Louisiana Magazine Winter 2023

LOUISIANA Winter 2023 l Volume 8 l Issue 4

MINNESOTA DEER FARMERS FIND CHALLENGES WITH AMENDED 35.155 STATUTE Sponsored by MDFA

QUALIFYING FOR A CONSIGNMENT SALE

WHAT EVERY DEER FARMER SHOULD KNOW Sponsored by Idefa

2024 NADEFA IN SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS PROMISES LASTING MEMORIES AND GOOD TIMES Sponsored by ildfa

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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: 2024 NADeFA in Springfield, Illinois Promises Lasting Memories and Good Times............................................................ 14 Activity Pages........................................................................................................................................................................47, 51, 55 Event Calander................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Minnesota Deer Farmers Find Challenges with Amended 35.155 Statute............................................................................... 39 The North American Deer Registry (NADR) Offering More Services and Innovation for Breeding and Managing Deer........ 19 Qualifying for a Consignment Sale -What Every Deer Farmer Should Know........................................................................ 24 WOL: 2023 Sponsors................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Business Cards.................................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Event Photos............................................................................................................................................................................... 30, 42 Featured Farm Story: Bella Mia Whitetails – Dedicated to Producing Typical Big-Bodied Deer...................................... 6, 7 Membership Application................................................................................................................................................................. 56 WOL EXPO Flyer................................................................................................................................................................................5

Bella Mia Ranch...........................................Cover, In. F. Cov, 3 Black Hawk Whitetails.......................................................26, 43 Blessed Bayou............................................................................11 Blosser Whitetails.....................................................................33 Blue Creek Whitetails..............................................................37 Boom Outdoors Whitetail Farms...........................................17 C&E Wildlife Products............................................................55 Cargill Feed & Nutrition...........................................In. B. Cov. Cervid Central Market Place..................................................54 Cervid Solutions, LLC.............................................................27 CuddliEZ................................................................................15w Dan-Inject North America......................................................41 Daniel Thomas Whitetails..................................Center Spread Droptine Studios.......................................................................36 Elam Woods Whitetails.......................................................9, 23 EZid, LLC..................................................................................18 Fox Valley Animal Nutrition, Inc...........................................16 Grizzly Land Services..............................................................25 Head Gear, LLC..........................................................................4 Hilty Whitetails.........................................................................32

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)

Illini Whitetails.........................................................................40 Jo Jo’s Whitetails.......................................................................21 Kingdom Whitetails.................................................Back Cover Major League Whitetails.........................................................52 MicroChip ID Systems Inc......................................................34 North American Deer Farmers Association.........................15 NexGen Animal Health...........................................................49 North American Deer Registry..............................................18 Pine Creek Deer Farm.............................................................44 Pneu-Dart..................................................................................13 Prime Acres Whitetails............................................................31 Purina.........................................................................................20 Rocky Ridge Whitetails.....................................................12, 38 Spotted Acres............................................................................53 Springfield Whitetails................................................... 8, 35, 45 Tajada Whitetail Ranch...........................................................48 Trophy Whitetail Deer.............................................................46 Walnut Ridge Whitetails..........................................................22 Whitetail Sales & Auction.......................................................25 Woodard Whitetails.................................................................50

Next Deadline for Ads: March 6th 2024 ~ Spring Issue Watch for these symbols for interactive links in the eBook!

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FEATURED

BELLA MIA WHITETAILS – DEDICATED TO PRODUCING TYPICAL BIG-BODIED DEER By: Gail Veley

It was 1991. And a young 20-something Rick Priest knew a good thing when he saw it. His future Italian wife Caroline was standing in the same line that he was, to enter a college bar. A conversation ensued.

They never made it inside. Thirtytwo exclusive years later, they are still happily married. As dedicated as Rick is to his life partner, he is just as dedicated to a dream that is coming to fruition – owning and operating Bella Mia Whitetails, a 1,200-acre premiere deer farm now in its fourth year in Clinton, Louisiana.

“We aim to be one of the premiere breeders, and supply does and stocker bucks to other farms,” Priest, 56, said. “We are also planning to have a hunting preserve and lodge and are in the process of doing that.

