Southeast Tines Fall 2024 by DandKDesign

SOUTHEAST TINES

FEATURED FARM STORY

Diamond C Ranch, LLC – Embracing Faith, Family, Finance, Loyalty and Legacy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

James “Smitty” Smith

Gum Creek Hunting Preserve 813-714-5045

Jsmith@crossenv.com www.GumCreekHuntingPreserve.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Dr. Bill Leffler

2 Base Down Farms PO Box 159

Morriston, FL 32668

561-373-2353

Bleffler2011@gmail.com

Twobasedownfarms@yahoo.com

TREASURER

Wendy O’Brien

Spirit Ranch

26838 Mondon Hill Rd

Brooksville, FL 34601

352-584-0971

Spiritranchfl@gmail.com

DIRECTORS

Benny Wilkison Lil Oak Whitetails 3193 NW 216th St

Lawtey, Fl 904-424-7233

liloakwhitetails@yahoo.com

Mike Hunter MS Hunter Farm 8479 Puckett Rd Perry, FL 32348 850-843-0881

Mike.Hunter@etranscarriers.com

Mike Vizcaino Osceola Whitetails 149 Sand Lake Dr Pomona Park, Fl 32181 904-814-7214

Mvizcain@bellsouth.net

Ryan Stubbs Stubbs Whitetails 16518 Alderman Turner Rd. Wimauma, FL 33598 (813) 924-1136

Stubbswhitetails.com

Matt Young 13669 Buckskin Rd Brooksville, FL 34601

Tim Cromwell 18015 NE CR 1471 Hampton, FL 32044 352-727-9528

Vice President’s Message

from Dr. Bill Leffler

It’s funny how a day can change everything. This message was finished and ready for print but is today, August 4th, being re-written as Florida prepares for its first hurricane of the 2024 season. My prayers and best wishers go out to all.

Florida Strong is not just a motto of The Southeast Trophy Deer Association, nor are they just words. Those two words embrace and describe the deer we grow and our deer farmers in general. We are tough, no wind, or another 12-20 inches of rain stop us.

Yesterday we had our Summer Picnic at the Austin Carey Learning Center outside of Gainesville, where 47 people drove out of or into rain to attend. We are fortunate to have the folks from CHeRI provide great education as always. Ashley from Medgene discussed their newest project, a vaccine for Blue Tounge. Tim and I were happy to discuss and share some of our secrets of fawn care and bottle-feeding techniques.

We had our seasonal Annual Dart Gun Competition, with a larger target so that everyone would have a much easier chance to win. Lots of fun and laughs were had by all. Let’s just say that next year the target may be larger for everyone, that is except for Becca Leffler, who graciously withdrew her shooting score from the competition, allowing June Troy to win.

This generosity was stepped up when “Little John” Entry gave back to SETDA the 270 Caliber Rifle he won in the raffle so that it could be raffled off again at the 2025 Spring Fling. Thanks to the kind and generous support from “Boston” Wash with Antler Xtreme Deer Feed, Thomas Hardware, Pneu-Dart, Dan-Inject, and Dr. Ray Favero, and all those in attendance, we were able to raise $2,904.25. Not to let his son outdo him, John Entry pledged to match that amount, as long as SEDA would put 100% of the funds raised at the picnic into a PAC. It didn’t take but a moment or so for the entire board of directors to unanimously agree.

The BOD and I all agree, that for any PAC to be effective it must represent ALL deer farmers and preserve owners in the state, regardless of if they were part of SETDA, or any other deer association, now or ever. It is critical that we are all united against a common foe. In an attempt to do just that, a political action committee is to be formed and called “Florida United Deer Association PAC”, with it’s slogan being SAVE FLORIDA’S DEER. It is not to be under the control of SETDA nor any one group, but rather to be funded and supported by ALL… (More to come in the future).

FWC is planning a 1 ½ day long meeting the week of August 19th to discuss new rule changes in light of CWD having been discovered in Florida. The exact date is not yet posted. Watch for this news on Facebook, email, and on our website. It is imperative to have a large attendance. By the way, they received over $250,000 to surveil (test) wild deer and over $220,000 to surveil (test) captive deer for the 2023 fiscal year, which runs from 10/1/23 through 9/30/24. Wouldn’t you like to know exactly how those funds, which they received from the Federal Government, are line item budgeted!

In this issue you will find part 3 The Truth About CWD.

A great man once said, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is INSANITY!

Stay Safe, Well, United, and “Florida Strong”

God Bless, Dr. Bill Leffler

FEATURED FARM

DIAMOND C RANCH, LLC –EMBRACING FAITH, FAMILY, FINANCE, LOYALTY AND LEGACY

Written By: Gail Veley

It seemed natural to John Wilton “Wil” Croncich to return to his roots. After being born and raised at a ranch built 100 years earlier with his great grandfather’s own two hands in Lake Okeechobee, Florida. After being expected at the young age of 10 to work like a man. After leaving on his own for college through rodeo scholarships and afterwards, enjoying a vibrant and busy career in equine dentistry. After realizing it was where he always wanted to call home, Croncich, 46, was able to buy back in 2012 his childhood home that had been sold in 2007. Today, he and his wife Shandi, 44 and his sons Creek, 13, and Ridge, 11, are keeping the family legacy alive, riding horses, raising cattle, growing

crops and making their land pay for itself at what is now called Diamond C Ranch, LLC.

