Louisiana Spring 2024

LOUISIANA Spring 2023 l Volume 9 l Issue 1

ROCKY RIDGE WHITETAILS FOCUSED ON CWD RESISTANCE AND QUALITY BREEDING Sponsored by Rocky Ridge Whitetails

SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL

HELPING TO CREATE BENCHMARKS FOR DEER FARMERS Sponsored by udfom

SELLING DEER NORTH TO SOUTH – INSIGHT FROM SOUTH DAKOTA SPONSORED BY SDDEBA

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Simply Irresistible @3 | NADR# 305982 BLACKJACK/TRIPLE CROWN/SUDDEN EXPRESS/HARDCORE/SHADOW/B37

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B o a r d o f D i r e c t or s : BRANDON BOLLINGER (‘26)

President 56099 Dohm Road Loranger, LA 70446 985-264-3437 bbollinger@gulfcraneservices.com

DANIEL THOMAS (‘25)

242 Daniel Thomas Road Springhill, LA 71075 318-469-9404 dbthomas40@gmail.com

CHAD JEANE (‘24)

404 Atkins Place Benton, LA 71006 318-470-6666 chad.jeane@strikeusa.com

LLOYD GOUGH (‘25)

1655 Beechcreek Road Olla, LA 71480 318-277-6245 lloydg277@icloud.com

BJ CLARK (‘25)

38334 Shelby Drive Denham Springs, LA 70706 225-445-4459 bjclark.ds20@gmail.com

MYRA BOLLINGER

Administrator:

Whitetails Of Louisiana P.O. Box 436, Folsom, LA 70437 985-892-0056 whitetailsoflouisiana@gmail.com

JOSH KAPLAN (‘25)

Secretary / Treasurer 146 Coteau Dugypre Lane Gheens, LA 70355 985-227-3664 josh@goldenranch.com

BRAY BOLLINGER (‘25)

56099 Dohm Road Loranger, LA 70446 985-400-1667 bray@gulfcraneservices.com

KRISTINA ROTHSCHILD (‘24)

3220 Tisdale Road Eros, LA 71238 318-355-4197 krisrothschild@yahoo.com

KEVIN MEADOWS (‘26)

123 Journie Grace Street Benton, LA 71006 318-423-8997 kevinmeadows0123@gmail.com

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Advertisers:

In This Issue:

Table of Contents: Activity Pages.................................................................................................................................................................................... 58 D&K Design - Advertising Information....................................................................................................................................... 56 Event Calander....................................................................................................................................................................................8 Membership Drive..................................................................................................................................................................... 20, 21 Passage of Oklahoma House Bill 1844 Well Received by Oklahoma Deer Farmers............................................................... 41 Reflections on “The Best Year Yet” in the Deer Industry - With Publisher Kathy Giesen...................................................... 16 Rocky Ridge Whitetails - Focused on CWD Resistance and Quality Breeding................................................................ 12, 13 Safari Club International – Helping to Create Benchmarks for Deer Farmers........................................................................ 38 Selling Deer North to South – Insight from South Dakota........................................................................................................ 46 Top 30 North and South and Chupp’s Auctions Offer Valuable Networking Venues............................................................. 26 WOL: 2023 Sponsors................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Business Cards.................................................................................................................................................................................. 43 Event Photos............................................................................................................................................................................... 25, 34 Featured Farm Story: Prime Acres............................................................................................................................................... 6, 7 Membership Application................................................................................................................................................................. 60 WOL EXPO Flyer................................................................................................................................................................................4 Bella Mia Ranch.....................................Inside Front Cover, 23 Black Hawk Whitetails.......................................................35, 50 Blessed Bayou............................................................................27 Blosser Whitetails.....................................................................42 Blue Creek Whitetails..............................................................36 Boom Outdoors Whitetail Farms...........................................17 C&E BioSolutions.....................................................................14 Cargill Feed & Nutrition.............................Inside Back Cover Cervid Central Market Place..................................................10 Cervid Solutions, LLC.............................................................44 Clay Kuntry...............................................................................11 CuddliEZ...................................................................................52 Dan-Inject North America......................................................47 Daniel Thomas Whitetails...................... 32-33, Center Spread Droptine Studios.......................................................................37 Elam Woods Whitetails.......................................................5, 59 EZid, LLC..................................................................................55 Fox Valley Animal Nutrition, Inc...........................................15 Grizzly Land Services..............................................................55 Head Gear, LLC........................................................................57 GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PUBLISHING Kathy Giesen, Editor/Publisher 305 E. 350 N., Ivins, UT 84738 deerassociations@gmail.com 435-817-0150 • Fax: 435-359-5333

