SPREADING A POSITIVE DEER FARMING MESSAGE
Promoting an Industry Understanding Sponsored by PDFA
HOW TO SAFELY HAUL WHITETAIL DEER
Sponsored by IDEFA
EMBRYO FLUSHING a Proven Breeding Practice
Sponsored by KALA
“Every child deserves to experience the joy of the outdoors — no matter the challenges they face.”
PRESIDENT
Rodney Ragon
256-558-8997
Rodney@theswampwhitetails.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Cameron Odom 251-689-7321 fiveosranch@gmail.com
TREASURER
Billy Norris 205-275-4686 deerplace16@gmail.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Amy Murphy 205-928-2906, aldeerassoc@gmail.com
DIRECTORS
Jeff Beaver 256-571-5054
jeffbeaver@olympiaconstruction.net
John Biddle 205-337-4521 johnbiddle@thelegacyranch.com
Chad McMichael 256-295-3945 chad@duckspringsplantation.com
Dustin Reid 256-239-2457 piedmontfencing.reid@gmail.com
Chris Wigley 256-738-5059 cwigley09@gmail.com
Troy Zacchini 334-346-2255 info@troyshuntclub.com
Tony Catanzaro 256-393-6550 tony.catanzaro@comcast.net
Darrell Champion 256-572-6640 darrellc@dcequipmentinc.com
May 22nd, 2025 is a day the members of The Alabama Deer Association will long celebrate and remember. On that day, House Bill 509 was passed, giving protection to deer farmers should a positive case of CWD be found in the wild within close proximity of a deer farm. Sponsored by Representative Jeff Sorrells (R), this portion of HB509 took effect immediately and allows peace of mind as we go forward raising deer and doing what we love, knowing our deer are safe and will not be targeted for euthanasia.
A second part of HB509, scheduled to take effect on March 1st of 2026, allows for the movement of deer within our state, greatly increasing the economic benefit to Alabama deer farmers. These victories are what make our association strong. At our annual event February 22nd and 23rd at the Cottonwood Venue in Cullman, Alabama, we welcomed 180 members and their families for barbeque chicken, a silent and a live auction, bingo and camaraderie. We had 25 vendor booths which always make for an interesting and fun addition to our event.
Funds raised through the auctions are used to continue to provide funding for our lobbyists, whom we are grateful for. As we move forward, we would like to see even more members participate at our events. The moments to come together and stand strong are for both the good times and harder times. We can be better prepared for what lies ahead and look forward to a future if we are as united as we can possibly be. If anyone has questions about HB509, or how you can more fully participate in our association, please feel free to call any of us on the board. Thank you.
14:6
2 Y E A R O L D S
Y E A R L I N G S
By: Gail Veley
“Cope” has been with Kidz Outdoors for several years. As a matter of fact, his parents Dan and Meg Spires, run our fishing division here in Alabama. Over the years Cope has taken whitetail deer, axis deer and red stag. This young man has severe lung problems and needs a ventilator 24/7 to breathe. He always has the apparatus in one hand plus the battery in the other hand. But if you ask him how he feels he always says, “I’m good.” Therefore, in choosing a hunt for Cope, we felt we needed one that wouldn’t involve too much walking.
In Wilcox, Alabama, there is a large herd of farmed bison. Carol and I have known the farm owner, Richard Cribbs, a member of The Alabama Deer Farmers Association, for more years than we like to admit. He also provides deer hunts and graciously donated a bull bison hunt to Kidz Outdoors. On January 21st, 2025, we arrived in Wilcox County for the Big Day. Richard had been scouting for a herd, so we could drive Cope out to the pasture where they were located. We arrived and got in very close. Dan, one of the guides, got out and set up Cope’s tripod and rifle. Then, the wait was “on” for the best shot on the best bull! As we witnessed firsthand, the best shot is two inches behind the ear broadside. As a
backup on these hunts, I always carry my 375 H & H Magnum with 300 grain solid bullets, designed to stop the bull before he can leave the pasture. Then finally, after what seemed like hours, the bull turned broadside and was clear of the other bison. Cope, with expert precision, dropped the hammer on a 1,700pound bull. The bull started to collapse, sat on his rump and then rolled over graveyard dead. Cope had found that sweet spot with his 308 Winchester behind the ear, and broke the bull’s brain stem with his great shot. Turns out I could have left my rifle at home after all.
