Pennsylvania Winter 2023

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

FEATURED FARM STORY

PENNSYLVANIA

AWESOME WHITETAILS – FOCUSING ON HEARTY NORTHERN GENETICS Sponsored by PDFA

Winter 2023 l Volume 6 l Issue 4

HUNTERS – EMBRACING CAMARADERIE, NATURE AND CONSERVATION Sponsored by UDFOM

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Spring ISSUE

CONTENTS FEATURED ARTICLES: Hunters – Embracing Camaraderie, Nature and Conservation .............................18 Minnesota Deer Farmers Find Challenges with Amended 35.155 Statute..........22 Qualifying for a Consignment Sale - What Every Deer Farmer Should Know.....14 The Benefits of Using Deer Tunnels.................................................................. 40 Feature Farm Story: Awesome Whitetails – Focusing on Hearty Northern Genetics............................................................................................. 8, 9

Feb 21st Watch for These Symbols This symbol indicates there is a video linked This symbol indicates there is a link to an email, website, or facebook page These are interactive links in the eBook that is sent out each quarter

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D E S I G N

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

Website: deersites.com (Editorial Provided by Contributing Writers)

IN EACH ISSUE

Activity Pages...........................................32, 34, 42 Board of Directors........................................................... 4 Board Member Spotlight - Irvin Brown....................13 Business Card Advertising................................. 30 Event Calendar........................................................6 Membership Form........................................................36 Presidents Message........................................................ 3 Recipe - Venison Chili...................................................26

ADVERTISERS INDEX Black Hawk Whitetails.............. 37, 44 Blessed Bayou.................................... 5 Blosser Whitetails............................ 12 Blue Creek Whitetails..... In. Back Cov. C&E Wildlife Products..................... 16 Cervid Central Market Place......... 15 Cervid Solutions, LLC...................... 24 CuddliEZ............................................. 30 Dan-Inject North America.............. 31 Droptine Studios.............................. 21 EZid, LLC............................................ 42 Goodman Haven Whitetails............... .............................................Back Cover Head Gear, LLC................................ 39 Hilty Whitetails.................................. 25 Illini Whitetails................................... 41 Jo Jo’s Whitetails............................... 23

Major League Whitetails................ 20 NexGen Animal Health................... 33 North American Deer Registry..... 16 Outskirts Whitetails........................... 7 Pine Creek Deer Farm.................... 35 Pneu-Dart.......................................... 10 Prime Acres Whitetails................... 27 Purina.................................................19 Rocky Ridge Whitetails......................... ..................Cover, In. Front Cov, 2, 43 Springfield Whitetails...................... 29 Tajada Whitetail Ranch................... 38 Trophy Whitetails............................. 11 Walnut Ridge Whitetails................. 28 Whitetail Sales & Auction............... 13 Woodard Whitetails........................ 17

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Greetings Fellow Deer Farmers: It is with great humility that I write this message as the new President of the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association. Let me properly introduce myself. My name is John Manta. I am Co-Owner and operator of Julie Acres Deer Farm along with my wife Julie. Our farm is located in Carlisle Pa. My wife and I are both prior service active-duty Army officers. Our service to this great Nation has made me proud to say I am an American. After my retirement from active duty, I started an electric contracting business, until the deer farmer bug bit me. While hunting turkey on our property in northern Pennsylvania I came across a fawn not more than a few hours old.

I couldn’t get that fawn out of my mind. I started to research to learn all I could about deer farming in PA. After many hours spent with several deer farmers in the area, I retired from Sparky Electric in 2012 and began deer farming.

I am very blessed to have the support of so many people who have years and years of deer farming experience. I look forward to meeting as many deer farmers as possible and reaching out to all of you for ideas and suggestions on how we could make PDFA even better than it already is. I would like to introduce you to the rest of the PDFA Executive Board. My Vice President is Lloyd Stoltzfus, Treasure is Bruce Snyder, Isaac (Ike) Martin is the Secretary.

Newly elected to the Board of Directors are Mick Goodman, Bob Byers, Irvin Brown, John Fisher, and Tucker Sellinger, along with our former PDFA presidents Josh Newton and Jarrid Barry. I could not have asked for a more professional board. Although I have superstars to work with, we cannot do it alone. We collectively need your help. Get involved and let us know where you can help. I can be reached at: julieacres@aol.com or by phone at – 717.448.8764.