When the preserve and hunting lodge are completed in the near future, we want visitors to come and make memories. We’re going to have something for the whole family to enjoy from a putting green, fishing, a

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swimming pool and spa, walking trail and even horseback riding trails.”

At the heart of this goal is the steadfast production of mainly typical big-bodied whitetails along with a variety of exotics from fallow, red stag and axis. With the whitetail production “we are growing more typical whitetails,” Priest explained.

“They are huge-bodied. We are combining northern and Texas genetics. We have does that are between 150 and 170 pounds.”

The farm is currently home to approximately 150 whitetail deer and 225 exotics, who thrive among the lush and shaded landscape.

Bella Mia genetics include semen from a partnership on Milo and Supersonic, two bucks possessing SS markers and owned by John Irvin Stoltzfus of Rocky Ridge Whitetails and Jerome Foti of Deer Ridge Farms.

Breeding plans this past November included 70 whitetail embryo transplants using these two bucks.

“We want to have all SS markers in our deer. We follow Dr. Seabury. We believe in the research. It’s getting proven all the time and we want to stay on top of that,” Priest said.

Other notable farm genetics include breeding bucks Ante Up and Double Down from Brad Sullivan’s farm Sullivan Whitetails, as well as breeding bucks Blackjack, Gunslinger, Wanted, Triple Ex, Waylon, Brain Freeze, Lone Ranger, Hollywood and Blue Chip.

“Our goal is to be able to compete with anyone in terms of quality and CWD resistance. We also plan to have two preserves and devote one to whitetails and one to exotics,” Priest said. In realizing these goals, he knew from the start that he needed a ranch manager as dedicated as he is. He turned to Shawn Miller, 38, who at the time had been a carpenter for 14 years. “I talked to him about trying something different and being a deer farm manager,” Priest shared. “Shawn jumped in and is doing a fantastic job.

He was a falconer, raised birds and

FARM STORY loves all animals. He’s even raised dogs.”

Miller may love every animal he cares for, but his favorite deer include “The Babe,” a big typical yet cautious yearling, “Fancy,” an older doe as well as “Snowman” and “Fred,” two piebalds. As both Priest and Miller look to the future, they feel confident that Bella Mia Whitetails, named in honor of Caroline’s Italian heritage, can meet the demand and desire of the deer industry.

“We want to be successful,” Priest said. “The main thing is that we’ve had lots of help from dedicated mentors like Jerome and Brad who gave us invaluable advice. We appreciate everyone along the way who has been there for us. We want to be here for the long run and offer others a ‘great return’ on what we’ve done to get started, as we prepare to further share our dream. We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this great industry.”

The Team at Bella Mia Ranch

CONTACT: RICK PRIEST 225-572-9212 RICK@BIGLADEER.COM WWW.BIGLADEER.COM 7

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10 LOUISIANA 2021

Quarterly Calendar Update ~ Ad Deadlines & Events

JANUARY SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER AUGUST

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

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

Annaual Meeting Benefit Auction

Pennsylvania Fall Deadline

North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Meeting

Louisiana Winter Deadline Southeast Tines Fall Deadline

LAST DAY TO SUBMINT *UPDATED BUCK PHOTOS

CHUPP AUCTION!!!

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

Upper Midwest Tri-State Associations Summer Deadline Winter Deadline

*SHOWCASE BOOK IN THE MAIL! to Deer Farmers in over 20 States!

The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

Summer Showcase Fudraiser Auction Event

Texas Deer Association Annual Convention 2023 Ohio Fall Deer Convention

Summer Picnic TBD

Whtietails of Louisiana

Bluegrass Trophy Buck Auction, Cave City, KY

Expo & Auction

Kentucky & New York Winter Deadline

Christmas Day

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

* See Showcase Flyer in this magazine for more information

* See Showcase Flier in this magazine for more information

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Alabama Deer Association Winter Deadline

Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline

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

Northern Top 30 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

Quest for Michigan’s Best Kentucky & New York Fall Deadline Winter Deadline

2023 SOUTHERN TOP 30 Whitetail & Specialty Extravaganza Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

Upper Midwest Summer Deadline

Summer Picnic

Upper Midwest Winter Deadline

Whtietails of Louisiana Expo & Auction

The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline

FEBRUARY OCTOBER

Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

Spring Quarter Begins

OK Annual Convention

Southeast Tines Spring Deadline Columbus Day

IDEFA Journal Spring Deadline

KS Annual Convention

Pennsylvania Spring Deadline

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline

Labor Day

IA Annual Meeting

alabama Deer association Spring Auction

Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Louisiana Fall Deadline

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

SPRING PRIME SPOTS: Cover & Back Cover: Connor Hassig, Inside Front Cover: Rick Priest Halloween Ads due no later than March 6th.

