NY & WV Summer 2024 by DandKDesign

Jack Oliver President

Shadow Valley WT’s 304-288-4090 shadowvalleydeerfarm@yahoo

Mark Cobb Secretary/Treasurer

Gobblers Ridge Exotics 304-532-4514 mark.cobb@gmail.com

Board of Directors

Andi Manspile

S & J Whitetails 304-222-9914 amanspile@gmail.com

Melinda (MJ) Christy Vice-President Greenbrier Mountain WT’s 240-695-7730 greenbriermountain whitetails@gmail.com

Kenny Shoemaker

Double K Farm 304-538-2219 doublekfarm1@yahoo.com

Debra Jett

Back To Our Roots Wildlife 304-553-5208 jettswildlife@gmail.com

Kerby Watson

Peaceful Valley Whitetails, LLC. 304-452-8787 kerbywatson71@yahoo.com

Brenda Strwderman

North Mountain Farms 304-703-5387 b_strawderman@yahoo.com

Bob Perrine

Mountain Clean WT’s

304-452-8689 bob@mountaincleanwhitetails.com

President’s Message

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Well, one of the most exciting times of the year for deer farmers has arrived.

The bucks are grown and we get to see the final results of our creations. We get to see how we stack up against our peers.

Sale auctions and fundraisers are in full swing. Remember to support each state’s organizations by making donations or spending a couple dollars. Reciprocity still means a lot in our industry. It’s easier to get help, when they know you’ve given help.

Now for a more serious topic. I had EHD on my farm in 2019. I lost 9 deer in 8 days the first week in October that year. EHD is extremely bad this year. The worse I’ve ever known, and it’s only mid August. The extreme heat and drought here on the eastern side of the country has hit hard and early. I pray for all the farmers that are forced to deal with this evil disease. Join social media forums, ask questions and get educated on how to treat, spray, fog or vaccinate your herd. Personally, I use a Tomahawk backpack fogger/mister and CSI 30-30 insecticide. So far, so good since 2019.

Breeding season will be here soon. Schedule your semen shipments early and be kind to the storage facilities. This can be a hectic time of year for them. Try not to add difficulty to it.

Thank you to all the industry leaders and those that help keep our industry moving foward.

Prayers to all,

Jack Oliver WVDFA President Shadow

Valley Whitetails owner

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

Dave Vanderzee President Easton View Outfitters 518-210-8889 eastonviewoutfittersllc@gmailcom

Mike Kerry Four Season Whitetails 315-783-2848 fourseasonwhitetails@hotmail.com

Robert Root

Moriah Elk Farm 607-657-8069 rootnyelk@aol.com

Tom Peryea 518-561-3555 tomselkranch@juno.com

Tim Rater

French Creek Whitetails 716-355-8870 timrater21@gmail.com

Mike Czora Prime Whitetails 585-330-9100 mike@primewhitetails.com

Mike Rosenwie

Concord Whitetail Scents 716-912-7314 rosey9473@hotmail.com

Wayne Hettenbaugh Valley View Whitetails NY 716-499-9367 whett6@hotmail.com

Dan Jennings JB Farms 413-822-1040 dan.jennings02@gmail.com

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

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New York Deer and Elk Farmers Enjoyed Fantastic Picnic A Word from NYDEFA Member Dana Hoover

I say “Let’s Go New York!” What a fantastic turn out and day we had August 3rd at my farm, Mountain Side Whitetails, in Penn Yan, New York at our annual NYDEFA picnic. The overall feeling at our event was very positive and filled with excitement for our future. We even managed a spur-ofthe-moment auction lot and raised $4,000, thanks to Dan Jennings who donated a yearling doe that will be bred through A.I. from a buck owned by John Ervin Stoltzfus. The funds we raised will help cover costs involved with traveling to Washington D.C. to prote ct our rights as deer farmers.

Close to 50 people, including Shawn Schafer (who needs no introduction), our very own NYDEFA President Dave Vanderzee, John Ervin, Dan Jennings as well as many other dedicated NYDEFA members and their families attended the picnic. We enjoyed farm tours and a full course meal of lasagna, salad, bread and butter and desserts. Although we had planned to play Corn Hole and hold a dart gun competition, Shawn’s industry update, John Ervin’s talk on CWD resistance and Dave Vanderzee’s talk on ways to improve our organization had us so enthralled, we didn’t have time. We really appreciate that they were here!