JOHN S. MANTA

PRESIDENT PDFA

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BOARD OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS W

John Manta (2024) President John Manta Julie Acres Deer Farm Wolf Bridge Road Carlisle, Pa. 17013 Cell: 717-448-8764 Email: julieacres@aol.com

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Lloyd Stoltzfus (2024)

Vice President Walnut Ridge Whitetails 142 Churchtown Rd. Narvon, Pa. 17555 Office: 717-768-3471 Email: wrwhitetails@yahoo.com

Bruce Snyder (2025)

Isaac Martin (2024)

Treasurer Bruce Snyder Snyder’s Whitetails 2358 Produce Rd. Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870 Cell: 570-259-0051 Email: snyderswhitetails@yahoo.com

Secretary Bambi’s Paradise 230 Dusty Hollow Lane McClure, Pa. 17841 Cell: 570-412-0064 Email: ike@pikrite.com

Tess Stevenson

Josh Newton

Mick Goodman

John Fisher

Bob Byers

Irvin Brown

Jarrid Barry

Tucker Sellinger

Andy Goodman, Partner

Kerry Lange, Senior Associate

PDFA Administrator PO Box 394 Harrisburg, PA 17108 Office: 717-801-0533 Email: office@padfa.com

Goodman’s Whitetail Haven 751 Logan Rd. New Stanton, PA 15672 Cell: (724) 493-1040 Email: gwhaven@hotmail.com

Bob Byers Triple B Whitetails 455 Byers Lane Knox, PA 16232 Cell: (814) 229-0226 Email: bob.byers@agriking.com

Powder Ridge Outfitters PO Box 6 Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 Cell: (717) 821-0669 Email: powderridgeoutfitters@gmail.com

Legislative Counsel Milliron Goodman Governmental Relations 200 N. Third St. Harrisburg, Pa. 17101 Office: 717-232-5322 Email: andy@millirongoodman.com

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Josh Newton Cervid Solutions, LLC Red Ridge Whitetails 15223 Route 87 Hwy Williamsport, Pa. 17701 Office: 844-478-2870 Cell: 484-951-3229 Email: jnewton@redridgewhitetails.com World Class Genetics 152 Meadow Lane Loysville, Pa. 17047 Cell: 717-582-1896 Email: 5starjohndaniel@gmail.com

Irvin Brown Three Rivers Whitetails 3850 Jefferson Ave. Washington, PA 15301 Cell: (724) 345-8185 Email: irvinbrown2001@yahoo.com

Tucker Sellinger The Valley Deer Farm 1506 Wells Road Williamsport, PA 17702 Cell: 570-660-0143 Email: tuckersellinger@aol.com

Legislative Counsel Milliron Goodman Government Relations Kerry Lange, Senior Associate 200 N. Third St. Harrisburg, Pa. 17101 Office: 717-232-5322 Email: kerry@millirongoodman.com

PDFA • PO Box 394, Harrisburg, PA 17108 • 717-801-0533 • office@padfa.com • www.padfa.com

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Quarterly Calendar Update ~ Ad Deadlines & Events

JANUARY SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER AUGUST

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

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

Annaual Meeting Benefit Auction

Pennsylvania Fall Deadline

North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Meeting

Louisiana Winter Deadline

Southeast Tines Fall Deadline LAST DAY TO SUBMINT *UPDATED BUCK PHOTOS

Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

CHUPP AUCTION!!!

Texas Deer Association Annual Convention New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

Upper Midwest Tri-State Associations Summer Deadline Winter Deadline

2023 Ohio Fall Deer Convention

*SHOWCASE BOOK IN THE MAIL! to Deer Farmers in over 20 States!