Cope and his family are enjoying the meat of his prized buffalo, and he will receive the bull’s huge skull as a treasured memoir in November at our Youth Hunt Fundraiser. We are so grateful to everyone who made this possible. If you would like to make up aware of a child in need, please call us at 205-410-3779.
Thank you and God Bless!
To Order Call: (256) 504-9841 Email: blackcreekmilling@gmail.com
Black Creek Premium Deer Blend is a complete feed designed to provide everything needed for deer raised in confinement It provides 18% Protein and 5% Fat from quality highly digestible sources. This complete feed is made from blending fortified pellets and high-quality whole grains including roasted soybeans for an appealing and highly palatable product. Black Creek’s Premium mix is everything you can ask for in a feed including high vitamin A, chelated minerals, enzymes, probiotics, garlic, kelp, rice bran and more. Full of additives to support from within and mitigate the impact of stress to help deer reach their full genetic potential. No more mixing at the trough required. It saves time and money. Black Creek Reserve provides 15% Protein & 5% Fat for supplementing deer turned out on forage. The same quality ingredients as the Premium mix for an easy transition into turn out.
Buck Blend is a high fat attractant of whole corn, roasted soybeans and peanuts that is perfect for broadcast and gravity feeders. 13.75% Protein and 7% Fat for a calorie source that will draw in deer.
-Effects of Our Vitamins & Ingredients-
Vitamin A aids in new tissue development, including antler growth and reproduction, while Vitamin D aids in absorption of calcium and phosphorus, crucial for antler and skeletal growth in deer. Vitamin E reduces oxidative stress, supports the immune system, and maintains cell membrane integrity.
Premium and Reserve blends also contain Increased levels of Copper and Zinc to boost immune response and disease recovery. These ingredients are crucial for new tissue and antler development, and are bioavailable for animals. Premium & Reserve mixes also include Biotin, which is a building block for cartilage, antler growth, structural development, and reproduction.
Owners: Lance & Sheri Foster Plant Manager: Zach Stuchlik
Piedmont,
Urich,
This session focuses on the development and deployment of technology to predict susceptibility and resistance to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in white-tail deer using genome-wide association studies and statistical models. Drawing parallels with cattle and sheep genetic selection, methods for estimating heritability and validating prediction accuracy are covered, including practical application in breeding programs and facility management.
• Early challenges included lack of deer genome sequencing and prediction technologies, requiring the development of new tools.
• The analysis uses natural genetic variation to identify markers associated with risk or resistance to CWD, employing statistical models that estimate direction and magnitude of genetic effects.
• Heritability of CWD resistance or susceptibility in deer is highly heritable (estimated >0.6, possibly up to 0.9); similar to traits in production animals like feed efficiency and growth.
• Genomic prediction models and cross-validation techniques allow blind prediction of CWD status at facilities based solely on genetic information, with over 80% accuracy reported.
• In sheep, three codon markers in the prion gene account for 80% of scrapie risk; in deer, resistance is polygenic, not controlled by a single gene like PRNP codon 96, though it has a major effect.
• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) find multiple significant regions contributing to CWD risk/resistance, with additive effects across alleles.
• Demonstration projects showed that timely genetic selection and best management practices can successfully reduce CWD prevalence without whole-herd depopulation.
• Breeding values for CWD resistance correlate with general animal livability; selection on common alleles reduces both disease susceptibility and overall mortality.
• Effective application requires early and decisive intervention, robust biosecurity, and avoidance of practices (such as improper live testing) that may increase transmission risk.
• “If we can reduce the risk by eighty percent or more, that that’s doing something. You know? That’s that’s making some progress.”
• “We can blindly predict with over 80% accuracy which animals we’re gonna test positive at positive facilities.”
• “These breeding values for CWD are somehow correlated with live livability traits. ... It’s taking these deer back to a wild set of genetics that originated in the wild that has the greatest livability and durability.”
• “Real science is complicated. Real science has details. The fact is that we can we can predict with accuracy which animals are gonna become positive.”
• “You don’t need to always go in there and depopulate the whole deer herd. Some of this can be cleaned up pretty easily if you get in there early on with an early intervention and you catch it early.” (Timestamp not provided)
Article continued on page...