Website: deersites.com (Editorial Provided by Contributing Writers)

Hilty Whitetails.........................................................................40 Illini Whitetails.........................................................................39 Jo Jo’s Whitetails.......................................................................54 MaxRax Performance Nutrition.............................................14 MicroChip ID Systems Inc......................................................22 NADEFA....................................................................................52 NexGen Animail Health..........................................................18 North American Deer Registry..............................................43 Pine Creek Deer Farm.............................................................29 Pneu-Dart..................................................................................53 Prime Acres Whitetails..................... Cover, 2, 45, Back Cover Purina.........................................................................................49 Springfield Whitetails..............................................................51 Straight Shooter Game Fencing..............................................22 Tajada Whitetail Ranch...........................................................19 Trophy Whitetails.....................................................................28 Walnut Ridge Whitetails..........................................................48 White Mountain Whitetails....................................................24 Woodard Whitetails...................................................................9

Next Deadline for Ads: July 3rd, 2024 ~ Summer Issue Watch for these symbols for interactive links in the eBook!

This symbol indicates there is a video linked This symbol indicates there is a link to email, website, or facebook

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FEATURED FARM STORY

PRIME ACRES – SETTING THE STAGE TO OFFER UNFORGETTABLE HUNTS By: Gail Veley

Connor Hassig, son of Brad Hassig (both co-owners of Prime Acres in Woodville, Texas) spends practically every waking minute thinking about one thing. Booking hunts at their two newly established hunting preserves.

The first preserve, a 200-acre plot adjoining the main farm, is easier to navigate on foot or in a vehicle and is geared towards older hunters and those who may not be keen for a substantially lengthy stalk and spot, or prolonged wait in a tree stand. The second preserve, a 400acre plot of land, currently contains whitetails, axis deer and blackbuck.

It also adjoins the main farm, is filled with thicker brush and more dense vegetation and geared towards those who might want to spend the additional time and challenge outdoors searching for their perfect treasure.

“I’m really excited to offer hunts this fall,” Connor said. “We’re hoping to book at least 20 by August.” But no matter which hunting preserve a hunter may choose, both will be filled with offspring from live cover

breedings from the likes of Back in Black, Simply Irresistible, Shoot to Thrill and The Fixx among other fine quality home grown bucks at Prime Acres. The Fixx, a beautiful nontypical six-year-old, with GS markers, has been a main stay at Prime Acres, used to perpetuate thoughtful line breeding and to add variety in the bucks chosen for A.I. Other breeding bucks, bred through the careful selection of superior northern and southern genetics, have helped put Prime Acres, a farm that begun in 2016 with an initial 37 acres, “on the map.”

Connor, 22, is proud to work alongside his father and considers himself very fortunate to have the opportunities in front of him that he has. “It feels really satisfying to work our ranch,” he said. “We stay really really busy with breeding and with selling stocker bucks and bred does, and it’s good to know another like-minded person is there thinking things through with you.” Together with Brad, Ranch Manager Erica Caldwell and Connor’s stepmother

Rosy, Connor feels confident that the ranch is running smoothly. Recently more than 100 deer were sold in an effort to make more pen space, plant more grass and allow for additional prosperity among the herd. This spring the farm is expecting close to 160 fawns whose genetics include their well-known and loved bucks as well as carefully selected outcrosses.

In addition to running an operation that includes caring for close to 360 deer on a daily basis, the Hassig’s also offer farm tours and welcome visitors and guests. Hunting guests expected this fall will come from Utah, California and Houston, Texas as return customers, having already preliminarily tried the preserves last fall. However, Connor’s main focus throughout this spring and summer is to book hunts from interested hunters all across the U.S. and beyond who share a love of the sport.

“We plan to be booked up by August,” he said. In addition to booking and guiding hunts, “I really enjoy going to all the events like NADeFA,” Connor said. “Deer breeders are always busy and being away can be relaxing and give you peace of mind. But two days later you’re ready to go back.”

