. Joseph Abrams discussed contaminated venison and had some interesting graphs. We still have not found a CWD case transmitted to humans. Even though it is extremely likely and probable that people have consumed venison contaminated with CWD. CWD management- We can change that and many are helping with things like the Urban Bowhunting programs. Biosecurity protocols were discussed at length by Dr. Wells from the University of Minnesota.

From using a risk assessment tool that he and his team created, such as carcass management, where food and water comes from and many other variables that keep your deer herd safe and mitigate risk of CWD. The first evening finished with a very interesting talk from Sylvie Bernstad from Oslo Norway regarding the CWD found in Reindeer and other cervids affected. Once detected in 2016 the European Union launched a 3-year program for 7 countries that have moose and or reindeer. They performed 164,000 tests within 7 years. The CWD in Norway however seems to be a different strain and have recorded disease onset in 90 days. Dr. Glen Telling the director of the Prion Research Center explained that this makes the disease unstable and may not adapt as some diseases with a longer onset are able to do.

Other thoughts on these specific instances in the Nordic region in Moose is that it may or may not be contagious and may be a spontaneous disease. Dr. Kong from Case Western Reserve University stated that there are 7 different CWD strains so far.

Continued on Page 19

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CWD intervention and prevention Other heavier topics included the advances in RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) vaccines who knows where we could be in 5 years? Dr. Zabel from Colorado State explained how his research program focuses on the interaction of prions with cells and receptors of the immune system and lymphoid tissue through the different stages of the disease. Andrew Fang discussed the strides made in vaccinating captive cervids but it needs to be delivered to the animal often much like peptides. They are working on making it more of a lasting vaccine but good science takes time.

Why is there so much variance of mortality in different deer? Or why do some deer show signs and symptoms early on and some don’t seem to get CWD at all? Dr. Seabury from Texas A&M gave a very good overview of genetics and the GEBV and breeding for CWD resistance. This is very interesting as the science has worked in the beef and pork industry and has created a multi-billion dollar a year industry. It begs the question, could farmed cervids really be the answer to understanding CWD? As you can imagine many of these people are friends, collaborators, business associates. The feeling in the room and the hotel was that of excitement. As Dr. Seabury explained how he created his model and solves the equation with the data he has collected. If you haven’t seen the clip on Ox Ranch on You Tube you should check it out. https://youtu.be/LzSnf98IHHY?si= _QRnlTjZwPWCTS-x The differences are the management style, from applying theories of change to culling practices and ultimately the economic impact that hunting can make in a positive way to a State with license sales.

The way in which we can work on this animal health issue together. It begged all the questions and more as we were in a room full of collective knowledge. How can we make our herd healthier? Can we incentivize hunting and testing? How many deer can our area really hold? How many tests per zone are needed? How much will it cost? Many talked about how there are uncertain influences in the area they were studying and how to identify those and make them fit into a model. One presenter explained how the models that we have can’t account for everything. Many talked about the need or way they have tried to make a holistic approach so we can hopefully one day talk about CWD like we have talked about Scrapies, so much in the past tense.

As the world continues to have more awareness abovt CWD there are bound to be more that want to regulate or ban urine. Some States are finding their first cases as they have received funding to look for it in their local wild populations. The question becomes are we killing the good genetics of all herds to find just a few infected? Wisconsin has tested deer for CWD since 2002 that is 10,989 tests with 398 positive cases or 3.6%. Virginia did 3,151 tests and had 46 positive cases. As we are all aware testing since 2018 has increased 10 times over. We will find more cases as we test but will there be a curve?

Will we see a drop in positive cases? Time will tell.

The symposium organizers have uploaded the final conference agenda along with the abstracts here. https://int-cwd-sympo.org/agenda/ Dr. Bartz also shared some additional information, available here. https://int-cwd-sympo.org Continued on Page 21

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State Updates It has been a busy year so far with state regulatory actions and the rise of more and more meetings of policies and laws to be enacted please attend your states meetings/roundtables/virtual sessions regarding CWD legislation. The RHSA and its members has continued engaging in several states. As CWD continues to be talked about in the news and are headlines in our industry almost weekly the regulations and policies have seemed so far to target deer farms and not the scent industry.

As states continue to discuss ways to contain and control the disease, we must continue to work hard on conveying the correct information to the powers that be. We have all heard of the destruction of herds in states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and new cases of CWD popping up in Florida and different area of Wyoming and Louisiana it’s not going away anytime soon. With some deer farms being shut down and some statistics say deer farming is down 32% in Texas. The full list of states with confirmed cases of CWD include Montana, Wyoming, Utah had their first case, Colorado, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Marryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. And Provinces in Canada.

We want to thank all our members that are making efforts and keeping us informed on potential state actions. Please continue to share any news about potential bans with us as soon as you hear them. We are greatly more successful at stopping bans before they start. Once a ban is in place, it is extremely difficult to get it reversed.