Kentucky & New York deerassociations@gmail.com Fall Deadline

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2024 NADEFA NADEFA IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 2024 PROMISES LASTING LASTING MEMORIES AND GOOD TIMES -- PROMISES ®®

By:Gail GailVeley Veley ••Sponsored Sponsored by

by ILDFA ILDFA By: AttendingThe TheNorth NorthAmerican American Deer Deer Attending Farmer’s Association (NADeFA) national Farmer’s Association (NADeFA) national conventioncould couldprove prove to to be be aa game game convention changer for your deer business. changer for your deer business.

“Developinglong-lasting long-lastingbusiness business “Developing relationshipsthrough throughface-to-face face-to-face relationships meetings and camaraderie one of of the the meetings and camaraderie isis one most important reasons for deer farmers most important reasons for deer farmers andthose thosewho whosell sellproducts products and and services services and to attend NADeFA,” offers Kathy Giesen, to attend NADeFA,” offers Kathy Giesen, Editorand andPublisher Publisherof ofmultiple multiple state state Editor deerassociation associationmagazines, magazines, and and steadfast steadfast deer convention attendee. “At NADeFA you convention attendee. “At NADeFA you get a very good mix of state association get a very good mix of state association people. I feel this convention in particular people. I feel this convention in particular will draw from every state deer association will draw from every state deer association and be very well attended. There will also and be very well attended. There will also be a lot of educational and fun activities.” be a lot of educational and fun activities.”

anticipated event. event. Springfield, Springfield, aa city anticipated city known known for being home to President Abraham for being home to President Abraham Lincoln, the the invention invention of Lincoln, of the the corn corn dog dog and and horseshoe sandwich as well as Springfield horseshoe sandwich as well as Springfield Lake, aa beautiful beautiful and and popular Lake, popular reservoir, reservoir, is is also rich in culture.

In 1812, Explorer John also rich in culture. In 1812, Explorer John Kelly built built the the first first cabin cabin in Kelly in Springfield, Springfield, noting the area’s vast abundance noting the area’s vast abundance of of wild wild deer and game.

Today, among the city’s deer and game. Today, among the city’s grid structured structured streets streets is grid is The The Abraham Abraham Lincoln President Library Lincoln President Library and and Museum, Museum, a mere 12 minutes from the convention. a mere 12 minutes from the convention.

NADeFA attendees will receive a special NADeFA attendees will receive a special admission rate of only $10 if they visit the admission rate of only $10 if they visit the museum during the convention, which is museum during the convention, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Scheduled for March 20th-23rd 2024 Scheduled for March 20th-23rd 2024 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield Illinois, NADeFA will also feature several Illinois, NADeFA will also feature several guest speakers. “We typically cover a wide guest speakers. “We typically cover a wide variety of topics such as information on variety of topics such as information on starting a deer farm to the latest CWD starting a deer farm to the latest CWD findings to herd health and management,” findings to herd health and management,” said NADeFA Executive Director Shawn said NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer. “A sampling of this year’s Schafer. “A sampling of this year’s speakers includes Justin Greenlee and Dr. speakers includes Justin Greenlee and Dr. Chris Seabury.”

Chris Seabury.”

ILDFA Vice President Chase Baker and ILDFA Vice President Chase Baker and Board Member Dr. Clifford Shipley believe Board Member Dr. Clifford Shipley believe that Illinois, a state with a very good that Illinois, a state with a very good reputation for raising deer, is a perfect reputation for raising deer, is a perfect choice and central location for hosting choice and central location for hosting NADeFA. “Springfield is a good city with NADeFA. “Springfield is a good city with easy access from the interstate and airport easy access from the interstate and airport to the hotel,” Dr. Shipley said. In addition, to the hotel,” Dr. Shipley said. In addition, ILDFA members hope Illinois “gains the ILDFA members hope Illinois “gains the exposure it deserves in being a great state exposure it deserves in being a great state to be a deer farmer,” Baker added. “We to be a deer farmer,” Baker added. “We see it continuing to be that way in the see it continuing to be that way in the future.” future.”