An additional and unforeseen part of this whole plan, however, was the raising of deer. “About seven years ago we found a fawn when we were out working the ranch and boys just had to have it,” Croncich’s story begins. “Turns out it was a buck fawn and as it got older, I told my boys we need to let “Buddy” go his own way, and they didn’t like that idea. So, we built a pen and got all the permits. Then a close friend of mine in the deer business, Lee Lightsey, said to me ‘you are halfway there. Why not make a profit? Five years ago, we bought a bred doe from Mike Mansfield his farm in LaBelle, Florida and we all fell in love. That’s how it all

got started.”

Today, there are 40 head of deer (and counting) standing among the lush southern Florida landscape well-known for agriculture. “We have some quality stocker bucks,” Croncich said. “We want to raise superior genetics and also sell breeder bucks. We are grateful to Dr. Dustin Davis of Dynamic Concept Services in guiding us and offering crucial help when we’ve needed it, as we develop a solid business plan. Last year we used sexed semen on 12 does and are expecting to raise quite a few bucks this year. It’s been an unexpected journey but one my wife and boys and I are really enjoying.”

Decisions made at Diamond C Ranch (named as such to reflect

STORY

Wil, Shandi, Creek and Ridge in each corner of the diamond), are made based on Faith, Family, Finance, Loyalty and Legacy. “You need to have faith in pretty much everything you do and the belief that you will succeed,” Croncich said. “You will have all these obstacles that increase your risk, and you have to have a lot of faith that it is going to work. There are not many things we don’t pray about as a family. I always ask God to go before me and if I’m not meant to do something, to please close the door so I can’t pass through it again.”

His second core value, Family, involves “doing things that benefit and involves my family,” Croncich said. “If I can’t share it with them then I want no part of it.” His third value, Finance, is the sound practice of ensuring a business can stand on its own two feet and become sustainable, as the deer industry requires patience before you may see a profit. His fourth value, Loyalty, promotes being a good steward and committed to

making things work, and to not just quit if challenges arise. “If I had quit the deer business when it got hard, I would have quit five years ago,” he said. His fifth value, Legacy, involves Croncich’s desire to leave the ranch to his boys and “to have their families involved,” he said. “To be able to live today the way that we do is very rare. Places like these are gone and I believe this lifestyle is important for us as a family and for others who value what good honest work has to offer, such as the opportunity we have to be a part of the deer industry. I’d like to sincerely thank SETDA for all they do, and for their support. Our association’s work is very important, especially their efforts legislatively, and all of us need to offer our support in return.”

What CHeRI is doing to support deer farmers in Florida

Authors: Vilma Cooper (Montenegro), MS., Kristen Wilson, MHS Samantha Wisely, PhD, Nathan BurkettCadena, PhD

The Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI) seeks to promote interdisciplinary science, education and outreach that increase the health and production of captive cervids in a sustainable manner and promotes the health of native wildlife and the ecosystems in which they live.

CHeRI by the numbers (2017-2023)

• 42 peer reviewed scientific publications - 395 citations

• 50 trainees

• 545 workshop participants

• 1955 deer diagnosed

• 25% reduction in deer mortality

Services for Deer Farmers

CHeRI offers services to help deer farmers with planning and implementing practices to promote the health and productivity of the herd. Learn more by scanning the QR codes with your phone camera.

CHeRI’s Goals for the next 5 years (2024-2029)

• Characterize bluetongue virus serotypes for vaccine development

• Identify poxvirus outbreaks and develop best management practices for containment

• Determine antibiotic resistance for commonly used antibiotics

• Describe helminth resistance for haemonchus worms, identify effective anti-helminths

• Design food plots that increase trophy deer production value and decreases parasite load

• Design integrated pest management plans that use the most effective pesticides in the most effective way possible

FL Deer Farmers’ Testimonials

Hemorrhagic Disease (HD) Diagnostics

Educational Resources: Learn more about what matters to you!

Whenever you have questions, Ask an Expert

“CHeRI has been very helpful in identifying specific pathogens through their necropsy and testing services. The team has been very supportive of our work, even helping with bloodwork and artificial insemination to gather useful health information.”

- Bontrager Whitetails

“CHeRI has done tremendous work improving deer health. Being able call them for a necropsy or if I have any questions has been very helpful. Their work with HD has been really helpful for us in planning vaccinations and preparing our herds for the summer and fall.”

- Bear Creek

HD Dashboard Map of Cases

Meet the team!

CHeRI Director: Samantha M. Wisely, PhD

The Wisely Lab is the entry point for diagnostic samples to enter the workflow. We receive tissue samples from Dr. Campos’s necropsy technicians and prepare them for rapid virus identification. We then send the prepared samples on for virus culture and whole genome sequencing. Dr. Wisely’s lab also spearheads collaborations with vaccine manufacturers to conduct field trials that test the efficacy of vaccines for cervids.

Jason K. Blackburn, PhD

Our team uses data from GPS collars, ear tags read by protein feeder stations, data from motiontriggered cameras, and data on midge numbers to build statistical models of deer movements to best understand where on the landscape deer and midges interact. We also use our bacterial pathogen lab and our whole genome sequencing lab to characterize E. coli isolated from deer in the necropsy program and to test for antibiotic resistance in those strains, which helps Dr. Campos' team study treatment options. Finally, we maintain the CHeRI Dashboard with the CHeRI laboratorians to map hemorrhagic disease prevalence at the county level annually.

