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CONTENTS
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FEATURES 49
Writ For Rats: Animal Rights Debate
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Treated Barriers As Protection From Biting Midges and EHD
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Handling Cervids According to Shawn
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Lessons Learned
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Oh Deer: West Virginia Makes Strides in Deer Farming
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DEPARTMENTS President’s Message by Ray Burdette Calendar of Events Executive Directors Message by Shawn Schafer New Members NADeFA News Cervid Livestock Foundation by Skip West Legislative Report by Capitol Hill Consulting Treasurer Report by Hank Dimuzio
PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT 122 Advertiser’s Index
CONFERENCE 23
New Vet Clinic & Deer Seminar
24 Conference Schedule 28 NADeFA Conference Sponsorships
PHOTO BY JASON AND JENNIFER POLLACK
36 NADeFA Conference Registration 38 NADeFA $10,000 Give Away 40 NADeFA Conference Donation Form 41 NADeFA Booth Map 62, 80, 94 NADeFA Auction Sneak Peak 2
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Why Support NADeFA? As we approach the time for our 2016 NADeFA Annual Convention in Tulsa, we should look at the purpose of NADeFA. The main purpose, as THE major national cervid farming association, is to represent and advise our members concerning industry trends and issues. Also the organization’s officers, board members, and staff represent the membership and the industry to other entities including other industry associations, state and federal government agencies, and related cervid industry suppliers and affiliated businesses. Simply said, NADeFA is the spokesman for our industry. For many of you in our industry, the marketplace has softened. But let us look at the positive side of things impacting the cervid farming industry. We are still here. Our industry continues to grow. Numbers of farms nationwide is up. We have had many successes in legislative changes, court rulings, and continued support by American sportsman. Plus we are working with USDA and many states to take advantage of the CWD live test options in many cases. To continue to represent the membership and the industry, NADeFA needs the support of its members and the industry. Our annual convention is our main fundraiser; the organization raises most of the money to support the industry and the linked state associations when needed. NADeFA and the Cervid Livestock Foundation
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continue to support you through: • A National Lobbyist • Financial Support to State Associations (as required) • By Funding CWD and Other Animal Research • Supporting National and State Legal Efforts • Representation at USAHA • Board member, Member, and Staff Testimony at State and Federal Hearings • Funding Cervid Education • Funding Scholarships • Publishing the Industry Magazine • Organizing and Hosting the Industry’s Annual Convention • Providing a Cervid Registry • Providing a National Antler Competition Come on out to the convention and see what’s going on! Make a donation to support your industry. Become a sponsor, get a booth, come out and buy something. NADeFA needs your support at our 2016 annual convention in Tulsa. See you in Tulsa! Ray Burdette NADeFA President
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NADeFA CALENDAR Submit your events to info@nadefa.org NADeFA MIssIoN
- 2016 -Y Exotic Wildlife Association Membership Meeting Kerrville, TX March 4-5
Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Annual Spring Meeting April 9
TDA Spring Deer Sale, Grapevine Tx March 11-12
pennsylvania Deer Farmers Spring Sale April 15
NADeFA Annual conference & Fundraiser, Tulsa OK March 16-19
indiana Deer & Elk Farmers annual Membership Meeting & Fundraiser April 23 Whitetails of louisiana crawfish Boil, Springhill, lA April 30
April
JulY
Minnesota Deer Breeders Association Annual Banquet April 8-9
MArch
Whitetails of Wisconsin Annual Banquet & Fundraiser, Wausau, Wi April 1-2 South Dakota Elk Breeders Association 2016 Annual Meeting April 2
MAY National rifle Association Annual Meeting, KY May 20-22
Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Summer picnic July 16 Trophy Game records of the World & Big Buck contest Awards Banquet, TX July 22-24
To foster a greater association among people who raise deer for commercial purposes, NADeFA® is dedicated to the promotion of deer farming and ranching as an agricultural pursuit and serves its members through its educational programs and publications and by providing leadership in setting and maintaining quality standards.
Texas Deer Summit lonehollow Whitetails, Mountain home, TX July 28 North American Elk Breeders Assoc Summer convention & 26th Anniversary July 27-30
For more information on NADeFA and / or to become a member please call (330) 454-3944 or visit www.nadefa.org
Whitetails of louisiana Expo, lafayette, lA July 30
Deer Farmer is published quarterly by the North American Deer Farmers Association. Graphics and pre-press production for North American Deer Farmer is provided by Verso Media group.
Columnists & Contributors Dr Lee Cohnstaet Hank Dimuzio John Meng Shawn Schafer Keith Warren Skip West Capital Hill Consulting
JOIN US FOR THE LARGEST NATIONAL CERVID CONVENTION
Article submission, photography, reader's letters, story ideas and other correspondence should be sent to: NADeFA 4501 Hills & Dales Rd NW Suite C Canton, OH 44708 tel (330) 454-3944 fax (330) 454.3940
Bring the Whole Family & Friends. See the Latest Techniques and Products in the Breeding Industry. • Latest Wildlife Products • Deer Farmer Seminar • Veterinarian Seminar
• Dart Gun Competition • Antler Contest • Photo Contest
• Thurston Culinary Competitoin
All rights reserved. Photocopying, reproduction or quotation prohibited without permission from the publisher. Unsolicited material cannot be acknowledged or returned.
• Kid’s Coloring Contest • Venision / Elk Product Competition • Plus Much more
www.NADeFA.org
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Let’s Meet In Tulsa And Help Shape The Future Of Our Industry I don't have much of an update on the advancements in live testing for CWD other than the pilot project in Ohio is still on track and I am hopeful it will move along just fine and open many doors for research, genetic resistance, and trace out complications. There is a proposed rule for TB and Brucellosis that will need all of us to rally together and correct unnecessary language and regulation. I have been working with the program leaders and I am confident that if we work together we can make the necessary changes. Watch for future eblast with an outline of concerns. Things are shaping up for the 2016 conference. If you have not made your donation or booked you rooms and
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registration, please do so now! We need everyone to work together for our conference to be successful. The success of each fundraiser is what supports all of our industry battles and research needs. If everyone contributes a little, no one will have to contribute a lot!! There are some great gun and semen raffles throughout the event, and cash prizes for those that stay until the end Saturday. Looking forward to seeing you in Tulsa! shawn schafer Executive Director (651) 212-1315
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Executive Committee
President
2nd Vice President
Treasurer
R. Ray Burdette (2016) El Canelo Ranch P.O. Box 487 Raymondville, TX 78580 Phone: 956.607.7200 Fax: 956.689.1089 Email: ray@elcaneloranch.com
Vicki Mclean (2018) Sendero Whitetails PO Box 297 Lometa. TX 78653 Phone: 512.752.3223 Email: vicki_mclean52@yahoo.com
Dr. Hank Dimuzio (2016) LedgEnd Farm 1288 Munger St. Middlebury, VT 05753 Phone: 802.388.8979 Fax: 802.388.8979 Email: ledgendeer@comcast.net
1st Vice President
3rd Vice President
Executive Director
Scott Kent (2016) Gene’s Place 2079 US Hwy 69 Osceola, IA 50213 Phone: 641.414.1600 Email: scottkent@iowatelecom.net
Board of Directors
Mark Cobb (2016) Gobblers Ridge Exotic Animals Rt. #2 Box 260 Eastwood Rd. Ravenswood, WV 26164 Phone: 304.273.0553 Email: mark.cobb@gmail.com
Steve Munz (2018) Galaxy Whitetail Solutions 847 S Main St Wildwood, FL 34785 352-266-4270 galaxysteve@msn.com Bill Pittenger (2017) BP Whitetails 109 Glaize Holler Rd. Brumley, MO 65017 Phone: 573.793.2239 Email: bpwhitetails@hotmail.com
Juan Lino Garza (2018) Ranchos Garza US/MEX 2121 Sunset Lane Mission, TX 78572 210-393-5233 jlgarza1@aol.com
Dr. Clifford Shipley (2016) Salt Fork River Ranch 2190 Homer Lake Road St. Joseph, IL 61873 Phone: 217.469.2669 Cell: 217.493.2958 Email: cshipley@uiuc.edu
Kevin Grace (2017) Whitetail Sales & Service 153 Hall Store Road Eldon, MO 65026 Phone: 573.392.8230 Fax: 573.392.8237 Email: whitetailsales@socket.net
Dr Doug Wagner (2017) Newport Labs 1520 Prairie Dr Worthington, MN 56187 Cell: 507-360-9730 Email: dwagner@newportlabs.com
Brad Heath (2018) Orion Whitetails W13055 Akron Ave Plainfield, WI 54966 715-335-6080 brad@orionwhitetails.com
Curt Waldvogel (2017) Waldvogel Whitetails 4070 Tradesville Brighton Rd London, OH 43140 Cell: 937-869-0494 Email: cdwdeer@gmail.com
Bill Holdman (2018) Elam Woods Whitetails 215 Industrial Parkway West Monroe, LA 71291 318-381-1534 bill@amethystconstruction.com Greg Mills (2018) Millsview Whitetails PO Box 501 St. Joseph, IL 61873 217-202-8644 gregmills63@gmail.com
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PHONE: 330.454.3944 | FAX: 330.454.3950 4501 Hills & Dales Rd NW, Suite C | Canton, OH 44708
North American Deer Farmer
info@nadefa.org
www.nadefa.org
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James Moses (2016) Dakota Whitetails 26650 Basket Rd Quaker City, OH 43773 Phone: 770.329.4768 Email: jmoses0924@aol.com
NADeFA is dedicated to the promotion of deer farming and ranching as an agricultural pursuit and serves it’s members through educational programs and providing leadership in setting and maintaining quality standards.