Board members for The Illinois Deer Board members for The Illinois Deer Farming Association (ILDFA) are pleased Farming Association (ILDFA) are pleased that Springfield, the capital of Illinois, will that Springfield, the capital of Illinois, will serve as the host city for this always muchserve as the host city for this always much-

As bright as the future is for Illinois deer As bright as the future is for Illinois deer farmers, is the prospect for new NADeFA farmers, is the prospect for new NADeFA attendees to make life-long friends attendees to make life-long friends and business partners, and for more and business partners, and for more

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seasoned attendees to strengthen and seasoned attendees to strengthen and deepen existing relationships. In addition deepen existing relationships. In addition to events such as the anticipated Antler to events such as the anticipated Antler Competition, Silent Auction, Benefit Competition, Silent Auction, Benefit Auction, Consignment Auction, Dart Auction, Consignment Auction, Dart Gun Gun Competition, Coloring and Photo Competition, Coloring and Photo contest contest and a Culinary Competition is the convention hall itself, featuring is the convention hall itself, featuring booths from deer farms as well as those booths from deer farms as well as those promoting various products and services promoting various products and services geared toward helping a deer farmer geared toward helping a deer farmer succeed. succeed.

“There are approximately 2,500 members “There are approximately 2,500 members reached through our publications with the reached through our publications with the various state deer associations,” Giesen various state deer associations,” Giesen emphasized. “Therefore, I feel there emphasized. “Therefore, I feel there should be at least 2,500 people that attend should be at least 2,500 people that attend NADeFA. Many deer farmers have never NADeFA. Many deer farmers have never been to a national convention. Everyone been to a national convention. Everyone owes it to themselves to go. Sponsorships, owes it to themselves to go. Sponsorships, and the recognition that comes with that, and the recognition that comes with that, are also available for anyone who wishes are also available for anyone who wishes to sponsor sponsor aa meal meal or or an an event.” event.” to To register register for for NADeFA NADeFA or orto tohave haveaabooth, booth, To visit the the NADeFA NADeFA website websiteunder underNADeFA NADeFA visit 2024.

“We are expecting a good size 2024. “We are expecting a good size crowd,” Schafer Schafer said. said. “This “Thisisisan anevent eventthe the crowd,” whole family family will will enjoy. enjoy. Plan Plan on onattending. attending. whole You will really have a great time.”

You will really have a great time.”

For more more information: information: For www.nadefa.org www.nadefa.org Phone: 330.454.3944 330.454.3944 •• Fax: Fax:330.454.3950 330.454.3950 Phone: Email: info@nadefa.org info@nadefa.org Email:

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THE NORTH AMERICAN DEER REGISTRY (NADR) OFFERING MORE SERVICES AND INNOVATION FOR BREEDING AND MANAGING DEER By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by IWDA Deer farmers, through the unwavering innovations of NADR, can now know exactly which GEBV markers and codons their deer possess, along with standard DNA parentage markers. “Our recently upgraded technology is allowing us to include GEBV markers and codon information with our standard parentage testing,” said NADR Executive Director Gary Cook. “This information allows breeders to maximize the reduction risk regarding CWD. The science allows them to genetically reconstruct their herds, making them less likely for CWD to occur, by virtually layering genetics from animals that are less susceptible to CWD. This will greatly influence breeding decisions as well as the future of the deer industry.”

Established in 2007 as an independent agency to help validate the deer industry, NADR has also recently purchased Game Management Solutions (GMS) software from NADeFA. “Our goal is to reinvent it so it can be opened from a phone and utilized in web-based applications,” Cook said. “We’ve been spending considerable time and effort revamping it to make it a much more powerful tool.” GMS, a tracking system designed to help manage every aspect of deer farming, will be available on a subscription basis in late winter or early spring, depending on when NADR is ready to introduce it. Currently, NADR maintains a DNA registry for whitetail, fallow and mule deer and as such, has tested almost 400,000 tissue samples. In addition, NADR is working on adding SNP markers for axis deer that will be available in 2024.