Clearly, there’s no place Connor would rather be than at Prime Acres and spending time with his wife of one year, Hailey, who understands and supports his passion. Anyone interested in booking a hunt this fall can call or text Connor anytime at 409-200-0400 or email him at connor@primeacres.net.

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160 Fawns expected this Spring!

CONTACT: CONNOR HASSIG 409-200-0400 CONNOR@PRIMEACRES.NET WWW.PRIMEACRESWHITETAILS.COM

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Quarterly Calendar Update Ad Deadlines & Events

Quarterly Calendar Update ~ Ad Deadlines & Events

Provided by D&K Design, Publisher for State Association Magazines l VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS: DEERSITES.COM

AUGUST MARCH

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association Annaual Meeting Benefit Auction

Pennsylvania Fall Deadline

Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

North Dakota Deer Ranchers

Louisiana Spring Southeast Tines Fall Deadline Deadline

Annual Meeting

UDFOM Livestock AnnualAssociation Convention Kentucky Alternative

Summer Showcase Fudraiser Auction Event

LAST DAY TO SUBMINT *UPDATED BUCK PHOTOS

Texas Deer Association Annual Convention

SETDA Spring fling

Upper Midwest Summer Deadline

St Patrick’s Day

MDFA Annual Banquet

First DayMAIL! of Spring *SHOWCASE BOOK IN THE to Deer Farmers in over 20 States!

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

Whitetails of Wisconsin Banquet & Fundraiser

2023 Ohio Fall Deer Convention

Summer Picnic TBD

Alabama Spring Whtietails of Louisiana Annual conference and Fundraiser BluegrassNADEFA Trophy Deadline Buck Auction, The IDEFA Journal Expo & Auction

Cave City, KY

Fall Deadline

Kentucky & New York Deadlines

SDDEBA

Meeting See Showcase Quest for*Michigan’s Best Flyer in this magazine for more information Annual ILDFA Annual * See Showcase Flier in this magazine for more information Spring Deadline Meeting & Luncheon

SEPTEMBER APRIL

Visit our website for more details realated to events: deersites.com

SDDEBA Annual Meeting

Quest for Michigan’s Best Spring Deadline

Labor Day

Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

ILDFA Annual

Meeting & Luncheon

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline Annaual Meeting Pennsylvania Benefit Auction Fall Deadline Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

Whitetail Deer Farmers of OHIO ~ Spring Deadline

Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction

& North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Pennsylvania Deer and OutdoorAnnual Expo Meeting Louisiana Kentucky Alternative Fall Deadline Livestock Association Southeast Tines Summer Showcase Fundraiser Auction Event Fall Deadline

UpperMidwest Spring Deadline Kentucky & New York

Earth Day

Fall Deadline Upper Midwest Summer Deadline

Southeast Tines Summer Deadline

2023 SOUTHERN TOP 30

Arbor Day New York Deer and Elk

Whitetail & Specialty Extravaganza Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

Summer Quarter Begins

OCTOBER MAY

Summer Quarter Begins

Pennsylvania Summer Deadline Mother’s Day

Columbus Day

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline

Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline

Labor Day

Memorial Day

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Louisiana Fall Deadline

8 Halloween

Summer Picnic

Whtietails of Louisiana Expo & Auction

The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

Southeast Tines Summer Deadline

Farmers Association

Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction & Annual Pennsylvania Deer and Outdoor Expo

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ROCKY RIDGE WHITETAILS FOCUSED ON CWD RESISTANCE AND QUALITY BREEDING

By: Gail Veley When asking John Ervin Stoltzfus at Rocky Ridge Whitetails what he breeds for, his answer always begins the same way. “I don’t take short cuts. I breed for super large mainframes, such as beam length, tine length, width, and solid mass,” he said. He feels confident in his decisions and validated by the fact he is consistently winning antler competition awards at NADeFA. “I really like the “wow factor” when you get those antlers in your hands,” he added.