• The ability to predict CWD susceptibility using genomic information transforms disease management from reactive depopulation to proactive selection, preserving herds and livelihoods.
• Early intervention, informed by robust genetic testing, can successfully contain outbreaks and progressively reduce disease prevalence by breeding for resistance.
• Polygenic nature of resistance implies the necessity of whole-genome approaches over single-marker genotyping; practical breeding for resistance is feasible without excessive inbreeding or reliance on rare alleles.
• Accuracy and impact depend on careful data validation, sample handling, and adherence to biosecurity measures; poor testing protocols can inadvertently increase disease transmission.
• The technology parallels advances in cattle, sheep, and aquaculture, demonstrating wide application of statistical genetics in animal health and productivity.
• Textbook: Falconer & Mackay, “Introduction to Quantitative Genetics” – foundational reading on heritability and genomic prediction.
• Article: GWAS methodology papers (search recent reviews on animal GWAS for application protocols).
• Tool: Genomic selection software (e.g., BLUP or genomic BLUP packages)—for hands-on experience with breeding value prediction.
• Assignment: Analyze public cattle or sheep GWAS datasets to estimate heritabilities and devise selection strategies.
USDA and APHIS guidelines on CWD management, biosecurity, and genetic resistance breeding—reference for policy and implementation practices.
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Top dress or mix in feed during fawning season, weather changes, times of stress and when top performance is desired
Northern Top 30 - Jan 14-16, 2026 - Shipshewanna, IN
Southeast Trophy Deer Association Spring Fling - March 6-7, 2026 - Orlando, FL
NADeFA Spring Open - March 20, 2026 - Sandusky, OH
Southern Top 30 - Aug 20-21, 2026 - Louisiana
Texas Deer Association Annual Convention - Aug 28-29, 2026 - San Antonio, TX
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association
When deer farmers tell Kevin Calmes “I know my deer,” he responds with “yes, but you don’t know the insides of your deer.” Calmes, who is a consultant and product shipper for Advanced Deer Genetics as well as the North American Small Ruminant Manager and Coordinator for Sexing Technologies, believes his specific recommendations for A.I. breeding and embryo flushing will provide a deer farmer with a safer and perhaps a more successful outcome.
Embryo flushing, often used to allow recipient does to carry the offspring of does with superior genetics, can be an efficient way to produce a uniformly high-quality herd. It all starts with placing CIDR’s in does with superior genetics, followed by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) shots 11 days later and subsequently inducing multiple ovulations. In his years of experience travelling all over the world to work with cervids, Calmes has found that does, when run through a chute for any type of breeding procedure, tend to fight ovulation. “The stress put upon the doe by running them in a chute causes them to shut down in a sense,” Calmes, 57, explained. The better solution? “I prefer to run the deer into a facility, separated by ages, and blow dart FSH to get them to super ovulate,” he said.
Calmes has found that does who are darted with a specially designed 2.5 cc syringe with an 18 or 19gauge one inch needle shot out of a small pistol, absorb all of the FSH hormone and don’t even know they’ve been hit, since the small size of the needle and force of the pistol is so minimal. “The first time I’m in
there they might be nervous, but by the second or third time they aren’t because they don’t know something hit them,” he said, referring to the dart which was designed years ago by Chinese scientists. And while the hormone can also be administered in a chute with a pole injection, very often you will have backflow and wasted product, decreasing your chances of fertilization success.
After two to eight FSH hormone shots have been administered, depending on protocols, CIDRS’s are pulled on day 14 and followed up with a hormone shot of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG.) The next step involves laparoscopic artificial insemination (A.I.) ideally performed 57-58 hours later. Approximately six to eight days after that, embryos are flushed (as though it were another laparoscopic surgery in terms of preparation) however they are under sedation longer. After flushing and retrieval, embryos are placed in a petri dish and graded on a scale of one to three by an embryo specialist. Grade one embryos, considered the better ones, are either placed immediately into recipient does or frozen for later use. Grade two and three embryos, considered not as hearty as grade one, need to be placed into recipient does immediately as they may not retain their viability should they be
frozen and used later. While a small percentage of does whose embryos are flushed may retain one or two and carry them to a full-term pregnancy “I suggest rebreeding her that same year naturally, to help break up the scar tissue from the previous procedures and not put any additional stress on her,” Calmes said. “We push these animals so much. And whether it’s the chemicals sprayed on what we feed them or a lack of chelated absorbable vitamins and minerals in their diets, I have also found in my work that our semen quality is driven down year after year. On average, ten years ago we had 4-6 billion cells per buck per collection, and today it’s 2 to 3 billion cells per collection. Given that deer genetics are held in such high regard, I believe the industry as a whole needs to sit down and look at this.”
