Creating Catchy, Unique and Memorable Names Sponsored by WOL
HOW TO SAFELY HAUL WHITETAIL DEER
Sponsored by IDEFA
DAY ONE FORMULA
Species - Specific for Whitetail , Mule Deer & Elk
“Better Than Mother’s Milk”
FEEDING DIRECTIONS: WHITE-TAILED DEER:
• Fawns up to 1 week of age: Feed 16 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 – 6 feeding.
• Fawns 1 week to 1 month of age: Feed 24 to 30 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 feedings.
• Fawns 1 month to 2 months of age: Feed 30 to 35 oz. of formula daily, divided into 2 to 3 feedings.
• Fawns 2 months to weaning: Gradually decrease formula and number of feedings to approximately 15 oz. of formula once daily until fawn is fully weaned at 12 to 14 weeks of age. Provide a weaning diet and fresh clean water to the fawn.
For oral use only. These feeding directions are guidelines. As each animal is an individual, the feeding rate may be increased or decreased according to the needs of the neonate.
Feeding directions for other species can be found on our website.
• All-Milk Protein from Premium Food-Grade Milk Ingredients
• Essential Vitamins and Complex Minerals
• Balanced Fatty Acids
• Improves Digestion
• Promotes Growth and Performance
• No Refrigeration Needed
• Easily Palatable
• 18 Month Shelf Life
• Available in 20# & 8# pails
• 24/7 Technical Advice & Support
• Formula for other Exotics and Wildlife Available
KENTUCKY ALTERNATIVE
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Becker
PRESIDENT Campbellsville, KY jasonbecker757@gmail.com 757-692-5820
Jake Anderson
VICE PRESIDENT
925 Guston Rd Guston KY 40142
janderson@theluskgroup.com 270-547-8432
DIRECTORS
Daniel Stallard
Copper Creek Whitetails 500 Copper Creek Rd Dawson Springs, KY 42408 214-897-1958
Patrick Stanley
Twisted Tines Ranch / Crooked Creek Whitetails P.O. Box 130 Williamstown, KY 41097
David Miller
1873 Forestville Rd Mumfordville KY 42765
270-537-5357
Henry Woodard
CHAIRMAN
9776 Roseville Rd
Glasgow KY 42141 woodardpropertiestn@gmail.com 423-595-8898
4195 Penchem Rd Guthrie KY 42234 jmgreenlandsod@safecom.link 270-483-2140
Message from Magazine Chairman: Grayson Steele
SUMMER 2025
Summertime is here! Fawns are on the ground, and the bucks are starting to show their potential — it’s always an exciting time of year for all of us in the deer industry.
For most of us, fawning season is already winding down. It’s been months of early mornings and late evenings, but it’s worth every minute of lost sleep seeing those little babies. I hope it’s been a healthy and productive season for you and your herds.
I want to remind everyone how important it is to stay engaged with your local legislators. Keep those lines of communication open all year long — invite them to visit your farms, show them how we are meeting and exceeding strict regulations, and highlight the quality genetics we are producing through responsible selective breeding. This season is the prime opportunity for them to experience firsthand our busy farms in action, with fawns running around and bucks growing strong. Our industry’s future depends on these relationships and the transparency we provide.
Looking ahead, planning for our Summer Showcase is well underway! Mark your calendars for August 9th at the Plaza & Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. If you’d like to help out during the event, please reach out to any board member — your support is greatly appreciated. We still have space for farms to set up booths and room for additional ads in the event catalog. Please also consider donating an item for our silent auction. Your participation helps make this event possible.
We look forward to seeing everyone in August for what’s sure to be a fantastic gathering. Until then, best wishes for a safe and successful summer on your farms!
The most widely used MK™ Kit on the market today. Contains a higher concentration of medetomidine and ketamine than the original MK™ formulation which provides the ability to use less medication and a smaller dart resulting in improved accuracy when capturing.
MKB™ KIT - PROPRIETARY FORMULA
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.
LEARN MORE
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.