Summer Picnic TBD

Whtietails of Louisiana

Bluegrass Trophy Buck Auction, Cave City, KY

The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

Expo & Auction

Kentucky & New York Winter Deadline

Christmas Day

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

* See Showcase Flyer in this magazine for more information

* See Showcase Flier in this magazine for more information

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Alabama Deer Association Winter Deadline

Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

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

Northern Top 30

Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction

& North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Pennsylvania Deer and OutdoorAnnual Expo Meeting Louisiana Kentucky Alternative Fall Deadline Livestock Association Southeast Tines Summer Showcase Fundraiser Auction Event Fall Deadline

Quest for Michigan’s Best Kentucky & New York Fall Deadline Winter Deadline

2023 SOUTHERN TOP 30 Whitetail & Specialty Extravaganza Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

FEBRUARY OCTOBER

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

Upper Midwest Summer Deadline

Summer Picnic

Whtietails of Louisiana Expo & Auction

The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

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Summer Showcase Fudraiser Auction Event

Spring Quarter Begins Southeast Tines Spring Deadline Columbus Day

IDEFA Journal Spring Deadline Pennsylvania Spring Deadline

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline

Labor Day

Kansas Elk & Deer Association Convention alabama Deer association Spring Auction

Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Louisiana Fall Deadline

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

SPRING PRIME SPOTS: Cover: John Ervin Stoltzfus, Inside Front Cover: Terry Klick Center Spread & Back Cover Michael Goodman.

Halloween Ads due no later than Feb 21st.

Kentucky & New York deerassociations@gmail.com Fall Deadline

FEATURED FARM AWESOME WHITETAILS – FOCUSING ON HEARTY NORTHERN GENETICS Written By: Gail Veley

There are two things that Jason Stefanowicz, owner of Awesome Whitetails in Middlebury, Pennsylvania, knows he will hear when he has farm visitors.

“They always comment on how big my deer are and compliment us on how well we are keeping them,” he said. Several protocols dictate how Stefanowicz, 52, and his wife Amy, 45, run their farm.

“When we buy or sell deer, I always ask ‘how far away are you from CWD,’” he said. CWD, while playing a front and center role in any breeding decisions on the farm, is not prevalent in his city and state of Middlebury,

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Pennsylvania, a city close to the New York state border.

Nor will Stefanowicz acquire deer from an area where CWD has been detected.

He feels the Pennsylvania Deer Farmer’s Association has President Josh Newton to thank for keeping Pennsylvania well ahead of the curve in tamping down CWD detection and in following pertinent research.

When Stefanowicz set out to start his farm four years ago, he felt completely set up for success. However, all of his plans were essentially turned on their head when CWD resistance, rather than merely growing impressive antlers, became the bigger

focus with raising deer.

Today, Stefanowicz is satisfied that he is doing both. He utilizes genetics from breeder bucks such as H & S, “D” Rock, Dr. Feelgood and Loaded Up, and has acquired quality genetics from a combination of farms such as Rocky Ridge Whitetails, H & H Whitetails and Pine Creek Whitetails. In creating the type of deer he desires to raise, Stefanowicz focuses on hearty northern genetics showcasing big bodies and big racks. “Last year we had a two-year-old that was 350 pounds,” he said. Close to 85 deer reside on 12 acres at Awesome Whitetails, including breeder

STORY bucks, stocker bucks, wellbred does and fawns. One of his best breeder bucks, “D” Rock was 38“ inside and 461” total before he was sold last year over an offer Stefanowicz couldn’t refuse.

While Stefanowicz is grateful for the success he’s had, he is also committed to helping others be successful as well.

To this end he sells high quality yet affordable semen and will replace any straw that may happen to turn up without motility, or “bad.” He also relies solely on good nutrition to grow the sizable racks he does, rather than using enhancement supplements.

“I don’t want someone to buy semen from me and not get the same results that I do,” he said.

Stefanowicz is also steadfast in ensuring that any farm visitors or interested customers don’t accidentally bring CWD with them. “We make people wear booties,” he said. Other health measures on the farm include raising fawns inside a metal barn with no wood construction, as germs are more easily able to penetrate wood and remain in it.

As Stefanowicz reflects on where the farm is going with its production goals, he realizes without his wife Amy it wouldn’t be possible. “She bottle-raises the doe fawns and knows a bottle-fed doe should be calm. If you buy a bottle-fed doe from us, we guarantee that it will be calm,” he explained. “I wish I had known about the deer

business years ago. It’s a good family business. You can make money at any business as long as you do it right. With deer farming this is a numbers game and also being educated and staying on top of the current trends. We hope to provide more education about CWD to deer farmers in 2024 and might plan to host some events at our farm. We are strongly considering it. We love this industry. This is a great industry to be a part of.