John Ervin likes to breed a variety of deer for his customers to choose from, such as large clean typicals, large typical mainframes with extras to help increase score and give more character. Close to 15% of his herd he breeds for 500”+ and 600”+ giant nontypical’s with a focus on large balanced mainframes. In addition to breeding for a variety of antler types, he also breeds for health, body size and proven “pass down” genetics. “All of these factors have been a high priority for many years at Rocky Ridge Whitetails and continues to be,” John Ervin

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emphasized. However, his focus has also shifted to another unavoidable trait in the quest to produce quality deer, breeding for CWD resistance.

Scientific research by experts such as Dr. Haley, Dr. Seabury and numerous research facilities like the one found in Aimes, Iowa has paved the way for a future potentially void of CWD. “I’ve always had a passion and fascination to study, breed, watch and follow genetics and pedigrees in whitetail deer,” John Ervin said. “About 6 years ago when I heard about Dr. Haley’s research in whitetails on CWD resistant genes, it got my attention. I always had a feeling that nature has a way of taking its course and the weak will die off. But the strong genes will survive and reproduce. If they could breed out sheep scrapies, then why couldn’t deer farmers breed deer CWD resistant deer, since both are a prion disease.”

John Ervin also feels optimistic about a genetic test first introduced three years ago by Dr. Seabury, a 50K Genomic Estimated Breeding Value (GEBV) test for CWD

resistance. Continued research will include updating this genomic test through CWD positive herd research. “I believe CWD research needs to be continued especially since it’s a regulated disease,” John Ervin explained. “I am grateful to Dr. Seabury and to NADR for updating GEBV research annually.

NADR is now doing the GEBV and codon marker test.” As a result of this test, recommendations now include breeding away from codon 96 GG and instead breeding the combination codon 96 SS and lower negative number GEBV’s, which is proving successful in making deer less susceptible to contracting CWD. John Ervin feels determining breeding markers is easy and while that itself may not take long, breeding lower and lower GEBV numbers will take a lot more time if your goal is to have your whole herd at the lowest GEBV numbers possible in spite of variables such as prion contamination exposure. “I find it very interesting on GEBV pass down,” John Ervin said, and explains it just like breeding for antler size.

“You would expect that in breeding a 200” class doe to a 400” buck, that the sons should be close to the middle at 300”. But anyone that has been breeding deer long enough knows that isn’t nearly the case, with some being under 200” and some being somewhere between 200” to 400”. And sometimes you get that one that is even bigger and better then both parents. And, naturally the desire is to breed the bigger and better deer, if you are striving to improve and take your herd to the next level.”

In the 27 years that John Ervin has spent raising whitetails, he has seen and appreciated the efforts of deer farmers striving to produce their next level of deer. He is hopeful the industry will see the same thing happen with GEBV’s and that CWD will cease to exist on deer farms. He understands the numbers have continued to rise for CWD positives and CWD trace-out quarantines in his home state of Pennsylvania and for many other states. “There has been a lot of CWD found in the wild in the recent years and it seems to have an effect on many deer farms going CWD positive,” John Ervin shared. “Our Pennsylvania Game Commission does a good job at supplying the records on tracking CWD in the wild herds, but they don’t have a good solution to eradicate CWD. The following are reports on the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website for Bedford and Lancaster Counties.

Bedford County wild deer...............................#CWD tested........ #CWD positive 2012/2013 season 5% positive.............20..................... 1 2013/2014 season 0.34% positive........581................... 2 2014/2015 season 0.43% positive........462................... 2 2015/2016 season 0.94% positive........636................... 6 2016/2017 season 2.56% positive........678................... 18 2017/2018 season 3.99% positive........1103................. 44 2018/2019 season 5.23% positive........1223................. 64 2019/2020 season 7.76% positive........1263................. 98 2020/2021 season 14% positive...........886................... 124 2021/2022 season 22.15% positive......614................... 136 2022/2023 season 32.54% positive......676................... 220 2023/2024 season results still coming in and to this date percentage of CWD positive has increased again

While you can track each county on the PA Game Commission website for wild deer, John Ervin picked the first county (Bedford) where CWD was found in 2012 and his own county (Lancaster) where his farm is. While he is thankful no CWD was ever found in his county in wild deer to this date, he does understand that could change in the future with wild deer CWD positive appearing on the other side of his farm fence, and he wants to be prepared with a resistant herd if that would ever happen.