Here in New York, we know that CWD resistance is the future of deer farming. If you are CWD and brucellosis certified, you can sell to Ohio! Also, mark your calendars for August 2nd, 2025, our next NYDEFA picnic at my farm again!! We plan on welcoming more auction lots and making an even bigger and better event! New York, I say we are one “happening state!” Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Dana Hoover

Mountain Side Whitetails dana@abcmailbox.net

“Here in New York, we know that CWD resistance is the future of deer farming. “ - Dana Hoover

LEGISLATIVE RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Illinois Deer Farmers Association

Establishing legislative relationships when there isn’t a pressing issue can be fundamental in solving issues if and when they do arise, explains Dr. Ray Favero of Whitetail Genetics in Braidwood, Illinois. “Being able to see the people one-on-one that make legislative decisions and deepening these relationships, helps in bringing both sides together to solve issues when that time comes,” he added. In a time where the farmed deer industry is still growing, it has never seemed more popular. With that, the urge to combat CWD has gained matching momentum and as a result, great conflicts in some states among deer farmers and the powers that be. However, some states have experienced firsthand the benefits of resolving issues, while others are just starting their own battles.

For example, each spring in Pierre, South Dakota, members of The South Dakota Deer and Elk Association sit down face-to-face with members of the South Dakota Animal Industry Board to discuss issues and solve problems such as CWD. In 2021, Missouri deer farmers rejoiced after a revised Wildlife Code was established, giving them more leeway for dealing with CWD testing from deer mortalities, among other beneficial things. In Oklahoma, the recent November 1st, 2023, passage of House Bill 1844 has opened

their borders for receiving deer, greatly aiding the ability to operate on a larger scale. Oklahoma also recently passed legislation enabling the release of farm raised deer into the wild, to help introduce CWD resistant animals into wild herds. These are just a few examples of success stories. Yet, in Minnesota, deer farmers have only recently begun a legal battle to change difficult rules and regulations scheduled to take effect September 1st of this year.

However, none of the progress made within states enjoying more relaxed regulations would have taken place, without all sides being willing to come together and discuss concerns face-to-face. In Dr. Favero’s home state of Illinois, regulations for deer farming have never been “terribly bad,” he said. “One of our large problems a while back was that landowners would call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and ask about deer farming. The response from the DNR was ‘no it’s illegal and the department is not issuing any new permits.’ After years and personnel changes and talking with the DNR, staff finally began telling the landowners the truth. Having state deer association representation through lobbyists is a vital component in accomplishing goals such as this, as well as opening lines of communication for correct

information to be obtained. If you think strictly in terms of partisan politics, you might not get far,” he shared. “In the Illinois House and Senate, we are about 70% liberal but through a lobbyist you bring both sides together and compromise, especially with one that’s been around for a while. The American Farm Bureau is an excellent way to find lobbyists, or through a referral from another allied organization. Make sure a couple of your state deer association members are also members of the Farm Bureau and Farmers Union, as both sides of the political isle need to be covered.” These proactive measures can also potentially assist in explaining the economic benefit that deer farming is within a state. “Here in Illinois, hunting preserves are part of our growth,” Dr. Favero emphasized. “Now we have seven or eight where we used to only have two or three.” Standing behind every hard-working deer farmer in North America is NADeFA. Each year, selected representatives spend a few days in Washington, D.C. to interact with national lobbyists and to mingle with senators and individuals from state departments. “We may not necessarily discuss specific issues,” Dr. Favero said. “But it is rather all about relationship building. They’ve been very, very good trips. These trips to Washington are very beneficial to NADEFA and are very personally rewarding.”

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Michigan Fall Deadline

WEST VIRGINIA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Date: ____________________________________ ____ New Member ____ 202_ Renewal

Primary Member Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Second Farm Member Name:_______________________________________(Family/Farm membership only) Farm Name:_____________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________ State: _________________Zip: _________________

Home Phone:___________________________________ Other Phone:

License#: _______________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________

What type of deer and/or services will you offer: __ Whitetail __ Elk __ Red Deer Other ___________ __ Scents __ Urine __ Antlers __ Venison __ Breeding Stock __ Shooters

Annual Membership Levels

___ Active WV Propagator (voting privileges) $75 ___ Family Membership (2 voting privileges) $100 ___ Associate Member (no voting privileges) $25 ___ Other ___________________________

Active WV Propagator is a proprietor, partnership, firm, corporation, division of an organization or individual actively engaged in whole or in substantial part, in the husbandry of domestic deer for commercial sale of venison or the breeding of stock to support such operations.

