North American Deer Farmer Magazine Winter 2013 -2014 by VMG Publishing

North American Deer Farmer

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WINTER 2013

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North American Deer Farmer

CONTENTS

FEATURES 30

NADeFA’s Intern Program

A Special Thank You

Operate As If Followed By A Video Camera Ranchers and deer farmer’s beware

Inspiring Our Next Generation Toth Whitetails educates the public on deer farming

What The New Farm Bill Means To Deer Farmers

USAHA News Rexroad summarizes recent USAHA resolutions

My Longbeard Hunt Coloring contest winner takes Pap on a gobbler hunt

Update on CWD Documentary

102 Its Not Just Our Guns They Are After... New legislation trying to control our knives 122 Future Leader Matti Warren Speaks out on guns and freedom 2

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DEPARTMENTS 8 President’s Message by Ray Burdette 10 Calendar 12 Executive Directors Message by Shawn Schafer 18 2014 NADeFA Conference 38 Outdoor Patriot by John Meng 106 Legislative Report by Capitol Hill Consulting 92 New Members 120 Treasurer Report by Hank Dimuzio HEALTH & EDUCATION 58 Cassidy’s Corner by Dr Brandt Cassidy 96 Cervid Health by Dr Michael McDonnell 112 USAHA Update 116 Deer & Wildlife Stories by Keith Warren PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT 130 Advertiser’s Index

Elk in thE Snow photo by brian wagnEr

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limitEd SEmEn availablE

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Stay The Course NADeFA Helping Expand Cervid Reserach Our industry continues to expand and prosper. Even with the setbacks we have had, we are still moving forward as an industry. The NADeFA Board of Directors and staﬀ have worked with members, linked state associations, state veterinarians, and USDA to resolve issues as quickly as possible. We support a structured, positive, and organized approach to resolving our industry’s problems. Although border closings and herd quarantines have occurred, many recent CWD issues have been resolved or are in the process of being resolved quickly. The national CWD Rule and its standards have allowed many in our industry to continue to conduct business in spite of CWD. NADeFA has kept an open line of communication with all individuals and agencies involved. We have been present at meetings assisting linked state associations to resolve issues. At recent industry auctions, animal and semen prices have been good and many price records have been broken. Many breeders have been cleared of trace backs in a few days

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and “pass thru herds” were not quarantined at all. Some breeders had a few suspect animals and only those animals were quarantined. NADeFA has also worked to expand research on a live test for CWD and a CWD vaccine. We are also assisting in research and development of EHD vaccines and methods of EHD prevention. The recent funding bill signed by the President includes money earmarked for the cervid industry for research and indemnity. NADeFA is the national cervid association with 1,300 breeder members and 27 linked state associations. Our main goal is the success of our members and our industry. As a member of NADeFA, you are supporting your industry and your lifestyle. ray Burdette NADeFA President

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NADeFA CALENDAR

Trophy Game Records of the World & Big Buck Contest Awards Banquet July 18-19, 2014 Embassy Suites, San Marcos TX Kansas Cervide Breeders Antler Competition and Convention July 31 - August 2, 2014

The NADeFA Conference will be in Birmingham, AL. Join us and deer farmers from across the country for a great conference of education, and networking. For more information, see page 16.

United Deer Farmers of Michigan First Ever Convention March 7-9, 2014 Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant, MI Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Annual Spring Meeting March 8, 2014 Northeast Deer and Elk Farmers Annual Meeting March 11-13, 2014 Exotic Wildlife Association Membership Meeting March 14-15, 2014 San Marcos, TX

Whitetails of Louisiana Annual Meeting March 26- 27, 2014 Alexandria, LA Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Spring Meeting March 26, 2014 Wisconsin Commerical Deer & Elk Farmers Association Annual Convention March 28-30, 2014 Marshfield, WI

_________________

2014 Whitetails of Wisconsin Annual Banquet & Fundraiser April 11-12, 2014 Plaza Hotel, Wausau, WI

2014 Annual NADeFA Conference & Auction

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Spring Benefit April 25-26, 2014 Altoona, PA

March 19-22, 2014 Birmingham, AL ________________ Minesota Deer Breeders Association Annual Banquet March 21-22, 2014

2014 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits April 25-26, 2014 Indianapolis, IN Whitetails of Louisiana Convention April 26-27, 2014 SAI Convention Center, Alexandria, LA

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Missouri Whitetail Breeders & Hunting Ranch Association Annual Conference Aug 7-9, 2014 Four Seasons Resort, Lake Ozark, MO Texas Deer Association Annual Convention August 7-9, 2014 San Antonio, TX DBC Annual Convention August 22 - 23, 2014 Illinois Deer Farmers Association Annual Meeting and Fundraiser August 23, 2014 Whitetail Sales Ohio Sale August 28- 30, 2014 Dalton, Ohio Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Fall Sale Sept 11-14, 2014 Altoona, PA USAHA & AAVLD Annual Meeting October 16-27, 2014 Buckeye Fall Trophy & Breeders Auction November 6-7, 2014 Chupps Premier Whitetail Auction Deccember 10, 2014

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESAGE

2013 Ended On A Positive Note Cervid Industry Starts New Year with Momentum With the announcement of a CWD positive buck from a hunt ranch in Wisconsin, it didn’t appear that 2013 was going to close on a very good note. But, as the investigation played out and everyone realized that USDA and the state animal health oﬃcials were going to rely on the epidemiological evidence and not over react, the industry followed suit and responded by showing their confidence in the program and certified herds. This was evident at the Chupp Brothers Sale in December when animals throughout the entire sale brought strong prices, to end the 2013 year on a positive note. This positive momentum has carried over into the start of 2014 with record sales and fund-raisers each week. The top 30 started on the heels of the announcement that the DNA did match the positive animal and that the buck was born on the Flees breeding farm. While this may have sounded like bad news initially, and yes it would have been nice to have the whole mess go away like Pennsylvania a year previous, when the DNA cleared the trace back farms, I think it helped answer everyone’s question of “what if ”, and helped set the path for our federal and state regulators to follow in the future. The day before the sale started, USDA announced that all 2008 animals were to be released from quarantine and that their focus would only be on the farms where the 2009 and 2010 animals currently reside. This news allowed most of the farms under quarantine to be released. The sale started a little slow, but as producers realized the little impact this one positive animal from a hunt ranch was truly having on the industry, their minds eased and the sale picked up and the second day finished as strong as ever with the total sale ending consistent with the past several years. 12

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The Deer Breeders Corporation New Years Sale followed with their strongest sale/fundraiser ever. To add to the success of the sale, this event raised $115,000 for the Texas Tech Deer Research Program! The texas top 30 Whitetail extravaganza, started oﬀ strong with the High Roller Whitetails Big Buck Syndication sale on Friday night bringing high prices for high end genetics. The Saturday Texas Top 30 started strong and pulled excellent prices all the way to the end. The texas Deer Association moved its Superior Genetics Deer Auction to a new location in Helotes, Texas. This move was well supported by the industry as the sale was the highest-grossing February auction in the association’s history! The bad weather delayed my airline travel to the Buckeye sale, but when I walked into the sale towards the end of the first day, the first thing that caught my eye was the large crowd in attendance. What even impressed me more was how everyone stayed right up until the hammer fell on the final sale. I had several people tell me the prices were not as strong as other sales around the nation, but when I talked with many of the consigners, I heard over and over that they were happy with the prices they got and that most of them were far better than they would expect off the farm. Mother Nature made travel to the Midwest Select Sale impossible for many producers, but those that were able to make it, came to buy, and those that were stuck at home or on the road made good use of the internet. The prices were good from start to finish and the rare genetic combinations oﬀered for sale brought exceptional prices. NADeFA.org

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What is the basis for all of these good prices at resent sales and fundraisers? The answer is easy; the market is as strong as ever. I just returned from the Safari Club international annual conference and I am excited to report that prices for deer and elk hunts were bringing good money at the auctions and the booking of hunts on the conference floor were steady. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it to the Dallas Safari Club event, but I did hear the market was strong there as well. When you couple this with strong prices for slaughter animals and some of the best hard antler prices we have ever had, why would we expect any less? To continue building on that positive energy, I have been working with the Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association to draft legislation that would expand their market to allow importation from within states that have had a case of CWD. This is still in the early stages, but the feedback from both the legislators and Department of Agriculture has been favorable. In West Virginia the legislation to move under the Department of Agriculture is still moving forward. Their border has been open for quite some time now, yet the DNR has approved very few, if any importation permits. The Agriculture Commissioner has repeatedly said he supports the industry and would like to expand their markets. Sadly, one of the biggest opponents to this legislation is the WV Wild turkey Federation. I have been in heavy discussions with the leadership of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to push for a neutral position in WV, but keep running into major opposition with their biologist. While I still have high hopes for this move in West Virginia, I would ask if anyone has family or friends in WV or the NWTF, that you reach out to them and educate them about the positive aspects of our industry and the importance of all sportsmen being united. The battle to legalize and expand the hunting ranch industry in Indiana has been playing out in both the courts and legislature for many years. 2013 was finally a victorious year in the court, only to have the DNR appeal the ruling at the last minute. On the legislative front, one of the major opponents that has continually blocked the legislation from being heard in the Senate, finally agreed to let the Bill be debated and taken to the floor for a vote. This was great news as everyone was sure the support was there to pass the Bill, but when the votes were tallied they came in at 25 Yes votes compared to 23 No votes and 2 absent, giving them the WiNter 2013