And while his farm is double fenced, he understands as do all deer farmers, that there are also other ways to spread CWD. John Ervin also already seen a tremendous shift in those desiring CWD resistance genetics in the amount of

Lancaster county wild deer...................#CWD tested........ #CWD positive 2012/2013 season 0% positive.............2....................... 0 2013/2014 season 0% positive.............116................... 0 2014/2015 season 0% positive.............52..................... 0 2015/2016 season 0% positive.............49..................... 0 2016/2017 season 0% positive.............52..................... 0 2017/2018 season 0% positive.............67..................... 0 2018/2019 season 0% positive.............296................... 0 2019/2020 season 0% positive.............290................... 0 2020/2021 season 0% positive.............245................... 0 2021/2022 season 0% positive.............199................... 0 2022/2023 season 0% positive.............202................... 0 2023/2024 season results still coming in with no CWD positives to this date

semen he sells, as well as his embryo and breeding stock sales. He has also heard first-hand from hunting ranches that while CWD resistance genes will not make a difference to hunters, it will make a difference for stocking preserves if CWD resistant deer lower the risk of bringing the disease onto their property. “Because

of this, I believe we have the potential for a very bright future and great opportunities for our next generation,” he said. “I’m so happy to be sharing my passion with my wife Mary Ann and our five precious children, and to be meeting the genetic demands of my customers and their clients.”

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A Moment with Publisher Kathy Giesen

REFLECTIONS ON “THE BEST YEAR YET” IN THE DEER INDUSTRY Hello!

In the deer industry, we are in the midst of my favorite months of the year, January - March. Many of you might recall that I like to refer to these months as “Membership Drive Months”. Several of the state associations we service have renewal dates in this time frame and our team is here to help promote. As I reflect back on 2023 and look ahead in 2024, I’d have to say that because of our Membership Drive in 2023, that it was “the best year yet” for our ever strong and growing deer industry. Last year, we were able to raise more than $5,000 worth of membership money to support 15 state associations. At most state association events, you will find our Multi State Booth, decorated in honor of every deer association we represent. That reminds me, I’d like to also give a warm welcome to Alabama and Ohio, the latest state associations to be taken under our wing, bringing our membership drive now to 17 state associations.

While it’s important to join and support your specific state association, you can also join others and in doing so, receive that state association’s magazine each quarter. What a productive way to stay on top of the latest trends or current events! This year, by joining four state associations, you will be entered into a drawing for a very valuable and useful donation. Thank you, Lester Eicher of Springfield Whitetails, for a donation of one semen straw, of The Ace. In addition to staying active in your association through your membership and event participation, is the renewal (or perhaps the beginning) of advertising in our magazines. Advertising allows you to establish your product or service and to remain front and center with those that need what you’re offering. Advertising has been proven time and again to be most effective when done consistently and regularly. When others consistently see your ad, they remember you and feel compelled to reach out when the time is right. It may not happen the first time, but can happen with regular advertising or perhaps the recognition remains mindful during sales and auctions.

Through our state association magazines, we offer a great service for getting your information out, interesting content and a really good product. We provide the connections necessary to keep you and your customers in the loop. I’m grateful for our team. Customer Care Representative Sam Uchytil, Journalist Gail Veley, Our Publishing Team and for our Shipping Associates that see to it that your magazines reach your mailboxes each quarter. We realize how blessed we are to be involved in such a great industry. And in the deer industry, we stick together!

It’s hard to believe things could get any better. Yet, we are never surprised when they do! Let’s all get excited for 2024 and for the adventures that lie ahead! And remember to renew your membership and advertising!! We are counting on you! Thank you!

Kathy Giesen Editor / Publisher, D&K Design Cell: 435-817-0150 Fax: 435-359-5333 deerassociations@gmail.com www.deersites.com

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LOUISIANA 2022

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2024 MULTI STATE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Fill out one form... Make one payment and receive many state magazines!