Deer farmers looking to sell, breed or participate in consignment sales are strongly encouraged to register their deer with NADR, through the submission of tissue samples. Sample submission options include an excel spreadsheet,

GMS software or manually. Samples could include pulled (not shaved) hair between 30-50 millimeters long from the underside of the tail, an antler core from the base of a shed antler, semen straws or used semen straws with the cotton plug still intact. However, AllFlex tissue tubes can be handled much quicker through an automated process versus hair or blood, explained Lindsey Kogut, NADR Senior Lead Scientist. “We need to constantly remind people that we’ve grown, and samples can take weeks to process,” she said. “The earlier you get them to us the better. We will keep you informed and let you know when it’s in process.”

One of the advantages of the revamped GMS software will be the ability to notify breeders when samples are in process and when results are available.

the latest CWD research and how GEBV’s and codons influence resistance.

“Genetic improvement for reduced CWD susceptibility is not a single step process.

It is a work in progress and is a standard practice in commercial/production livestock species as well,” Kogut said. “This information takes the guess work out of it and can provide an immense level of comfort to deer farmers. I cannot imagine where the deer breeding industry would be without the efforts of NADR.”

As a more recent staff edition, Kogut, is responsible for ensuring parentage and GEBV results are reviewed and released to the breeders in an accurate and timely manner. Drawing from the extensive research conducted by Dr. Christopher Seabury, Kogut spends a considerable amount of time talking with deer farmers in an effort to explain

You may reach NADR staff by calling 405-513-7228, faxing them at 405-513-7238, sending an email to nadr@deerregistry.com or visiting their website at www:deerregistry.com. NADR is located at 1601 Medical Center Drive, Suite 1, Edmond, OK, 73034.

“We continue to work hard to provide the very best tools and the most valuable information in a genetic registry,” Cook said. “NADR is ever continuing to seek ways to use technology to provide knowledge and state of the art services to our customers.”

Watch online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9mcoEMtacA&t=768s

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LOUISIANA 2022 20

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QUALIFYING FOR A CONSIGNMENT SALE WHAT EVERY DEER FARMER SHOULD KNOW By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by IDEFA Building your farm name through consignment sale participation is one of the smartest moves a deer farmer can make, offers Chris Ezell, co-owner of Whitetail Sales Auction LLC based out of Urich, Missouri. Although some consignment sales such as Top 30 (North and South) may be more exclusive and feature only the country’s top 30 breeders for that particular area, others such as Chupp auctions and NADeFA’s annual consignment auction offer opportunities for quality livestock or valuable and useful items to be featured and sold from a wider pool of consigners.

As with every auction, programs are distributed describing each auction lot.

“What deer farmers need to realize is what a great advertising opportunity it is to be in the program,” said Kristy Schwartz, President of Whitetail Marketing Inc., and Graphics/Catalog Designer for Whitetail Sales Auction LLC. “Even if you aren’t participating as a consignor, you can still advertise.

Placing an ad allows people to identify with your brand. Coming to the auctions also allows you to gain insight and guidance from others and make goals for your future. It also helps your state.” Since the early 2000’s, Schwartz, 39, has been at the forefront of creating auction programs and working hand-inhand with each consignor to make sure

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every detail is correct. Dates, times and places for every annual deer auction (as well as all advertising deadlines) can be found by visiting https://www. whitetailsalesauctionllc.com.

Perhaps it could be seen as every deer farmer’s dream to be among the 30 breeders chosen for the Top 30 North or South auction, and to enjoy the prestige that goes along with that. “It all depends on the genetics you have on your farm,” Ezell said. “It might be tougher for a new farmer to initially get in, but possible after some dedication and hard work. It’s a great goal to shoot for.”

The Chupp Auction, always held in Shipshewana, Indiana, generally features consignors from Indiana and closer surrounding areas. Ensuring that the quality of each auction lot falls within certain accepted parameters is in the hands of Ezell and Lester Eicher, who with Ezell, are at the helm of Whitetail Sales Auction LLC. Along with the Chupp Auction is a guaranteed good time with catered food, the unmatched hospitality of the Amish and the charm and culture of Shipshewana itself, a city with an Amish population of close to 90 percent. “If you haven’t been to this auction, you definitely need to come,” Ezell said.