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Shawn Schafer Schafer Whitetail Ranch 1223 18th Ave. N.W. Turtle Lake, ND 58575 Phone: 701.448.2002 Cell: 651.212.1315 Email: schafer@nadefa.org
Skip West (2017) Circle W Whitetails 54301 S. 351 Rd Maramec, OK 74045 Phone: 918.671.8669 Email: skip@circlewwhitetails.com
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CLF
Board of Directors
CLF Executive Committee Chairman: Skip West Circle W Whitetails 54301 S. 351 Rd. Maramec, OK 74045 Phone: 918-671-8669 Email: skip@circlewhitetails.com
1st Vice Chair (2016): Bill Pittenger 101 Cornett Branch Rd Lake Ozark, MO 65049 Phone: 573-216-0671 Email: bpwhitetails@hotmail.com
Treasurer: Dr. Hank Dimuzio LedgEnd Farm 1288 Munger Street Middlebury, VT 05753 Phone/Fax: 802-388-8979 Cell: 802-343-8848
NADEFA Cervid Livestock Foundation exists to serve the deer industry through educational, charitable and scientific purposes relating to deer farming and ranching and the use of deer products. The Cervid Livestock Foundation seeks to influence industry trends and assure a healthy and expanding industry.
The Cervid Livestock Foundation's mission is to facilitate public education about the agricultural and economic value of raising deer. MISSION:
Educate the public as to the value and benefits of deer and deer products Disseminate information relating to the care and breeding of cervid species Conduct programs to support the education of deer farmers/ranchers regarding the deer industry and venison consumption Support scientific research Promote the expansion of the North American Cervid Industry
Mr. Ray Burdette (2015) El Canelo Ranch P.O. Box 487 Raymondville, TX 78580 Phone: 956-689-5042 Fax: 956-689-1089 Email: ray@elcaneloranch.com Mr. Brad Farmer (2016) Farmer’s Fallow Deer 120 East Robinson Viola, KS 67149 Phone: 620-584-6635 Fax: 620-584-6634 Cell: 316-772-7592 Email: bradshirlfarmer@sktc.net Mr. Kevin Grace (2017) Whitetail Sales & Service 153 Hall Store Road Eldon, MO 65026 Phone: 573-392-8230 Fax: 573-392-8237 Email: whitetailsales@socket.net Mrs. Carolyn Laughlin (2016) Hilltop Whitetails 9025 Bachelor Rd. NW Magnolia, OH 44643 Phone: 330-866-5421 Fax: 330-866-5851 Email: carolyn@nadefa.org Dr. J. Bradley Thurston Luke’s Run 2640 Ponderosa Road Spencer, IN 47460 Phone: 765-795-6406 Cell: 317-372-8493 Email: thurstonbrad@yahoo.com
Current initiatives - The CLF and NADeFA sponsor a wide variety of educational activities: adult programs, youth programs, scholarships, scientific research, public awareness and marketing of deer products.
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2016 Conference Schedule New Deer Farmers Seminar 2016 Tulsa, Oklahoma Wednesday March 16, 2016 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Hosted by the Cervid Livestock Foundation $50 per person, $75 per couple Continental Breakfast and Lunch provided
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8:00-9:00 A.M.
Welcome – Panel Discussion – Why Deer Farming?
9:00-9:45 A.M.
Handling facilities - Len Jubenville
9:45-10:30 A.M.
Regulations – Dr. Cliff Shipley
10:30-10:45 A.M.
Break
10:45-11:45 A.M.
Nutrition – Dr. Greg Stewart
11:45-12:00 P.M.
Morning question and answer period
12:00 -1:00 P.M.
Break for lunch - Lunch provided
1:00-2:00 P.M.
Herd Health Programs – Dr. Wagner
2:00-2:45 P.M.
Remote Anesthesia – Blair Soars
2:45-3:15 P.M.
Genetics – Scott Kent
3:15-3:30 P.M.
Break
3:30-4:15 P.M.
Marketing – Kevin Grace Regulations
4:15-4:30 P.M.
What Hunting Ranches Want – Donald Hill
4:30-5:00 P.M.
Wrap Up – Question and answer period
12:00-5:00 P.M.
SCI Scoring Seminar - ($150 per person)
7:30 P.M.
CLF Board of Director’s Meeting
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016 Exhibitor Setup Begins
10:00 A.M.
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 8:00 – 6:00 P.M. Exhibit Hall opens – Exhibit Halls A&B Cox Business Center *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. * Silent Auction – great items for bid – open until 5:30 Friday * Raffle Items - Special items raffle 7:00 -10:00 A.M.
Registration and exhibitor set up Cox Business Center
7:30 - 9:30 A.M.
NADeFA Board of Directors meeting
10:00-12:00 P.M.
Booth Visitation
12:00 P.M.
Lunch – Welcome - Ballroom General Membership Meeting Introduction of Board Members Lifetime Member Recognition
1:00-4:00 P.M.
Thurston Culinary Competition – Exhibit Hall Venison Competition – Exhibit Hall
1:00 P.M.
Silent Auction (open until 5:30 PM Friday) Exhibit Hall
1:00-5:00 P.M.
Dart Gun Competition Exhibit Hall
1:00-2:00 P.M.
Vector Control – Dr Lee Consteadt
2:15-3:15 P.M.
Vector Control with Insecticide Barriers – Darren Young
3:30-4:30 P.M.
EHD Vaccine - Alan Young
6:00 P.M.
Dinner Ballroom – Thurston Culinary Awards, Venison Competition Awards and the GXL Largest Yearling Contest Winners - ExhIBIT hALL CLosEs -
6:45 P.M.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016 8:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
Exhibit Hall opens Exhibit Halls A&B Cox Business Center
7:30-9:00 A.M.
NADR Board Meeting Room
9:00 -10:30 A.M.
What’s New in Deer Farming?
10:00 A.M.
All Antler Competition Entries must be submitted – Antler Competition is closed
10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
Dart Gun Competition Exhibit Hall
12:30 P.M.
Lunch - Ballroom
1:30-2:30 P.M.
CWD Live Testing - Dr. Tracy Nichols
2:30-3:30 P.M.
Genetic Resistance – Live Testing – Dr. Nicholas Haley
3:30-4:30 P.M.
VERGE- Biopsy of Pharyngeal Lymph Nodes – Nathan Shott
2:00 P.M.
Coloring & Photo contest voting ends
5:30 P.M.