Family Membership, membership is same as Active WV Propagator but includes 2 voting privileges from the same household. This includes spouse, significant other, partner or child 18 years or older.

Associate Member is anyone who has an interest in cervid farming, but does not own deer. Associate Members do not vote and cannot hold office in the Association. They may attend all activities sponsored by the Association and they will receive the WVDFA Newsletter.

Other, Lifetime membership, sponsors, or representatives apply. I hereby make application to the West Virginia Deer Farmers Association, Inc. and certify that the information I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Would you approve sharing your information with other deer farms or folks interested in deer farming? ______

Make Checks/Payments payable to: WV Deer Farmers Association, Inc. C/O Mark Cobb, Secretary 215 Eastwood Road Ravenswood, WV 26164

NEW YORK DEER & ELK FARMERS ASSOCIATION

1023 Route 146

Clifton Park, New York 12065

Phone: 1-518-383-2200 E-mail: nydefa@nydefa.org

All memberships renew in March.

Please send your check, payable to NYDEFA, to the address above.

Please check the appropriate box. If one is not checked, the “Do not publish” will be used

Name: __________________________________________________ Spouse/Partner:___________________________________________________

Farm/Firm:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________ County:____________________________________

City: _____________________________________________________ State: _________________ Zip: ________________________________________

Business Ph.: (______) _______-___________ Home Ph.: (______) _______-___________ Fax:(______) _______-

E-mail*: ____________________________________________________ Website: _______________________________________________________ *Urgent updates are sent electronically, which allows us to expedite communication and decision making. Please provide.

Type(s) of cervid: ____

Type of Farm: Preserve/Scents/Breeding/Venison/Petting Zoo / Other: _____________________________

Veterinarian’s Name: _________________________________________________________ Phone:(______) _______-

Membership Level Cost Benefits

Active Member $50 Email notices, voting privileges, meeting minutes, and membership directory.

Friend of the Farmers $_______ Thoughtful donation. Additional contributions are greatly appreciated. ~ Thank you for your support! ~

Quarterly Newsletter

E-mail updates on timely issues

Northeast Cervid Marketing Cooperative Initiative

Numerous sales, marketing and networking opportunities

Hilty Whitetails

Phone (260) 248-1684

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-0.001827

FREE business card ads for members of NYDEFA & WVDFA

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 NYDEFA & WVDFA 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.

NY Email to: dana@abcmailbox.net or call Dana at: 315-595-2202 WV Email to: mark.cobb@gmail.com or call Mark at: 304-532-4514

SECONDARY DEER-BASED BUSINESSES PROVIDING INCOME OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF DEER FARMING

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Minnesota Deer Farmers Association

Finding creative and lucrative ways (within the scope of the deer industry) to subsidize your deer farm may prove beneficial and ultimately cost-effective, offers Mark Volk of Volk Whitetails in Royalton, Minnesota. When Mark and his wife Mary started their 8-acre farm in 2014, fate would later point them in a direction they never saw coming. Today, in addition to raising deer, they also own and operate CuddliEZ, a custom embroidery company that manufactures deer masks with farm logos that keeps Mary extremely (if almost) too busy. This demonstrates there are various ways to turn an additional profit from deer farming, other than just the raising and selling of deer, Volk, 40, explained.

Some of these ways include:

Deer Velvet: Widely used in oriental medicine, deer velvet, when taken as a supplement, is thought to increase joint mobility, overall flexibility, strength, energy and blood flow. Found growing on the outside of buck antlers in the summer, deer velvet contains important chemicals, amino acids and collagen. Antlers

in velvet that are properly trimmed and stored from whitetails, red deer and elk can be sold to interested manufacturers, such as Cervid Labs USA, who purchase elk antlers. Other companies who purchase antlers in velvet can be found with online research.

Deer Capes: A deer cape, essentially the hair and hide from the nose to shoulder of a deer, if properly skinned, can be sold to the taxidermy market to enhance wall mounts. They can also be prepared and used as stand-alone decorative displays.