(Alabama) ADA:

_____

Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member $100

_____ Lifetime Member $1000

(Florida) SeTDA:

_____

Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member $100

_____ Lifetime Member $1000

(Illinois) ILDFA:

_____

Assoc. Member $25

_____ Active Member $50

_____ Lifetime Member $500

(Indiana) IDEFA:

_____

Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member $50

_____ Full Member W/Spouse $75

(Iowa) IWDA:

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Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member $100

_____ Lifetime Member $500

(Kentucky) KALA:

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Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member $100

_____ Active Member W/Spouse $200

(Kansas) KEDA:

_____

Assoc. Member $25

_____ Active Member $50

(Louisiana) WOL:

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Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member $100

(Michigan) UDFOM:

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Member $50

_____ Lifetime Member $750 _____ Lifetime Member $500

(Minnesota) MDFA:

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Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member $75

(Missouri) MDA:

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Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member Breeder $100 _____ Active Member Hunt Ranch $100 _____ Active Member $50

(New York) NYDEFA:

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Assoc. Member $35

(North Dakota) NDDRA:

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Assoc. Member $50

_____ Active Member $75

(Ohio) WDFO:

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Assoc. Member $50

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_____ Lifetime Member $1000

(Oklahoma) WOO:

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Assoc. Member $50

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(Pennsylvania) PDFA:

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Assoc. Member $75

_____ Active Member $100

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(South Dakota) SDEBA:

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Assoc. Member $25

_____ Animal Owners $50

Total: __________ ($785. to support all 17 states as an associate member) Check: #___________ Credit Card :_____(we will call you for this info) PLEASE NOTE: If you are a resident of any of these states and required to be an active member, please select the correct level above.

If you are not sure of your membership status with a state and you sign up, your payment will cover you for the next year.

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Spouse or Partner: ___________________________________________________ Farm Name/Company: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Membership Address: ___________________________________________________City: ________________________________ State: ______________ Zip:____________ Main preferred listing phone: ________________________________________ Alternate listing phone: _______________________________________________________ Fax: _______________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ WebSite: ______________________________________________ CHECK WHICH APPLY: ___ Own Hunting Preserve ___ Own Breeding Operation ___ Industry Supplier ___Hunter

SPECIES RAISED: ___ Whitetail Deer ___ Elk ___Mule Deer ___Piebald ___ Fallow ___Red Deer Other:________________________________________

THIS SPECIAL OFFER EXPIRES

MARCH 23, 20

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I hereby make application for membership to this association, agreeing to conform to the Code of Ethics and Bylaws governing the association.

Signature: _________________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________

I give permission to have my contact information published in the annual directory and on the website Mail To: Sam Uchytil • 19291 59th St NE • New London, MN 56273 or Fax: 435-359-5333 For more information: 45-817-0150 20

Yes

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Support 4 or more states and be in our March drawing for 1 Straw of The Ace donated by Springfield Whitetails Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association

MINNESOTA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION

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WOL EXPO AND Crawfish BOIL SPRING AUCTION AND BENEFIT

TOP 30 NORTH AND SOUTH AND CHUPP’S AUCTIONS OFFER VALUABLE NETWORKING VENUES By: Gail Veley

The annual Chupp Auction and the Top 30 North and South Auctions not only provide opportunities to promote a farm or product, they are vitally important to keeping the enthusiasm for the deer industry going. The Chupp Auction, thought of by some as the “springboard” to Top 30 “encourages farms to put their best stuff in,” offers Ivan Hochstetler of Double D Whitetails in Dundee, Ohio.

“It gives people the incentive to keep breeding ‘up’ with the best genetics they can afford and gets them more excited for Top 30.”

According to Whitetail Sales and Service co-owner Chris Ezell “we had a great turnout this year at Top 30,” he said. “We want everyone to realize how necessary it is to make time for events like these. This is almost as important as attending the annual NADeFA convention.”

Hochstetler, who has spent the last 14 years breeding deer, has been in the Top 30 North auction for the past 10 years, offering an auction lot of three bred does. “I’m extremely happy with what I got this year for my lot,” he said. “It’s very meaningful to be included. We are grateful to Kevin Grace who started it all.”

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When Eddie Ray Borkholder and his wife Diane prepare to participate in the Top 30 North auction, loading up to come includes more than packing a suitcase and deciding which three of his treasured Patrick-line does will be sold. It also includes a production of baking “Fry Pies” started long before the actual auction date. “This year we brought 300 pies,” Eddie Ray said. “We give them away at our booth. It’s a half-moon glazed pie filled with blueberries, strawberries, coconut or apple. We never have any trouble attracting people to our booth. That’s one of the best things about auctions like Top 30. Meeting all the people who attend. A lot of the guys in it back then are gone and it’s a whole different group of people now talking about deer. We love it. We are very thankful to Kevin Grace and the Chupp brothers for starting these auctions, and to Chris Ezell and Lester Eicher for keeping it going.”