Nathan Burkett-Cadena, PhD

Our team investigates the biology of the insect species (biting midges and mosquitoes) that carry hemorrhagic disease and other pathogens that affect deer health. We use that information to develop targeted control strategies to ultimately reduce the incidence of disease in farmed deer.

Juan M. Campos Krauer, DVM, PhD

Our team is committed to improving the health and disease prevention of captive-bred white-tailed deer in Florida. Our goal is to share our research findings with the deer farming industry to increase productivity. This involves participating in collaborative programs to identify and diagnose diseases, as well as educate deer farmers about disease prevention, nutrition, and best management practices. Specifically, we are focusing on viral diseases such as Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease and Bluetongue Virus, as well as bacterial and parasitic infections that affect deer health.

Kuttichantran Subramaniam, PhD

Our team works in discovering and characterizing novel viral genomes using cutting-edge genomic sequencing technologies to improve our understanding of virus evolution, host specificity, and interspecies transmission events. Robust diagnostic tools that we develop can significantly advance our understanding of viral infections in deer and support the development of strategies for disease prevention and control.

John A. Lednicky, PhD

By identifying the viruses that are harming farmed deer, we are able to inform vaccine manufacturers about the types of vaccines needed to protect farmed deer. We strive to grow the viruses in cell cultures so that follow-up research work is possible. Our work also informs farmers about the occurrence of zoonotic viruses (viruses that can affect humans and animals) so that they can protect themselves. Finally, by identifying the viruses, we can help develop best practices that stem the animal to animal transmission of the viruses.

Marcelo Wallau, PhD

Deer are ruminants, and forages is the base of ruminant nutrition and health. Our team helps farmers with choices of forages for deer, and to plan their forage production system. Our research is investigating how different forage sources can provide nutrition and habitat for captive and preserve deer.

Meet CHeRI’s students and technicians

Southeast Trophy Deer Association

“Florida Strong” - EVENT OVERVIEW

Inspirational Words from SETDA Vice President Bill

Tropical Storm Debby was baring down on the Florida coast as 47 people gathered for the SETDA Annual Picnic August 3rd at The Austin Carey Learning Center in Gainesville, Florida. A storm that caused flooding and massive rainfall across much of Florida may test the resolve of Florida deer farmers, but we are, as they say, Florida Strong.

Our event was yet another testimony to the way we come together even in the face of adversity and controversy, to do what we love the most. In an even stronger effort to stand t ogether united with all deer farmers, a new Florida venue has been created – The Florida United Deer Association Po litical Action Committee. The new PAC, open to all deer farmers, preserve owners, landowners and all citizens in F lorida who wish to participate, will help all of us fight one common enemy – CWD – and those who might use it against us and Florida’s deer. More information as to how the PAC will be funded, grow and operate will be available in t he near future, so stay tuned for updates.

In addition to the creation of a new PAC, our picnic welcomed v ery informative guest speakers such as Dr. Juan Campos, whitetail chemical immobilization (and complications), Dr. D. Dvas, optimizing deer nutrition to prevent acidosis and Vilma Montenegro Cooper from CHeRI, who presented a video on their latest research and upcoming goals.

We also appreciate everyone who participated in our dart gun co mpetition, one which allowed everyone to be successful (I’m sensing a common t heme here with the way things run in Florida.) An additional display of c amaraderie came in the form of auction winner, Little John, re-donating th e rifle he won to our 2025 Spring Fling. This type of generosity is what m akes SETDA such a great association to be a part of. We raised $2,90 4.25. Special thanks also goes out to Medgene, Pneudart, Dan Inject D art Guns, Dr. Ray Favero and Boston Wash from Antler Extreme feed company. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year. I’m proud of everyone for their passion, hard work and dedication to the success of our livelihoods. Remember, Florida deer farmers and our deer are FLORIDA STRONG!!

Bill Leffler

2 Base Down Frms 561-373-2353 twobasedownfarms@yahoo.com

“Remember, Florida deer farmers and our deer are FLORIDA STRONG!!“ - Bill Leffler

Science that delivers the health & productivity you require

G FORC E™

SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED NATURAL SUPPLEMENT TO HELP GROW LARGE, HEALTHY DEER AND BIG ANTLERS!

Nutrient rich formula contains highly bioavailable ingredients, including our proprietary calcium/phosphorous complex with Antler D TM, that are required to support body and bone growth, especially for fast growing bucks

Contains probiotics and targeted enzymes to support gut health and proper digestion

Available in pellet or powder that can be top dressed or mixed in feed. Great for antler growing season and young bucks, too

PeaceMaker

PRECISELY FORMULATED TO HELP MAINTAIN A NORMAL AND RELAXED DISPOSITION IN ALL CERVIDS

Provides optimal levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to promote calmness and provide help for restless animals

Contains no herbals, tryptophan or chemicals, eliminating concerns of unwanted side effects

Use PeaceMaker to “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation, weaning and anytime destructive behavior may occur

ENTERIC HEALTH FORMULA

POWERFUL SOLUTION FOR HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY

Helps maintain digestive health and productivity

Contains micro-encapsulated probiotics, targeted enzymes and a novel fiber complex

Use in does before fawning, during lactation and all cervids during times of environmental stress