KALA FARM FEATURE
J&J WHITETAILS - JOSH & JACKIE BODENHAMER
FROM TEN TO A HUNDRED: A KENTUCKY WHITETAIL FARM’S JOURNEY OF GROWTH, GRIT, AND PURPOSE
By Grayson Steele
In February 2021, a cervid farm in Dry Ridge, Kentucky began with just ten bred whitetail does. What started as a leap of faith has grown into a thriving operation of nearly 100 whitetail deer. Their story is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets action — and when a family dares to follow an unconventional path with hard work, grit, and an unwavering belief in the potential of their land and animals.
The inspiration for their farm began a year earlier, in 2020, when long-time friend Patrick Stanley of Twisted Tines Ranch suggested the idea of deer farming. At first, the notion seemed far-fetched. The couple behind the farm had
never seriously considered raising whitetail, let alone heard much about the industry in Kentucky. With no experience in deer care, herd management, or the complex operations involved — not to mention the daunting financial investment — they initially declined. But curiosity took root. Encouraged and intrigued by the growing potential of the industry, they discovered that Kentucky was already home to nearly 100 deer farms. What followed was a deep dive into research, including visits to local farms, countless conversations with seasoned deer farmers, and hours spent watching Keith Warren’s Deer and Wildlife Stories. Fueled by a love of wildlife and a willingness to learn, they took the plunge.
The last four years for J&J whitetails hasn’t always been easy. Just like many farmers, disease outbreaks like EHD and pneumonia, injuries within the herd, the rising costs of feed and supplies—all became part of daily life. But one of the greatest obstacles wasn’t the steep learning curve or even the physical labor. It came from outside the fences: government overreach. Navigating the constant pressure from regulatory agencies and
sportsmen’s groups who seem determined to restrict and regulate deer farming out of existence has been a grueling reality. Even after diligently researching and complying with the legal requirements and maintaining strict regulations for running a captive cervid farm, they were blindsided by how aggressive the fight would be and the negative connotation framed on deer farmers. Josh said it best by saying, “they have made it their mission to regulate us out of business because they refuse to follow the science and a commonsense approach to Chronic Wasting Disease.” The policies surrounding CWD, in particular, often are in favor of bureaucracy.
However, in light of ongoing pressure to conform to CWD regulations, they’ve committed to selective breeding programs aimed at producing deer with codon markers that show resistance to the disease. It’s a forwardthinking approach designed to meet challenges head-on while preserving the integrity of the herd.
Still, success has come to J&J Whitetails — and it’s measured in antler inches and herd health. Among the farm’s proudest achievements are a few bucks they’ve raised; twin yearling bucks each scoring around 250”, and a remarkable two-year-old buck that scored an impressive 331”. Through selective breeding, responsible herd management, and an eye for genetic quality, the
farm has cultivated a profitable and promising operation.
Their message to KALA members is clear: the future of deer farming depends on unity within the community. Josh said, “we must band together working with each other to accomplish a common goal.” Deer farmers across the state — and the country — must defend their livelihood from bureaucratic overreach and misinformation. Josh added, “we, deer farmers, must stand together in our fight to keep our businesses, and not just for ours, but future generations.” This is more than just a business. It’s a way of life, one worth protecting for the next generation.
Their story is one of resilience, community, and commitment to
both the land and the animals they raise. From ten to a hundred, this Kentucky deer farm stands as proof of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.
In just four years, they’ve built not just a profitable farm, but a bold voice in the cervid industry — one that speaks up not only for themselves, but for every deer farmer fighting to preserve this way of life for future generations. J&J Whitetails have been a huge asset to KALA and we owe them a thank you for standing with us in our legislative fight. Thank you, Josh & Jackie, for consistently showing up and actively participating in our organization; your efforts are to be commended!