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Indiana Deer and Elk Farmers Association
Aprofessional deer hauler hopes for a few very important scenarios when they pull their rig into a farm. This includes adequate room to get the truck and trailer turned around and aligned or situated safely in the loading area, along with dry ground conducive for the occasion. “Everyone gets a little nervous when you’re loading deer,” said Delvy Workman of Deer Works, a professional deer hauling company out of Ashland, Ohio. “A lot of people don’t think about loading or unloading deer when they set their place up. This is a really crucial thing to figure out.” Having hauled deer for 14 years, Workman hopes for the most efficient process possible.
Ensuring a safer loading experience begins first with allowing your deer to walk into and through your handling facility on a regular basis, said Dave Schwartz of Shallow Pond Whitetails in Shipshewana, Indiana. “Once we wean our fawns, we move them into a corral pen that’s attached to the handling facility and utilize that to get them used to it,” he said. “That way we can get them into there in a short amount of time when we need to.” By also working deer at random times and moving them into dark
‘pre-loading’ rooms, it can eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of stress put upon deer. “We can sell a doe and within five minutes live load her onto a trailer,” said Schwartz, who prefers to load deer into trailers specifically designed for deer (not a makeshift horse trailer) and to use a reputable, reliable hauler. “There are good deer haulers out there with specialized cargo trailers with great air flow and air conditioning and adequate room for bucks or does,” Schwartz emphasized. “Trailers set up for deer hauling are way better and are going to minimize the stress from the entire moving process. It’s important to keep the stress as low as possible. If you are sedating and loading bucks, make sure they are up and on their feet before moving the trailer.”
Verlin Yoder, a veteran of the deer industry since 1999 and owner of Clay Kuntry Whitetails in Millersburg, Indiana, remembers the days when deer farmers used 2 x 4-foot individualized wooden boxes for hauling deer. This often involved a ‘deer rodeo’ in an effort to get them sedated with telazol and/or rompun, and then inside the box. “It might take four guys. Sometimes you’d have to wrestle the deer down for
sedation,” Yoder recalled. “You’d reverse them inside the box and then they’d jump around inside of it. And we always seemed to have some sort of surprise.” A great sense of relief overcame Yoder when he was able to attain his own handling facility and loading chute in 2006. “It’s one of the best investments a deer farmer can make,” he said. “You need to haul deer for all sorts of reasons. Breeding season. Hunting season. Sales. Boarding.” Boarding does for the sake of breeding requires careful timing, as you don’t want to bring them back too soon or too late in their pregnancy, for fear or losing the offspring due to hauling stress.
Depending on the distance, longer hauling trips, such as up to eight to 10 hours, may require the hauler to put straw bedding down for comfort and to also include hay and water. And last but not least, the most important advice might be “give yourself plenty of time,” Yoder said. “Haul at night when it’s cool and the deer are naturally calmer. Keep the trailer dark and peaceful and wellventilated. You are hauling some very precious cargo and want everyone to arrive safely.”
“You need to haul deer for all sorts of reasons. Breeding season. Hunting season. Sales. Boarding.”
IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED PNEU-DART’S RDDS, YOU’RE MISSING MORE THAN YOUR TARGET
If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to: aldeerassoc@gmail.com
MK2™ KIT - PROPRIETARY FORMULA
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MKB2™ KIT - PROPRIETARY FORMULA
Contains higher concentrations of medetomidine, ketamine and butorphanol than the MKB™ Kit, which provides the ability to use less medication and a smaller dart, resulting in improved accuracy when capturing. It’s recommended for super exotics and large cervids that may be more difficult to sedate.