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majority but not enough to pass the Bill as their laws require 26 Senate votes to pass a Bill! The good news is the legislative session isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t over yet and there are possible options to try again. Missouri is still working to introduce legislation to move out from under the DNR to more friendly territory with the Department of Agriculture. As of this writing, their Bill has not been introduced. The New York Deer and elk Farmers are in the process of legally challenging the emergency rule making process used to close the NY border to importation of cervids. NADeFA has committed to help support and fund this battle as they clearly misused the process. All of these state battles take time and are expensive and can be a real struggle for associations with a smaller membership base. Please support them with your donations when needed or by bidding on their items when they have fundraisers. I also would like to encourage you to support your national association, by attending our upcoming annual conference in Birmingham, Alabama. It is shaping up to be one of our largest events ever. Please consider donating something unique that will represent your farm or state and at the same time bring significant value. Also please be prepared to purchase some of those items you have been needing/wanting anyway, such as a new dart gun, feed, genetics, handling systems, furniture, guns, hunting trips and too many more items to mention! There are several research projects on the horizon that show great promise for a live test for CWD. While it is our hope that some of these projects will be covered with federal funding, we also recognize that our industry will have to financially support one or two of them to get the project oďŹ&#x20AC; the ground in a more timely manner and to show we have a vested interest. The same applies to our ongoing EHD research projects we are already financially supporting. The majority of the funds for both our legal battles and research projects are acquired during our conference. Your support during the conference is crucial to keep our industry moving ahead in a positive manner. I am looking forward to seeing all of you in Birmingham! Shawn Schafer NADeFA executive Director North American Deer Farmer

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NADeFA CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Only a Few Booths Left! Call the NADeFA office Today to Reserve Yours

GET HERE! AIRPORT The Birmingham airport is just 10 minutes from the hotel. There is FREE shuttle transportation to and from airport to the hotel. AMTRAK station is 0.3 miles from the hotel. PARKING Deck parking $8 per night up to 7'4" high vehicles. Special lots for trailers only. SHIPPING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Must arrive by: FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014 VEAL CONVENTION SERVICES, INC 2EV !BRAHAM 7OODS *R "LVD s "IRMINGHAM !,

BOOK YOUR HOTEL BY FEB 28, 2014 & GET SPECIAL EARLY BIRD RATES!

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Join NADeFA as we

Lead the Industry into the Future .!$%&! #/.&%2%.#%

at the

THE EVENT OF THE YEAR! BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY & ALL YOUR FRIENDS, TOO!

ARRIVE BY

BIRMINGHAM-JEFFERSON CONVENTION CENTER

JUST OFF MAJOR INTERSECTION OF

EDUCATION - NETWORKING – VENDORS ).4%234!4% AUCTIONS – FUN – GAMES – CONTESTS FOR ALL AGES! !.$ WINTER 2013 NADeFA.ORG North American Deer Farmer

2014 NADEFA CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Wednesday, March 19, 2014 12:00- 8:00 P.M. 12:00-6:00 P.M.

Exhibitor Set up Pre-registration

8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

New Deer Farmer’s Seminar Hosted by the Cervid Livestock Foundation ($50 per person, $75 per couple) Coffee & rolls provided Wednesday morning

8:00-9:00 9:00-9:45 9:30-10:30 10:30-10:45 10:45-11:45 11:45-12:00 12:00-1:00 1:00-2:00

Welcome – Panel Discussion – Why Deer Farming? Handling facilities - Len Jubenville Genetics – Scott Kent Break Nutrition – ADM Dr. Jim Warren

2:00-3:15 3:15-3:30 3:30-4:30 4:30-4:45 4:45-5:00

Regulations – Dr. Donley Break Marketing- Kevin Grace What Hunting Ranches Want – Donald Hill Wrap Up – Question and answer period

12:00 - 5:00 P.M.

Break for lunch Herd Health Programs – Dr. Wagner

SCI Scoring Seminar ($150 per person) Master Measurer Certification available Thursday and Friday

7:30 P.M.

CLF Board of Director’s Meeting

Thursday, March 20, 2014 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Exhibit Hall open

*Antler Competition entries submitted from Thursday until Friday at 10:00 AM ($50 per set) *Coloring and photo contest entries may be submitted until 5:00 PM Thursday. *Voting will be begin at 5:00PM Thursday and will continue until 2:00 PM Friday.

7:00 -10:00 A.M. 7:30 - 9:30 A.M. 10:00-10:45 10:45-11:45 A.M. 12:00

Registration and exhibitor set up NADeFA Board of Directors meeting Dr. Murray Woodbury, University of Saskatchewan Topic: Welfare Issues in Farmed Deer Dr. Ashley Seder, University of Illinois: Preliminary Results: A comparison of different semen extenders Lunch – Welcome General Membership Meeting Introduction of Board Members Lifetime Member Recognition

1:00 P.M. 1:00-5:00 P.M. 1:30- 4:45 P.M.

Silent Auction (open until 3:30 PM Friday) Dart Gun Competition Corn Hole Competition EHD Consortium Dr. Lee Consteadt ARS: update on midge research and NADeFA sponsored program Donnie: space spraying Dr. Consteadt: Toxins for killing midges Darren: toxic sugar baits

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2014 NADEFA CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Dr. Lane Foil Louisiana State University: EHDV/ midge research update Dr. Doug Wagner: Recent research findings from EHDV/BT trials

3:00-5:00 5:30 P.M. 6:00 P.M.

Venison Competition Dinner Auction - Exhibit hall closes

Friday, March 21, 2014 8:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. 7:30-9:00 A.M. 8:30-12:00

10:00-10:45 11:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. 12:30 1:45-2:30 2:30-3:00 3:15-4:00 2:00-2:30 2:00 P.M. 3:30 P.M. 4:00 P.M.

Exhibit Hall open NADR Board Meeting CWD Consortium Dr. Patrice Klein USDA-APHIS: topics CWD and Update on CWD rule and standards Dr. Anumantha Kanthasamy Ph.D. Iowa State University: topic CWD blood test PREVENT (Un Saskatoon); CWD vaccine update Flees, Brakkee, Barks: Dealing with CWD on your farm Question and answer period Fallow Deer Council – Hank Dimuzio, Brad Farmer, Chairs Thurston Venison Culinary Competition - off site

Dart Gun Competition Lunch Dr. Katherine Maples, University of Illinois: uses of Death in Farmed Deer in the Midwest: A report of findings from the University of Illinois Diagnostic Laboratory Dr. Jacque Fuislier, Louisiana State University: A comparison of pregnancy rates between Laproscopic AI and Transcervical AI in a herd of whitetails in Louisiana Scott Kent - Nutrition Deer/Elk/Velvet Council - Mark Drew, Chair Coloring & Photo contest voting ends! Silent Auction Closes! Dinner - NADeFA Annual Auction Awards presentation: Venison and Photo competition, Culinary Competition

6:00 P.M.

Exhibit hall closes

Saturday, March 22, 2014 8:00-4:00 P.M

Booth visitation

8:00-9:00 A.M. 9:00 10:15 10:30-11:15 11:15-12:00 12:00 12:00 1:00-1:45 5:00 P.M.

President’s Advisory Committee Antler Competition Awards NADeFA Open Culinary Presentation Venison Council Lunch Family Event Kathy Geisen – Photography Dinner Entertainment

WIN A POLARIS AT THE CONFERENCE

Sunday, March 23, 2012 8:00 – 12:00

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Board of Directors meeting

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2014 NADEFA CONFERENCE

Directions From Huntsville, Tuscaloosa or Montgomery: At the downtown interchange of I-20/59 and I-65 take I-20/59 east to Atlanta and Gadsden.

For Exhibition Halls, Meetings Rooms and Sheraton Birmingham Hotel: Take 17th street exit (125A) and turn left on to 8th Avenue (first light). Proceed on 8th Avenue to Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd North. Take left and go under the interstate. The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and Medical Forum are on your right, Exhibition Halls and Meeting Rooms are on your left.

From Atlanta and Gadsden: Take 11th Avenue exit from I-59/20 west. Stay to right on ramp and circle to the end of the ramp at 25th Street. Take right on to 25th Street go one block, then take a right on to Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd North. Go three blocks. Take 22nd Street exit from I-20/59 west. At the bottom of ramp go straight across 22nd Street. At the next intersection take a right on to Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd North. The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and Medical Forum are on your right and the Arena, Concert Hall, Exhibition Halls and Meeting Rooms are on your left.

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The Formula for Fawn Success . . .

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In addition to a solid nutritional foundation of protein, energy, minerals and vitamins, TraceMax Fawn Starter also supplies complexed trace minerals, natural-source vitamin E, Antler D™*, and Enzyme Blend W. ADM proprietary feed ingredients, CitriStim® and PremiDex™, are included for their positive impact on health.

TraceMax Fawn Starter’s palatable, mini-pellet form entices early feed consumption, assuring fawns attain a strong leap to rapid growth and sound health. NOTE: Feeding deer/elk is illegal in some areas. Check with local wildlife officials on legality of feeding deer/elk in your specific area. Antler D™ is a trademark of Head Gear LLC.

To find an ADM Alliance Nutrition® dealer near you, call or email us. 866-666-7626 • AN_DeerHelp@adm.com • www.admani.com ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc. • Quincy, IL

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NADEFA NA D EFA CONFERENCE C ONF E R E NC E COMPETITIONS CO M P ETITI ON S NADeFA will hold the annual coloring contest at the 2014 NADeFA Conference

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Deer Sunshine Trees Flowers Pets Fence

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Deer Feeder Rainbow Water Church Home Family

Must be 2-10 years of age to participate. Need not be present to win.

RULES LES

HEY KIDS! Get Out Your Crayons & Start Drawing! Drawing can be created from the following: â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Crayons, markers, colored pencils â&#x20AC;&#x201C;No glued items please â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Drawing can be any size up to 8 1/2 x 11 inches Drawings will also be accepted at the conference. VOTING TING WILL TTAKE AKE PLACE AT AT THE T CONFERENCE.