Silent Auction Closes!
6:00 P.M.
Dinner - NADeFA Annual Auction Awards presentation: Venison & Photo competition, Culinary Competition
6:00 P.M.
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-ExhIBIT hALL CLosEs
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SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016 8:00-4:00 P.M.
Booth visitation (Exhibitor booth take down begins at 3:00PM)
8:00-9:00 A.M.
President’s Advisory Committee Meeting Room
9:00 A.M.
Antler Competition Awards Ballroom
10:15 A.M.
NADeFA Open Auction
11:15-12:00 P.M.
Venison Council
12:00 P.M.
Lunch - Ballroom
5:00 P.M.
Dinner Ballroom
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THANK YOU SPONSORS
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Visit With Old Friends and Make New Ones.
See You In Tulsa!
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Includes: Measuring Manual and Official Measurer’s Test - Measuring Tools - Calculator & Conversion Chart SCI Score-N-Store CD must be an active SCI member to order. Official Measuring Kit Mail to: Safari Club International 4800 W. Gates Pass Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85745 USA #ALL EXT s &AX s 6ISIT WWW 3AFARI#LUB ORG
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SOURCE CODE-RECORD BOOK
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» ANIMAL RIGHTS DEBATE
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We’ve all heard the stories of radical animal activists trespassing onto farms and ranches, cutting fences and tearing down enclosures to release animals into the ‘wild.’ While these criminal acts cost private property owners hundreds of thousands of dollars, the ‘Tofu Terrorists’ remain unsatisfied. There’s a new movement afoot that could soon impact farmers and ranchers across the country, including those within the deer industry. The mindless, meatless minions of the animal rights movement are now calling for an end to ‘animal abolitionism.’ That’s right. They are equating man’s relationship with animals (dogs, cats, livestock and others) with that of the noble abolitionist movement to end slavery that successfully culminated with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1861.
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Sound far-fetched? For most rational people, yes. But animal law is one of the fastest growing segments of the legal profession and the movement is no longer considered as being ‘on the fringe.’ In the 1980s and 1990s, a wide variety of academics and professionals — including lawyers, physicians, psychologists and veterinarians — joined the move toward recognizing animal law and it’s now a common field of study that is in many ways the antithesis of agriculture. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, animal law has been taught in at least 119 law schools in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, Northwestern, University of Michigan, Georgetown, Duke, and Lewis & Clark and is currently taught in at least 117 out of 180 law schools CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE »
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» ANIMAL RIGHTS DEBATE « CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
person’s detention or imprisonment — on behalf of Sandra, a 29-year-old Sumatran orangutan living at the Buenos Aires zoo. Attorneys for the activists argued the ape had sufficient cognitive functions and should not be treated as an object, and the court agreed. According to the ruling, Sandra, who was born into captivity in Germany before being transferred to Argentina two decades ago, deserved the basic rights of a “non-human person” and the court ruled that the ape can be freed. This was a landmark ruling, and one for which the Tofu Terrorists have been clamoring for decades. The Argentine decision will undoubtedly whet the appetite of the activists and pave the way for more lawsuits. Up to now, the deer industry has been fairly lucky. While the industry has attracted the occasional interest of HSUS and others, we have mostly flown under the Tofu Terrorists’ radar for many years. However, reoccurring news headlines about Chronic Wasting Disease act like a magnet for the radicals. PETA, HSUS and the other Tofu Terrorists are well-known PRprostitutes so they can easily use the ongoing media frenzy over CWD to grab some headlines for themselves. In fact, we have already seen HSUS The wide-spread use of the phrase ‘captive deer’ is another lightening rod for the animal activists. Of course, the term ‘captive’ is actually erroneous because it implies farmraised deer were once wild (and everyone in the industry knows this is not the case). But the term nevertheless is a siren song to so-called animal ‘liberators. Is it far-fetched to imagine animal rights activists filing a habeas corpus petition against deer farmers, calling for the liberation of their ‘captive’ herd? I think it’s only a matter of time. Today, animal law and the misguided movement its based upon is firmly entrenched in our society, and it seems unlikely we will be able to roll back the clock in our lifetimes. The truth is that the movement still growing and courts are beginning to decide in their favor. Deer farmers — as well as all farmers and ranchers who raise animals — should prepare themselves for the pending legal battles to preserve their way of life. •
in the United States and seven schools in Canada. Chapters of animal rights law have been created in several state bar associations, and resolutions related to animal rights are regularly proposed within the American Bar Association. Some countries have gone so far as to amend their constitutions to embrace animal activism. Switzerland, for example, has amended its constitution to recognize animals as ‘beings’ and not ‘things’ and, in 2002, Germany became the first member of the European Union to guarantee rights to animals. Don’t confuse ‘animal law’ with your basic animal cruelty cases. Laws related to cruelty and general welfare are only a small part of overall movement. The field of animal law is driven by the animal rights movement — sometimes referred to as the animal liberation movement, animal personhood, or animal advocacy movement — which seeks to erase any legal distinction between humans and animals. The movement’s goal is to end the status of animals as property, and end to their use in the research, food, clothing, and entertainment industries. The animal law movement is about bestowing legal human rights onto animals, and the movement’s acceptance and application is giving new meaning to ‘kangaroo court.’ A few years ago, PETA filed a suit in the U.S. District Court in Southern California on behalf of Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka and Ulises — five killer whales at SeaWorld locations in Orlando, Fla. and San Diego, Calif. According to the suit, the plaintiffs — aka the whales — asked to be freed from slavery and sought a declaration by the court that they were being held by Seaworld in violation of Section One of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude. PETA’s lawyers pointed out there is no written reference to ‘person’ or any particular class of victim. So, because the U.S. Constitution does not specify humans, PETA sought ‘freedom’ for the whales and all other animals. PETA lost the case. So, you might think that reason and logic prevailed in the court? Not so fast. Last year, an Argentine court legally recognized an orangutan as a “non-human person” being unlawfully deprived of its freedom. Animal rights campaigners filed a habeas corpus petition John Meng is the president of Meng & Company, and — a document typically used to challenge the legality of a founder of BuckBreeders.com and DailyGadsden.com
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Âť DEER FARMER SPRING 2016
After hunters, hemorrhagic disease is the single biggest killer of captive deer. Infection by epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus may result in severe symptoms and/or death. The virus is transmitted by biting midges also known as Culicoides. The very small insects feed on one animal to acquire the virus and then when they feed again on another animal they may transmit the virus. The North American Deer Farmer’s Association has supported the development of a tool box of methods to protect captive cervids from biting midges and EHD outbreaks. These methods and other facts about biting midges are published in each issue of the 58
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Deer Farmer. The articles have reviewed traits of biting midges such as: how to find the larvae and their habitats, flight height and distance of travel, the time of day and seasonality of biting midges and other characteristics. Other articles have presented methods to reduce EHD transmission on farms based on the biology of the biting midges such as larval midge habitat removal, quarantine of sick animals, how and which pesticides to aerial spray and an insecticidal sugar bait trap for biting midges. This article discusses the use of a newly available insecticide treated mesh to create a protective perimeter around deer pens. NADeFA.org
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Chemically treated screen barriers attached to the perimeter of livestock enclosures, sheds, and shelters interrupt the contact between female blood-seeking midges and their hosts. The pesticide in the barrier kills the midges when they land on it while searching for a host animal or while searching for a resting site after feeding on an animal. Previous research has demonstrated insecticide-treated barriers may reduce contact between some species of biting flies and their hosts humans and phlebotomine sand flies (Faiman et al. 2009; Faiman et al. 2011; Faiman & Warburg, 2012), horses and biting midges (Calvete et al. 2010; Page et al. 2010; Baker et al. 2015). Despite evidence demonstrating insecticide-treated barriers reduce vector-host contact, barriers do not provide complete protection against all insects. Possible reasons treated barriers fail or offer only partial protection from biting flies include barrier height, permeability of the barrier, abundance of the vector species, vector behavior, aerial distribution of vector, and the size of the area to be protected. Therefore the barrier must have certain characteristics (table 1). The new product by Vestergaard is a deltamethrin incorporated polyethylene screen which was tested by the USDA in Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri (Figure 1). The results were the deltamethrin treated screen was lethal on biting midges and killed them despite the ability of midges to fly through the netting. In laboratory trials, midges landed on the material rather than flying through it and the contact provided a lethal dose of pesticide to 97% of the midges. The 3% that passed through the screen died before feeding. Midges that feed on mammals fly along the ground approximately one meter above the surface which allows them to optimally follow a host odor plume (Kettle, 1951; Hendrickx, et. al 2008). Therefore the midges will die when they contact the properly installed barriers while seeking a blood meal. During field trials with the Vestergaard deltamethrin incorporated mesh, the mesh reduced the midges inside the enclosure by 92.4% compared to outside it. These findings are consistent with other studies with pig and chicken enclosures treated with Vestergaard mesh and biting midges. Mosquitoes were reduced 94.5% within the enclosures compared to outside the enclosure. The mesh is eective for one year after it is placed in the field because sunlight will break down the chemicals in the mesh. Therefore, a new treated barrier is necessary when the
Table 1.