We also love the friendships and gracious hospitality we’ve experienced.”

This story is dedicated to Val Stefanowicz, father of Jason Stefanowicz, who passed away October 9th, 2023.

Awesome Whitetails Jason & Amy Stefanowicz 570-418-3109 awesomewhitetails2@gmail.com

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BOARD MEMBER

Spot Light

Irvin Brown

Our featured Board Member this quarter is Irvin Brown, newly elected to the PDFA Board. In 2011, he founded Three Rivers Whitetails with a carefully selected herd from the Jarrid Barry Farm, expressing ongoing gratitude for ‘Orange 5’. With his son-in-law Timothy Hill, along with their family joining in 2013, they’ve taken over ownership and operation of the deer farm. Irvin, along with his wife Pam, reside on the property, cherishing their involvement with the deer herd. Irvin currently works full-time at Perryman Company in the Titanium Metals Business and anticipates retiring in late 2024. He aims to continue contributing his extensive knowledge and skills, including management, organization, and communication, to benefit PDFA. Irvin is enthusiastic about assisting new farmers entering the industry, especially those keen on involving their families.

Book Your Hotel Room: Farmstead Inn - (260) 768-4595 Discount Room Rate for Chupp’s Premier: DeerSale2023 Discount Room Rate for Northern Top 30: Top 30

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QUALIFYING FOR A CONSIGNMENT SALE WHAT EVERY DEER FARMER SHOULD KNOW By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by IDEFA Building your farm name through consignment sale participation is one of the smartest moves a deer farmer can make, offers Chris Ezell, co-owner of Whitetail Sales Auction LLC based out of Urich, Missouri. Although some consignment sales such as Top 30 (North and South) may be more exclusive and feature only the country’s top 30 breeders for that particular area, others such as Chupp auctions and NADeFA’s annual consignment auction offer opportunities for quality livestock or valuable and useful items to be featured and sold from a wider pool of consigners.

As with every auction, programs are distributed describing each auction lot.

“What deer farmers need to realize is what a great advertising opportunity it is to be in the program,” said Kristy Schwartz, President of Whitetail Marketing Inc., and Graphics/Catalog Designer for Whitetail Sales Auction LLC. “Even if you aren’t participating as a consignor, you can still advertise.

Placing an ad allows people to identify with your brand. Coming to the auctions also allows you to gain insight and guidance from others and make goals for your future. It also helps your state.” Since the early 2000’s, Schwartz, 39, has been at the forefront of creating auction programs and working hand-inhand with each consignor to make sure

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every detail is correct. Dates, times and places for every annual deer auction (as well as all advertising deadlines) can be found by visiting https://www. whitetailsalesauctionllc.com.

Perhaps it could be seen as every deer farmer’s dream to be among the 30 breeders chosen for the Top 30 North or South auction, and to enjoy the prestige that goes along with that. “It all depends on the genetics you have on your farm,” Ezell said. “It might be tougher for a new farmer to initially get in, but possible after some dedication and hard work. It’s a great goal to shoot for.”

The Chupp Auction, always held in Shipshewana, Indiana, generally features consignors from Indiana and closer surrounding areas. Ensuring that the quality of each auction lot falls within certain accepted parameters is in the hands of Ezell and Lester Eicher, who with Ezell, are at the helm of Whitetail Sales Auction LLC. Along with the Chupp Auction is a guaranteed good time with catered food, the unmatched hospitality of the Amish and the charm and culture of Shipshewana itself, a city with an Amish population of close to 90 percent. “If you haven’t been to this auction, you definitely need to come,” Ezell said.

The NADeFA auction, always held during the annual spring NADeFA convention, offers a chance to bring a wider variety of auction lots and showcase your best animal or most useful or well-crafted item such as a picnic bench (or even a magazine advertisement and article in your own quarterly deer association magazine.) NADeFA, which always draws a sizable and vast crowd from every state that raises deer, also offers a unique and interesting trade show as well as educational classes and the chance to mingle with some of the best producers in the deer industry.