FAWN ARRIVAL™ POWDER & PASTE

HELPS PRODUCE HEALTHY, FAST GROWING FAWNS

Helps maintain normal digestive health

Supports a healthy immune system

Feed powder for 14 days to bottle fed fawns

Paste is ideal for fawns left on does

FAWN & DEER XTR™

ROBUST FAST RESPONSE FOR FAWNS & OLDER DEER

Innovative formula delivers max digestive support, especially in newborns

Rapidly delivers help for GI health and a functioning immune system

May also be used post-tranquilization to support healthy recovery

C&E BIOSOLUTIONS

PROVIDING FULL-CIRCLE ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

By: Gail Veley

Each year, a dedicated customer of C&E BioSolutions orders $19,000 worth of product in one shot. “If you’re going to spend that much at once, you must really believe that it works,” offer Shane and Jennifer Horrocks of their recently re-energized company from 2007, C&E BioSolutions. Having years dedicated to products available through C&E as well as MaxRax® Wildlife Nutrition, Inc., which provides customized formulated feeds and analysis since 1998, Shane and Jennifer are ever so enthusiastic to share new products with their customers, as well as tout the benefits of seasoned “tried and true” ones.

Based out of Rockport, Texas, C&E BioSolutions specializes in producing precision released encapsulated probiotics, digestive enzymes and science backed supplements for your whitetail deer and exotic herds. C&E is also known for “bringing deer back to life,” Shane, 43, explained. “We hear a lot of good stories about this type of thing, like cleaning up scours

and saving so many fawns. Most of our products are fawn and antler growth driven.”

Shane and Jennifer are native Texans, who both grew up in the whitetail and exotic breeding industries. Shane started in 1994 on his family’s whitetail and exotic ranch in Junction, Texas. Jennifer began her wildlife experience in 2008 in Dimmit County, Texas bottle raising and vaccinating fawns, artificially inseminating superior does and managing hunts. Both have a combined experience working with more than 43 different cervid and hoof stock species. Educating customers about their products is their passion, and both couldn’t feel more eager about the recent addition of two new products. The first is “MaxRax® MR-1,” a mineral additive for your existing feed ration. The second product, “Defender,” is a C&E bulk probiotic to add to your current feeding program. All products through these companies are made and shipped throughout the U.S.A. “We also reward referrals and always appreciate having new customers pointed our way,” Jennifer said.

Shane, along with Jennifer, feel their education and real-world experience make them an ideal choice for running these companies and in turn, helping their customers realize success through healthy and prospering cervid and exotic herds. Shane, who earned a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition at Texas A&M, is also a member of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Coastal Conservation Association. Jennifer, 39, a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, is a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution as well as the Junior League of Corpus Christi.

As they look ahead, Shane and Jennifer are ready to further strengthen the trust they share with their customers, by inviting them to see for themselves how well their products work. “Jennifer and I are very grateful for the opportunities we have, and for all of our existing customers. We look forward to adding to our customer base and are always available for calls and emails. Don’t hesitate to reach out. In the grand scheme of things, it’s all about relationships and helping everyone win.”

Jennifer Horrocks

CEO/Sales/Support

C&E BioSolutions, LLC

210-410-2003

Email: contact@cebiosolutions.com Website: www.cebiosolutions.com

Shane Horrocks, M.S.

CEO/Nutritionist/Sales/Support

MaxRax® Wildlife Nutrition, Inc. 979-224-4399

Email: maxraxdeerfeed@gmail.com

The TRUTH About CWD

Part 3 of my continuing effort to inform and educate as many people as possible on The Truth About CWD. Albert Einstein is quoted as defining INSANITY as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I wonder how many times his definition applies as we discuss CWD and the methods that have been attempted to control or eliminate it.

By Dr. Bill Leffler

Question #1. What were the initial states where CWD was found?

ANSWER: CWD was first discovered in Colorado, on land where government research was attempting to find out if mule deer could get scrapie’s. Some of these infected animals were transported to another government research facility in Wyoming, which became the 2nd state to get CWD. The 3rd state to get CWD was apx.14 miles outside of Madison, Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin at that time actively doing research on TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies).

DOES ANYONE SEE A COMMON PATTERN? INSANITY, YES OR NO.

Question#2. Can we eradicate CWD by shooting and killing deer?

ANSWER: NO. Between 2001-2002 the state of Wisconsin tried this by indiscriminately killing over 172,000 deer. In 2007 a report about that program was finalized and turned to the Governor stating that the program failed, but the language was changed to read “unsuccessful”. In 2022 the WDNR reported that 62 of 72 counties had been infected with CWD, and by the total estimated deer herd had grown to 1,628,500 animals.

Texas Parks and Wildlife has so far killed and tested over 500,000 whitetails but less than 500 (apx. 486) were found to test positive for CWD prions or somewhere around 2 per 10,000 the next outbreak of a disease

DOES ANYONE SEE A COMMON PATTERN? INSANITY, YES OR NO.

Question #3. Does testing positive having CWD prions, mean that the animal has Chronic Wasting Disease ? ANSWER: NO. To have the disease, you must have clinical evidence of it, which means that the animal must have documented encephalopathy. Therefore, any deer tested post-mortem (after it has died) which is found to test positive for CWD prions, but upon necropsy, no encephalopathy is discovered, can NOT be said to have died from CWD. Many Americans experienced this type of fraud firsthand. For example, if a person died from a heart attack or auto accident or gunshot wound, but upon autopsy also tested positive for COVID, the hospitals, medical centers, and doctors were reimbursed more (paid more money) for reporting that the cause of death was COVID. The government was paying for false data for their own agenda. I have only been able to find one deer that died with “clinical” CWD, a buck at the Ox Ranch in Texas. There is very little evidence to clearly show that a deer actually died from CWD, and not with or having CWD. Almost all die from respiratory related disease like pneumonia. Most often the words “non-detect” or “non-discovered” are reported. You might find it interesting to know, those states which report having greatest number of CWD positive test results get over 8 times the funding from the Federal government versus those states reporting none.