What To Know About Treated Barriers (1) At least 6 feet in height. (2) Reach all the way to the ground. (3) Treated with a pesticide product to kill insects that land on it. (4) Washed periodically so dirt buildup does not prevent insects from contacting the mesh. (5) Semipermeable or mesh to allow wind and odor to pass through so as not to blow down the fence. Midges will fly over a solid barrier. (6) The material will degrade with exposure to sunlight. This means it will lose the ability to kill insects one year after installation. (7) The mesh should be stretched tight along the fence with no visible gaps. (8) Be vigilant of your deer chewing on the cloth. The chemicals will not harm them but they should not be eating the plastic cloth.
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efficacy of the installed barrier begins to decline. Dirt and dust deposited on the barrier from weather related events can bind to the treatment and inactivate it or build up and midges land on dirt rather than the fence material. Therefore, periodic cleaning of the barrier with high powered air or water is required to increase the efficacy of the treatment. In addition, material the barrier is comprised of may begin to fray, tear, wear, etc. over time due to weather or livestock/equipment contact and would again need to be replaced or mended. Livestock may also chew on the barrier and accordingly, it is essential consideration be placed on future insecticides applied to recharge the barrier to avoid animal welfare concerns. The Vestergaard livestock screen used during these studies is comprised of a low dose of deltamethrin deemed safe around livestock. The use of treated vertical barriers on a much larger scale can reduce Culicoides populations both inside and outside of livestock enclosures. The barrier screen tested is easy to affix to pre-existing livestock barriers (i.e. fencing) and has minimal impact on the environment given the compound
Figure 1. Six feet high treated mesh netting enclosure to exclude biting midges.
used and the incorporation of the treatment into the fabric. Vertical treated barriers should not be a standalone control method because no single control method is perfect or 100% effective, but rather incorporated with other control strategies to achieve maximal Culicoides control because conditions vary with every application setting. •
references Baker, T., Carpenter, S., Gubbins, S., Newton, R., Lo locano, G., Wood, J. & Harrup, L. E. (2015) Can insecticide-treated netting provide protection for Equids from Culicoides biting midges in the United Kingdom? Parasites & Vectors, 8: 604. Calvete, C., Diaz-Molina, M., Diez-De la Varga, C., Boluda, A., Estrada, Miranda, M. A., Borras, D. & Lucientes, J. (2007) Valoracion de la eficacia de diferentes barreras fisicas y quimicas para reducir la abundancia de potenciales vectores del virus de la lengua azul en el interior de instalaciones ganaderas. ITEA-Informacion Tecnica Economica Agraria, 28, 594-596. Calvete, C., Estrada, R., Miranda, M. A., Del Rio, R., Borras, D., Beldron, F. J., Martinez, A., Calvo, A. J. & Lucientes, J. (2010) Protection of livestock against bluetongue virus vector Culicoides imicola using insecticide-treated netting in open areas. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 24, 169-175. Faiman, R., Cuno, R., & Warburg, A. (2009) Control of phlebotomine sand flies with vertical fine-mesh nets. Journal of Medical Entomology, 46(4), 820-831. Faiman, R., Kirstein, O., Freund, M., Guetta, H. & Warburg, A. (2011) Exclusion of phlebotomine sand flies from inhabited areas by means of vertical mesh barriers. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 105, 512-518. Famain, R. & Warburg, A. (2012) Insecticide-treated vertical mesh barriers reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 26, 26-32. Hendrickx, G., Gilbert, M., Staubach, C., Elbers, A., Mintiens, K., Gerbier, G., Ducheyne, E. 2008. A wind density model to quantify the airborne spread of Culicoides species during north-western Europe bluetongue epidemic, 2006. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 87,162181. Kettle, D.S. (1951) The spatial distribution of Culicoides impunctatus Goet. under woodland and moorland conditions and its flight range through woodland. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 42(2), 239-291. Page, P. C., Labuschagne, K., Venter, G. J., Schoeman, J. P. & Guthrie, A. J. (2015) Efficacy of alphacypermethrin-treated high density polyethylene mesh applied to jet stalls housing horses against Culicoides biting midges in South Africa. Veterinary Parasitology, 210, 84-90. 60
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You Can Never Have Enough Feeders! The Double D Big Buck Gravity Feeder by Wilderness Calls is constructed of 16 gauge steel and has no welds, which means iirust, that makes the deer feeder last longer. This feeding system also helps prevent the loss of feed. The feeding tray which is 35" above ground, so other animals, such as hogs can not get to it. These feeders have the capacity to hold from 200 pounds up to 1200 pounds of feed (depending on the model).
Stay In the Shade With This Daisy Patio Set
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Show A Little Love To Your Horse This Horse blanket is tough and comfortable for your horse, Feels so good you might even want to use for yourself. Bid with conďŹ dence on this.
Waterfowl/ Upland Game Hunt 3 day Waterfowl/Upland Game hunt for up to 4 hunters, in the heart of the central yway, personally guided by the Schafer brothers. Hunt geese and ducks in the
morning and pheasants, grouse and partridge in the afternoon. Crane and Swan permits available upon request. Lodging and dog.
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Rac ck Plus s™ s ™ for
Ou utstan n nding re es sults Outst anding a performance is the hallmark of AD M’s Deer and Elk Feeding Pr The Racck Plus program incorporatess in cervid d nutrition with ADM’s time ann feed tecchnology techniques to deliveer t energy, vit v amins, and minerals that enable n nab deer and elk to reac their full genetic potential. Deer & Elk 18-4 (81686AAA A) 18-5 Br B eeder (81692AAA) • Complete, pelleted feeds formulated e • Provid de multiple p protein p sources, sta digesttible energy and fiber sources, microbial • Both products provide 18% protein fiber; 18-4 provides 4% fat and 18• 18-5 5 Breeder: Formulated speci also provides p natural-source vitamin seleniium yeast, and Antler D™* CitriStim m® is an ADM proprietary, who yeast mannans and d beta b glucans l that h —Y Yeastt mannans have been extensive extensively ly researched relative to their po ositive effects on the immune status a of animals. —In vitrro data shows pathogen populations were lowe due to CitriStim C addition, which may help the animal resist guut level health challenges.
Pelleted feed with 2-6 lb/head/da ay feeding rate.
*Antler D iss a trademark of Head Gear LLC.
For more in nfo, contact Leo Windsch hitl at 218-820-0658 AN_DeerHe elp@adm.com • ADMAnimalNutrition.com 64
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DAY ONE N FORMULA A FOR WHITE ET TAIL DEER AND ELK Species SSpec peccific. Easy T Too Us Use. T Trrustworthy.