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HARD ANTLER COMPETITION The forms will be available upon submission of your antlers at the conference. REGISTRATION R EGISTRA ATION IS $50.00 PER ENTR ENTRY. Y.

You Y ou certify that you comply com with the rules of the competition, that you have not entered the same set of antlers in a previous N NADeFA NADeF ADeFFAÂŽ competition.

ANTLERS MUST BE SCORED AT THE CONFERENCE ANTLER COMPETITION AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED SATURDAY MORNING

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NADEFA NA D EFA CONFERENCE C ONF E R E NC E COMPETITIONS CO M P ETITI ON S VENISON/ELK VENISON/ELK PRODUCT PRODUCT C COMPETITION OMPETITION

10 Rounds – 5 Shots

(or until everyone is done shooting)

Great Prizes in Adult and Kids categories

Amateur Photos Only Please

WINTER 2013

Entries should be no larger than 5x7 in size.

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2014 NADeFA Conference Registration Join us March 19-22, 2014 in Birmingham, Alabama Name: _____________________________________ Farm Name/Company: _______________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ City: ________________________ State: ______Zip: ________________ Phone: ______________________________________________Email: ____________________________________________

BOOTH AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Premier Booth

$800 Includes: Premier Booth of your choice, 1 Full Registration included

Standard Booth

$500 Includes: Standard Booth of your choice, 1 Full Registration included

Electricity for booths

$65

Optional add-on for those needing electricity for their booths

(10x10 area, 8ft back drop and (2) 3ft side arms draped, with 8ft skirted table, 2 chairs, waste basket)

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: Are you a NADeFA member?

REGISTRATION DATE FOR:

U Yes

LIMITED BOOTH AVAILAB ILITY CALL NA DeF 330-454-3 A: 944

(Check all that apply)

U No

UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2014

AFTER FEBRUARY 28, 2014

MEMBER

NON-MEMBER

MEMBER

NON-MEMBER

Full Conference

U $250

U $300

U $350

U $400

__________

Spouse

U $150

U $300

U $250

U $400

__________

Children 6 and under

U Free

Children 7-18

U $100

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

One-day pass

U $150 What day are you planning on attending? _______________

FREE

SCI Scoring Seminar: March 19, 2014 U $150

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

U $200

Friday Dinner: How many in your party would like: U Fish _________ Full Color / Proceedings Ad (DEADLINE: February 7, 2014)

TOTAL $

__________ __________

U Beef _________

U $295 1/2 page U $475 Full page

New Deer Farmers Seminar: March 19, 2014 U $50 Single U $75 Couple

__________

TOTAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION EXPENSES: (see reverse side for payment options)

__________

REGISTRATION NAME BADGES FOR ABOVE REGISTRATIONS: _______________________________________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT

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NADeFA 4501 Hills & Dales Rd NW, Suite C Canton, OH 44708

Phone: 330-454-3944 Fax: 330-454-3950 Email: info@nadefa.org

New Deer Farmers Seminar:

(Limited to 50 participants)

SCI Scoring Seminar REGISTER NOW (check box on front of form and include payment below)

$150 per person –

March 19, 2014 Birmingham, AL

N NOW OW

to become an RI¿FLDO 6&, RI¿FLDO 6&, Measurer

PAYMENT:

2014 NADEFA NADEFA CONFERENCE CO NF ERE NC E SEMINARS S E MINA R S REGISTER NOW for the SCI Scoring Seminar and New Deer Farmers Seminar - Limited spots available!

NOW

Join SCI at the NADeFA Conference in Birmingham!

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2014 NADEFA CONFERENCE DONATION FORM

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» NADEFA’S INTERN PROGRAM

NADeFA’s Intern Program Locating The Right Candidate For Your Business “In March of 2012, I knew my deer program was in dire need of assistance for bottle feeding my doe’s fawns. While attending the conference in Dallas I talked to Beth Buckner and told her “I NEED HELP!!” She said, “OK, let’s sit down and see what we can do.” In 2011, I lost 80% of my fawn crop to EHD and in 2012 my AI only had a take rate of 12.2%, so something HAD to change. The 2 biggest things I did in 2012 was to get with Beth and purchase Maxdream. They were both the best moves I had made thus far. Maxdream made my AI systems success a non-issue since I now had one of the super sires in Texas backing up my girls… now how to keep them alive. Beth sat down and we went through what and who I was looking for to help, and we went through about 30 applicants until I found THE ONE!! When I spoke with John Bird he was in his junior year at Tarleton State University. and was looking for something to get him into the outdoors/animal husbandry field. At first he was very shy and quiet…(well he still is) but when he talks you better listen because he either 30

North American Deer Farmer

is asking an important question or telling you something you need to hear. In 2013, he came back for another year as an intern and I asked him, “Hey John would you like to work here full time?” he said yes and starts at the farm in January 2014. John has not only become a true deer manager, fawn specialist, knows the deer, but is also an integral part of our family. My wife treats him as one of our kids and my kids treat him as their big brother. My youngest Jacob (Baby Wood as the industry calls him) is his right hand man and those two boys are our fawn experts now. Without the NADeFA intern program and Beth Buckner’s help I would’ve likely just been another casualty of “HE GOT INTO THE BIZ AND GOT RIGHT BACK OUT” I thank NADeFA and Beth for helping save our program. Mike Wood Madera Bonita Ranch continued on page 33 » NADeFA.ORG

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» NADEFA’S INTERN PROGRAM

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NADeFA INterNshIp program Job Form

position Available:

______________________________________________________________

employer: ____________________________________________________________________ Location:

____________________________________________________________________

*Website:

____________________________________________________________________

Job Description: ________________________________________________________________ *Qualifications: ________________________________________________________________ salary: ______________________________________________________________________ Last Date to Apply: ______________________________________________________________ Contact person: ________________________________________________________________ Contact e-mail: ________________________________________________________________ Contact phone: ________________________________________________________________ preferred method of contact: ________________________________________________________ *optional Any questions please call the NADeFA oﬃce, 330.454.3944 or beth buckner,beth@nadefa.org

« continued from page 30

If you would like the opportunity to find your next great employee, please consider joining the NADeFA Internship program. It’s a very easy process. simply send your position information via email to beth@nadefa.org or fax to the oﬃce at (330)-454-3950. It will be listed on the website job board and represented at student career events throughout the country. Interested applicants will then send you their resumes, and you handle the hiring process yourself. NADeFA is attending university career fairs throughout the country this spring to not only promote the industry, but to also bridge the gap between breeders and students. This program is a unique one in that it not beneficial to only the individual operations hiring, but to everyone involved in the cervid industry. When you oﬀer an internship to students, you are letting them see all the aspects of what we do every day. You are also instilling in them the work ethic and passion that are such a large part of producing these animals. There WiNter 2013

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are many facets of raising deer that cannot be learned through the classroom, and this is our opportunity to show future politicians, biologists, researchers, landowners, and veterinarians exactly what we do and why we do it. It is YoU who can help educate and develop the next generation. There are currently more students looking to apply than positions available. Feel free to call or email me with any and all questions. I look forward to working with all of you, and am excited to watch this awesome program expand even further in years to come! Beth Buckner - intern Program Coordinator 4501 Hills & Dales rd NW Suite C Canton, oH, 44708 254-396-1835 (cell) 330.454.3944 oﬃce Beth@nadefa.org North American Deer Farmer

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OUTDOOR PATRIOT SHOW

The Big Water Grab Reasonable Regualtions or Tyranny? If you rent an apartment over a Chinese deli or if your life is ‘over’ because the neighborhood starbucks just ran out of caramel flan lattes, don’t read this article. If you enjoy sitting on your couch munching Doritos, watching Jerry springer reruns and collecting welfare checks, stop reading now. If you own an obamaphone or a ‘I heart Che’ t-shirt, pLeAse just turn the page. but, if you own property, if you have a ranch or farm; if you have a deer lease or other hunting property, or if you truly care about private property rights as guaranteed by the U.s. Constitution and about the future of this country, then you need to keep reading, because life as you know it could change…and not for the better. Liberty must be defended, and our Founding Fathers understood that the system they created was fragile and that it required constant vigilance by the people.

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James madison once said: “I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” There’s no question that’s true. We’ve been witnessing it for years. The gradual and silent encroachments on our freedom are taking place every day, and like good little sheeple, we usually do nothing to stop it. The environmental protection Agency has a stated mission to ‘protect the environment’ but its desire to regulate the American people to achieve that mission seems limitless. We have seen case after case in which the heavyhanded, pro-tyranny agency has blurred the line between common sense regulation and the complete federal usurpation of private property rights. That’s just exactly what madison warned us about. In september 2013, the epA claimed that it has the power to regulate streams, estuaries and other small bodies of water under authority granted to it by the Clean Water Act. This power has historically been limited to navigable waterways, but the agency says that the new rule is necessary and that protecting the smaller bodies of water ultimately protects the larger lakes and rivers downstream. Yes, that makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? everyone wants clean water, and if a little protection is good, then a lot of protection must be better. For example, we all want protection when we walk down the street at night. No one wants to be molested or pounded by thugs. Well, if a cop on every street corner is good, then a m-1 tank and a squad of marines on every corner must be better. We can impose curfews on everyone. We could do away with the Fourth & Fifth Amendments. They only get in the way of the government protecting us. search everybody. people will comply or else feel the full weight of the Federal government. NADeFA.org

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That makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? After all, it’s for your protection and the public good. Where do you cross the line from reasonable regulation to tyranny? the environmental protection Agency has been out of control for years, and now it wants to expand its power even further. the epA’s big government water grab puts your constitutional right to possess property in danger. What this proposed water grab means is this: the epA wants control of every water source. If you have a small stream, a pond or lake anywhere on your property, or if you have a ditch or gully that might collect rainwater, your property would come under its jurisdiction. You couldn’t build in your backyard, clear areas for food plots or crops, manage livestock or effect any improvements to your property that might impact the water in any way. the erosion of property rights has been one of the most dangerous trends in the era of big government. And it’s not just the epA. Local and state governments all