Summer Showcase at Sloan Convention Center
December 6th, 2025 location TBA For Questions Contact: Grayson Steele grayson@unityridge.com
• Fawn Cradles
• Does Available For pricing and ordering of either contact Ace Whitetails at: acewhitetailsky@gmail.com or text (502) 994-8656
Solid Rock Whitetails: (TB & Brucellosis certified) “We will be selling several high quality does and doe fawns that consistently produce the typical look the industry is demanding. We have gotten top dollar out of the bucks from these lines. Several with have S markers. We will also have several breeder bucks that will have GS and possibly even SS markers.
If you are interested, contact Tony Maddox at (859) 556-7262
For Classifieds ads, contact Grayson Steele at
Breeder Buck 2024 Showcase Magazine is
We created this magazine in order for 2024 Breeder and Hunting Preserve advertisers to showcase their most recent photos of their bucks close to the last days of antler growth. We realize establishing a collective deadline for all states Fall magazines to publish on the same date to obtain last-minute photos would be impossible to achieve. With this magazine, advertisers have one more chance to showcase their bucks.
~ Thank you to all that participated!
KALA’S Kitchen
If you are a KALA Member and would like to share one of your game recipes to KALA’s Kitchen and be featured in one of our upcoming KALA Magazine issues please contact Maryann Hall at solidrockwhitetails@ yahoo.com or call 859-556-7262. All you have to do is be a KALA member to participate!
Fried Wild Turkey Nuggets
By Solid Rock Whitetails
INGREDIENTS
• 1 turkey breast half
• 1.5 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning
• 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• oil for frying
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak turkey breast in water for 2 days (pour off water and add back clean water daily).
2. On day 3 cut up into 1 inch pieces and soak in buttermilk.
3. When ready to fry, pour off milk and let pieces set and drain for 30 minutes.
4. Mix all dry ingredients with flour in a large bowl.
5. In a frying pan, heat up your oil.
6. Place several pieces of turkey in the flour, toss to coat, then place in oil. You will probably fry up two separate batches depending on pan size. While frying, we always shake a little more cajun, garlic, and black pepper on each piece for added flavor and a little zing.
7. Fry 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown, turning only once.
8. When done, take out of the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra grease.
9. Enjoy your wild turkey nuggets!
Hope You Enjoy!!!
Maryann Hall, Solid Rock Whitetails
If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to:
Grayson Steele: grayson@unityridge.com
Business Cards rotate as space allows. If you have any concerns, double check your membership is up to date and feel free to contact us and resend your card.
DREAM GENOMICS
DEVELOPING CUTTING EDGE CWD DETECTION TEST
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Kansas Alternative Livestock Association
Early, non-symptomatic detection of CWD in a whitetail herd could become as simple as drawing blood, thanks to a revolutionary diagnostic test currently being developed by Dream Genomics. Based out of Northbrook Illinois, Dream Genomics is a newly developed visionary biotech firm started in 2023, whose energy and efforts are fully invested in the “Discovery Phase” of developing a reliable, ultimately fool-proof and scientifically recognized CWD detection blood test. Leading the charge for Dream Genomics is Dr. Gary Pusateri, CEO and Founder, Michael Falduto, Chief Technology Officer and Founder as well as Dr. Scott Magnuson, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder.
Along with developing a reliable test, are the challenges of buying equipment to continue the research along with obtaining adequate
numbers of positive CWD samples. Dream Genomics is actively searching for sponsors and donors in the form of corporations, deer associations and private individuals to continue on this quest.
NADeFA and The Cervid Livestock Foundation (CLF) have donated substantial seed money to Dream Genomics, in an effort to keep the research ball rolling and to help purchase testing plates or “chips” as they are commonly called.
Chips, an array that looks at all the genes in a deer’s genome and measures the gene expression via profiling using RNA, fully measures a deer’s response which creates a “bio-profile” for early detection. This technology could perhaps also be used to “stage” the disease in the fact that it will be specifically used at the front end of detection, and not the back end.
Unlike old traditional testing methods which examine CWD prions in already infected organs, this new test is being designed to preemptively find CWD in a singularly fashion, before symptoms develop and before others in a herd are also affected. “Their progress is amazing,” said NADeFA President Shawn Schafer. “This could completely change everything in the industry as we know it right now. Gone may be the days of five-year quarantines or repeatedly extracted rectal samples.”