The NADeFA auction, always held during the annual spring NADeFA convention, offers a chance to bring a wider variety of auction lots and showcase your best animal or most useful or well-crafted item such as a picnic bench (or even a magazine advertisement and article in your own quarterly deer association magazine.) NADeFA, which always draws a sizable and vast crowd from every state that raises deer, also offers a unique and interesting trade show as well as educational classes and the chance to mingle with some of the best producers in the deer industry.

A percentage of profits from auctions often end up being donated to a worthy cause such as nonprofit organizations that support hunting and conservation, various deer associations and even individuals within the deer industry in need of additional support for personal reasons. “The deer industry is full of generous people willing to help others,” Ezell said. “Every deer farmer should make an effort to be a part of these auctions.” Interested auction attendees or participants should contact Ezell or Eicher if they have questions or need more information about deadlines.

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Green 105

Maxbo XL Gladiator XL GXL’s Dam DTW Bodacious Gladiator III DTW Y12 DTW R12 Hickok’s Dam Dam to DTW Bodacious Monarch I Monarch Supreme Orange 758 DTW White 105 Gladiator III Princess Wh 440

Yellow 12 Gladiator III

DTW Red 12

dam to Hickok

Gladiator III

DTW Bodacious

Green 208

Red 70

Maxbo XL Gladiator XL GXL’s Dam DTW Bodacious Gladiator III DTW Y12 DTW R12 Hickok’s Dam Dam to DTW Bodacious Federal Express Aftershock Jenna DTW White 108 Monarch I DTW Yellow 3 Momma dam to T-Rex, Rolex II, Moe

DTW Bodacious

Yellow 3 Monarch I

Momma Dam to T-Rex, Rolex II, and MO

Monarch I

White 108 CCW Aftershock

DTW Yellow 3

Aftershock

womb bro. to Moe 248” @2, 30” wide

Red 83

Dr. Love 28

DTW Yellow 70

Red 18

Bambi Dbl. Drop RW Trophy Found.

BB Peanut Red 55 08 RW Max Maxbo Yellow 27 Scout SW Yellow 1 SW Lav 20

Gladiator III

DTW Green 18

Gladiator III Federal Express Jenna Monarch I Momma

dam to T-Rex, Rolex II, Moe

7C’s Witch Dr.

dam to Bodacious

Gladiator II LH Artemis High Roller Momma

dam to T-Rex, Rolex II, Moe

Gladiator Brandi Mercedes 642 Sundance Magnum doe Maxbo SW Yellow 1

G IV’s Womb Sister Gladiator II LH Artemis BW Grand Canyon BW W-168

Gladiator Brandi Mercedes 642 Maxbo BW Sunshine Sundowner 82 White

Gladiator III

Bambi Longhorn

dam to Dragon & Black Dragon

White 96

Express GKR W7 Maxbo Hardcore Brittany Bambi Long Horn Red 55 Maxbo SW Yellow 1

TR Voodoo Orange 7114 Dr. Love Maxbo Hardcore R128 Purple 23 Maxbo XL Gladiator XL GXL’s Dam DTW White 83 Gladiator III womb sister to DTW Yellow 12 TW Red 12 Bodacious

Gladiator III

Dam to Bodiacous

Gladiator III

Honey

Gladiator III

LH Artemis Rolex Orange 18

dam to DTW Hollywood

Gladiator II LH Artemis Dream Rolex

full sister to DTW White 009 Yellowstone, King Arthur, & Knockout

White 107 Gladiator III

DTW Yellow 6

Gladiator III

Gladiator II

Gladiator II LH Artemis Monarch SuperStar Green 064

sister to Remax 400”

Gladiator Brandi Mercedes 642 High Roller Yellow 125 Maxbo Sundown doe

Gladiator Brandi Mercedes 642 High Roller Yellow 125 D.H. Dee Jay D.H. Lizzy

Gladiator Brandi Mercedes 642 Monarch I 2 White Maxbo XL CM Y02

Red 69

DTW Black 83

Gladiator Brandi Gladiator III Mercedes LH Artemis 642 Express Storm Express Green 43 DTW White 69 Monarch Classic DTW Yellow 63 P 61