A percentage of profits from auctions often end up being donated to a worthy cause such as nonprofit organizations that support hunting and conservation, various deer associations and even individuals within the deer industry in need of additional support for personal reasons. “The deer industry is full of generous people willing to help others,” Ezell said. “Every deer farmer should make an effort to be a part of these auctions.” Interested auction attendees or participants should contact Ezell or Eicher if they have questions or need more information about deadlines.

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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

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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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6.5 PRC Storm Express / Express / Silver Hawk

Noah & Sarah Hilty South Whitley, IN

260-248-1684

HILTY WHITETAILS

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

VENISON CHILI

1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 yellow onion, diced 2 green bell peppers, diced 1 lb. ground venison 4–5 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp. chili powder 1 Tbsp. cumin 1 tsp. paprika ½ tsp. cinnamon (optional) 1 and ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 3 Tbsp. tomato paste 1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce 1 orange, juiced 1 lime, juiced 1 and 1/2 cups venison or beef stock* 28 oz. diced tomatoes, drained 15 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz. kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions 1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and peppers and cook until the onions start to brown on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the venison and brown.

3. Once the venison is browned add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Saute for 1-2 minutes and then add the tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute, incorporating the tomato paste.

4. Then, deglaze the pot with Worchestershire sauce, orange juice, and lime juice. Scrape the bottom of the pot and add the stock, tomatoes, and beans.

5. Stir well and bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid and let the pot simmer for at least 30 minutes but up to all day. If you’re cooking longer than an hour, be sure to cover the chili fully with a lid so all of the liquid doesn’t evaporate.

6. Ladle up generous portions, top with your favorite chili toppings, and serve.

Have a great recipe to share? Email to deerassociations@gmail.com or mail to: Samantha Uchytil 19291 59th St NE, New London, MN 56273

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Deer Masks • Caps • Koozies • Apparel Dana & Ella Hoover 4456 Champlin Rd. Penn Yan, NY 14527 P 315.595.2202 F 315.595.8863 dana@ibyfax.com Raising Quality Whitetails Bucks, Does, & Fawns For Sale

SOLUTIONS CERVID EVOLVE YOUR HERD

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: Tess Stevenson: office@pdfa.com This gives PDFA 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.

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Word Search Arctic Avalanche Blizzard Boots Carol Cocoa Crisp Evergreen Fireplace Freezing Frost Hibernate

Help Reunite the Deer Family!

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

Holidays Igloo Mittens Nordic Nutcracker Penguin Quilt Scarf Sled Snowflake Snowman Sweater

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Coloring Activity!

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

All ages welcome to participate!

(Grand Kids Too) Pictures can be emailed to deerassociations@gmail.com or mailed to

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

SUDOKU

The rules for sudoku are simple: A 9×9 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 3×3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.

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PENNSYLVANIA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (Please check one)

❑ New

❑ Renewal - Member #____________ (if known)

Membership Name:___________________________________________Date________________ Farm Name:_____________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________State:_______Zip:_____________County___________________ Phone #1 (will appear in directory)________________________ Phone #2:______________________ Fax:____________________________E-mail:__________________________________________ Website_________________________________________________________________________ I am joining as (please check one) ❑ Active PA Propagator* (voting privileges) - $100.00

❑ Associate Member (non-voting) - $75.00

IMPORTANT Please check all that apply: ❑ Farm ❑ Hunting Ranch Ranch Name & Contact info if different from Farm:

❑ Life Member* (voting privileges) - $1,000.00

*Must be a Pennsylvania resident

❑ Other _________________________

I hereby make application to the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association, Inc. and certify that the information I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature:___________________________________________ Date:______________________ Please mail application with payment to: application with payment to: PAPlease Deermail Farmers Association PA Deer Farmers Association P. O. Box 3 635 • Williamsport, PA 17701 PO Box 394, Harrisburg, PA 17108

Payment method:

Check (made payable to PDFA) - #__________________

Credit Card - ______Visa ______Master Card ______Discover

Card # __________ - __________ - __________ - __________ (Please print clearly)

Expiration Date _____/_____

________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Authorized Signature

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3-digit V-code __________

_______________________________________ Credit Card Billing Zip Code

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

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PeaceMaker is scientifically formulated to provide optimal support levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to help maintain a normal and relaxed disposition in cervids Contains no herbals nor tryptophan, eliminating concerns of unwanted side effects Use PeaceMaker to help “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation and other key times during the year Now available in a 30 lb resealable bag and 11.25 lb pail to help fit your operation’s needs

NEW 30 LB. RESEALABLE BAG!