Resounding in the deer industry is the common goal to eradicate CWD and to develop a minimally invasive diagnostic test, explained Dr. Pusateri. “Once adequate project funding has been established and
enough positive samples have been acquired, Dream Genomics can move towards biological confirmation that our test is accurate,” he said. “We strongly believe that we can reach our goal of making this real and attainable.” Anyone interested in donating towards Dream Genomics research, please contact Dr. Pusateri at his office at 847-291-9602 or his cell phone at 715-891-7878 or email him at gpusateri@dreamgx.com. You can also check out the website at www.dreamgx.com.
NAMING DEER
CREATING CATCHY, UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE NAMES
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by Whitetails of Louisiana
It was Halloween night a few years ago, and the considerably long and scenic road to Elam Woods Whitetails in Baskin, Louisiana never saw any trick or treaters. A storm was rolling in, dark and rumbling. As crashes of thunder and streaks of lightening illuminated the surroundings, Ben and Krystal, two adult children of Elam Woods Owner Bill Holdman, spotted something moving across the front lawn. “Dad, we have a trick or treater,” they both exclaimed. “Finally.”
As Holdman opened the front door to investigate, he didn’t find a trick or treater, but rather, a five-monthold buck fawn that had wandered out of its pen. “We named him Gray Ghost,” Holdman said. While naming deer can have a more lighthearted and humerus side to it, a unique name may help people long remember your farm or the buck. Having bucks with unique names can also “help promote a lineage and genetic line and can even give a real boost to a certain line,” said Henry Woodard of Woodard Whitetails in Glasglow, Kentucky.
Woodard, who purchased the infamous buck Gladiator as a mere 63” yearling in 2004, couldn’t have known then that the little buck, named so after the movie Gladiator, would “blow up” at two and go on to sire many more great producers with names such as Gladiator II, Gladiator Supreme, Gladiator XL and Gladiator Select. Owning Gladiator proved to be extremely profitable for Woodard and provided the backbone to carry this head-turning lineage forward. Semen straws sold quickly. Later,
Gladiator was bought by Lone Hollow Whitetails where he lived to be 16.
“It was different back then when Gladiator was on the scene,” Woodard said. “CWD wasn’t the big issue it is now. We had DNA and parentage testing and didn’t have to worry about CWD. Still, Gladiator was an ‘SK’ with a -3.78 GEBV. When you get a buck out there for promotion and give him an iconic name, once they have solid production on the ground you are at whole different level.”
Having bucks with unique names “has helped us when placing magazine ads,” Holdman explained. “We had an ad with a buck named Kisatchie, after Kisatchie National Forest here in Louisiana. In the ad he was standing in the middle of tall pine trees. We had another buck named Cotton Picker and had him standing in the middle of a cottonfield in his ad. We found it’s been an effective way to promote them.” At Elam Woods, deer are often named after places in Louisiana, country music legends or songs. Some of their current breeding bucks include Twitty, Easy Touch, Slow hands and Heated Rush. “Those names caught on really well,” Holdman said. “Everybody knows who they are.”
Patriotic names
and names of songs also often work well to do a deer “justice” and therefore make them more memorable. The best buck ever raised by Woodard, called Louisville Slugger, was impressive even as a yearling, and named after the wellknown baseball bat company. “I thought it was iconic and not easily forgotten,” Woodard said. “We also have Mr. Incredible after the movie ‘The Incredibles’ and he had two sons, Dash and Jack.” However, no buck, no matter its name, is worth anything unless they are registered with NADR. “If someone is able to look up a buck on NADR, and think that will work on their farm, they will more than likely be interested in him,” Holdman said.
In addition, having a buck who will raise the bar for the deer industry and essentially out-produce himself, pass his genes along and also be useful for outcrossing, is what will make him truly great. “You don’t see that with every deer,” Woodard concluded. “Having that will certainly get you noticed.”