DOES ANYONE SEE A COMMON PATTERN? INSANITY, YES OR NO.

Questio#4. Is there any peer-reviewed scientific evidence that has shown that CWD has affected the fecundity or recruitment of whitetail deer?

ANSWER: NO. “Fecundity” is a measure of the fertility and reproductive success, while fawn “recruitment” is defined as the number of fawns per doe that survive until at least 6 months of age to be recruited into the adult population. This helps explain why the total deer population has increased by nearly 12+ times since the original discovery of CWD.

Continued on Page 18...

from Page 16...

Question#5. How is CWD like COVID? ANSWER. It is now extremely probable that both were created in a lab? Consider looking at the research which still being done. Our government is funding bizarre research to see if they can get the CWD prions to cross species barriers of other cervids (axis and others), by injecting infected materials into their brains as well as feeding them infected materials from organs, meat, urine and feces. The original sites where both were discovered occurred at or near research facilities. To date, all attempts to control both have failed. Covid is a DENSITY DEPENDENT disease, meaning that the likelihood where the next outbreak of the disease may occur is dependent upon large populations to spread the disease. CWD is FREQUENCY DEPENDENT, the disease is contracted by the number of times that the animal is exposed to the disease. The greater the number of times that an animal is exposed increases its likelihood of contracting it. Therefore, it is NOT highly infectious as we have been told, and reducing the population by culling or depopulation will always fail. The government and state agencies continue to use the density dependent model which has failed every time attempted, and yet they expect a different outcome. As for COVID, we are all learning to live with it. It is about time we understand that CWD is never going to go away, and we must learn to live with it as wel l.

DOES ANYONE SEE A COMMON PATTERN? INSANITY, YES OR NO.

Question #6. What lab tests can detect CWD prions and which is the most accurate? ANSWER. At this time, abnormal prion proteins can be detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, prion misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA), and real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QulC). However, at this time, the only Federal and State approved tests are IHC and ELISA. They are both quicker and cost less than the other tests but are less accurate, but Western blot is far more specific, accurate and can provide more information than either IHC or ELISA. Finally, we have an accurate test that can be done on live animals, RT-QulC , pronounced R-T-Quick, but the USDA will not approve the test and neither does the DNR.

WHY WILL THEY ONLY APPROVE POST-MORTEM TESTS, WHAT IS THEIR AGENDA?

Questin#7. Is CWD actually Old-World Scrapie? ANSWER. As new information continues to be found, it appears that the answer is YES. According to Texas biologist, Horace Gore, both CWD and Old-World Scrapie have the molecular profile of PrPSc. Without Western blotting, which was developed in 1979, one might believe that CWD was another Mad Cow disease. In fact, with Western blotting the two, CWD and Scrapie are indistinguishable from one another. Scientist of the USADA at the Ames Research lab have also revealed that CWD is nothing but scrapie in cervids.

WHY DO FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES REFUSE TO ADMIT THE TRUTH ?

Question #8. Can we breed our way out of it like what was done with Scrapie in sheep? ANSWER. For captive deer, there is a high probability of YES. Dr. Chris Seabury’s research has pointed us the way. Some deer are simply genetically predisposed to get CWD and other diseases like EHD. There are specific genetic profiles which are less susceptible to contracting the disease, and when they do, their life expectancy is far greater than others. Codon-96 SS genotypes with the highest negative breeding values (GEBV) have been shown to be the most resistant. It is important to remember, that even sheep which have been genetically bred to be resistant to Scrapie, can still get it even today. The probability and occurrence being very low. Likewise, even deer with best Codon- 96 markers and high negative breeding values can still get CWD, the probability and occurrence will also be very low, but not zero. So far, Dr. Seabury has not discovered a single deer to test positive that had a GEBV greater than -0.35 in a negative direction. He believes that the quickest way to bred resistance is to strive for the highest negative GEBV, even if it means breeding a GS deer, because we can always make SS deer. The best value he has ever found was -0.49, while the worst value ever found was +0.51.

For wild deer there is a very low possibly, and high probability of NO. The natural occurrence of the best genetics with highest negative breeding values cannot be determined, as they occur very rarely. Less than, or at most approximately 1% of deer have either one H or K on their Codon-96 marker, and few have a single S let alone two S’s. Even if we released captive raised genetically resistant deer into the wild it would take years before any measurable effect could be seen. Also, their numbers may not be sufficient to overwhelm the wild deer population in that area to control CWD. Worse yet, hunters cannot tell which deer possess the greatest genetic resistance to CWD, nor can those individuals hired to depopulate or cull deer herds. Oklahoma is the first state attempting this, and I 100% support their efforts, while other states continue repeating failed policies, hoping for a different outcome.

QUESTION#9. Can CWD prions eventually be discovered in an environment where all cervids have been totally removed, even if they have been kept out permanently for many years? Can CWD spontaneously appear?

ANSWER. YES, to both. We must remember that the transmission of CWD prions and contamination of an environment is possible by many means including but not limited to the following: Contaminated soil be carried on shoes and tires, insects, scavenging birds and mammals through their feces, carnivore movement of carcasses, water events such as runoff and floods, as well as the transportation of contaminated grasses ( hays), and grains. Environmental contamination may contribute to the “spontaneous” appearance of CWD, but even without it, spontaneous occurrence still happens in nature. Double or triple fencing only stops deer to deer transmission.