Like Hochstetler, Eddie Ray, who has been participating in Top 30 North since 2001, was also extremely happy with what his auction lot brought in this year. “The atmosphere of the auction and the excitement of bidding might entice someone to pay more for what you’re selling compared to if you

were just selling the same deer off of your farm,” Ezell said. “That’s another great aspect about being involved.”

Getting into the Top 30 as a consignor is not quite as daunting of a task as it might seem, Hochstetler, 67, shared.

Along with the Top 30 North or South is also the Select 20, a secondary group of auction participants. Each year, the top five Select 20 auction winners take the place of the lowest Top 30 auction participants when the next Top 30 Auction North or South occurs. “This makes way for newcomers and encourages everyone to bring their best,” he added.

“Every deer farmer should do whatever it takes to be a part of these auctions,” Ezell said. Dates, times and places for each and every auction (as well as advertising deadlines) can be easily found by visiting https://www. whitetailsalesauctionllc.com, or talking with Eicher or Ezell. A percentage of the profits from auctions often end up being donated to a worthy cause such as nonprofit organizations that support hunting or land conservation.

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PASSAGE OF OKLAHOMA HOUSE BILL 1844 WELL RECEIVED BY OKLAHOMA DEER FARMERS By: Gail Veley

Sponsored by WOO

Oklahoma deer farmers are now enjoying an open state border for receiving deer from any state where they are raised, thanks to House Bill 1844 which became effective November 1st, 2023. “We are very pleased they opened up our border. It makes things much easier for everyone,” said Tim Condict, Legislative Representative for Whitetails of Oklahoma (WOO) and owner of Flying Eagles Ranch in Hogden, Oklahoma. Since 2010, Oklahoma borders had been closed to importing deer from states that didn’t allow their deer to be imported into it. As other states closed their borders to imports the number of stocker bucks available to Oklahoma Hunting ranches markedly shrank, leading to a shortage of available bucks for hunting.

Since that time, the WOO board voted unanimously to seek to change the law and worked diligently with State Lobbyist Karel Brewster to make it happen. When the vote on House Bill 1844 was ultimately held, it passed the Senate and House with flying colors. “WOO members are very pleased with the outcome of House

Bill 1844,” said WOO President Chris Ezell, owner of Dangerous Whitetails of Oklahoma in Adair, Oklahoma.

“It’s very good for the longevity of our industry. This may help ease the passage of other legislation in the future and in 2024.”

While deer can now be transported into Oklahoma from other states with closed borders, Oklahoma deer farmers can also continue selling their deer to Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota.

“We are hoping to be able to sell to more states and are working toward that goal, and if not, we want to make Oklahoma THE STATE to raise whitetails, mule deer or elk,” Condict said. “We are grateful to The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture for their support and cooperation in us raising deer in Oklahoma.

Likewise, The Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur, State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall, Assistant State Veterinarian Alicia GorczycaSoutherland and the entire staff at the Department of Agriculture have always been great to work with,” agreed both Condict and Ezell.

Since 1995, the first year Condict began raising deer, he feels the efforts made legislatively to make it easier to raise deer have been worth it. “Today, the prices we get for deer are better,” he explained. “Deer reach maturity at a younger age and our ability to make a profit is stronger. Genetics are better. Instead of selling a 5-year-old stocker buck we now have 2-year-old stockers, so you don’t have to keep them as long. You spend less time and money raising them, and it requires less overall space. This has made it better for farmers, preserve owners and hunters and allows us to more easily keep up with the demand.”

Members of numerous state deer associations have experienced the benefits of working together for positive changes, as seen in states like Missouri. “That’s why it’s important to make your voice heard,” Ezell said.

“Standing together, we can work toward a better and brighter future.

Stay involved in your association. And support events like state conventions, annual picnics and the NADeFA convention.”

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FREE business card ads for members of Whitetails of Louisiana SOLUTIONS CERVID EVOLVE YOUR HERD

If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to the email address below.