Urine Collection: Doe and buck urine, used to cover up the scent of hunters while attracting deer to a hunting location, is a popular go-to for hunters. Several deer farmers have taken to the business of collecting, processing and selling deer urine as the demand is very high. Through the construction of special collection stalls, substantial amounts of urine can be collected in a short amount of time, adding to the appeal of starting or contributing to a urine collection and distribution business.

Antler Collection / Selling: Hard deer antlers are used to make a variety of useful items such as tools, jewelry, chew bones for dogs and much more. Single antlers and antler sheds are bought from deer farmers from a wide variety of U.S. companies and are usually priced from $8 to $15 per pound.

Antler Replication / Taxidermy:

Although very time-consuming, antler replication and taxidermy is highly sought out as the demand from hunters for these services is very high. Those in this profession are never without work and devote long hours to perfecting their craft and keeping customers happy.

Farm Tours: A fascination with deer, particularly whitetails, is the driving force behind every deer farmer’s desire to raise deer. Likewise, the general public often shares this fascination and curiosity. For several years Mike Czora and Sandy Malone of Prime Whitetails in Rush, New York offered “Walk with Whitetails,” at a reasonable price to individuals and families interested in an up close and personal experience, after they realized how popular it could be. Turns out they were right.

“Our secondary deer business of making embroidered deer masks has helped us cover the cost of our feed,” Volk said. “It can be vital to look for other ways to financially subsidize your farm. We all know how quickly costs add up and how important having discretionary income can be.”

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.

Every summer in the late 80’s, as a young teenaged boy, Eddie Ray Borkholder would put out a sign at the front of his Nappanee, Indiana home. It read “Fawns for Sale. $100.” He never had to wait long for interested customers. Turns out, no one can resist a fawn. In 1999, Jim Davidson was on his tractor one early June morning in Marshall, Illinois, when he saw an adult doe get hit and killed by a car. He quickly discovered she had a doe fawn. He made two or three rounds near the road to check on it, worried it would suffer the same fate as it’s mother.

Pretty soon, the little bleating fawn started following him. Concerned for her welfare, Jim, now 80, climbed down from his tractor, scooped up the precocious new life in his arms, and put her in the tractor with him. He rode all day with the tiny fawn either in his lap or right next to him. When daylight began to fade, he wasn’t sure what to do, although he was certain he couldn’t let her go out on her own. That night, as a gift he gave her to his very young grandchildren Derrick and Taylor, who shrieked with love for their new

GENERATIONAL FARMING PASSING DOWN

THE LOVE OF AGRICULTURE AND THE OUTDOORS

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Indiana Deer and Elk Farmers Association

pet and named her Bambi. When their father Rick Davidson (who would later own Illinois Dominant Bucks) got home, he was initially not pleased with what his father had done. At all. However, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to their family. And what began as just a love for deer, later turned into a full-blown business after buying 200 acres in 2005 from his Aunt Francie.

Like Davidson, Borkholder’s simple love of deer took a more serious turn in the 1990’s when he started his unique Patrick line and Pine Creek Deer Farm. However, a love for agriculture and all that came with it started much earlier for Borkholder and Davidson by the generations of family members before them, who knew what it was like to be up every morning before sunrise, work long hard hours in the sting of the cold or burning of the sun (along with

working up a hearty appetite) and later drop in bed grateful, tired and ready to start all over again the next day. Eddie Ray, the first is his family to farm deer, grew up learning the art of crop and dairy farming from his father, grandfather and great grandfather. His son Josie, in learning the art of raising deer, felt in his younger years that farming itself was, honestly, just a lot of hard, hard work. “Looking back, I see it now as more of a luxury and bonding time with Dad,” reflected Josie, who now owns Lone Pine Deer Farm with James Slaubaugh. “Today, farming is getting lost. We need to look at creative ways to continue, and deer farming is one way to do that. Dairy farming has become so

commercial and there aren’t many new dairy farms starting up. If we don’t take the opportunity now to carry farming forward it will be lost.”