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across the country are silently encroaching upon our freedoms with big water grabs of their own. The state of oregon, for example, has claimed ownership of all rainwater. oregon oﬃcials talk about ‘public’ water’ for the ‘public good,’ but what they are really saying is that rainwater is government water and, if you ‘steal’ rainwater from the government, you will go to jail. most reasonable people would say that’s ridiculous. but it’s not ridiculous for gary harrington who owns over 170 acres in Jackson County, oregon. In 2003, harrington received permits to build three ponds on his land — yes, he had to get permission from the state to build ponds on his own land — and those ponds collected rainwater that fell on his land. but a few years later, the state of oregon revoked his permits, after he had already built the ponds. that immediately turned harrington into a criminal who was ‘stealing’ rainwater from the government. oregon law continued on next page »

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« continued from prevous page

body’s water loss reaches 10 percent, your suffer delirium and blurred vision. A 20 percent, you’re dead. What better way to control a population than by controlling one of the most important resources the people need to live? What better way to extend the tentacles of tyranny across this great land and quietly seize control of private property? An individual’s right to own property is a fundamental principle established in the Constitution. but there is no true ownership without control and the freedom to do what you want with the land. the gradual and silent encroachment on our freedoms is now reaching out to grab control of water wherever they find it, and we’re all about to drown in a regulatory tsunami. this threatens our land. It threatens our families. It threatens the very foundation of the United states. It’s up to us to turn the tide.

states... “all water is publicly owned. With some exceptions, cities, farmers, factory owners, and other water users must obtain a permit or water right from the Water resources Department to use water from ANY source.” harrington was a ‘water criminal’ and he went to jail for 30 days because rainwater fell on his own property. Do you see the trend? Do you see where this is all going? Water is something most of us take for granted. but think for a moment just how important water is to your property and to you personally. Water is the most single important natural resource in the world. It’s a must-have for all living things. For humans, it’s even more important than food. We see many survival shows on tV and one the first things the person does is search for food. they say, ‘We need to food to live,’ so they set traps to catch rats and they dig for grubs and roast them over a little fire they’ve built with twigs and their last dry match. the truth is you can survive weeks without food, but you can John Meng is the host and producer of the outdoor only go a few days without water. When the water in your body is reduced by just 1 percent, you get thirsty. At 5 Patriot Show (www.outdoorpatriot.com), president of the percent, your muscle strength and endurance declines Hunter Heritage Foundation, and founder of significantly and you become hot and tired. When your BuckBreeders.com

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SCAN TO LEARN MORE 46

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Science Geared For Deer

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to the producers that were in the 2014 Select 30 and top 30 Sale for their generous contributions to NADeFA. Many of the consignors contributed from one to five percent of their total sale. This year the contributions will be donated to NADeFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cervid Livestock Foundation and will be restricted for CWD research. The NADeFA Board of Directors appreciates your support and vote of confidence in the work we do for the industry. Thank You!

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Daniel rychlik won the 50/50 raďŹ&#x201E;e at top30. He donated half of his winnings back to NADeFA.

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Operate As If Followed By A Video Camera Ranchers Beware By Johnathan Knutson, AgWeek

DeVILs LAKe, N.D. — gerald stokka has been a rural vet, a university professor and a member of the pfizer Animal health veterinary operations team. he’s talked with ranchers, consumers and livestock industry oﬃcials around the world. That long and varied experience has convinced stokka, now livestock stewardship specialist with the North Dakota state University extension service, that ranchers can’t operate as they once did. “We have a consuming public that’s become suspicious of what we do,” stokka said. “We’ve lost some of the trust and respect agriculture used to have. That’s not a good place to be.” “Can we regain the trust and respect? I don’t know. but we’re going to try,” he said. stokka spoke Jan. 8 at the annual Lake region extension service roundup. The twoday event, which began Jan. 7, drew about 700 people. speakers, primarily from the extension service, commodity groups and private companies, addressed a wide range of topics, including wheat, dry beans, corn, cattle, land rents and precision agriculture. “We have a pretty common way of thinking and looking at life,” stokka said. “but if you get too far out of our little culture, you realize people don’t think the same as we do. And it seems like there’s more of them.” one example of changing attitudes is a recent lawsuit that seeks “legal personhood” for chimpanzees, stokka said. The nonprofit Nonhuman rights project asked a New York state court to 56

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declare a 26-year-old chimp named tommy “a cognitively complex autonomous legal person with the fundamental legal right not to be imprisoned,” according to reuters. “Is that a little bit of a dangerous path to start going down? I think so,” stokka said. Changing demographics — 82 percent of Americans live in cities and suburbs — account for at least part of the changing views, stokka said. “We’re in the food business. The culture is changing, and we don’t like it,” he said. ranchers and livestock oﬃcials often try to address the concerns of people outside agriculture by using scientific terms. That approach, however, can cause “a glazed look in their eyes. They have no idea what you’re talking about. They tune you out. Then they go to the Internet to find things they agree with,” stokka said. Public Viewing stokka oﬀered this advice for people in the livestock industry: Imagine that you hire someone who, unknown to you, is a member of an animal rights group. Also imagine the new employee is secretly using a video camera to record what happens in your operation. Could that employee come across and record something that you would be embarrassed to have shown publicly? stokka said livestock producers should always keep this thought in mind as they run their operations: “Is there a video camera following me?” stress NADeFA.org

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and frustration are an inevitable part of dealing with livestock, and sometimes producers, no matter how conscientious, can get angry with animals, he said. producers should ask themselves, “What’s entrusted to me? Am I being a good steward?” stokka said. Diﬀerent Approach stokka said he enjoys visiting with livestock producers. he also said he visits with “other people who have questions about what we do.” his conversations with people outside agriculture show him that the livestock industry must rethink how it does things. U.s. livestock producers now need to “begin with the end product in mind,” he said. That means focusing on long-term relationships, brand identities and new markets, among other things. producers need to consider social and environmental factors, as well as economic issues. U.s. farmers and ranchers also should focus on producing sophisticated goods and services rather than trying to be the least-cost producer.

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Gerald Stokka has joined North Dakota State University's Department of Animal Sciences as an associate professor of livestock stewardship.

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CASSIDY’S CORNER

Difficult Times Working With CWD Chronic wasting disease (CWD) continues to pop up among wild and captive bred deer alike. I am aware that recently a deer that had been in a breeding program, released into a hunting preserve and harvested, tested positive for CWD. Alarms went oﬀ, quarantines were put in place and trace backs were begun. Questions were raised concerning the possibility of a sampling error and DNA samples from each deer tested were provided to DNA Solutions for confirmation. The resulting tests confirmed the original labeling of the samples and swiftly, plans were put in place to monitor and limit the exposure from the CWD positive deer. With the spot light once again clearly focused on CWD there is a renewed emphasis on better detection assays, a live test for diagnosis, a possible vaccine or the identification of genetic resistance in white-tailed deer to CWD. While any one of these could be used eﬀectively, the research and development of these technologies will require a lot more work (and money). I have a lot of experience in the area of CWD research and development. In 2006, I successfully competed for grant money from the US Department of Defense to develop a live test for CWD. Like any good researcher, my idea was the best at the time and I supported my hypothesis with sound science and enthusiasm for the proposed research I put forward. I was definitely going to end up with a very sensitive, accurate, rapid live test for CWD in white-tailed deer. The first part of the grant was a Phase I ($80,000) proof of concept 1 year research proposal. Once I knew I was going to get the grant I began preparations to do the work. I quickly 58

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found out this was not going to be an easy task. The CDC classifies animal prions (with the exception of certain procedure involving bovine spongiform encephalopathy prion) as Risk Group 2 agents requiring Biosafety Level 2 (BSL 2) containment. DNA Solutions does not have a BSL2 laboratory so I teamed up with researchers at Oklahoma State University Veterinary School to acquire BSL2 lab space (because these labs are rare they are expensive to lease). The source material for these BSL 2 containment guidelines is the “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition, SECTION VIII-H”. Based on the requirements outlined in this manual I was required to write a procedural manual of my own. This document outlined how my materials would be received, utilized, decontaminated and disposed of. This manual also had to include how researchers were to be protected from exposure and what to do if an accidental exposure were to happen. This manual had to be approved by the Institutional Biosafety Board at Oklahoma State University and took several months and numerous revisions to be accepted. Now I could begin the research. All of the equipment I would need to use had to be designated for CWD research only since it was confined to the BSL2 laboratory which meant I had to buy some new equipment just for this research. The room had to be decontaminated at the end of each day and elements of the air handling systems replaced regularly as well. One thing I had not counted on was that the approved decontamination process was quickly continued on page 60 » NADeFA.ORG

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« continued from page 58

destroying the equipment I needed to do the research. The procedure involved drenching the equipment with 2N Sodium Hydroxide for a period of time. This 8% sodium hydroxide is listed in the material safety sheet as corrosive to skin and eyes on contact and may produce severe irritation of respiratory tract. Not really something you want to play around with. However it does kill any CWD prions that may have gotten out of a tube but it also eats everything else including the stainless steel and metal the equipment is made of. Equipment that usually would last 10 years was now falling apart after only 1 year. This was already getting expensive. We successfully completed the proof of concept Phase I and were awarded a Phase II continuation ($750,000) grant. We scaled up, replacing equipment as needed. Even the motors in the air handling system for the room succumbed to the toxic fumes of the sodium hydroxide and had to be replaced. Then worst of all, my experiments began to fail. The results needed to complete the assay eluded me. We had come so far over the 4 years of the project but the time and money were rapidly running out. To my disappointment, in the end, we were unable to complete the project. Why have I gone into so much detail about a great idea that I was unable to complete? There has been a lot of talk lately about more research going into all aspects of CWD and I wanted to let you know that it is going to take twice as long and cost ten times more than you think. And in the end you still may not end up with what you need. You should not be discouraged because progress is being made and new ideas are being tested all the time. Even when an experiment fails you still can learn a lot from it (as a scientist I have learned this lesson over and over). What you can learn does help you to keep moving forward. However, in this case, the research must be done in special facilities under some pretty extreme conditions which limit those who can even participate. I look forward to the day when a live test or vaccine is available and I urge you to continue to help support the eﬀorts of those involved in the daily research through its ups and downs. Cassidy’s Corner Editorial is provided by Dr. Brandt G. Cassidy, DNA Solutions, 840 Research Parkway, Suite 551, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, (405) 271-6033. 60

