NADeFA Convention Overview

Even before Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, I’m planning for the spring NADeFA Convention. I see the convention not only as a way for us to come together and garner more support for the deer industry, but as a big family reunion. Journalist Gail Veley and I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones as we encourage deer farmers and advocates to become a part of each state association magazine, whether it be for their very own state association or for another one they do business with. This is a great way to share their farm, passion or products with others. This past convention was one of the best ever as Oklahoma is a great state to visit, and one of the very best for deer farming.

A lot of detail went into planning the Multi State Association Booth. Not only did we assemble a large foldable velcro booth with each state associations quarterly magazine cover represented on it, we also had to decide where to put the hunting blind, Gail’s interview “office” during the convention. Interview subjects become magazine stories after the convention is over. As a result, we have several interesting articles to look forward to this year such as one about The Cervid Livestock Foundation, insights on whether or not to bottle feed, new feature farm stories as well as other interesting topics. The blind not only provided interviewees with a private space for interviews, it became a raffle prize through a drawing for those who signed up for three or more memberships. This year, we broke the record on new and renewed memberships sold with 87 total!

The blind was definitely an eye-catcher and conversation starter as people walked by and visited us. We were proud to showcase the multi association booth which also included a table filled with complimentary magazines for all to take and enjoy reading. This provided a great way for them to learn about other state associations and served as additional inspiration to become involved with more than just their own. I feel a great deal of satisfaction in representing 14 state associations through quarterly magazines mailed to each state association member.

Gail interviewing inside the hunting blind

Rockin-R Whitetails interview on bottle feeding

Each year at the NADeFA Auction, D&K Design donates a ½ page ad for all 40 annual magazines. This year the bidding went as high as $2,750. We are very proud of this and for our ability to donate to and support NADeFA. The time and effort into preparing for each convention is well worth it and I wouldn’t want to miss NADeFA for the world. From the accommodating hotel with it’s amenities, the spacious convention hall, hearty well-prepared meals and much anticipated socializing, NADeFA seems to always live up to everyone’s expectations, just as it did this year. The deer industry is filled with some of the most down to earth, friendly helpful people you could ever meet, and I am proud to be a part of it. Gail and I can’t wait for next year!!

Kathy Giesen, D&K Design

Showcasing the Best Does, Best Sires By: Gail Veley

Limitless Genetics began in 2016 with one goal in mind – to stay on top of the latest, most sought after breeding bucks, breeding does and stocker bucks in the deer industry. “Actually, we try to stay ahead of what everyone wants,” said Owner and Ranch Manager Jesse Boger. “We offer some of the best pedigrees you can find anywhere.” Big-framed whitetail deer are the goal of this 20-acre breeding facility, home to close to 200 deer and nestled between San Antonio and Houston in the city of Schulenberg, Texas. In addition to having, as well as going after, the most impressive genetics available, the farm aims to acquire sisters, mothers and grand-dams of substantial breeding bucks that have proven to make a statement in the deer industry. “In an age where trends tend to swing from non-typical back to typical and viceversa, we strive to always be ready to meet the demand,” Boger, 27, said. Bucks responsible for the foundation genetics on the farm today include Dreambuck, Gladiator, Maxbo, Super Moose and Yardstick to name just a few. Currently close to 70 does are expecting fawns this spring, an exciting time of year for Boger and his wife Mia, both natives of Katy, Texas. Together they are both full-time deer farmers and the backbone of the entire operation. Mia, 29, a former veterinary technician for ten years, is top-notch when it comes to addressing medical issues and overall herd health, Boger said. And although they both run a ranch whose end goal is to cater to the hunting industry, neither one of them are particularly big hunters. “We get too attached to them,” Boger

Jesse and Mia Boger 281-330-9519

jesse@limitlessgenetics.com

said. “Since I’ve been 14, I have been in love with whitetails.” Today, Elsa and Forrest, two bottlefed does, are in love with him and Mia. “When they see us, they come running and pace the fence back and forth until we get in contact with them.” A permanent attachment has also been formed with Orange 0118, the dam of Brain Freeze, bought as a bred doe from Madera Bonita Ranch at a DBC auction. Turns out, she was about to deliver the now “famous” breeding buck, one of the most popular bucks in contention now. Together with four other partners, Lone Hollow Whitetails, Gist Kinsman Ranch, High Point Whitetails and Pinnacle Whitetails, Limitless Genetics is working to spread the genetics of Brain Freeze to any interested deer farmers. Buying Orange 0118 “was something special that does not happen very often,” Boger said. “She now has a permanent home with us.” However, what is a common occurrence at Limitless Genetics are partnerships between them and other farms. Some of these partnerships include Shockwave with Cross Canyon Whitetails, 3S Whitetails and Double B Whitetails, Nightfall with Pinnacle Whitetails as well as War Admiral with Cross Canyon Whitetails. Before Boger ever began his farm or got where he is today, he spent quite a bit of time studying the best ways to design and build a facility, manage deer and breed the best genetics. He credits his past business partner, Mike Woods of WB Whitetails, for mentoring him along the way and providing him with insight. Those experiences, along with Boger’s determination, are enabling him to see a strong future with deer always in it. “I’m always thinking of the future and how to continue to improve the herd,” Boger said. “I’m always striving and planning for a better future.”

Brain Freeze @3

Nightfall @1

War Admiral @2

Shockwave @3