Gladiator III

Gladiator II

Champion

DTW Red 83

Bodacious

Red 77

dam to Hickok

dam to T-Rex, Rolex II, Moe

Maxbo JRV Buddy Doe Gladiator XL Gladiator II GXL’s Dam 302 GXL’s G-Dam Monarch I Monarch Classic XX Yellow 732 DTW Yellow 62 Cardiac Kid P 61 P107

Gladiator XL

Maxbo XL

Dr. Love DTW White 83

DTW Black 76

Full Metal Black Widow Gladiator XL Lyla P 608 Gladiator XL DTW Bodacious DTW Y12 dam to Bodacious DTW Green 76 Texas Tea DTW White 76 DTW Yellow 62 Champion

Undisputed

Champion

DTW Black 178

Walkin Tall 940W WW Secret Weapon Black Widow 3-122 Maxbo XL Gladiator XL GiGi GXL’sDam DTW White 78 Gladiator III DTW Yellow 15 TW Red 14 Undisputed

Full Metal

Undisputed Citation’s Womb Sister Shadow Kid Rock A225 Kid Rock Dam Solid Gold Express 1239 Orange 605 Maxbo XL Gladiator XL GXL’s Dam DTW White 80 Monarch SuperStar DTW Yelllow 6 Green 064

Red 80

Solid Gold

DTW Black 109

Walkin Tall 940W WW Secret Weapon Black Widow 3-122 Monarch Monarch I Supreme Orange 758 DTW White109 Gladiator III Bodacious Dam TW Red 12 Undisputed

Full Metal

Undisputed

White 106 Monarch SuperStar

Green 064

Monarch SuperStar

Monarch I 2 White Maxbo XL CM Y02

Dam to Remax 405”

GiGi (Wh 78) Gladiator XL

DTW Yellow 15 womb sister to Magnum G

Gladiator XL

Maxbo XL GXL’s Dam Gladiator III DTW Red 14

dam to Magnum G 285”@2, womb to Panorama

DTW Black 9

Walkin Tall 940W WW Secret Weapon Black Widow 3-122 Gladiator XL DTW Bodacious DTW Y12 dam to Bodacious DTW Peach 9 Storm Express DTW White 69 DTW Yellow 63

Bambi Long Horn Red 55 Bambi 8 Ball White G32 Maxbo JRV Buddy doe Maxbo Stretch doe

Undisputed

DTW Black 78

Walkin Tall 940W WW Secret Weapon Black Widow 3-122 Gladiator XL DTW Bodacious DTW Y12 dam to Bodacious DTW Peach 78 Gladiator XL Gi Gi DTW Yellow 15

Maxbo JRV Buddy Doe Gladiator II 302 GXL’s G-Dam Gladiator II LH Artemis High Roller D.H. Ellie May dam to Panorama

Undisputed

dam to T-Rex, Rolex II, Moe

Full Metal

Undisputed

DTW Black 12

Bodacious’ Womb Sister Bambi Long Horn Monarch I Red 55 Monarch Supreme Big Bob Orange 758 O13 Gladiator II Gladiator III LH Artemis DTW Yellow 12 High Roller DTW Red 12 Momma dam to Hickok

Full Metal

Undisputed

White 109

Monarch Supreme

Lyla

Full Metal Black Widow Gladiator XL P 608 7C’s Witch Dr. R 128 Gladiator XL DTW Yellow 12

Champion Bodacious’ Womb Sister Maxbo Maxbo XL JRV Buddy Doe Gladiator XL Gladiator II GXL’s Dam 302 GXL’s G-Dam Gladiator II Gladiator III LH Artemis DTW Yellow 12 Hig hRoller DTW Red 12 dam to Momma

White 83

Gladiator XL

Undisputed

Rainbow

Bodacious Dam

Gladiator XL Y1213 Gladiator III DTW R12

dam to Hickok

Rainbow

Maxbo XL 846 Sudden Impact W111 Gladiator II LH Artemis High Roller Momma

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WOL EXPO AND Crawfish BOIL SPRING AUCTION AND BENEFIT

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6.5 PRC Storm Express / Express / Silver Hawk

Noah & Sarah Hilty South Whitley, IN

260-248-1684

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HILTY WHITETAILS

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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 34

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Yo u

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ma ga

zin

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Websites promote you 24/7: no employee will do that.