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Âť TOTH WHITETAILS

Inspiring Our future

Generations By Steven Toth

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Deer farming in West Virginia is not nearly as well-known as it is in some other states. Many people have either never heard of deer farming or they have the wrong idea about what we do on our farm. We decided to figure out a way to let more people know about deer farming and maybe increase interest in starting new deer farms. We contacted Tractor Supply and began setting up displays outside of the store when they were having special events. We set up tables with brochures, pictures, and some of our antlers from the farm. What we noticed most was how much the kids loved it, even if the parents tried to walk on by us, the kids would make them stop for a better look. This definitely increased interest and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long before we started to get calls from some of those parents wanting to bring the kids to our farm. In 2012 we ran a commercial on our local TV station. Up till then, a lot of our visitors were a result of word of mouth. After the first commercial ran, our phone started ringing like crazy. When the families came to visit, the kids seemed to have the most fun. Some of them had never even been close to a deer much less bottle-fed a fawn. We let the kids get pictures with the fawns and gave them a copy of Spikes Magazine to take home and show their friends. continued on next page Âť

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» TOTH WHITETAILS « continued from previous page

Since then we have had a wide variety of people visit our place. We’ve had hunters, city folks, 4-H groups, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, special needs classes from area schools, and even our Governor toured our farm. The Governor was one of our more memorable guests, maybe because of his security detail that had to accompany him, even on the UTV ride throughout the farm. He seemed to be pleased with what we were doing and we were honored to have him visit. By far though, the most memorable guest we’ve had was a little girl who came with her class. She was wheelchair bound and it was too diﬃcult for her to ride on the UTV, so she stayed back at the barn while the other kids took their turns going out into the pen to see and pet some of deer. We didn’t want her to go home disappointed, so we let her bottle feed one of our fawns. My wife had to lift the fawn up to her in the chair and help her with the bottle. It wasn’t the easiest bottle-feeding that fawn ever had, but it all worked out, and the smile on that little girl’s face was priceless. After that we added on to our building, making it larger and more importantly added a handicap accessible restroom. We also created a covered outdoor area with a couple of swings and a sitting area for visitors. In June of 2013 we had an open house, which we advertised on TV and Facebook. We had games and prizes for the kids set up at our feed building. We gave away door

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prizes, and held raﬄe drawings. We also served free refreshments. The turnout was amazing. We were not sure how many people would come, but we ended up getting about 400 visitors that day. So many people were there who never even knew anything like deer farming existed in our area. We were busy all summer with visitors after the open house. Some of the families came back two or three more times with their kids. It was surprising to us to see how something we do every day could bring such joy to these kids. It’s hard not to smile when you can let a child touch a deer or hold antlers for the first time and they just light up. We answer some of the same questions over and over, but that’s okay with us. If we are able to spark their interest in hunting or maybe even one day being a deer farmer, that is great. We continue to do all we can to spread the word about deer farms by posting weekly pictures on facebook and welcoming visitors to our farm. Our commercial can also be viewed on facebook. We have started thinking about our 2014 open house and we are planning on making it even better with more activities aimed at pleasing the kids. After all, Toth Whitetails was once just a spark of interest for me, so who knows how many future deer farmers might just be inspired by visiting our farm.

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Winter 2013

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» INDUSTRY NEWS

WHAT’S THE NEW

FARM BILL MEAN TO

DEER FARMERS? It’s been a long time in coming, but President Obama oﬃcially signed the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act, also known as the 2014 Farm Bill, on Friday at Michigan State University. So, what does the Farm Bill mean to deer farmers? For the past few years, the North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA) has worked diligently with legislators and the NADeFA lobbying firm of Capitol Hill Consulting Group to incorporate the needs of deer farmers into the Farm Bill. As a result of NADeFA’s eﬀorts, the $1 trillion Farm Bill, which is now law, received bipartisan support in both houses of Congress and will help protect deer farmers across the country and strengthen the cervid industry. NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer explains that the Farm Bill was a huge step for the deer industry and includes several provisions specific to the deer industry, such as disease research for deer, elk and other cervidae; countryof-origin labeling for venison; and disease indemnity for individual farmers. Here are three important legislative victories for NADeFA and the national cervid farming industry: 70

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n Deer in USDA’s Research Initiatives: The USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiatives (AFRI) program has been amended to include emphasis on disease (EHD, CWD), mapping the genome, pest/parasite, diagnostics and vaccination research for deer, elk and other cervidae. n Venison Added to Country-of-Origin-Labeling: The Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL) program requires fresh meat and produce to be clearly labeled in English as to its origin, allowing the U.S. consumer to know if they are buying a foreign or domestic product. Venison, a product heavily imported from New Zealand in addition to domestic production, had been added to the meat products covered by COOL. nADeFA.org

Winter 2013

n Disease Indemnity: The bill allows for the industry to work with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Farm Services Administration to provide indemnity to deer farmers for deer lost due to EHD and Blue Tongue, when they are within a county with a drought disaster declaration. The inclusion of these elements in the Farm Bill did not come easily. Over the past two years, dozens of NADeFA members volunteered their time, traveled to D.C., lobbied their members of Congress, and met with various committees to discuss the issues important to the deer farming industry. Their eﬀorts provided invaluable support to the industry and elevated NADeFA’s legislative priorities among members of Congress. In short, NADeFA and its members helped to move the legislative needle. Winter 2013

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» USAHA NEWS

Rexroad Discusses Recent

USAHA Resolutions Caird E. Rexroad, Jr. Acting Adminsitrator USDA, (ARS) Agricultural Research Service has provided the summarization of the resolutions passed at USAHA in October 2013. In his letter of January 15, 2014 he provides the following information: ARS appreciates the opportunity to speak to the USAHA resolutions. I can assure you that we share the concerns of USAHA members and will do all that we can to protect the health of America’s farm animals, and thus, the American consumer. Allow me to address the points individually. resolution 1: USAHA requests that ARS allocate resources to support Bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease research at the Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, in Manhattan Kansas. response: USDA in collaboration with the Department of Interior (DOI) organized a gap analysis workshop for

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international experts on orbiviruses. Workshop participants met at the Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, in Manhattan, Kansas, May 14-16, 2013. They assessed countermeasures to eﬀectively control and mitigate the impact of an outbreak of an emerging strain of orbivirus with epizootic potential, with special emphasis given to Bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus. A report of proceedings from the workshop that also highlights research priorities is expected to be completed and issued in January 2014. ARS will use its available resources to work with Federal and university partners to implement the research prioritized in the workshop report. resolution 2: USAHA urges ARS and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to research, develop and validate genetic stain typing capabilities for Theileria equi and Babesia caballi (equine piroplasmosis organisms).

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Winter 2013

response: The ARS Animal Disease Research Unit in Pullman, Washington, is working with university partners researching both causes of equine pirpoplasmosis and their genetic makeup. resolution 3: USAHA requests that USDA and the DOI establish a panel to determine research needs and identify and prioritize intervention strategies to control chronic wasting disease. response: ARS will work with APHIS and DOI scientists to organize a workshop of experts at which they will assess gaps in our knowledge about chronic wasting disease and establish research needs and intervention strategies. resoultion 4: USAHA urges Congress to provide appropriate funding to ARS to construct new facilities at the Knipling-Bushland United States Livestock Insects Laboratory in Texas. response: ARS appreciates the support of USAHA for Winter 2013

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updated laboratory facilities in Texas. ARS has established a Capital Investment Strategy (CIS) to prioritize its funding requests to Congress for new or updated facilities. Requests for a replacement facility will be based on the CIS, which in turn is based on both facility condition and program priority. ARS sees the program in Kerrville as a high-priority because of the condition of the facility, nerveless; appropriations for facilities in general have been limited in the current tight budget environment. rexroad concludes the letter by saying: I appreciate that USAHA members make significant contributions to ensuring animal health and food safety in the United States. Rest assured that USDA is working diligently to provide practical and effective solutions to the challenges recognized by USAHA members, and we look forward to working with you and other officials to solve them. North American Deer Farmer

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Winter 2013

Sealed Bid Real Estate Auction Bids due Friday, April 18, 2014

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» YOUTH HUNT

My Longbeard

Hunt 11-year-old and Her “Pap” Call In The Gobblers By Claudia Sloboda My name is Claudia Sloboda, I am eleven years old. I currently attend Dassa McKinney Elementary School in Moniteau school district in Butler County. This is a true story about a turkey hunt me and my pap enjoyed together. It was an early, damp spring morning and my pap and I wanted to go turkey hunting. So, we got our turkey hunting clothes on and we were ready to go to my favorite hunting spot. As soon as we got there, I told pap to set the turkey decoys up. It was his first time turkey hunting so he set them up wrong. I eventually went to fix them, so they could move a little. About ten minutes later we both were ready to sit and listen for the big, old gobblers. I waited at least thirty minutes before I started to call. The forest lit up! We heard three to our right, two on our left, and one right in front of us. I could see the top of his bright red head. I was so nervous, I began to shake. My pap handed me the gun and I put it through the window. “BOOM!” Well, the gobbler was on the ground, but so was I! When I shot, the gun knocked me out of my seat. My pap was laughing with me so it kind of all worked out. A few minutes later, we both went and got my beautiful nine and a half inch bearded gobbler. My turkey hunting experience with my pap was amazing. 84

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Claudia was a winner of the coloring contest at the 2013 NADeFA Conference. She loves to hunt! Here is a story of one of her hunting adventures.