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» CERVID MANAGEMENT
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PHOTO COURTESY OF TK WHITETAILS
I do not claim to be any type of expert, or claim to have any special animal behavioral degree, but what I do claim to be is very observant. I may be a little bit of a redneck, but when I go to a zoo, I get as much enjoyment from seeing a new style of feeders, waterers, and gate latches, as I do looking at the animals. One of the perks of my job is being able to visit a lot of farms and ranches. I always enjoy looking at the handling systems, chute style, water fountains (our lack of them), and gate construction as well as looking at the deer or elk and visiting with the owners. wiNter 2016
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I do enjoy asking questions such as “how do you get animals from this furthest pen up to the handling system?” or “when you wean your fawns or are sorting females into breeding groups, how do you get them back into each awaiting pen?” Some other things I look for are extra or rotational pens; I also ask if they have a quarantine or sick pen to place animals when they need to be separated for one reason or another. I like looking at how their barns are laid out or handling systems are designed. I always ask “how do you get the CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE » North American Deer Farmer
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» » CERVID MANAGEMENT « CONTINUED FROM PREVOUS PAGE
animals from the pen outside the barn into the holding stalls on the inside?”, as the biggest hang-up for most systems is getting the animals to leave the outdoor alleyway or catch pen and to enter the building or tunnel/stalls, I follow with “how do you get them back out of the stalls and into the chute?” Drug residue is something about which we all need to be prudent, so I always ask “can you load your animals without tranquilizing?”, or “do you have enough holding stalls to fill a trailer load?”, or “do you have the ability to water and feed in the holding stalls without stressing the animals?” As I said in the beginning, I am not an expert on handling deer, so I will not try and give you answers for all these questions, as every farm and handling system is unique, and what works on one farm may not work on another. What I can tell you is that all handling systems should be built to move animals without subjecting anyone to bodily harm, or for that matter, harm the animals. If you must crawl into a tunnel or holding stall to move the animal forward or into the chute, you should consider updating your system. If you have ever had an animal tear your clothes, cut you, break your glasses, or knock you down, you need to update your handling system. "IF" you must go into a stall or alley to move an animal forward, you should at least have a shield. Even the calmest bottle raised animal can unexpectedly turn into "doezilla" when cornered or forced into an area she is not familiar with or into an area she does not want to go. All stalls or alleys should be built so the animals can be moved forward without entering the stall. It is amazing how well deer will move when you tape a plastic grocery sack to a stick, especially a fiberglass rod that really shakes! If you are going to be in the business of handling animals then you also should own a "Hotshot" cattle prod with a 4 ft wand. I am amazed at the number of producers that own a shock collar for their dog, but do not have an electric prod to train that animal that refuses to move forward. Please remove all evil thoughts from your minds! You rarely ever have to touch the animal, normally just the buzz from behind will make them move, just like when an animal approaches an electric fence, they know it is on without having to test it. When needed, a light tingle on the rump is a lot less stress than crawling in and putting your hands on them. Wide alleys are key to moving deer around the farm. An alley on the outside (great use for that double fence) or an 70
North American Deer Farmer
alley through the center of your pens that connects all pens to the barn, will cause a lot less stress than moving multiple pens of animals. The best advice I can give is pay attention when touring other farms, ask questions about what it is that they like best about their handling system and pen layout, and more importantly, what is it they do not like. Also, pay attention when you are handling animals on your own farm. Keep track of those areas where the animals are getting worked up or breathing hard; keep track of those areas where you yourself get worked up and when you are breathing hard! Probably most important, reflect back on the day and ask yourself "why" you chewed out your wife, kids or hired hand (or your buddy that was there doing you a favor)? Any situation that causes you to raise your voice or get excited CAN and SHOULD be corrected. Some folks are naturally calmer while working animals than others; recognize if you are not the person to be calling the orders when things are happening quickly. I know of one owner that is the person in charge when they are darting deer, but goes fishing on the days they are working deer through the handling system. There are always multiple ways of doing things. Ask other breeders if you need advice. Most breeders are proud of what they have built and will tell you what works and what does not work for them. I do not have all the answers, but I know a lot of folks that may have those answers. Please call me if you are having troubles and cannot find a solution. Lastly, some of the best systems I have seen are also some of the cheapest, I will take strong and functional over pretty and complicated! Keep it simple, but build it strong and safe. Shawn Schafer NADeFA Executive Director NADeFA.org
wiNter 2016
YOUR CUSTOM RA ATION TION WITH THE BEST B INGREDIENTS
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NEW MEMBERS Bubba Catt
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timothy Knapp Four oaks Plantation
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Danny Mast Lakeview whitetails
David Dickson wDt Cattle Company
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troy Popielarz rattlin-ridge whitetails
troy grimes Pine Meadow ranch
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enos Schwartz Schwartz whitetail
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Lisa SheďŹƒeld-rowe Poverty Canyon whitetails Melody Skinner rugg whitetails Scott ward Southern empire whitetails Joseph M white Cherry ridge whitetails Bill wilson Massey Hollow ranch robert Yoder Peter road Deer Farm Dewey Young Young's Buck Farm
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The Heal T lth Of Yo Your Fa aw w wns Should Not Be Lef ft To Cha ance.
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www w ww.s .shock shoc ckeffe eff fffe ectw ctw ct twh wh hit itte tetail.com etail.com NADeFA.org
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Grow Larger Antlers an nd Suppo ort Skele eta al Growth Com mbining Shock Effect Antler Maximizer M and d Sea-Cal C l i m Supplemen Calcium S l tU Unlocks l k Yo our rA Antler tl Growth G th h Potential. t ti l We all know that h Shock Eff ffecct Antler Maximizer grows big b antlers. While growing biig antlers is impor tan nt, growing a big b enough skeletal frame to suppor t that growth is essential. ntial. When use ed together, Se ea-Cal supplies the necessar y calcium and minera als to grrow a strong o skeletal frame a and to supply adequate nutrition to suppor t antler `khpma pbmahnm kh[[bg` rhnk ]^^k l gZmnkZe k^l^k o^l'
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Sho S Shock hoc ck E Eff ffect ff ct, LLC LLC | 9 Ev Eve vergreen ergreen,, Eureka Eu ur u re eka, MO MO 63025 63025 Jacque acqu ue es d deMo eM e Mo os ss s s 337-322-2569 337-322-2569 | F Fa aye Tha Tha hayter yte y te er 3 314-359-1742 14-359-1742 jde jd emo emoss@shock mos ss@sho hoc ck ke effe eff fffectw ectw twh whitetail hittetail.c co com om | sbullpupp sb bulllpupp lpupp pupp ppy@aol pp y@ y @a ao ol.c co com om m
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www.shock www .s shoc ckeffe eff fffectw ect ctw twh whit hittetail.com te etail.com NADeFA.org North American Deer Farmer
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» NADeFA NEWS
Ohio CWD Pilot Project Is A Go By Curt Waldvogel Finally! It appears as though we may have some good news to share regarding the industry’s continue struggle with CWD. First of all, no more cases have been found in the state, behind fence nor in the wild. We all hope this continues to be the case in the future. Secondly, USDA and ODA have developed a pilot project to help the 6 exposed herds currently under quarantine. There are several more quarantined farms, but these 6 are the only farms classified as “exposed”. The others are from trace out animals from these farms or exposed farms in other states. These farms are being offered relief from the pilot project given they don’t have an options to get off quarantine. The farms with trace out animals could sacrifice the individual animals that are responsible for their quarantine, thus getting released once a “not detected” test comes back. Not a palatable option, but the option is there nonetheless. The pilot project for the 6 exposed farms entails using the RAMALT (rectal biopsy test) as well as genetic testing. There is a copy of the project attached. In a nutshell, if the genetic testing comes back as expected and all the animals test negative on the rectal biopsy, the farms should get their quarantines lifted. The quarantines should be lifted after the second rectal biopsy test is completed which would be no less than 6 months after the first test is done. From the last information I have, the first test will be completed on all 6 farms in the next couple months. There are some details about this project that could be better, but obviously what is presented is better than the farms trying to live out what would be a 3+ year remaining quarantine. It is hoped that this pilot project be the base for a program used in the future for farms, not only in Ohio, but
across the nation facing some of these same problems. Industry representatives will continue to work with the regulators to structure a final program that is best for all. Recently, there has been an additional remedy for these farmers also. The following information is very new to us so the final details are not known at the time of this writing. USDA has “found” funds they may use to purchase animals from the exposed herds. How many animals they may purchase and how much money they have for this part is unknown. From my discussions with state personnel, this is being offered to the farmers as a means to provide them much needed funds as they have been under quarantine for some time already. Also, the animals purchased will be used for further testing/research. It is understood these animals will be depopulated when purchased. The farmers have been asked to provide a list of animals with the amount they would be willing to take for USDA to purchase them. They don’t have to sell any animals just because they are on the list nor is there a mandate that any of the 6 exposed herds HAS to participate at all. However, this could be a good option for the farmers to get financial relief. The maximum USDA will pay for any animal is 3,000.00. It is worth noting that this money is not coming from the indemnity fund. I am not sure where the money is coming from, but the pilot project and animal purchases will not effect or take money away from the USDA (CWD Program) indemnity fund. I hope this information shows that not all CWD news is bad. Every once in a while we see a bright spot and this one was a long time coming. •
teLL US wHAt’S goiNg oN iN YoUr StAte. Send Us Your News, Updates and Events. Email us at info@nadefa.org or FAX: 330.454.3950 4501 HILLS & DALES RD NW, SUITE C | CANTON, OH 44708
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3 Day/2 Night Fishing Trip For 8 People 3 day/2 night fishing trip for 8. Trout streams offer some of the finest fishing in the country from Rainbow, Brown, Brook and Golden Trout. Also included is access to 11 different lakes, which abound with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Perch and Walleye.