KIT - PROPRIETARY FORMULA
Developed by a zoo veterinarian to allow wildlife handlers to induce a reversible sedation, the MKB™ kit offers smooth induction with faster reversal times due to the lower concentration of ketamine. It’s recommended for sedation scenarios where the procedure being performed doesn’t require the animal to be on the ground for more than 15-20 minutes. Our MKBM™ Kit builds on our MKB™ combinations by adding midazolam to provide superior muscle relaxation and more reliable sedation. It’s recommended for the chemical immobilization of numerous large exotic hoofstock species including bongo, kudu, gazelle, eland as well as other African hoofstock and certain domestic wildlife species.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this advertisement is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medications shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular medication. You should consult with your veterinarian about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has the FDA approved the medications to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Medications compounded by Mixlab are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Mixlab compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals. Mixlab does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific dosing, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, veterinary care providers, or other information that may be contained in this advertisement. Mixlab is not responsible nor liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this advertisement.
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 lb. ground venison
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. paprika
• ½ tsp. cinnamon (optional)
• 1 and ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 and 1/2 cups venison or beef stock*
• 28 oz. diced tomatoes, drained
• 15 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz. kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and peppers and cook until the onions start to brown on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the venison and brown.
3. Once the venison is browned add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Saute for 1-2 minutes and then add the tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute, incorporating the tomato paste.
4. Then, deglaze the pot with Worchestershire sauce, orange juice, and lime juice. Scrape the bottom of the pot and add the stock, tomatoes, and beans.
5. Stir well and bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid and let the pot simmer for at least 30 minutes but up to all day. If you’re cooking longer than an hour, be sure to cover the chili fully with a lid so all of the liquid doesn’t evaporate.
6. Ladle up generous portions, top with your favorite chili toppings, and serve.
Have a great recipe to share? Email to deerassociations@gmail.com or mail to: Samantha Uchytil 19291 59th St NE, New London, MN 56273
“
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association
“Every time we put a fence around land, we are preserving it for future generations.” This sentiment spoken by Red Ridge Whitetails Owner Josh Newton, echoes perhaps the most important reason to understand and support hunting and a deer farmer’s role in it. Deer farmers (a majority of which are hunters) promote land conservation, environmental stewardship, economic and community benefits, job creation as well as local establishment patronage.
“The trophy status sport of hunting also provides the economic means to sustain land in its natural state,” Newton explained. “Numerous other species propagate as well inside a preserve including turkeys, pheasants, grouse, songbirds, ground rodents, bear, coyote and the list goes on and on.” Reflecting the North American Wildlife Model, a framework that guides wildlife management and conservation, hunting preserves uphold the very practice of science-based management while ensuring the long-term viability of vast and expansive wildlife populations.
Given that close to 900,000 hunting licenses are sold annually in the state of Pennsylvania alone, the national economic impact of hunting is, putting it simply, impressive. And when taking into consideration the genetic improvements included in breeding decisions, deer farmers themselves are working to eradicate disease such as CWD, an everlooming concern in wild and farmed populations. “Look at the work being done in Oklahoma integrating deer farms and creating structured programs for improvement and reintroduction of genetics. Hunters drive that,” Newton said. Through improving farmed genetics and ultimately improved genetics in wild populations, the agencies that support these types of programs are the winners, he emphasized.
As these messages are spread through concise communication and outreach advocacy, public perception could start to shift in a more positive and sustained direction. “Before you take a side, understand both sides,” said Micheal Goodman of Goodman’s Piebald Haven in New Stanton, Pennsylvania.
“If someone from the general public wants to see my deer, just knock on my front door and ask. I’d be happy to show you.” Along with transparency “we as a group should stop saying shooter bucks,” shared Chase Baker of Baker Whitetails in Junction, Illinois. “We need to stress that in hunting preserves deer are not quick bait in confined spaces. In an industry that is so over-looked for the good work we are doing and so over-regulated, this is very important.”
Thoroughly understanding the role of genetics in conservation is another vitally important message to promote to a concerned public. “Most people who have studied GEBV’s have some level of excitement about our controlled breeding programs,” Newton said. “Those outside the industry have looked at this and at our genetic progress which continues to be a focal point nationally. Ultimately if this continues, we will be able to provide a genetic reservoir for wild populations that allow healthy biodiversity to come full-circle and remain that way.”