Question#10. Has CWD affected hunter participation and land values?

ANSWER. Has CWD affected hunter participation and land values?

Answer: YES. Hunter participation including license purchases have been declining for many years. This has created a burden and strained the budgets of many state agencies. After the discovery of CWD, those budgets were stretched even more. The loss in land values are even affecting large timber companies. which are having difficulties leasing lands to hunters in the southeastern USA where CWD is being discovered. Many private landowners’ property values are being destroyed resulting in bankruptcies in various states. Utah, is currently attempting to incentivize hunters to participate in their CWD surveillance program by paying them to turn in heads. FWC is paying game processors and taxidermist (see list attached) $20 and $30 dollars respectively to turn in heads as part of their surveillance plan. A number of states have reintroduced the most successful killer of cervids in the USA, the wolf. The most recent being Colorado in 2023. Wisconsin is currently studying the effects of the wolf predation as a means to control CWD in deer in that state. President Joe Biden comes to the rescue, as he bails out the financial difficulties of those state agencies. As part of the $1.7 trillion dollar spending bill, he signed ballooning our federal deficit. It included a house appropriation bill, H.R. 5608, which earmarked $72million dollars from the tax payers to fund states efforts to control, manage, and study CWD. These bloated governmental agencies now flush with taxpayer dollars are the primary reason that you are suddenly seeing many state agencies buying new vehicles and hiring new people. One of the main goals of government agencies is to continue to expand and increase in size, this was accomplished with the passing of H.R. 5608. See the attached 2023 spending plan for CWD management projects for both wild and captive cervid. Unfortunately, many are just a repeat of failed programs previously attempted, for example, Testing and Surveillance is the most frequent plan for the wild cervid population. However, some are finally looking for a solution in a new direction, especially in the captive cervid group, where the most frequent plan now being Genomic Predictions for Selective /Breeding. All is not lost with the wild cervid group as the development for ante-mortem live animal testing are the second most frequently funded programs.

INSANITY, YES AND NOW POSSIBLY NO

Question#11. What are the total economic costs spent fighting CWD is the US? ANSWER. UNKNOWN. Deer are the most popular pursued big game animal in America. In 2016, hunters contributed $20.9 billion dollars to the US gross domestic product and generated over $5 billion in taxes. Estimates of losses due to loss of hunter participation where CWD has been detected are thought to be in the tens of millions of dollars for those individual states. The Federal governmental agencies collectively have spent over $284.1 million on CWD efforts between 2001 and 2021 (see table 1, attached costs paid by state agencies and cervid farmers ). The economic losses to captive cervid industry, losses to property values, and total losses to the hunting industry are not known but estimated to be considerable and will only continue to grow as the disease spreads, according to an article published 12/8/22 by Scott Chiavacci in PLoS One.

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.

Participating Taxidermists and Meat Processors

The taxidermists and meat processors listed at the web address below will offer no-cost CWD testing throughout the 2024-2025 hunting season:

https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/health/white-tail-deer/cwd/samples/

Michigan Fall Deadline

Wild Cervid Chronic Wasting Disease

Management and Response Activities

2023 Cooperative Agreements

2023 Spending Plan

August 2023

2023 Spending Plans f or the Wild Cervid Chronic Wasting Disease

Manage ment and Re sponse Activ ities 2023 Cooperative Agreement s

USDA APHIS WS is awarding $6,012,192 through Cooperative Agreements to eighteen State Departments of wildlife (totaling approximately $3,085,808), sixteen universities (totaling approximately $2,900,070) and one Tribal government (totaling approximately $26,313). These projects will allow recipients to further develop and implement CWD management, response, and research activities in wild cervids, including surveillance and testing. Funded projects are listed below. Wild Cervid CWD Management Projects

Increasing CWD surveillance in Arizona by providing resources for direct hunter sample submission

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s 2023-2024

CWD White-tailed Deer Statewide Surveillance and Monitoring

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission CWD Testing Awareness and Outreach Promotion

Applying AFWA Best Management Practices for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance and Sample Disposal in Louisiana: A State Recently Detecting CWD in Wild Cervids

Evidenced-based implementation of Chronic Wasting Disease educational programming and preventative strategies in Massachusetts Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, MassWildlife

Utilizing Novel Genetic Resources to Evaluate Effectiveness of Culling to Manage CWD in Endemic Areas Minnesota Department of Natural Resources $233,827.00 Does it Matter - Building a Web Application for Managers to Measure Impacts of CWD Control Strategies Minnesota Department of Natural Resources $113,227.00

Environmental Surveillance for CWD: Improving Understanding of Natural Risk and Refining RTQuIC Protocols

of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Fighting Fatigue: Increasing capacity to meet the demands of elevated CWD surveillance in North Carolina North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Oregon Chronic Wasting Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Management Program FY2023

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife $248,730.00

Using Decision Science to Improve CWD Surveillance in Florida The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) $250,000.00

Wild Cervid CWD Management Projects

Project Title

Increasing chronic wasting disease sample size and quality among Utah’s sportsmen and wildlife professionals

Optimization of CWD Data Management, Surveillance, and Carcass Disposal Strategies in Virginia

Evaluation of CWD outreach and education to guide disease management in Washington State

Comparison of two surveillance techniques for the efficient detection of CWD among freeranging cervids in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia

Deepening Partnerships, Expanding Access: Reducing CWD Transmission Risks by Supporting Proper Carcass Disposal

Assessing risks associated with CWD-positive deer carcasses, scavenging, and carnivore movement within a CWD endemic area

Evaluation of composting CWD-positive Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) by detection of PrP CWD in composted environmental samples using real-time quakinginduced conversion (RT-QulC)

Use of RT-QuIC for antemortem detection of CWD in blood and lymphoid tissue collected from freeranging white-tailed deer and elk

Pairing CWD Outreach to the Context: Social, Cultural, and Ecological Variability

Confinement of chronic wasting disease prions from infected carcasses after burial

Fecal metagenomic and metabolomic biomarkers as tools for Chronic Wasting Disease diagnostics and surveillance

Growing community-based leadership in CWD response and management in Iowa

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources $101,013.00

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources $221,413.00

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

$56,949.48

$91,019.00

$200,000.00

$213,334.00

Wyoming Game and Fish Department $140,358.00

Colorado State University $192,139.00

Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, and Wildlife Futures Program, University of Pennsylvania

Iowa State University

Michigan CWD Core Area Outreach & Education Michigan State University Extension

$250,000.00

$150,933.00

Wild Cervid CWD Management Projects Project Title Entity Funding Amount

Building regional capacity for CWD research and surveillance in the Southeastern United States

Modeling the effects of wolf predation on risk of Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer in Wisconsin

Quantification of soil clay components in northern Illinois to improve characterization of indirect CWD transmission risk and increase the efficacy of management efforts

Monitoring Chronic Wasting Disease with BioSamples and Bio-Detectors

Feral swine as spreaders of Chronic Wasting Disease prions

Pathological investigation of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Pennsylvania’s chronic wasting disease established area

Reproduction and Recruitment in a High Prevalence CWD Area in West Tennessee

Development of a new platform for rapid and sensitive detection of chronic wasting disease prion in live animal samples

Enhancing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Testing Capacity at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) for CWD

Surveillance in Washington State

Automated CWD IHC location and staining detection: Augmenting CWD surveillance capabilities through artificial intelligence-based image analysis

Spokane Tribe Chronic Wasting Disease Outreach and Surveillance Project

Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS)

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System (UW-Madison)

The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

The Penn Vet Working Dog Center

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

University of Pennsylvania

University of Tennessee

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Washington State University

Washington State University –Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WSUWADDL)

Spokane Tribe of IndiansWildlife Program

$99,712.00

$185,373.00

$86,986.00

$208,331.00

$249,924.00

$249,799.00

$92,030.00

$249,975.00

$169,782.00

$197,864.00

$106,779.00

USDA APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) is awarding $5.27 millioni through 20 Cooperative Agreements to 12 State departments of agriculture and five universities. The funded projects listed below will allow recipients to further develop and implement CWD management, response, and research activities in farmed cervids, including surveillance and testing

Farmed Cervid Management Projects

Farmed Cervid Chronic Wasting Disease Management and Response Activities 202 3

Project Title

Genomic Predictions for Selective Breeding to Reduce Susceptibility to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Farmed White‐tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) farms participating in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s CWD Herd Certification Program (HCP)

Genomic Predictions for Selective Breeding to Reduce Susceptibility to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Farmed White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Indiana

The Development and Integration of a Comprehensive CWD Herd Certification Plan (HCP) and Incorporation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technology to Enhance the Regulatory Management of Farmed Cervid Operations in Georgia

Expanding Outreach to Cervid Farmers and Veterinarians in States Participating in USDA’s CWD Herd Certification Program

Missouri’s farmed white-tailed deer herd management utilizing predictive genetics

Depopulation of CWD-positive herds and CWDexposed animals in Wisconsin

Genomic Predictions for Selective Breeding to Reduce Prevalence of and Susceptibility to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Farmed White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Farmed White-Tailed Deer Herd Management Plan Utilizing Predictive Genetics

Improving chronic wasting disease surveillance of captive deer facilities in Texas using a modelinformed adaptive management approach

CWD Microchip Incentive

Enhancing Missouri’s Chronic Wasting Disease Program through training, outreach, and distribution of resources and educational materials

Validation of a Minimally Invasive, Rapid, and Sensitive Biomarker-Based Test for Ante-Mortem

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

$52,500

Indiana State Board of Animal Health $197,860

Georgia Department of Agriculture $90,385

Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health

$247,043

Missouri Department of Agriculture $228,500

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

$1,791,021

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection $244,622

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Detection of Prion Infection in Farmed Cervids Texas

Next Generation Predictive Genetics For Differential Susceptibility to Chronic Wasting Disease in Farmed White-tailed Deer and Elk

Identification and characterization of CWD contaminated meats

New York farmed white-tailed deer herd testing utilizing predictive genetics New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Oklahoma farmed white-tailed deer herd testing utilizing predictive genetics

Kansas farmed white-tailed deer herd management utilizing predictive genetics

Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

Department of Agriculture

Increasing the efficacy of Illinois’ Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Certification Program and improving management and disease surveillance of farmed cervid herds by training accredited veterinarians and herd owners in the collection and submission of satisfactory samples for CWD testing Illinois Department of Agriculture

Response to first CWD detection in Floridaii

CWD response in Michiganii

and

$249,525

Direct Costs to Chronic Wasting Disease Paid

by State Agencies and Cervid Farmers

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

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

GENERATIONAL FARMING PASSING DOWN THE LOVE OF AGRICULTURE AND THE OUTDOORS

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

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

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

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

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

Davidson, the first is his family

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

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

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SETDA Summer Picnic 2024

Trophy Breeder Bucks Showcase Book 2024 Application

Advertisers running ads in any of the 2024 Multi State Association Magazines will have the opportunity to place a single buck update photo in the D&K Design September Showcase Book.