Recliner Amish Made. Take a load of your feet after a morning hunt in this recliner and you might not want to get back up again.
2-Day Deer Hunt 2 day deer hunt includes 2 night hotel stay, plus breakfast and lunch. Beautiful South Texas Hunt at Rancho Garza in La Joya, Texas.
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Hickory Rocking Chairs / Table Amish Made. Bid on it before your neighbor does.
Dining Table and Chairs Amish Made. Great quality and workmanship
Whitetail Hunt Exciting Whitetail hunts across the nation.
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CERVID LIVESTOCK FOUNDATION
CLF Accepts Donations To Aid Deer Farmers In CWD Fight Donations Can Be Earmarked By State
On Jan 12, 2016, Texas Parks and Wildlife in conjunction with the Texas Animal Health Commission conducted the “CWD Ante-mortem Testing Symposium.” It was held in Austin at the Texas Disposal Service Exotic Game Ranch. The speakers represented the very best in the country in studying CWD and the techniques of live testing (ante-mortem). Dr. Mike Miller started the presentation with a talk on detecting prions in deer and elk with a rectal biopsy. Dr. Miller is from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He went into precise detail on the techniques to collect both types of samples including pictures of the procedures.
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Dr. Nathan Schotts spoke on the lymph node biopsy techniques. Dr. Nick Haley spoke on the research he conducted with statistics as well. Dr. Tracy Nichols, who has worked on CWD research for years, talked about gene codon 96 and its involvement in CWD. Codon 96 in whitetails can be one of three makeups; GG, GS, or SS. GG is the most common occurring genotype and CWD has been found to be faster acting in those animals that are GS and SS, with SS being the slowest to manifest the disease. Even though animals with the SS genotype would seem like a somewhat simple solution to at least a portion of the problem, Mother Nature’s unpredictability does not produce many SS individuals. Researchers expressed caution on seeing that as a be-all solution to the problem. The USDA’s Dr. Randy Prichard, who replaced Patricia Cline over the CWD program, spoke on regulatory impacts and challenges. Attendees were able to step up to a microphone and present questions pertaining to CWD and live testing NADeFA.org
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procedures. Our own Mr. Tim Condict participated in the question segment, inquiring if CWD could be transported/contracted through particles of clay dust. This had the researchers scratching their heads. This opened up the theory that CWD could possibly have been transported from West Texas to South Central Texas where the index herd is located. There are many questions that remain unanswered. Some riddles may never be fully understood or explained, but there is work being done and only time will tell. The meeting was very informative, and it appeared TP&W was receptive to a live test solution.
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I’m sure the response will have mixed emotions on both sides, but there is dialogue and that is at least a step in the right direction. NADeFA will continue to support the deer breeders in Texas and aid them in the right issues that hamper their operations. Anyone that would also like to aid in this fight can do so by donating through the CLF, which is a 501c3. Donations can be earmarked for the aid of the Texas deer farmers.
Skip west CLF Chairman
VENISON THE HEALTHY CHOICE
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CAPITOL HILL REPORT
NADeFA Secures APHIS Funds, Southerland Named New CHCG Member As 2015 closed, Congress passed an omnibus spending package that funded the federal government through September 2016. NADeFA was again able to secure at least $3 million under APHIS to be set aside for cervid health. That measure was enacted in December 2015 and money became available shortly after it was signed. That money will be used both for both research and for indemnification. The first quarter of the year in Washington has been slow as the House and Senate gear up for the meat of the 2106 legislative Calendar. While some legislation on criminal justice reform and energy modernization may see extended consideration, the focus in Congress will be bringing structure back to the appropriations process. The House, which is expected to move on their appropriations bills first, is scheduled to start moving bills through committee in March. Building on our past success in cervid health, CHCG along with NADeFA staff will continue to push for strong funding to address the needs of the cervid production industry to combat CWD and continue import research. The primary reason the 2016 legislative calendar is unlikely to contain much substantive work beyond appropriations is due to the Presidential Election. Both parties have moved their conventions to July creating an unusually early beginning to the summer break which normally is confined to August. After Labor Day there will
be a limited calendar before Congress recesses again to campaign for the elections in November. The House and Senate leadership seem determined not to let the election dictate their policy directions in 2016, but it is apparent that the election will have a clear impact on their schedules. As 2016 begins we would like to highlight a new member of CHCG, former Member of Congress, Steve Southerland. Southerland was first elected to Congress in 2010 to represent Florida’s Second Congressional District. While in office from 2010-2014, he served on the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. An avid sportsman, Southerland spends most of his hunting season away from home. In 2015 he killed deer in Alaska, Texas and Alabama and killed a gator in Louisiana. He was unsuccessful in attempting to harvest and Oregon Elk on a hunt with NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer. Southerland splits his time between Washington and his home in Panama City Florida, and he and his wife, Susan, have four daughters, Samantha, Stephanie, Allison, and Abby. Sincerely, Stratton edwards and Jack Victory Capitoll Hill Consulting
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Who Wants A Pony Ride Your child will love this plush Pony, you might even want keep it for yourself.
Wooden Bench and Fabric Amish Made. Rest your feet or sit on these benches.
Queen Hickory Bed Amish Made. This will make a great bed in the camp house.
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Love Seat and Floor Lamp Amish Made. Excellent sofa and lamp for your camp house.
Barrell Table and Stools Amish Made. Beautifully handcrafted. This will go fast, bid quickly.
Wooden Rocker and Stools Amish Made. Imagine rocking on the front porch in these hand made rockers.
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TREASURER REPORT
Support NADeFA & CLF All Of Us Need To Contribute
INCOME
I’m excited about our upcoming convention in Tulsa, OK for several reasons. First, Oklahoma is one of the most cervid friendly states in the country. They have been most welcoming to us and WOO has been very supportive of our organization over many years. Second, it’s got to be warmer there than in Vermont where I live. Third, it’s your chance to show your support for NADeFA and CLF. And by you, I mean all of us, breeders, hunting ranches, venison producers, sponsors, vendors, board members, and even the general public. As the accompanying graphs show, we are operating at a deficit, which is normal this time of year. The annual convention is our only major fund-raising event and the dollars we generate there is what we will have to support our research, political, and legal challenges for the upcoming year. So as Oklahoma has opened their arms to welcome us, please open your wallets and support NADeFA and CLF. And remember, CLF contributions are tax deductible on your Schedule A!