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The United Deer Farmers of Michigan
Tom Nelson sits quietly during the predawn of a crisp morning inside a deer blind, nestled deep among a meadow of mature trees and dense vegetation. He’s studied this copious area in his native Michigan, where he’s certain his next harvest will be found. His keen senses tell him a deer is coming, and he silently lifts his bow. Confident in his ability to take an ethical shot and efficiently utilize his effective range, he zeroes in on the broad side (where the heart and lungs are located) of a buck that’s just come into view. Knowing this shot for him cannot be a “maybe” but must be certain, Nelson, 67, knows exactly when to draw back the arrow and release. He does so with the precision that 50-plus years of experience has given him and is shortly thereafter standing over his patiently sought-out treasure.
“Bow hunting for me is my way of speaking to the woods with a stick and a string,” explained Nelson, a professional bow hunter and host of the television show “The American Archer.” To be an effective bow hunter “you must be woods-wise and deer savvy,” he said. “Unlike a gun that can do massive damage to an animal, an arrow doesn’t do that. An arrow essentially slides in and takes a little bit of time to take effect and then (hopefully) causes a quick and humane kill. That should be the objective of a bow hunter. You don’t want to be hitting them in the leg or in their back end.”
Nelson, who has hunted all over the world and harvested a wide variety of animals from mountain lion, moose, elk, turkey, mule deer and whitetail, has done so exclusively
with a bow. “I don’t know how many hunts I’ve been on where things might not have looked promising and the guide is telling me ‘Take my gun Tom, take my gun,’” he reflected. “But I will not be a ‘turncoat’ at that point. It won’t mean anything to me if that’s how it ends.”
Nelson, who has primarily made his entire living off of the sport of archery, still feels his very first harvest is and always will be his favorite. At the age of 14 he bought his first bow, a now vintage red wing hunter bow (with a 45-pound pull weight) and 12 fiberglass arrows at the now defunct Anderson Archery Store, where every conceivable bow hunting device could be found. “I lived three miles from the store,” Nelson said. “After I saved up enough money, I was able to buy my first bow. I thought I was all set. But I spent many fruitless years with nothing to show for it.” It was then over Christmas break during his sophomore year of high school, that he took triumphant aim and got his first deer.
Today, Nelson relives that very moment with the youth (both male and female) that he mentors and takes out bow hunting. “I show them the right way, how to figure out the whitetail puzzle,” Nelson explained. “Your learning curve is shorter if you learn the right way. I show them where to sit and why. I explain deer scat. I point out the small details such as why the deer will be coming a particular way to feed. They learn how to effectively operate a bow, when to draw back and release and to develop their personal effective range for taking a successful ethical shot. I teach them to aim exclusively at the chest cavity. Above all I teach patience and the love and reverence of being in the outdoors.”
“Bow hunting may be the more challenging and the harder way to hunt, but to me that is what makes it so rewarding,” Nelson said. “It’s also something my wife Beth and daughter Sara and I enjoy doing together. Like other bow hunters, we share a common bond as a family and a love of nature.”
Member
ADA 2023-2024 Board of Directors
Rodney Ragon, Cameron Odom, Billy Norris, Casey Mitchell Troy Zachini, Dane Dorsett, Mat Watts, Chris Wiggly, Jeff Beaver, John Biddle, Chad McMichael, Dustin Reid
CODE OF ETHICS
I hereby make application for membership in the ALABAMA DEER ASSOCIATION agreeing to conform to the ALABAMA DEER ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS and BYLAWS governoring this Association.
Signature:
CLASSIFICATIONS (Please check one)
Each Silver Member is understood to provide goods and/or services to the industry. Silver Members shall be entitled to receive quarterly ADA magazine. Silver Memberships renew every year at the Annnual Membership Meeting. NO VOTING RIGHTS.
Each Gold Member shall be entitled to attend all ADA meetings and receive quarterly
Each Diamond Member shall be entitled to attend all ADA meetings and receive quarterly ADA magazine. VOTING RIGHTS IN STATE MEMBERS ONLY. DIAMOND MEMBERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED ON THE ADA WEBSITE AND IN ALL MAGAZINES FOR 5 YEARS.
Each Platinum Member shall be entitled to attend all ADA meetings and receive quarterly ADA magazine. VOTING RIGHTS IN STATE MEMBERS ONLY. PLATINUM MEMBERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED ON THE ADA WEBSITE AND IN ALL MAGAZINES AND TRADESHOWS FOR THE LIFE OF THE MEMBER.