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
CAT’S CLAW FASTENERS
A FATHER’S INGENUITY, A DAUGHTERS VISION AND A MOTHER’S INSPIRATION
Ever built a fence to keep critters in, or critters out? Chances are, you’ve run into a dilemma that spans back to the dawn of fence building tradition The underappreciated artform of attaching wire or panel to a post. In a rocky, muddy, sloped field with only-kindacrooked-posts, it comes down to grit and sheer determination to beat a staple into submission, without pounding a finger too!
After 60 some odd years of ranching in Montana, and subsequently responsible for over 100 miles of fence, Curt Almy became increasingly disgusted with the “old fashioned” ever-rusty fence staple. In 2016, Following a particularly rough day on a nasty section of fence, Curt received a bit of divine inspiration that prompted him to retreat back to the old workshop, to tinker with this new idea. He declared the new product would be the antithesis of the old fashioned staples, the new claws would be simple to use, require only an impact driver instead of tangled air tools or hammers, be rust resistant, be reusable, and most importantly the new claws would be vastly stronger than the old fashioned staples.
Gone would be the days of staples p out and getting stuck in a hoof or a t financial advisor by day since the 80 rancher by evening, it took Curt mon dedicated weekends to create the ul “redesigned mousetrap” of the fenci Who would know that such a simple could be so complicated?
Several iterations of what would b the “Cat’s Claw fence claw” were ma tested by local fencers. By 2018 a rus resistant, patented version of the Cat Fastener w d f k t and i 2019 the as released
Testin s and receiving th y the first steps among many, in order to successfully launch the business. Chiefly, and rather importantly, an official name was needed for the product! During deliberations with his wife Patricia, it was determined that t historic Crown W 1914 George Ranc be used as the official headquarters.
Cur t Almy and Daughter
Toby-Jeanne shown at the historic 1914 Crown W Geor ge Ranch, home to the Cat’s Claw shop and many shop cats!
prototype claw
With the location d more amusing to the pa cats dominated the ran entertained the idea of area where the ranch w suggested that the prod they came up with “Ca
In 2018, the first $5 allowing the operation plague looming in the n play a major role in a d Canadian companies w bring attention to the fir posts made by Full Circ that Cat’s Claw could h gone through one of th
As video production time in 2020 approached, many warnings were issued, and borders closed a day after the Cat’s Claw crew made it home The markets were turbulent, and the future of Cat’s Claw was also in question. Would a small Mom & Pop operation make it through such a worldwide disruption?
1/4 magnetic hex driver is included in ever y bottle
Softwood claws 2” screw stays secure even in a rotten post
p j , g g j y to the Cat’s Claw crew If you have ever used a Cat’s Claw Fastener, the crew would love to hear from you! You can reach out at info .com, or write to:
Surprisingly, the answer was emphatically, “yes ” While many businesses saw stagnation, the topic of modern homesteading became increasingly popular Seeing an opportunity, (Daughter) Toby-Jeanne began advertising to homesteaders and buffalo fencing operations, which in turn lead to connections within Zoos and even the Cervid community.
Cat’s Claw Fasteners 28 N Montana Miles City, M.T. 59301
Who knows, your story could be featured next!
Curious to try them for yourself? Head on over to www.catsclawfasteners.com and enter code: CERVID2025 for free shipping until August 31st, or give them a call at 406 851 CLAW(2529)
Mountain lion testing out the fence claws: Courtesy of Twin Pine farm & exotics in South Carolina
Mascot Ronnie the Tiger Cat assists in reading incoming fan mail!
HOW TO SAFELY HAUL WHITETAIL DEER
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.”
LIGHTER WEIGHT. MORE EFFECTIVE. MINIMAL TRAUMA.
IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED PNEU-DART’S RDD S , YOU’RE MISSING MORE THAN YOUR TARGET
INVEST IN SEMEN STRAWS
WISELY AND THOUGHTFULLY
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by UDFOM
Any deer farmer who’s bought semen straws for the last five to six years more-than-likely “has too much semen,” explains Alex Draper of DD Deer Farms in Clio, Michigan. Although semen straws allow a deer farmer to breed with perhaps the best buck on the market, that same buck may be replaced by another the following year with even better and more desirable traits, making semen straws of the previous year’s buck obsolete. “If you bought more semen from a buck than you can use in one breeding season, you may have wasted your money,” Draper advised.
Individual semen straws, which can vary greatly in price depending on the buck, typically cover two to three does through vaginal A.I. or one to two does through the use of an insemination gun. And while diversifying genetics can be the focus of a deer farmer each breeding season, Draper, 71, a deer farmer of 32-plus years, cautions to study conception rates and to consider your budget and goals beforehand. Should your budget allow for five semen straws, buy five of the same buck you desire to breed to, rather than one straw from five different bucks. “If you only buy one straw from one buck, and you only end up with one surviving fawn from that straw that dies later in the fall, you’ve lost the genetic potential of that entire straw,” he said. “Buy enough to make a difference. It’s better to make sure you end up with the offspring you were after. When you are buying semen, you also need a good grasp on genetics and should breed for paper (pedigrees) or better genetics going forward.”
However, even though keeping up with industry trends has it’s advantages, Draper, whose focus in the past few
years has been on raising typicals, is now charting a different course for his farm. This fall and in subsequent years to come, he will be focusing on genetic breeding values (GBV’s) which estimate an animal’s genetic merit for a particular trait and while defining the superiority or inferiority of it’s offspring. In the case of whitetail deer, Draper along with other deer farmers, are realizing the increased need to breed for CWD resistance. To this end, Draper may use some of the semen straws from his old inventory to help perpetuate this goal. “Be aware that some big bucks on the scene now have no GBV’s,” he said. To date, as a result of making informed choices about the purchase of semen straws, more than half of the breeder bucks on Draper’s farm possess the “SS” allele or better. Through his studies, Draper has found he likes “K’s” and “H’s” and anything equal to the “SS” allele but without a “G” link to it. Alleles, defined as one or two alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome, may strongly determine a whitetail’s potential
resistance to CWD.
“Don’t get me wrong, I like my typicals, but most of the stuff that has favorable GBV’s has a more nontypical look,” explained Draper, whose background and professional engineering career centering around science is influencing him to move away from typicals, and later go back to them when genetics are more favorable and able to sustain many generations of CWD resistant deer. “Here in Michigan, we look it at as a long-term goal and can start with the base that we are creating,” he said. “The science side of me is making me want to focus on the breeding markers and leave a good foundation (legacy) for others to benefit from. It’s not about chasing pedigrees but about the markers. Michigan has a good stocker buck market to move us a couple years down the road. Our ultimate goal is to develop our breeding operations to have all great markers and develop the GBV’s that protect against CWD for future sales of those protected deer.”
Trophy Breeder Bucks Showcase Book 2025 Application
All advertisers that are published in our 2025 state associations magazines will have the opportunity to place a single Buck update photo in this September Showcase Book.
Reservation for space and buck info will be due no later than August 12th, 2025. 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 September 1st by 8am 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 Breeders and Ranch members of the 18 state associations we service.
(More information will be mailed out to all current advertisers closer to the date)
Cost: $180.00 each 1/4 page ad or 4 for $700.00 (Pre-register and we will contact you for further information) PRIME SPOTS WILL BE AUCTIONED - LOOK FOR DATES TO BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE
• 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)
Minnesota Deer Association
Missouri Deer Association
4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR.
(1 Publication x 4 quarters)
$252/ Issue ($1008. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$137 / Issue ($548. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (40-48% Discount off single ad placement)
• United Deer Farmers of Michigan
• West Virginia Deer Farmers Association
• Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio
• Whitetails of Louisiana
• Whitetails of Oklahoma
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
age: * 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 Single Issue In Any Of Our Eleven State Publications:
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
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.