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» CERVID HEALTH

Update on CWD Documentary Many of you know that a documentary titled “The Truth About CWD” was produced and broadcast nationally on television last year. This program originally aired on Keith Warren’s Deer & Wildlife Stories and continues to broadcast on line 24/7 @ www.deer&wildlifestories.com. If you haven’t seen this informative program you should take the time to do so as it sheds light on how CWD has become a political disease and how the issue of CWD is being used to drive a wedge between deer farmers and those opposed to deer farming. Since the original broadcast of this show, there have been many major developments in regards to CWD. So many new things have happened on the CWD front that it has become necessary to produce and broadcast a new updated version of “The Truth About CWD”. In this updated program, host Keith Warren will meet with CWD experts and share with viewers the hypocrisy of how the disease is being handled. We now all know that a deer tested positive last winter that was taken on a Wisconsin hunting ranch. Those of us in the deer industry are all watching how this will eventually be handled and how this could aﬀect other deer farmers. Finding a CWD positive deer inside a hunting ranch could possibly be a set back for deer farming or hunting ranches. But, to find a positive on this particular ranch now forces the issue in a big way. The reason is, this particular hunting ranch and the deer farm where the CWD positive deer originated have a long track record of compliance with all regulations. But, even with 100% total compliance, a

positive shows up? It forces many issues. How could this of happened? Where did it come from? How long did this deer have it? How bad is CWD when we know that the buck weighed 350 pounds and had no signs of the disease? Why after millions of dollars have been spent on research and no telling how many thousands of deer have been deliberately killed looking for CWD, do we still have the disease popping up? If CWD is such a threat to deer and elk species, then why is it that in some states like Colorado where CWD was first discovered is the population of deer and elk still at healthy levels? Why is there such a hysteria by some agencies to lock down deer farming because of CWD? Keep in mind that there is no evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans. Lots of questions. On this updated CWD documentary, Warren will address these questions with leaders in CWD research and experts in the field. This show will broadcast during the 2014 calendar year. “We are in preproduction at this time which means we are contacting sources and lining up interviews. On our last go around I had asked some people for interviews and even a well known deer quality management conservation group (opposed deer farming) to appear and present their case against the captive deer industry. However, I was turned down. I am hoping to be able to get folks to go on the record during this show and present their side on the issue of how we should handle CWD”, said Warren. “Funding for this documentary is coming from donations from the deer and elk farming industry. It is a huge undertaking as you can imagine. The more we look into the issue, the more we can see that CWD is a political topic and that educating deer enthusiasts will help them understand just how political this issue has become”. Watch for announcements of this updated CWD Documentary with air dates and times coming soon. For more information or to contact Keith Warren, he can be reached via email @ keith@highroadhunting.com.

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» CERVID HEALTH

An Immumomodulator for the Prevention of EHD and Bluetongue in Deer By Dr. Michael McDonnell EHD and Bluetongue are both viral diseases of deer. The mortality rates can be high. Treatments seem to be poorly eﬀective, so prevention is the answer. Spraying to control the midge for EHD is currently the best prevention. When a viral disease attacks an animal, the immune system ramps up to try to destroy the virus. By the time the immune system is functioning, the virus has increased in numbers to where the immune system is overwhelmed, and the animal dies. Dr. Alfonso Llaca in Monterrey Mexico used an immunomodulator to prevent bluetongue in deer. Only one deer died from bluetongue during the trial. He is currently trying it on 170 deer to prevent EHD. This immunomodulator is a nutritional supplement that increases the normal immune response. This allows the 96

North American Deer Farmer

immune system to attack the virus as soon as it enters the body. It can be put into the feed or into the water. I am seeking some deer herds to try this product in the US. There will be no cost for the product for the deer producer. It would require the producer to give the product to about half of the animals, and the remaining animals would be the control. While one would hope no deer get EHD or bluetongue, we know these diseases are out there. While spraying helps control these viruses, we cannot kill all the midges. So having another level of prevention would be helpful for the industry. If you would be interested in participating in this research, you should contact either Shawn Schaﬀer at 651212-1315 or Dr. Michael McDonnell at 402-562-0828 or mlmcdon@megavision.com. nADeFA.org

Winter 2013

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» KNIFE RIGHTS

By Keith Warren When I first met Doug Ritter at a recent conference he introduced himself as the chairman of Knife Rights and I was somewhat confused, “are they after my knives, too?” I asked. Turns out the short answer is, yes, they are. The good news is that Doug is fighting back, and the even better news is that he’s turning the tide back in favor of knife owners for the most part. I was glad to learn that, since I’ve carried a knife most all of my life and would feel almost naked without one in my pocket or on my belt. I expect anyone reading this feels about the same. Doug founded Knife Rights in 2006 after reading an article in the Wall Street Journal that demonized so-called 102

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“tactical” knives with similar hyperbole and outright lies as we’ve seen in attacks on so-called “assault rifles.” The tactical knife illustrating the article was Buck Knives’ diminutive Metro, essentially a bottle opener with a tiny 1 1/8-inch onehand opening and locking blade. The latter two features were used to define these “virtually unregulated weapons.” He had what he describes as an “epiphany,” that “there was no NRA for knife owners.” Doug, an internationally recognized authority on survival equipment and a knife designer himself, knew that elsewhere in the world a majority of the knives sold and used daily in the United States are illegal or severely restricted and NADeFA.ORG

WINTER 2013

the restrictions elsewhere are growing. Even in the U.S., eﬀorts to demonize knives and to place more restrictions on knives were becoming more commonplace. He founded Knife Rights to “ensure a Sharper Future,” as he says. Doug explained, “Knife Rights is not just about knives. At its core it is about liberty and freedom; the freedom to choose what tools you buy, own, carry, create, manufacture, and sell. Knife Rights is about the freedom to carry a tool that can also be an arm for those rare times when they are necessary to defend yourself. Knife Rights is the second front in defense of the Second Amendment.” Doug has, indeed, created an NRA for knife owners. The first real test for Knife Rights came in 2009 when the U.S. Customs attempted to redefine by rulemaking what a switchblade was under the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 in such a way that any one-hand opening knife would have been considered a switchblade. Doug explained that, “given that one-hand opening knives at the time represented over 80% of the pocket knives sold in the U.S., they are an even bigger part of the market today, that would have established a very dangerous precedent.” Knife Rights raised a war chest, hired a Washington lobbyist and participated as a leader in, and the grassroots component of, a coalition of industry, Second Amendment and sportsmen groups that opposed U.S. Customs. They were successful in convincing Congress to pass a fifth exception to the Federal Switchblade Act that protected onehand opening knives from the Administration’s attack. Doug noted, “it didn’t seem like it at the time, but Customs did us a favor by significantly raising awareness of a growing inclination by some to criminalize knife ownership and carry and restrict what knives we could own. It helped Knife Rights gain traction and credibility with knife owners.” The next year Knife Rights authored the nation’s first knife law preemption bill, passing it in Arizona on its first attempt. Doug explained that “knife law preemption is the foundation upon which all other good knife law is built, preventing local jurisdictions from overriding their state legislature by passing more restrictive knife rules and ridding the state of such restrictions. Knife law preemption is our priority.” In this, Knife Rights is following a legislative path previously well-traveled by the firearms community where firearms law preemption is the law in all but a few states. In just four years, Knife Rights has gone on to pass Knife Law Preemption in seven states. As this is written, they have knife law preemption bills running in seven states so far this year. WINTER 2013

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With Governor Parnell's signature, all of Knife Rights legislation passed in this year has now been signed into law. Alaska becomes the 7th state to enact Knife Rights' signature Knife Law Preemption.

Knife Rights has also repealed irrational and archaic knife restrictions in seven states in four years, eliminating bans on automatic (switchblade) knives as well as length restrictions and bans on dirks, daggers and stilettos. Doug noted, “regardless of whether you ever wanted one of these knives, the key is that there was never any justification for outlawing them in the first place and we’re setting that right. We are freeing citizens, knife owners, from the tyranny of those who hate freedom.” Doug also points to his success in opposing restrictive anti-knife bills that legislators have tried to pass in four states, including one in Nevada that would have made any knife over two inches long a “dangerous knife” under Nevada law! “Since we started Knife Rights, no state has successfully passed an anti-knife bill,” he said while rapping his knuckles on the wood table we were standing next to. Unfortunately, legislation isn’t the answer to every infringement on our liberty. Knife Rights is also the lead plaintiﬀ in a Federal civil rights lawsuit against New York City and New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. over their

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» KNIFE RIGHTS persecution of knife owners carrying common pocketknives and retailers selling these knives. Those would be the same one-hand opening knives that Congress declared not to be an illegal switchblade or gravity knife. “When legislative means cannot solve the problem, we have the will to take the fight to the courts, even against the largest city in America,” Doug explained. “If they succeed in New York City, then the cancer will spread to other major cities; we have no choice but to stand and fight.” And, Knife Rights isn’t done with federal legislation. Knife Rights’ Knife Owners’ Protection Act (KOPA) has been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate, the first ever proactive, pro-knife legislation ever introduced in Congress. Complementing their removal of knife restrictions at the state level, KOPA will protect law-abiding knife owners travelling throughout the U.S. from the vagaries of restrictive state and local laws. If the knife is legal where you start your journey and legal where you finish your travels and locked up in between, you would not be subject to arrest even when traveling through a state or city where they knife would otherwise be illegal. What is amazing about all this success is that Knife Rights has accomplished this with minimal resources and staﬀ. “There’s really only two and half of us,” Doug explains. “The only paid staﬀ is our lobbyist, with me managing daily operations and raising money, and my wife, Sue, helping with the membership and donor services.” Doug continued, “We are small but passionate, aggressive, tenacious and persistent. We don’t give up and we don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” When asked what his biggest challenge is, Doug is quick to respond, “Raising funds to support our momentum. We have reached the point where our success is starting to snowball, but there’s no economy of scale to legislation. We simply must raise more money to take advantage of these