EXPENSE
See you in Tulsa. Hank Dimuzio treasurer NADeFA
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DEER & WILDLIFE STORIES
Lessons Learned As I write this article, I am awaiting the outcome of some very important news. The news will be critical to the future of my deer farming operation. If the news comes back the way I think it will, all will be good. However, if the news does not come back as it should, then I will be forced to kill lots of deer to comply with regulations that will be enforced by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Years ago I made the decision to keep DNA records of my deer. I wanted to make sure that I knew who was who and my goal is to grow the best deer I can. And we all know how the information we obtain from DNA records can help us make better decisions for breeding, including herd health. Each year I send in the hair samples off my deer to the North American Deer Registry and anxiously await the report. Although we pretty much have a good idea of who the sire is of each fawn (because we calculate days from AI), we needed to know who the mother is of each deer. We have been AI’ing for six years now, and I have lots of deer in listed in NADR. My deer are not on par with what many of you reading this have on your farm. But, they are mine and they are as good as I can grow, based upon what I have to work with. Through DNA, we have been able to make some good decisions and the quality of our deer herd had improved tremendously. The end goal for my farm is not chase the breeder market at deer auctions. I don’t have time for this nor the financial resources. My goal is to grow the biggest “pasture deer” to be turned out and improve genetics as much as possible. The quality of my deer has improved steadily and at one point, I have to admit I was almost tempted to no longer DNA any of my deer. Why would I want to continue to pay for this DNA information if it wasn’t important getting rid of my “pasture deer”? Now as I await the news mentioned at the beginning of this article, I am grateful for having DNA 102
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on my deer. Hopefully it will prove to be what keeps my deer alive. Because of the situation I am in today, without “proof of origin” of my deer, TPWD will require me to kill my deer. It all started back last summer when I received a call from my local game warden. He said that they needed to do a “routine inspection.” It had been years since any game warden had ever even been to my deer pens so I was surprised at the request. Although I can’t prove it, it sure does seem like a coincidence because it was soon after the discovery of CWD in a captive deer herd in Texas. Some people may not get on edge when the game warden shows up. But, I do and I think for good reason. I have had some issues with some wardens in the past that just rubbed me the wrong way. On the other hand, I have had lots of good experiences with wardens too. Considering the timing of the “routine inspection” request, I was on edge. What were they looking for? Was there something wrong at my farm that I wasn’t aware of? My schedule has me out of town much more than I am in town. While away, I have had a farm manager that helps take care of the deer. I’ve known him for over twenty years and trust his judgment. But at times, I have had to question why things just didn’t get done. He would respond saying that at times there are so many chores on the farm that need to get done (which the list never seems to end) he needed some part time help to catch up. He would bring in some part time help, get caught up and all was good. The deer are healthy and I had been generally pleased with the way the farm had been run. I was out of town when the “routine inspection” took place. I was shocked when the warden called me he said there was a problem. He said the inventory was way off. He claimed that we were forty deer short. I couldn’t believe it. He insisted his numbers were correct. I told him that he was NADeFA.org
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wrong and scheduled a time when I could be there to help them recount the deer. The next inspection two wardens showed up and it was a typical hot summer day in Texas. Even though it was mid morning, it was miserable hot. The wardens were in a hurry and due to the added activity in the pens, the deer were not cooperating. The deer were on edge and wouldn’t stand still which made it tough to get a good count. The verdict this time was I was short by thirty deer. I insisted they were wrong and suggested them to slow down and not be in such a hurry to get this done. With box stands in each pen, I’d be able to get them close to the deer to get a more accurate count. But the wardens were in a rush. They said they’d have to send someone out from TPWD to bring a spotting scope and recount all the deer.
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After the next recount of all the deer (which I wasn’t present for), I received a call from TPWD that there were many problems with my herd. There were deer with duplicate unique numbers, unreadable ear tags as well as some other issues. TPWD said they ‘d need to get their hands on all my deer to do a more thorough inspection. I was floored to learn of so many different issues. I called my farm manager and jumped his butt and basically issued an ultimatum. Either he gets things straight or find another job. He assured me he would take care of everything and that I had no worries. During the next month or so he would update me and I felt like things were moving in the right direction from what I was told. It was mid-October and I was waiting to hear from CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE »
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have done. It was my fault too and if I’m going to be in the deer farming/breeding business, I will have to run the farm as a business. Deer farming is a hobby to some people and I am the only one to blame for not having a better handle on the situation. Lessons learned. The days of relying on notes submitted on a piece of cardboard or etched in the dust on the front of the Polaris Ranger, or trying to remember everything are gone. I had for too long relied on people to run my farm that didn’t take it as seriously as they should have. Now, the future of 28 deer is in jeopardy. The good news is that they should all DNA back to my herd. The better new is that I had made a great decision years ago to register my deer in the North American Deer Registry. Perhaps the most important thing I learned from this experience is that no longer can my deer farm be run like a hobby. This is a business and will be treated as such. I have learned a lot from this experience. TPWD has been thorough and professional. As a matter of fact, I was impressed with what I learned from them and will be using lots of this record keeping information down the road. Specifically, the EID system is being implemented now so that accurate inventory will no longer be an issue. My take away from this entire ordeal is two fold. Run your deer farm like a business and not a hobby. I will also continue to register every deer on my farm with the North American Deer Registry so I can prove origin if needed in the future. Lastly, I am on the hunt for a new farm manager. Now, back to the waiting. Keith Warren is host of two nationally broadcast television shows that appear on Pursuit Channel and is host of the only television show totally committed to the deer farming industry. To watch either of Keith’s shows, log on to www.highroadhunting.com where there are links to all episodes 24/7. •
TPWD regarding when they would start the inspection process. That’s when I received a phone call notifying me that my farm manager had passed away. It was a shock. He was only 46 years old and seemingly in good health. They said it was a heart attack. I now was in the dark because I had relied upon the farm manager to handle everything. He was a great guy. But he wasn’t very organized. Sometimes I would receive notes on cardboard or a piece of lumber or even etched in the dust on a four-wheeler. When he died, he took lots of information that I would need with him. Fast forward several months. I’ve now had three different occasions where TPWD had shown up at my place to “get their hands on the adult deer.” Each time I was present. I had to either dart the deer or run them through our facility. They looked for every identifier whether it was an ear tag and or tattoo. They recorded detailed specific information on each deer. Whether a deer’s ear had a tear in it or if there was any writing at all on a tag, or if a tag had a different colored button then the front of the tag or even if a tag was unreadable. They also pulled DNA hair samples off of each deer. After their inspection, they said there are 28 deer in question and I needed to prove origin of each of these deer showing them going back to my herd. Otherwise, the deer would need to be put down. As mentioned earlier, I am rarely in town and able to be at the farm. But, I was at the farm for each inspection and it was an eye opening experience to say the least. I soon realized that my hired help could have obviously done a better job of record keeping. There were issues. Some deer did have duplicate unique numbers and some deer had unique numbers that were not issued to my farm. Writing down an S on a tag rather than a 5 is understandable. Forgetting to put a leg on the letter O to make it a Q is understandable. Even having duplicate unique numbers is explainable. Transposing numbers is explainable. But each of these is a mistake and consequently the deer’s future is now in jeopardy. Most of the issues were clerical and human error. It’s easy to make mistakes, as we are all human. Keith warren is the host of two nationally broadcast I had slowly but surely come to the realization that my television shows airing on Pursuit Channel as well as online. deer farm needed to be run professionally, and that the help To watch any of these shows or to contact Keith, log on to I had relied upon so heavily had not done what they should www.highroadhunting.com. 104
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» W.V. DEER FARMING
What a difference a year can make. Just twelve months ago, the deer farming industry in West Virginia was more about regulations than opportunities. Mark and Anita Cobb, who own a herd of red deer, weren’t sure what the future held for their 36-acre family farm or the deer they treat like members of the family. The Cobbs started out with just one buck and two doe a decade ago. Their herd grew to 27 before they culled it a few years back. At the time, deer farming in West Virginia was uncertain. “The paperwork was a nightmare,” explained Mark Cobb, who serves on the Board of Directors for the North American Deer Farmers Association. Under the WV Division of Natural Resources, deer farmers could only raise animals to sell to hunting preserves or for breeding stock. Harvesting venison for commercial sale was a no-go. “People wanted the meat. We just couldn’t sell it,” said Cobb. The main concern was Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, a fatal illness found in deer that impacts the nervous system. In West Virginia, it’s only been located in the wild whitetail population. CONTINUED ON PAGE 112 »