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DIGESTIVE HEALTH & IMMUNE SUPPORT CERVIDS OF ALL AGES Supports digestive health and a healthy immune system Natural formula contains Encrypt , egg proteins, enzymes, micro-encapsulated probiotics and a prebiotic Top dress or mix in feed during fawning season, weather changes, times of stress and when top performance is desired

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THE BENEFITS OF USING DEER TUNNELS By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by Whitetails of Oklahoma

A

lthough a smaller deer farm might get by without a handling facility and tunnel system, larger deer farms can operate much more efficiently with one, explains Chris Ezell, owner of Dangerous Whitetails of Oklahoma, in Adair, Oklahoma. Deer tunnels, along with a handling facility, can allow a deer farmer to run several head of deer through in a matter of hours, greatly reducing stress on the deer while potentially negating the need to dart them.

“In my opinion, darting may hurt their immune system,” Ezell said. “If not done correctly, it could be detrimental to put them to sleep.” Yet many deer farmers depend on darts, developed by several companies through thoughtful technology intended to safely deliver antibiotics and sedatives to whitetails.

While numerous farms depend on these efficient and carefully designed darts to accomplish a variety of goals including antler cutting, CIDR insertion and medication administering, for larger deer farms darts might prove

costly to buy. In addition, darting is thought by some to be best accomplished during cooler parts of the morning or evening, whereby with a tunnel system, the weather isn’t usually a huge factor, said Ivan Hochstetler of Double H Whitetails in Dundee, Ohio.

At his 23-acre farm with close to 200 typical deer, Hochstetler, like Ezell, maintains a CWD-Monitored herd. In addition to using their tunnel systems for procedures such as vaccinations, A.I. and (at Ezell’s farm) antler cutting, both men are required to test every three years for TB and brucellosis.

Running them through their facilities for these purposes may take an entire day. However, in lieu of having a facility “it would take several days,” Hochstetler said. “For us, it would be a nightmare.”

Yearlings, mature bucks with or without antlers and does can all be run through a handling facility. Two minutes is the maximum amount of time any deer should spend in the final phase, the squeeze chute, as additional time would be too stressful on them, Ezell emphasized. After leaving the facility, alley ways allow deer to find their way back to their pens at both farms.

When Hochstetler built his barn in 2009 with the support of his wife Ruby, he had visions of running a substantial deer empire. Even though at the time they only had two deer, the first thing Hochstetler did was put in a handling facility and tunnel system complete with solid wooden walls for added safety.

Back then, the total cost was close to $10,000.

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Deer Tunnel System and Handling Facility Although it would cost more today to construct the same facility, over time it would not only pay for itself, it could you save substantial time and money in the long run. “We put CIDRs in 60 does last year and then later, pulled them,” Hochstetler explained. “If our farm, as a larger operation, had to dart those does instead for the same procedure, it would have been a substantial cost.

When you think about all the times you would use your facility, in two or three years that handler might be paid for.”

Ezell and his wife Jodie shared the same vision as Hochstetler when they first entered into the deer business 13 years ago and bought a farm with an existing facility. Through the years of using it, Ezell has realized the safety, comfort and ease of accomplishing whatever job that needs to be done. Although he was grateful to have bought a farm with a handling facility already in place “I would have done it anyway,” Ezell said.

“When you think of all the benefits, how could you afford not to?” Consulting services for constructing handling facilities are offered by Ezell by calling him at 918-697-5389.

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Last Issues Puzzles ~ Answer Keys ~

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@1 (a new breed of “melanistic pieds”)

Mick Goodman

724-493-1040 (pure white 7x8 typ. 30” inside)

CWD-2002 Semen Available