This gives Whitetials of Louisiana members a way to reach out to one another for services and to buy or sell deer! There will be limited pages for these card spreads, first come first serve. The overflow would be placed in the next issue and cards will be rotated each quarter.

Email to:

Myra Bollinger whitetailsoflouisiana@gmail.com 43

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SELLING DEER NORTH TO SOUTH INSIGHT FROM SOUTH DAKOTA By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders Association

S

elling and moving stocker deer from northern to southern states generally revolves around one important factor – the first hard frost. In an effort to avoid epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreaks, it is safer and more advisable to wait until the possibility of EHD has passed for the year, shares Greg Leenderts, Vice-Chairman of the South Dakota Deer and Elk Breeder’s Association (SDEBA). After the first hard frost, most culicoides midge flies, the “no-see-um” biting flies responsible for transmitting the disease, have died off.

In states such as Kansas, this happens much earlier in the year as opposed to states such as Texas where the climate can remain warmer well into the fall.

Although deer might develop a certain degree of immunity to EHD for the particular region where they live (and may even receive a vaccine), several strains of EHD are found throughout the U.S., as there are more than 1,000 culicoides species. Known to affect whitetail deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep, EHD is a blood borne disease and the most prominent infectious disease among whitetails. However, while outbreaks

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can prove quite deadly, the disease is not contagious.

“Deer in northern states deal with different EHD strains than deer in southern states,” said Leenderts, who owns Whitetail Farms in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “There is a fine and tricky line as to when you should transport.”

And while he can never guarantee that a northern deer will not succumb to EHD in the south (despite administering vaccines, feeding vitamins such as “K” to boost their immune system and using fly spray), he can guarantee that northern deer will be naturally hearty with sizable racks and substantive bodies. “Hunters really like them because they look mature even when they are younger,” Leenderts explained.

“The yearlings mix right in with the older ones.”

Having spent the better part of ten years raising a CWD certified herd and selling and transporting typical whitetail deer and mule deer to certain southern states, Leenderts, 43, appreciates the business relationships he has established and keeps in contact with each preserve throughout the year.

“I don’t sell mine until they are done growing and don’t price the deer until

early fall,” he said. “There can be a huge price difference in having ten more typical inches on a rack versus not.”

Other considerations when selling and transporting northern raised deer to southern states, is the unavoidable temperature fluctuation between colder and warmer climates. “Your trailer ventilation is key along with air conditioning,” Leenderts said. “If your deer get warm, they are going to get worked up. It’s also always better to haul at night when temperatures are cooler.”

In addition to his loyal customers who keep him busy, Leenderts is also grateful for the support shown to deer farmers in his state by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “We have a supportive government here and it’s great,” he said. “Having moved here from Minnesota three years ago, I can tell you that South Dakota is a very welcoming place to raise deer.”

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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.

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

Last Issues Puzzles ~ Answer Keys ~

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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION WHITETAILS OF LOUISIANA POST OFFICE BOX 436 FOLSOM, LA 70437 985-892-0056 OFFICE whitetailsoflouisiana@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP NAME: _______________________________________________ DATE: ______________ FARM NAME: _________________________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________ CITY: _________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP CODE: _________ PARISH: __________________ CELL PHONE: ___________________________ WEBSITE: ______________________________________ EMAIL: _______________________________________________________________________________ _____BREEDING FACILITY

_____HUNTING RACH

OTHER: __________________________

I AM JOINING AS: (PLEASE CHECK ONE) ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP (VOTING PRIVILEGES): $100.00/YR. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (NON-VOTING): $50.00/YR. LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP (VOTING PRIVILEGES): $750.00

I HEREBY MAKE APPLICATION TO THE WHITETAILS OF LOUISIANA AND I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION I HAVE PROVIDED IS TURE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE:

SIGNATURE: ______________________________________________________ DATE: _____________ Mission and Purpose:

To promote the business of raising and marketing Whitetail Deer in the state of Louisiana.

To promote high ethical standards in the care, handling, and harvesting Whitetail deer To provide educational opportunities for members of the corporation and other interested people through the sharing of information concerning whitetail deer.

To serve as a collective voice in governmental issues that affect whitetail deer producers, so as to enhance the whitetail deer industry.

To require members of the corporation to operate in a legal, honest and forthright manner with fellow members, other whitetail deer producers and the general public .

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