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» W.V. DEER FARMING
Bob Perrine Feeds his does. « CONTINUED FROM PAGE 110
“CWD has never been found at one of our deer farms in West Virginia, not one! We test every captive deer, 100 percent. We can positively say we have never had CWD in our pens,” stressed Cobb. The Cobbs took a couple years off from breeding to decide what direction they wanted to go. Then the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill in 2015 making their path crystal clear. Deer farming moved from the control of the DNR to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Marcel Fortin, the WVDA Captive Cervid Specialist, said the agency is breaking ground. “In most states, venison has not been the priority, it’s been deer hunting. In West Virginia, we want to change that and diversify. We want to make deer farms profitable,” explained Fortin. “We want farmers to be able to sell venison. There’s potential for jobs!” The Cobbs started doing their homework and getting the ball rolling on venison sales. “We’re trying to do two things with venison,” explained Cobb. “We’re looking for restaurant customers and we’re putting together snack sticks that can go on the shelves of 112
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every convenience store in the state.” Currently most of the venison sold here in the United States is imported. “You can go to a nice restaurant in Philadelphia or Baltimore and find venison on the menu. I try to talk to the chef at each establishment. Every time I’ve found the venison has come from New Zealand! Ninety percent of the venison consumed in the United States in a restaurant or grocery setting comes from New Zealand.” Cobb wants the meat to come from West Virginia. With the leadership of the WVDA, he’s confident that can happen. “We are leading the nation when it comes to deer farming,” said West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick. “We want to create a thriving industry that benefits the farmers and the purchasing public. We want West Virginia-grown venison to be served all across the country.” The Cobbs only have 12 red deer on their farm in Jackson County. They plan to start breeding again but it will take several years to increase the herd. They don’t want to CONTINUED ON PAGE 114 » NADeFA.org
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wait that long to get their venison business up and running. West Virginia currently has 31 licensed deer farms, including three hunting preserves. None of the breeding farms have the quantity of deer Cobb needs to start production. He had to look outside the state. “We’ve reached out mostly to the Amish community in Ohio. I’m friends with those folks,” said Cobb. “I contacted them and said, ‘I’ll take your cull deer.’ My phone is ringing off the hook. I’m up to 450-some doe. They’re just waiting for us to come pick them up.” Ohio and neighboring Pennsylvania do not allow the sale of venison from captive deer. Cobb said those farmers are dealing with the issue of what to do with doe that aren’t good breeding stock. With his need for venison, it’s a win/win. “Because this is so new, we have to figure out the process. We’re working with the WVDA and we’ve found a place to butcher and process the animals here in West Virginia. First, they have to make some changes to the plant to meet our needs.” Cobb also wants to make sure he has the customer base to make his business profitable. “It doesn’t do me any good to take 20 deer to be processed and wrapped but have nowhere to sell it. We’re trying to build a clientele base.” The Cobb’s got their first order in December for burgers and steaks from a restaurant in West Virginia. The Greenbrier Resort has also called, interested in a future purchase. “There are a lot of people excited about what we’re doing. However, there are unknowns. It’s going to take a while to get some traction,” stressed Cobb. Bob Perrine, the owner of Mountain Clean Whitetails, is also pleased with the changes taking place with deer farming in West Virginia. His operation in Lewis County includes 79 whitetails. He raises the animals for breeding stock or sale to hunting preserves. His most popular buck is a 3-year-old with a 300-inch rack. “Popeye is pretty well known in West Virginia. We have a Facebook account and the last video we posted of him was viewed by 7,000 people within a day or two,” Perrine said proudly. Popeye’s two offspring, Moonshine and Hidden Highway, already span 200-plus inches. But it’s not just racks Perrine is thinking about. He 114
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believes the future of his business is in venison as well. “At this point we’re just a breeding facility. This summer and next we’re planning on more than doubling our farm operation to 300 deer. We want to expand to do meat processing right here on the farm.” The first order of business is expanding the fences from 25 acres to 50 and then breeding and purchasing more animals. “I’ve talked to several people in this industry. People want the product. We just have to get things up and going,” said Perrine. That will mean building their own processing facility. By the time Perrine is ready to start construction, the Cobbs should have their operation in full production. CONTINUED ON PAGE 116 »
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» W.V. DEER FARMING « CONTINUED FROM PAGE 114
Mark Cobb feels he has a responsibility to create a business blueprint others, like Perrine, can follow. “The infrastructure isn’t there right now. We’re creating it. Each step we’re figuring out from scratch because no one has ever done it here in West Virginia. We’re forging the way for everyone else that wants to do it,” Cobb stressed. “We will have a tried and true process and be able to tell other deer farmers what you have to do and this is how you need to do it.” The Cobbs are currently working on some products for the future line like venison dog snacks using the heart and liver. We don’t add anything, just run them through a dehydrator. Friends are coming back to me saying their dogs love it! I’ve tried it. People can eat it. I’m not going to give a product to someone that I haven’t tested first.” The Cobbs want to get their products on the shelves and in restaurants as soon as possible, but there’s no set date. They say leading the herd takes time. •
Mark and Anita Cobb talking with Marcel Fortin, WVDA Captive Cervid Specialist, at their Gobbler’s Ridge Exotics Farm.
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FOR UPDATES IN THE CERVID INDUSTRY VISIT US ONLINE. www.nadefa.org 120
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ADVERTISER’S INDEX 3 S Texas Outdoors..........................................57
Hidden Acres Graphics.................................115
Record Rack.....................................................53
7C's Whitetails.................................................45
High Roller Whitetails..............................43, 83
Rock star Whitetails.......................................4-5
Adirondack Red Stag ....................................103
Hired Hand Software ....................................123
Rocky Ridge.....................................................55
ADM Alliance Nutrician .................................64
Honey Brook Whitetails ...............................118
Rocky Top Whitetails......................................73
Buckridge Whitetails ......................................66
J 4 Fencing .....................................................115
RW Trophy Ranch...........................................91
Buy My Deer ......................................................6
Jasmic ...............................................................82
SCI ...................................................................42
Circle H Whitetails.........................................65
Lone Hollow ...................................10-11,88, 92
Sexing Tech ......................................................18
Classic Canyon Creek .....................................97
Lonehollow / Rockstar GXL Contest ......12-13
Shakaree Red Deer Farm ...............................74
Cross Canyon Whitetails ................................52
Marsh Valley Whitetails ...............................117
Shock Effect................................................76-77
Cypress Ridge Whitetails..................................3
Massey Hollow Ranch...........................100-101
Stay Tuff Fence.................................................15
Dan Inject Dart Guns ......................................44
Mossy Rock Whitetails ........................124, IBC
Superior Milk Replacers ...............................108
Deer Breeders Corp ........................................54
NADR...............................................................87
Tajada..........................................................98-99
Deer Field.........................................................93
Nature Calls Inc .........................................46-47
Texas M3 Ranch .............................................BC
Deer Tracking Magazine...............................121
NewPort Labs ................................................120
The High Road Group .......................................7
Derby~Sand~Ranch..................................16-17
North East Whitetail ....................................109
Twin Creek Farms ...........................................61
Double H Whitetails ......................................51
Orion Whitetails..............................................79
Verso Media Group .......................................120
Enable-izer .......................................................21
Paco Deer Company........................................89
Walnut Ridge Whitetails.................................71
Fertile Aid ......................................................105
Pine Creek Deer Farm ..............................IFC, 1
White Ghost Ranch.......................................106
Fox Valley .........................................................67
Purina Mills .....................................................72
Whitetail Guide.............................................108
GKR Whitetails .................................................9
Pyranha ..........................................................115
Wildlife Pharm ................................................56
GMS ...............................................................122
Rancho La Libertad ......................................107
Wildpoint Whitetails ......................................86
122
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North American Deer Farmer
NADeFA.org
wiNter 2016
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