Reservation for space and buck info will be due no later than August 21st, 2024. If you have an existing picture ready to go, that will also be due at that time. If you would like to send in a last minute photo of your buck, the cutoff date is Monday, September 2nd by 9am CST. Placement will be in order of first come first serve. Printing and mailing will start September 4th and be in hand between September 16th-20th. Just in time for semen sales getting ready for Breeding Season. These will be mailed to members of the 19 state associations we service. (More information will be mailed out to all current advertisers closer to the date)

Cost: $175.00 each 1/4 page ad or 4 for $650.00 (Pre-register and we will contact you for further information)

SETDA Summer Picnic 2024

ALABAMA DEER FARMERS STRIVE FOR EFFECTIVE INSECT CONTROL

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

Without a doubt, “insect infestation affects the growth of deer antlers,” offers Dr. Dan Moore, DVM and owner of The Natural Vet, a supplement supply company based out of Unicoi, Tennessee. As a recent attendee of the 2024 Alabama Deer Farmers Association annual convention, Dr. Moore is well-versed in the types of insects that plague deer farmers in southern states such as Alabama and Tennessee. Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and midge flies “also carry the threat of disease in deer, leading to stress, weight loss, deficient antler growth, anemia and even death in more severe cases,” added Dr. Moore, 68, a retired veterinarian and former owner of two vet practices.

For deer farmers, protecting their deer from disease is akin to protecting their very own families, Dr. Moore has learned. “This is how much deer farmers love their deer. I even knew a farmer once who had two fawns at his wedding just for the sake of having them there,” he said. For the sake of running a successful operation, prevention is the main focus in disease management. While Alabama itself is home to several predatory animals that can harm adult deer and fawns

such as opossums, hawks, coyotes, alligators, raccoons and feral hogs, to name a few, insects cannot be held back by sturdier fences, traps or legal, seasonal hunting practices.

In the warmer, moist and more humid climate found in Alabama “insects must be managed yearround,” Dr. Moore said. These insects predominately include midge flies which can carry Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), horse flies which live on host blood and deliver painful and stressful bites, ticks which can carry Lyme Disease and mosquitoes which can carry a vast amount of diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile virus and other diseases that can also affect both deer and humans. Alabama is home to approximately 60 species of mosquitoes that are attracted to water puddles, watering holes, ditches and other waterways.

Eradication methods include fogging with misting systems, insect deterrent sprays such as fly spray and supplements added to feed to make livestock unpalatable to preying insects who depend on their host blood for survival. Understanding which insects are most prevalent at your deer farm can help guide decisions such as which time of day is most effective for fogging, or when to mow or not now grass, or simply leave

it as grazing land. However, without careful scrutiny and monitoring, these practices could cause misfortune to other wildlife species, floral and fauna that are not harmful to deer.

Many deer supplement products, available from a wide variety of local and on-line feed stores, were primarily derived from Dr. Moore’s horse products after it was discovered that deer found them appealing. “They can provide deer farmers with natural solutions to common problems,” Dr. Moore said. “My father went through threeyear illness during which I lost faith in traditional medicine. I felt that there could be better and more natural ways to propagate health for ourselves and our domestic animals.”

“I highly recommend that all deer farmers investigate natural solutions for the dilemmas they face in raising their deer,” Dr. Moore. “This can also include more natural dewormers, insect sprays and feed management practices. Considering the big picture, I think this is the best thing to do.”

Alabama

Indiana

Pennsylvania

Southeast

Tri-State

United

Word Search

SUDOKU

The rules for sudoku are simple:

A 9x9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.

To challenge you more, there are 3x3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.

Adventure

Backyard

Barbecue

Butterflies

Canoeing

Festivals

Fireworks

Gardening

Hayride

Humid

Lemonade

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IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED PNEU-DART’S RDD S, YOU’RE MISSING MORE THAN YOUR TARGET

SOUTHEAST

TROPHY DEER ASSOCIATION

Dr. Bill Leffler

PO Box 159

Morriston, FL 32668

SETDA MEMBERS BUSINESS CARDS

Welcome to our SeTDA members Business card page. This is a way for members, both old and new, to reach out to each other for your services or to buy and sell deer.

If interested in getting into future business card pages, send your Farm or Business Cards to; info@southeasttrophydeerassociation.com.

Business cards will be rotated quarterly, if your card isn’t in this issue it will likely be in next quarters magazine. All cards can be viewed at https://www.southeasttrophydeerassociation.com/page-18108.

Thank You, SeTDA BOD’s

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

Coloring pages can be mailed to “Samantha Uchytil, 19291 59th St NE, New London, MN 56273” for a chance to be featured in the next issue!

Hilty Whitetails

Phone (260) 248-1684

1 Year Old Bucks

#1272/392131

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2 Year Old Bucks

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Easy Venison Pie

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

Ingredients

• 2½ tbsp sunflower oil

• 2lbs diced venison

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

• 2 onions, roughly chopped

• 2 bay leaves

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

• 3 tbsp plain flour

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 5oz red wine or dark ale (optional)

• 2 beef stock cubes mixed with 20oz boiling water

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

• 13oz sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry

Instructions

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

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

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

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