Davidson, the first is his family to raise deer, is a 5th generation farmer, who comes from a long line of long-lived farmers who raised dairy cows and grew corn, soybeans and alfalfa. When most

children were learning to ride bikes, Davidson was learning to drive a tractor. As age six he sat behind the wheel for the first time, his great great grandfather Richard “Dick” Davidson patiently walking beside him, teaching him the skill needed to drive the now long outdated Ford 8N stick shift two-wheel drive metal seated tractor. “It took a while for me to catch on,” Davidson said. However, he learned along with that experience what drove his grandfather to farm his land. “Farming gets in your blood,” he said. “At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to farm and work as hard as my Dad. It was only after going away to college and being away from it, that I realized how much I missed it. It’s critical to keep family farms going. Farming is the backbone of our country. We are always going

to need to eat. Without farming, we lose valuable land and the love of the outdoors. Deer farming is an extension of that love and something we need to continue to pass down.”

dana@ibyfax.com

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SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL

HELPING TO CREATE BENCHMARKS FOR DEER FARMERS

Through Safari Club International (SCI), farmraised deer who win antler competitions can be included in the record books. “SCI truly appreciates a deer for what they can grow on their head,” explains SCI Master Measurer Steve Uchytil. “They have their own classification for farmed deer. Not all hunting clubs are like that. SCI allows qualified or “Estate” deer to be included in their record books.” Having a deer in the SCI record books “is a great way to make a name for your farm,” said Uchytil, who began antler scoring in 2017. “As a deer farmer, it’s fun to be involved in competitions and create benchmarks for improvement and to be competitive with other farms. Pedigrees don’t matter and the better you can compete antler-wise, the better it can be for your farm.”

For more than 50 years, SCI, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has protected the freedom to hunt and has promoted wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI has close to 200 chapters representing approximately 106 countries with a membership of 50,000 and growing. In addition to operating a 501(c)3 foundation, SCI has the largest record book of any hunting organization.

At trade shows such as NADeFA, as well as other deer association conventions, antler scoring competitions are one of the most anticipated events and can involve several antler scorers and their

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by UDFOM

assistants. For Randall Bush, 81, being an SCI Master Measurer for 34 years has been one of his greatest passions. His work has taken him to numerous events and states and even to places as far away as Mongolia. Through his work as a Master Measurer, he has witnessed firsthand how hunting organizations have changed lives and created lasting memories.

From involvement in wounded warrior hunting clubs from Texas to Alabama to helping handicapped children with guided hunts, Bush feels certain this was truly meant to be his life’s work. Although he worked 47 years as a pharmacist and retired years ago, Bush can never see himself retiring from the deer industry. “SCI has been my life,” he said. “I have more energy now than ever before.”

Like Bush, Uchytil also looks forward to the time he spends scoring antlers as events such as The Monster Buck Classic, The Whitetails of Wisconsin annual convention, The Minnesota Deer Farmer’s annual convention and others. “I’ve probably scored about 2,000 racks,” he said. “I guess one of my most fun experiences and memories was The Monster Buck Classic a few years ago. I scored 100 plus racks that day and had to teach a bunch of kids about it. I had no shortage of helpers that day.”

In his time as an antler scorer, Uchytil has handled between 50 to 120 racks in one day. Depending on the size of the rack, each one takes

an average of 20 or more minutes to score. “Some of the most interesting racks are mule deer,” he said. “There aren’t usually a lot of them. Some of their antler features are very different than whitetails.”

As the deer industry continues to grow and hunting preserves further embrace their role in land conservation and stewardship, being active in organizations like SCI strengthens the voice of all those involved. “We need the SCI standing behind us, promoting ethical hunting, recognizing farmed deer for what they are and supporting the work that we do,” Uchytil emphasized. “We appreciate what they have allowed us in the deer industry to accomplish and thrive upon.”

PREPARING DOES FOR BREEDING SEASON ADVICE FROM ALABAMA

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Alabama Deer Farmers Association

Successfully getting your does from the weaning pens to the breeding pens can be considered somewhat of a science, perfected through the course of experience combined with a little trial and error. “Breeding plans can get complicated with everything you need to consider such as CWD resistance, pedigrees and antlers,” explains Cameron Odom, owner of Five O’s Ranch, a 41-acre spread begun in 2015 in Citronelle, Alabama. At Five O’s Ranch, a farm which is currently home to 140 deer that is expecting close to 100 fawns in the spring, “we make every effort to make sure our does are as healthy as they can be and ready for breeding season.”