Dates to be announceD visit www.kniferights.org

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Doug Ritter, left, of Knife Rights, was honored with the Bill of Rights award at the Gun Rights Policy Conference by Alan Gottlieb, Second Amendment Foundation

opportunities and strike while the iron is hot. We can’t aﬀord to say no to a legislator willing to run one of our bills and unfortunately the old saying, ‘freedom isn’t free,’ is all too true.” Knife Rights’ biggest fundraiser is coming up in March, the aptly named Ultimate Steel Knives, Guns & More Spectacular. Just three years old, last year it featured $104,000 worth of prizes. This year is shaping up to be even bigger with an incredible array of prizes including a South African Safari, custom made edged weapons and knives valued up to $5,800, a unique custom Col. Oliver North Wilson Combat 1911 headlining the firearms prizes, and much, much more. Depending on how much someone donates, they can receive a limited edition donation bonus knife from SOG, ESEE or Benchmade valued up to $225 as a thank-you, as well as additional bonus chances to win. Doug emphasized that every prize and donation bonus knife is donated to Knife Rights, maximizing the money raised to support the fight. As Doug commented, “we have to ‘try harder,’ so our goal is to make our fundraiser as compelling as possible with the best prizes and best thank-you’s for our donors.” Sign up to receive notification of the Ultimate Steel when it launches at www.KnifeRights.org. There is a special drawing with an expected $20,000 of prizes just for those who donate early when Knife Rights needs funds the most for its legislative eﬀorts. As a fellow knife owner, I hope you’ll join me in supporting Knife Rights. You can join Knife Rights or make a donation at www.KnifeRights.org

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CAPITAL HILL

$3 Million Funded Towards Cervid Health Activites NADeFA and Its Members Move Industry Into The Future Greetings from Capitol Hill. It has been a busy – and productive – start to the second session of the 113th Congress! When Congress returned to DC after the holiday break, there were several large issues looming on the horizon: the debt ceiling; funding the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year vs. another shutdown; proposed large-scale tax reform; and the Farm Bill just to name a few. Fortunately, Congress got right to work. On January 13th, Congressional leaders announced a funding agreement to fully fund the federal government through the rest of Fiscal Year 2014, which ends September 30th, 2014. The agreement averted another government shutdown, and allows federal agencies to implement regular budgets/activities instead of stringing along week-to-week or month-to-month on temporary budgets. It was especially good news for NADeFA. NADeFA had lobbied Capitol Hill on the seriousness of the continued budget cuts the USDA was carrying out on the national CWD program and the request in the President’s budget to eliminate federal contributions to the program. And Congress listened! Within the funding agreement, the USDA-APHIS budget included $3 Million for cervid health activities and the congressional agricultural appropriations committees provided the following guidance to USDA: The agreement provides $821,721,000 for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Salaries and Expenses. The agreement does not support the request in the President’s fiscal year 2014 budget for APHIS to fund two separate accounts for Equine and Cervid Health and Sheep and Goat Health. The latest data from 2007 indicate that the cervid industry in the U.S. accounts for 5,600 deer farms and 1,900 elk farms, has an economic 106

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value of $894,000,000, and supports nearly 30,000 jobs. This industry is currently adapting to a 2012 interim final rule that established a national, voluntary herd certification program (HCP) that provides uniform herd certification standards and will support the domestic and international marketability of U.S. cervid herds. The agreement believes that the industry requires additional support to ensure that the newly implemented chronic wasting disease HCP is successful. Therefore, APHIS should spend no less than $3,000,000 for cervid health activities. Within the funds provided, APHIS should give consideration to indemnity payments if warranted. With funding determined for the year, it was time for all of us to turn our full attention to completion of the Farm Bill. The 2008 Farm Bill had expired more than a year ago, but a gridlocked Congress had been stalled on a new Farm Bill for more than two years, with many hard right Republicans opposing farm subsidies while Democrats opposed cuts in the food assistance programs. It took House and Senate negotiators months to come to a compromise, but on January 27th, a new Farm Bill was released, and it authorizes almost a $1 Trillion in farm and nutrition programs for the next five years. The House quickly passed the measure by a vote of 251-166, with 162 Republicans voting for and 63 voting against. 89 Democrats voted yes and 103 voted no. At the writing of this article, the Senate has just passed the bill by a vote of 68-32, and has sent the bill to the President for his signature, making it law. NADeFA has been very engaged in the on-going Farm Bill process and has worked with many members of Congress and both the House and Senate Ag Committees to continued on page 108 »

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address cervid health research needs, livestock indemnity from disaster and disease, and the need to label foreign venison products. We’re happy to say NADeFA was successful on all fronts! The USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiatives (AFRI) program has been amended to include an emphasis on farmed deer research. The legislative language USDA should give consideration to: …(ix) the research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for pests and diseases, including— (I) epizootic diseases in domestic livestock (including deer, elk, bison, and other animals of the family Cervidae)… NADeFA also successfully had venison added to the Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL) program. COOL requires fresh meat and produce to be clearly labeled in English as to its origin, allowing the US consumer to know if they are buying a foreign or domestic product. Venison, a

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product heavily imported from New Zealand in addition to the US’s domestic production, has been added to the meat products covered by COOL. And finally, the 2014 Farm Bill will allow the industry to work with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Farm Services Administration to provide indemnity for deer lost to EHD and Blue Tongue, in addition to the disaster assistance already available. A hearty thank you to all the NADeFA members who have contributed to this success by reaching out to their Member of Congress or by traveling to DC to meet with Congress, the Administration, and other farm/sportsmen’s groups. We look forward to working with you all again this year as we prepare for the new legislative priorities in front of us. Amanda Hill

Capital Hill Consulting

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» USDA UPDATE

USDA

Study

Farmed-Cervid Industry

in 2014 This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) will launch Cervid 2014, the first-ever national study of the U.S. farmed-cervid industry. Objectives of the Cervid 2014 study include: • Providing a baseline description of the U.S. farmedcervid industry, including inventory, species, operation size, and operation type; • Describing current U.S. farmed-cervid production practices and challenges, including animal identification, fencing, animal care and handling, trade and movement, and disease testing; • Describing the producer-reported occurrence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and the management and biosecurity practices important for controlling EHD on cervid farms; and • Describing health management and biosecurity practices important for the control of infectious diseases on cervid farms. 112

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Participation in the Cervid 2014 study is voluntary and confidential. Participating operations will be selected randomly, and those selected will be contacted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the USDA agency responsible for the study’s data collection. In July 2014, NASS will mail the study questionnaire to selected cervid producers. If necessary, NASS will make a follow-up call to producers who do not return the questionnaire and oﬀer to help them complete it. Since 1990, NAHMS has provided national estimates on disease prevalence and other factors related to the health of U.S. beef cattle, sheep, goats, dairy cattle, swine, equids, poultry, and catfish populations. The science-based results produced by NAHMS have proven to be of considerable value to the U.S. livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries. NAHMS fully expects the Cervid 2014 study to be of similar value to the U.S. farmed-cervid industry. NADeFA.ORG

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DEER & WILDLIFE STORIES

Making Progress Changing The Stigma On Deer Farming

When we embarked upon making the first (and so far it’s the only) television show promoting deer farming, it was looked at as a flash in the pan, something that would come and go like lots of outdoor programming. But, time passes fast and it’s been six years since we debuted the show. Honestly it doesn’t seem like it’s been that long ago. But it has. So many farm tours. So may new friends and so many beautiful deer we have seen. I remember our very first farm tour with the video camera as we visited with my friends Ron and Mary Pierce in Wisconsin. I can recall stumbling through the task of getting good enough footage to put together a show with a nice story that would be interesting and yet convince viewers how deer farming has its place in our country today. That first season I went to Pennsylvania to the home of the legendary buck, PA Geronimo where brothers Dave and Rick Griffith shared their love of the deer business for our viewers.

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Down Texas way I got to know Dick and Maurine Cain with Trophy Ridge Whitetails and see how a retired PHD and retired McDonald’s franchise owner fell head over heels with the whitetail deer. His deer have transformed his property into a great hunting destination, yes. But, his deer, or should I say his love of deer, has led him to become a strong activist for our industry. Of course I went to Ohio and befriended Billy and Mitzi Sage and found out how southern hospitality and love of deer, transplanted these Floridians to the Midwest. While in Ohio I got to know Curt Waldvogel and his three kids and see how deer farming brings families closer. A trip to Missouri that first year took us to Kevin Grace’s farm and I found out that Kevin not only can run a great deer auction, but that he’s capable of growing some monster bucks! Time flies and I can tell you that never in my wildest dreams did I ever picture myself being able to do this special television show. I have met so many good people over the past six years and made friendships that will last forever. And just think, we’ve got lots of stories yet to tell. Back when we started the deer farming show, other hunting show hosts would criticize me and yes it hurt. But, their words of negativity have now changed. Today it’s common for some of the biggest names in the television hunting industry talk to me about deer farming. We are changing the way people look at deer farming! And this couldn’t have been possible without the support of countless people and companies, including NADEFA, Pneu Dart, Record Rack Deer Feeds, GMS, DNA Solutions, Deer Guardian Misting Systems, Whitetail Sales & Service and more.