The Board may change dues from time to time
To Order Call: (256) 504-9841 Email: blackcreekmilling@gmail.com
Black Creek Premium Deer Blend is a complete feed designed to provide everything needed for deer raised in confinement It provides 18% Protein and 5% Fat from quality highly digestible sources. This complete feed is made from blending fortified pellets and high-quality whole grains including roasted soybeans for an appealing and highly palatable product. Black Creek’s Premium mix is everything you can ask for in a feed including high vitamin A, chelated minerals, enzymes, probiotics, garlic, kelp, rice bran and more. Full of additives to support from within and mitigate the impact of stress to help deer reach their full genetic potential. No more mixing at the trough required. It saves time and money. Black Creek Reserve provides 15% Protein & 5% Fat for supplementing deer turned out on forage. The same quality ingredients as the Premium mix for an easy transition into turn out.
Buck Blend is a high fat attractant of whole corn, roasted soybeans and peanuts that is perfect for broadcast and gravity feeders. 13.75% Protein and 7% Fat for a calorie source that will draw in deer.
-Effects of Our Vitamins & Ingredients-
Vitamin A aids in new tissue development, including antler growth and reproduction, while Vitamin D aids in absorption of calcium and phosphorus, crucial for antler and skeletal growth in deer. Vitamin E reduces oxidative stress, supports the immune system, and maintains cell membrane integrity.
Premium and Reserve blends also contain Increased levels of Copper and Zinc to boost immune response and disease recovery. These ingredients are crucial for new tissue and antler development, and are bioavailable for animals. Premium & Reserve mixes also include Biotin, which is a building block for cartilage, antler growth, structural development, and reproduction.
Owners: Lance & Sheri Foster Plant Manager: Zach Stuchlik
• Alabama Deer Association
• Illinois Deer Farmers
• Indiana Deer And Elk Farmers Association
• Iowa Whitetail Deer Association
• Kansas Elk and Deer Association
• Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association
44 ISSUES FOR 1 YR
Reaching out to over 2500 members
(11 Publications x 4 quarters)
17 State Associations - Approx. 2500 readers
$189 / Issue ($8316. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$107 / Issue ($4708. / Yr.) ~ Half Page
(55-59% Discount off single ad placement)
4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR.
(1 Publication x 4 quarters)
$252/ Issue ($1008. / Yr) ~ Full Page
• Minnesota Deer Association • Missouri Deer Association • New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association • North Dakota Deer Ranchers
• Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association
• South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders
• Southeast Trophy Deer Association
• Texas Deer Association
• United Deer Farmers of Michigan
• West Virginia Deer Farmers Association
• Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio
• Whitetails of Louisiana
• Whitetails of Oklahoma
16 ISSUES FOR 1 YR.
(4 Publications of your choice x 4 quarters)
$220 / Issue ($3520. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$121 / Issue ($1936. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (48-54% Discount off single ad placement)
$137 / Issue ($548. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (40-48% Discount off single ad placement)
Single Issue In Any Of Our Eleven State Publications: Full Page: $420.00 1/2 Page: $263.00
Package Add On *
TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION MAGAZINES
4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (Can be added to Buckaneer or Doe-Re-Mi package) Reaching out to over 800 TDA members
(3 Tracks Publications & 1 Auction Catalog)
$428 / Issue ($1712. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$267/ Issue ($1068. / Yr.) ~ Half Page
(55-59% Discount off single ad placement)
Single Issue In TDA Publications:
Two Page: $1500. One Page: $950 1/2 Page: $650
The rules for sudoku are simple.
A 9×9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.
To challenge you more, there are 3×3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.
At Cat Tales Adventures, we believe every child deserves to experience the joy of the outdoors — no matter the challenges they face.
Our mission is simple: to provide children the opportunity to create lasting memories through unique outdoor adventures, from hunting and fishing to relaxing in nature’s embrace. We offer these children a chance to feel the warmth of the sun, the thrill of the chase, and the peace of quiet moments surrounded by loved ones. Every adventure we offer is a reminder that life’s greatest joys are often found in the simplest moments.
cattalesadventures@gmail.com
