Storm’s End Whitetails

SHOWCASING BIG-BODIED NORTHERN DEER

By: Gail Veley

Although the deer industry generates millions of dollars nationwide for the economy, Gina Bozzer of Storm’s End Whitetails feels another driving force generates the passion. “We value our animals above all else,” said Gina, who along with husband Chris Hayes, 50, own and operate Storm’s End Whitetails in Gaylord, Michigan. As deer farmers with close to six years of experience under their belts, Bozzer,46, immensely values the opportunity to be involved. Although both Bozzer and Hayes grew up riding quarter horses and loving nature, it was Hayes, an avid hunter and whitetail enthusiast, who introduced Bozzer to deer and enabled her to fall in love.

“It’s hard to pick out what I revere more,” Bozzer, a practicing attorney, said of the deer industry. “But I think for me it’s being part of that culture and the responsibilities that rise and fall on our shoulders. It took me 40 years to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and the deer is it. Even though I’m not a cold weather person and I think that’s tough, it’s still such a privilege.”

The 160 acres comprising Storm’s End Whitetails (40 acres of high-fence) is devoted solely to breeding both typical and non-typical big-bodied northern deer, while also focusing on CWD resistance. Close to 350 deer including bucks, does, yearlings and fawns thrive in the lush green Michigan landscape found on the farm. Bozzer and Hayes take pride in their sizable herd and the genetics infused into it from the likes of Federal Express, Major League, Gunslinger, Maxbo, Hardcore, Triple Crown and Fedex Royal.

Storm’s End, named after a city in the novel series “Game of Thrones,” is well-known for hearty bucks such as Big Lou, Executioner and Secret Storm. Producing bucks of this caliber is an on-going goal for Hayes and Bozzer. “We want early maturing deer,” she said. “We use A.I. and embryos with Texas and northern foundation does.” Seeing the results of their breeding decisions materialize, from watching fawns grow up and antlers grow out, is the most rewarding part for them. “People equate it to Christmas morning,” Bozzer said. “It’s pretty exciting and a tremendous amount of work. We look forward to it for months.”

While both are full-time professionals outside of deer farming, Hayes and Bozzer devote the same quality time and attention to deer farming as if it were their full-time job. They even take the time to mentor others who have aspired to be in the deer industry, such as Shelbi and Garrett Koronka of G2 Whitetails deer farm in Johannesburg, Michigan.

As Hayes and Bozzer look to the future, they feel blessed that their efforts have enabled them to produce a herd the industry will continue to actively seek out. Check them out on Facebook!

Chris Hayes & Gina Bozzer 989-619-3495 Email: gina@stormwhitetails.com