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I want to say thank you to everyone that has supported our television program through the years. It truly is a labor of love. Just ask my wife. Each August I am on the road literally every day touring deer farms filming big deer, telling nice stories and helping get the truth out about our deer farming industry. It couldn’t be possible without you. To all the deer farmers we have featured over the years as well as all the folks that have helped us put together this show, I want to say thanks for everything. Sometimes I wish I had written a diary as I traveled around touring deer farms. If I had done that, I wouldn’t have forgotten a thing. But, my memories pretty good. Like the time Kelly Pittenger was my guide in PA and I got to see her eat cottage cheese at every meal. Or, when I wrestled a wallaby at the Hochstetler’s place in Ohio. Or, when we barely made it out of Florida before the hurricane hit a couple of years ago. Or, when I had to try to keep up with Carol Flees while she single handedly bottle fed over a hundred fawns. And the stories go on and on. While many people may get all worked up over seeing a “legend” like some sports celebrity, actor or musician, I don’t. But, I got all worked up seeing the legendary buck “Maxbo” for the first time. And folks, my feeling of awe and respect for that one deer made a mark on me. Yes, I love deer farming. I love my job and I love the people of this industry. Thank you for your friendship and commitment to the whitetail deer and to NADEFA. Together we will work WINTER 2013

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“

We are changing the way people look at deer farming! And this couldn’t have been possible without the support of countless people and companies, including NADEFA, Pneu Dart, Record Rack Deer Feeds, GMS, DNA Solutions, Deer Guardian Misting Systems, Whitetail Sales & Service and more.

”

through any issues no matter how diﬃcult they seem or how divisive some issues can be. Deer farmers will do the right thing to protect the future of our industry and the rights of the modern day deer farmer. If you haven’t seen our show in a while, there’s really no excuse. It’s available on line 24/7 at www.deerandwildifestories.com. Watch it and let me know what you think of it and more importantly, let me know how we can do a better job of protecting the future for the deer farming industry. Keith Warren is the host of two nationally televised outdoor shows and can be reached at via email on his website @ www.deerandwildifestories.com. North American Deer Farmer

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TREASURER REPORT

Headed Into Annual Conference on The Upside Pre-conference Greetings From Your Treasurer

With the upcoming conference in Birmingham, AL, just around the corner, I'm pleased to let the membership know that we are on solid footing. Membership, both new and renewals, are up over last year. Sponsors have come aboard earlier, allowing us to cover our upfront conference expenses. Accounts receivables over 90 days are at the lowest they have been in several years. I and the board thank you all for your continued support. We'll see you in Birmingham. Hank Dimuzio Treasurer NADeFA

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» FUTURE LEADER

MATTI WARREN SPEAKS OUT ON

GUNS FREEDOM & DREAM OF

BECOMING AN NRA LOBBYIST

Growing up I always wanted to play with the boys-dig holes, practice shooting and do anything else my big brother did, because I wanted to be just like him. Our parents instilled in us the rules of gun safety at a young age and taught us about the sport they love. My brother and I learned that hunting was not all about the trophy: the stories we heard in the blind about the good old days, the venison we shared with all of our friends and the relationships we developed with our parents were far more important. I can confidently say that hunting has developed me into the young woman that I am today. The connection I feel with nature while hunting is indescribable. Everything makes sense out there, and I am filled with gratitude for the life that I have been given. Needless to say, hunting and shooting have become my passion. continued on page 124 »

Texas high school student Matti Warren isn’t your typical teenage girl. She loves to hunt and credits hunting with making her the responsible young lady she is today. She also loves to shoot and enjoys safely introducing her friends and their families to the shooting sports. 122

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» FUTURE LEADER

At age 12 Matti first testified before the Texas legislature on behalf of proSecond Amendment legislation. Now, 17 she continues her activism with the goal of one day becoming a full time lobbyist for NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action.

« continued from page 122

I testified before the Texas Legislature at the age of 12, supporting a Second Amendment measure that would help get new hunters involved in the sport. After I delivered my speech, I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I set a goal that day to do everything in my power to protect the Second Amendment so that I can hand down my passion to the next generation, and so I can teach anyone who wants to learn about the Second Amendment, why it’s important and how to safely exercise the right to keep and bear arms. I am now working to someday have a career defending our freedoms as a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association. I continually travel to the capitol to testify on legislation. I strongly believe that it is our duty to voice our opinions and to represent gun enthusiasts in an eﬀective manner, and testifying at the legislature is an important way to do that. With the help of my supportive parents and the Friends of NRA, I have introduced countless kids and their parents to shooting. A couple of months ago, we had about 50 people at our family ranch to learn all about basic gun safety. We also taught them how to use different types of firearms in case they are ever in a situation where they need to use one. 124

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The best part of sharing my passion for the Second Amendment is watching my friends’ faces light up as they experience shooting a gun for the first time. The simple laughter that comes from shooting a jug of water with a shotgun for the first time, unloading their first shotgun shell and smelling that oh-so-familiar scent of burned gunpowder for the first time, makes me happy that they had a chance to experience what I so strongly cherish. I encourage everyone I know to become an NRA member to support the only organization that continually protects our Second Amendment rights. The constant battle NRA fights for our freedom allows us the simple pleasures of going shooting at the range, hunting at the family lease and having the protection we need for our family. I am extremely hopeful and excited for my future with the NRA as a lobbyist, and I urge all hunters and gun lovers to introduce someone to our sports. Teach the uniformed about the Second Amendment, because chances are they are eager to learn. Pass down these freedoms to your children because, as President Ronald Regan once said. “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” NADeFA.ORG

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READ THE LATEST CERVID INDUSTRY NEWS & EVENTS VISIT NADEFA.ORG

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TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION Defender of Hunting & Private Property Rights in Texas PROTECTING OUR HERITAGE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS…

The Texas Deer Association supports a hunter’s individual freedom of choice. Every hunter has personal preferences on how and where they like to hunt. The TDA will work to ensure hunters always have the liberty to choose.

Today, there are many who believe the state should dictate how you manage your land and its resources. The Texas Deer Association is a staunch defender of private property rights, and the TDA will always fiffiight so your land remains YOUR land.

The Texas Deer Association is a member-driven association, dedicated to sharing ideas and methods to improve the management and harvest of deer. Our members always have a voice; and your voice is heard, individually and collectively.

The Texas Deer Association is a very active organization with events and activities all across Texas. Our annual convention, regional meetings, banquets and seminars held in every region of the state, make it easy and fun to get involved.

The Texas Deer Association understands that overregulation is not a sound wildlife management practice and too often leads to unintended consequences. “Trust the landowner!”

210.767.8300 210.767.8300 | 403 East R Ramsey, amseyy, Suite 204 • San Sa Antonio, TX 792 79216 16 128

North American Deer Farmer www.texasdeerassociation.com www.texasdeerassociation.com

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX 4M Whitetails ..........................................42 7 Oaks Whitetails ....................................77 7c’s Whitetails ....................................50-51 ADM Alliance Nutrician .........................23 Alabama Deer Association......................44 Arrowhead Creek Ranch ..........................3 Bio Tracking...........................................100 Blue Creek Whitetails .............................36 Buckridge Whitetails & Preserve...........59 Circle M Auctions....................................43 Cobett.......................................................57 Coldspring Whitetails.............................61 Cougar Ridge Whitetials ........................90 Dakota Whitetails ..............................68-69 Dan Inject Dart Guns ..............................89 Deer Guardian Misting Systems ...........BC Double H Whitetails ............................110 El Canelo Ranch ......................................83 Fertile Aid ................................................74 Fox Valley ................................................82 Garland Animal Wellness........................80 Gist Kinsman Ranch .............................113 GMS..........................................................39 H & H Farms............................................45 Head Gear ................................................46

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Honey Brook Whitetails .......................101 Honey Creek Whitetails .......................100 Hurley Auction ........................................81 Illini Whitetails........................................85 In Sights Wildlife Nutrition..................115 Kennen Northern Whitetails ..............IBC Lincoln Land Cervids ...........................130 Lone Wolf Ranch.....................................11 LoneHollow Whitetails.....4-5, 98, 99, 131 Lookout Valley Whitetails ......................87 Marsh Valley Whitetails .......................108 MaxRax Wildlife Nutrition.....................98 Millsview Whitetails................................47 Mossy Rock Whitetails.........................IFC NADeFA Conference.........................18-29 NADeFA Membership Application .......52 NADeFA Win A Polaris.................118-119 North American Deer Registry / DNA Solutions.........................................86 North East Whitetail ................62-63, 114 Outfitters Taxidermy...............................95 Pine Creek Deer Farm.............................73 Pine Creek Valley Whitetails ....................9 Pneu-Dart ..............................................111 Precision Pharmacy ................................95 Premier Deer Company ..........................54

Purina Mills..............................................67 Rio -Rojo Rancho - Priefert....................75 Rockstar Whitetails........................7-8, 15“ Rocky Ridge Whitetails ..........................72 Rocky Top Whitetails..............................97 SCI..........................................................105 Sendero Whitetails..................................17 Sexing Technologies .............................121 Stay Tuﬀ Fence.........................................35 Straight Shooter Deer Farm - Fence ....107 Swihart Sales ............................................40 Texas Deer Association.........................128 Texas Mountain Ranch ...........................91 Texas Whitetail Breeders ........................37 The High Road Group.............................53 Trophy Ridge Whitetails.......................129 Useful Farm Products .............................60 Weaver Two Whitetails .........................125 White Ghost Ranch.................................34 Whitetail Sales Deer Farm .....................55 Wildpoint Whitetails ............................126 Winters Myst Whitetails .........................60 Wise Co Amimal Clinic - Enableizer......41 X Factor Whitetails..................................76

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