At the forefront of these preparations should be the constant monitoring for and prevention of EHD. The city of Citronelle, known since 1955 as the oil capital of Alabama and located 34 miles north of Mobile, has its fair share of annual rain and occasional hurricanes and along with that a higher prevalence of bacteria, midge flies and EHD.

“If a doe has had a bout of EHD close to breeding season, I highly recommend not putting her through the stress of A.I.,” Odom, 48, said. “At our farm, we would breed her naturally instead through live cover.”

To have the healthiest does, a diet high in quality hay, grain and minerals is recommended yearround, with an increase of those things during the winter and spring months as fawns are developing, born and raised (simultaneously along with future breeding plans and preparations.) “I feel this is something every farm should practice, along with regular wormings and vaccinations, to ensure their does have appropriate antibodies and that their body condition is good,” Odom said.

Body condition and overall health also factors into weaning fawns. “If one of your does becomes sick in August or September, it’s not recommended that you compound the situation by pulling fawns off,” Odom said. “Wait a couple weeks

or so until she is healthy again. Remember you want your does as strong and as healthy as they can get as breeding season approaches.”

A strong hunting economy, perpetuated by an abundance of state-wide preserves, means the demand for deer is high. In Alabama, a closed-border state, maintaining healthy deer herds is essential to the long-term success of every deer farm. “Essentially, good animal husbandry is the biggest key to success,” Odom shared. “Knowing your herd and laying eyes of them every day, even twice a day, is an important part of this. Be vigilant and aware. Vaccinate and utilize A.I. whenever you can to increase hearty genetic variety while being mindful of your end market. Is CWD resistance important? Antler size? Negative GEBV markers? Or all of the above?”

Odom feels everyone involved in The Alabama Deer Farmers Association strives hard to stay abreast of the latest industry trends, and to be compliant with the regulations set in place by The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “We have a great group of deer farmers operating well-run and well managed deer farms,” Odom said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to do what we love with the support of our spouses, friends, family and customers.”

Word Search

Adventure

Backyard

Barbecue

Butterflies

Canoeing

Festivals

Fireworks

Gardening

Hayride

Humid

Mosquito

Strawberries

Sunshine

Watermelon

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.

Easy Venison Pie

Make a venison pie packed with pancetta, mushrooms and red wine, topped with golden puff pastry. It’s cooked low and slow for beautifully tender meat.

Ingredients

• 2½ tbsp sunflower oil

• 2lbs diced venison

• 3.5oz smoked bacon lardons, pancetta or chopped smoked streaky bacon

• 2 onions, roughly chopped

• 2 bay leaves

• 7oz chestnut mushrooms, quartered, or baby chestnut mushrooms, halved

• 3 tbsp plain flour

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 5oz red wine or dark ale (optional)

• 2 beef stock cubes mixed with 20oz boiling water

• 1 egg yolk, beaten (freeze the white for another recipe)

• 13oz sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 320F. Heat half the oil in a large flameproof casserole, brown the venison well in batches for 10 mins over a high heat, then set aside. Scatter the bacon into the pan with another ½ tbsp oil and sizzle for 8-10 mins until golden. Stir through th e onions and bay leaves, drizzling with the remaining oil, and cook over a low heat for 5 mins until browned. Lower the heat to medium, then add the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes more until softened.

2. Scatter over the flour, stirring until the flour turns brown. Tip the meat and any juices back into the pan along with the ketchup and give it all a good stir. Pour over the wine or ale, if using, and bring to the boil. Bubble for a few minutes, then pour over the stock. Season and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and put in the oven for about 2 hrs until the meat is tender. Will keep chilled for three days or frozen for up to three months. Leave to cool completely firs t. Defrost in a fridge overnight before reheating thoroughly in a microwave or pan until the meat is piping hot.

3. To make the pie, heat the oven to 425F. Tip the filling into a 24-26cm rimmed pie dish and brush the rim of the dish with some of the egg yolk. Unravel the pastry, drape it over the dish and use a knife to trim and press against the rim. Re-roll the trimmings to make a decoration, if you like. Will keep covered and frozen for up to three months. Defrost fully before continuing with step three.

4. Brush the pie with the remaining egg yolk and season with sea salt flakes, if you like. Make a few little slits in the centre of the pie to allow the steam to escape, and bake for 30-35 mins until deep golden.