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United Deer Farmers of Michigan Craig Pollock and Joe Iwaniec Memorial Scholarship Application Applicant’s Name __________________________________________ Date of Birth _________________ Gender: M or F Address ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone __________________________ Email ________________________________ UDFoM Member Sponsor __________________________________________ Member’s Address __________________________________________________________ Member’s Telephone __________________________ Degree to pursue (check one): Undergraduate ______ Masters ______ PHD ______ Other ______ Current academic class status (check one): High School Senior ______ Freshman ______ Sophomore ______ Junior ______ Senior ______ Postgraduate ______ Proposed field of study ________________________________ Current GPA ___________ College you attend or plan to attend ____________________________________________ Other awards/scholarships received____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Notable extracurricular activities and interests (please attach) Notable civic and community activities and interests (please attach) Briefly describe your goals and needs, please include any pertinent examples, stories, or specific reasons why you feel that you would be the best candidate to receive this scholarship (please attach) Provide at least 2 (two) letters of reference from non-relatives (please attach).

I certify that all the information is correct and accurate (applicant signature) ____________________________________ Date _________________ I have checked this application for accuracy and agree to sponsor this applicant (UDFOM sponsor signature) _________________________________ Date ______________ 24

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United Deer Farmers of Michigan Craig Pollock and Joe Iwaniec Memorial Scholarship Guidelines Eligibility: •

• • •

Applicant must plan to attend a 4-year college or university or a 2-year vocational institution during the following school year working towards an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s degree or licensing in a chosen field. Traditional and non-traditional applicants will be considered.

Applicant must be a son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter, brother/sister, parent, or farm/ranch employee of a full voting member of United Deer Farmers Of Michigan who is in good standing.

Applicant must not have received a scholarship from the United Deer Farmers of Michigan in the past.

Applicant must complete the application and return to the United Deer Farmers of Michigan scholarship committee no later than February 10.

Criteria: • • • •

Scholarship(s) will be awarded based on academic achievement, community service, and need.

While any curriculum study is eligible for this scholarship, priority may be considered for an applicant in an agriculture, veterinary, or biology program.

Scholarship may be used towards tuition, books, or other educational expenses.

The United Deer Farmers of Michigan scholarship committee will award a minimum of 1 (one) scholarship per year scored using the attached rubric.

Application Process: • • • •

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Applications are due by February 10.

Within one week, the applications will be distributed to the scholarship committee members for review using the assigned rubric.

The scholarship committee members will have a meeting (either in person or by phone) no later than February 20 to discuss the applicants and choose the recipient(s).

Recipients will then be notified by a member of the scholarship committee.

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VENISON MUSHROOM SWISS BURGERS Have you ever had a burger so good that you couldn’t set it down? Yeah? This is one of those burgers.

The secrets to a perfect venison mushroom swiss burger are a little bit of time and a whole lotta cheese.

Perfectly caramelized mushrooms and onions are an exercise in patience but once you have them paired with a deliciously cheesy, juicy venison burger, you’ll want to make them over and over again.

Ingredients Caramelized Mushrooms and Onions: • 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced • 4 cups onions, julienned (cut from root to tip) • 2 tablespoon butter • salt and pepper, to taste Burger Patties: • 1 lb ground venison (or elk, moose, antelope, beef, etc.)

• 2 tablespoon worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon onion powder • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • 4 slices Swiss cheese, cut into ¼” squares Other Ingredients: • 4 slices Swiss cheese • 4 brioche hamburger buns • mayo (optional) • ketchup (optional)

Instructions 1. Carmelize Mushrooms and onions in a large pan over medium-low heat. The timing varies on the freshness of your ingredients but should take about 7-10 minutes.

2. Preheat grill to 350°F. 3. In a medium bowl, add ground meat, worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Mix with your hands until spices are well-combined with the meat. Add in diced pieces of Swiss cheese and gently incorporate them into the meat.

5. Divide meat into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece of meat into a ball, then form into a patty by squishing it between the palms of your hands. Patties should be about 4.5-5” in diameter. Using your thumb, place a small dimple in the middle of each patty.

6. Carefully place burger patties on grill and cook for 4-5 minutes.

7. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove to a foil-lined flat grill pan or small sheet pan.

8. Top burgers with mushrooms and onions, then top with cheese. You can save some of the mushrooms and onions out to place on top of the melted cheese too, if desired.

9. Place pan back on grill and cook for 4-5 minutes, using indirect heat (not directly over the flame).

10. Remove pan from grill when cheese is melted.

11. Spread mayo on buns if desired, then add burgers to the bottom bun. Drizzle with ketchup if desired and place top half of bun on top. Enjoy!

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If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email a digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to: Quincy Querfurth quincyquerfurth97@gmail.com

SOLUTIONS CERVID EVOLVE YOUR HERD

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Gongwer Alert Whitmer Tabs Bowen For DNR Director Scott Bowen is returning to state government with Governor Gretchen Whitmeron Tuesday appointing him director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Bowen, an attorney, has been a government affairs specialist for NeoPollard Interactive, according to his LinkedIn page.