830-368-4285 | www.DroptineStudios.com | Admin@DroptineStudios.com 36

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MINNESOTA DEER FARMERS FIND CHALLENGES WITH AMENDED 35.155 STATUTE By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by MDFA

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egislative changes made effective July 1st, 2023, are making many Minnesota deer farmers question whether or not they can afford to stay in business. These changes include, among others, constructing an additional type of fencing or barrier outside of a farm’s standard 96” high fence, as well as tight restrictions on who an existing deer farm may be gifted or sold to.

“If I knew when I got started in the year 2,000 how tough it would be today to run a deer farm, I may not have ever gotten started,” explains Scott Fier, President of the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association and owner of Buffalo Ridge Whitetails in Porter.

“Back then, we were encouraged to raise deer. CWD was not something that was really talked about very much.” Although the Minnesota Board of Animal Health had governed over whitetail farms since 2005, sole authority now rests with The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and with that, perhaps more costly deer farm mandates. While new legislation requires deer farmers to construct an additional barrier outside of their existing fence “it does not necessarily mean a double fence,” said Mike Oehler, Farmed Deer and Captive Species Coordinator for The MDNR. In his newly created position, Oehler shares the four various fencing options acceptable to the DNR, intended to

prevent wild deer from making contact with farmed deer and spread CWD. The first is a standard double fence, a simple mirror image of a farm’s existing fence. The second is a “secondary fence” made of smaller mesh type material that wild deer cannot penetrate. The third option is a wooden fence or shade cloth barrier. The fourth option is an electric fence. Yet, many deer farmers such as Steve Uchytil, Vice President of the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association and owner of Crow River Whitetails in Atwater, feel any type of additional fencing is extremely cost-prohibitive. He feels the expense is not worth the risk, especially if new additional costly compliance measures are made into law in the future. As a result, as of December 6th, 2023, Uchytil plans to clear out his entire existing herd and later, start over in another state. Although Uchytil has found potential buyers for his property, current law requires him to either sell to an immediate family member (should the property remain a deer farm) or sell to an unknown buyer who will use the property for other purposes. Immediate family includes cousins, siblings, children, adopted children, parents or grandparents, according to the MDNR. Regardless, the property is required to remain high-fenced for 10 years and along with that, deed restrictions. “This is where the property value crashes,” Uchytil explained. “This legislation is impacting our state very badly.”

“We realize fear over CWD has caused these changes to occur. We would like the MDNR to acknowledge the diligence that deer farmers have practiced in breeding for CWD resistance,” Fier said.

“While it may not be considered an exact science today, this is cutting edge technology and we’ve seen quantifiable results. And while we may not be able to prevent wild deer from getting CWD, we will prevent it on our farms. There isn’t a deer farmer in existence who doesn’t want to eradicate CWD. Sadly, many deer farmers in Minnesota are now closing their farms.” Steadfastly, Oehler and the DNR believe that wild deer, unless separated by fencing from farmed deer, can still pass on CWD. Should a deer farm test positive for CWD, current legislation requires biohazard signage to be placed every 50 feet of a farm’s property, perhaps cutting a property value in half, Uchytil said. Considering the multi-milliondollar revenue that high-fence hunting brings to the state of Minnesota, Uchytil and Fier both feel this is unfair and unnecessary. Deer farmers have until September 1st of 2024 to comply with the new laws. Minnesota Senator Andrew Lang and House Representative Dave Baker, deer advocates and lobbyists, were unavailable for comments.

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WOL EXPO AND Crawfish BOIL SPRING AUCTION AND BENEFIT

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Word Search Arctic Avalanche Blizzard Boots Carol Cocoa Crisp Evergreen Fireplace Freezing Frost Hibernate

Holidays Igloo Mittens Nordic Nutcracker Penguin Quilt Scarf Sled Snowflake Snowman Sweater

Help Reunite the Deer Family!

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

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LOUISIANA 2022 49 49

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SUDOKU

The rules for sudoku are simple: A 9×9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.

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

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

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LOUISIANA 2022

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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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