Prior to that, he was the state’s longest serving lottery commissioner, serving from 2008 through February 18, 2017, under Governors Jennifer Granholm and Rick Snyder. Granholm first brought him into the administration in January 2007 at the start of her second term as the state employer.

Prior to entering state government, Bowen waged a campaign for the Democratic attorney general nomination in 2006 but was unsuccessful. Before then, he had been a district judge in Grand Rapids as well as a member of the Grand Rapids City Council.

Bowen succeeds Acting Director Shannon Lott at DNR. Lott became acting director after Whitmer moved Dan Eichinger to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to be its acting director. Eichinger has since left state government for a government affairs post at Ferris State University.

With the Bowen appointment, there are now two acting directors of key agencies remaining – the Bureau of State Lottery and Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The Department of State Police also will have a vacancy this fall after Director Joe Gasper retires.

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HUNTERS – EMBRACING CAMARADERIE, NATURE AND CONSERVATION

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By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by UDFOM

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

Take your shot now!” A twig snapped.

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

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

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

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

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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.”

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MINNESOTA DEER FARMERS FIND CHALLENGES WITH AMENDED 35.155 STATUTE By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by MDFA

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egislative changes made effective July 1st, 2023, are making many Minnesota deer farmers question whether or not they can afford to stay in business. These changes include, among others, constructing an additional type of fencing or barrier outside of a farm’s standard 96” high fence, as well as tight restrictions on who an existing deer farm may be gifted or sold to.

“If I knew when I got started in the year 2,000 how tough it would be today to run a deer farm, I may not have ever gotten started,” explains Scott Fier, President of the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association and owner of Buffalo Ridge Whitetails in Porter.

“Back then, we were encouraged to raise deer. CWD was not something that was really talked about very much.” Although the Minnesota Board of Animal Health had governed over whitetail farms since 2005, sole authority now rests with The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and with that, perhaps more costly deer farm mandates. While new legislation requires deer farmers to construct an additional barrier outside of their existing fence “it does not necessarily mean a double fence,” said Mike Oehler, Farmed Deer and Captive Species Coordinator for The MDNR. In his newly created position, Oehler shares the four various fencing options acceptable to the DNR, intended to

prevent wild deer from making contact with farmed deer and spread CWD. The first is a standard double fence, a simple mirror image of a farm’s existing fence. The second is a “secondary fence” made of smaller mesh type material that wild deer cannot penetrate. The third option is a wooden fence or shade cloth barrier. The fourth option is an electric fence. Yet, many deer farmers such as Steve Uchytil, Vice President of the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association and owner of Crow River Whitetails in Atwater, feel any type of additional fencing is extremely cost-prohibitive. He feels the expense is not worth the risk, especially if new additional costly compliance measures are made into law in the future. As a result, as of December 6th, 2023, Uchytil plans to clear out his entire existing herd and later, start over in another state. Although Uchytil has found potential buyers for his property, current law requires him to either sell to an immediate family member (should the property remain a deer farm) or sell to an unknown buyer who will use the property for other purposes. Immediate family includes cousins, siblings, children, adopted children, parents or grandparents, according to the MDNR. Regardless, the property is required to remain high-fenced for 10 years and along with that, deed restrictions. “This is where the property value crashes,” Uchytil explained. “This legislation is impacting our state very badly.”

“We realize fear over CWD has caused these changes to occur. We would like the MDNR to acknowledge the diligence that deer farmers have practiced in breeding for CWD resistance,” Fier said.

“While it may not be considered an exact science today, this is cutting edge technology and we’ve seen quantifiable results. And while we may not be able to prevent wild deer from getting CWD, we will prevent it on our farms. There isn’t a deer farmer in existence who doesn’t want to eradicate CWD. Sadly, many deer farmers in Minnesota are now closing their farms.” Steadfastly, Oehler and the DNR believe that wild deer, unless separated by fencing from farmed deer, can still pass on CWD. Should a deer farm test positive for CWD, current legislation requires biohazard signage to be placed every 50 feet of a farm’s property, perhaps cutting a property value in half, Uchytil said. Considering the multi-milliondollar revenue that high-fence hunting brings to the state of Minnesota, Uchytil and Fier both feel this is unfair and unnecessary. Deer farmers have until September 1st of 2024 to comply with the new laws. Minnesota Senator Andrew Lang and House Representative Dave Baker, deer advocates and lobbyists, were unavailable for comments.

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Word Search Autumn Acorn Apple Leaves Colors Pumpkin Sweater Maize Scarecrow Turkey Antlers Buck Harvest

Cider Cranberry Hayride Sunshine Foliage Hibernate Migrate Umbrella Raincoat Orchard Frost Season

Crossword Puzzle

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

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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.

Coloring Activity!

Be Creative and add in a background for Bunny!

Send in this picture with your childs name and age for a chance to be featured in the next magazine or on our facebook page!

All ages welcome to participate!

Pictures can be emailed to deerassociations@gmail.com or mailed to

Samantha Uchytil 19291 59th St NE New London, MN 56273

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Last Issues Puzzles ~ Answer Keys ~

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

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

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

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

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