MI Spring eBook 2023

Quest for Michigan’s Best

ANTLER REPLICATION TECHNIQUES

WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Sponsored by MDA

FALLOW DEER

GAINING IN DEMAND AND POPULARITY

SPONSORED BY WOO

SPONSORED BY UDFOM

TABLE OF CONTENTS / ADVERTISERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President – Doug Roberts Phone: 810-241-9554

droberts@conquestdeerfarm.com

Vice President--Ken Brown Phone: 517-525-4036

kennybrown988@yahoo.com

Secretary / Treasure – Tricia Davis Phone: 231-878-2229 (Cell) pedavis69@gmail.com

Legislative Chair – Gina A. Bozzer Phone: (989) 619-3495

gina@stormwhitetails.com

Membership Chair – Terry Edwards Phone: 989-657-3628

northernselectgenetics@gmail.com

Board Member – Merle Shepard Phone: 313-268-1727

scishep@aol.com

Fundraiser Chair – John Wilson Phone: 989-324-0543

platinumwhitetails@yahoo.com

Board Member – Kyle Eckert Phone: 989-350-0483

kyle@br2whitetailsalesandservice.com

Legislative Chair– Ryan Halfman Phone: 517-281-2936

blacklabelwhitetails@gmail.com

Board Member – Mathias Dekker Phone: 989-415-6201

mathiasdekker@gmail.com

Marketing Chair--Steve Heckel Phone: 734-320-7182

ironhead@cass.net

Marketing Chair--Quincy Querfurth Phone: 269-325-8101

quincyquerfurth97@gmail.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

DOUG ROBERTS

UDFOM Members,

Hello to all our members that have renewed and welcome to all the NEW members that have signed up to be a part of UDFoM. Thank you to all the board members for their service and a big welcome to Matt Dekker who has been voted on and is the new secretary.

As I write this letter, I can’t help but reflect back on the end of 2022 and see how great and solid our industry is. The sales of breed stock and hunt bucks were at an alltime high. I know of a few ranches that had to stop their hunting due to the lack of bucks to purchase for hunts. I can’t remember this ever happening in the 30+ years being in the business.

On another reflection, it is the first time in 4 decades that the democrats have gained control of all three chambers of congress and have vowed to make changes that are sure to affect our industry in some way. We are already seeing all time high prices for feed, fuel and farm products. Although these are not what we want to see, we still have a very viable product that we raise with customers who are ready to purchase that Product.

What concerns me the most is that we as an industry are still very vulnerable to bad legislation or even having the public vote on the existence of our industry staying in business. If you don’t think it’s a possibility just look at Montana and now Minnesota. It is more important now, than ever before to fund the UDFoM deer PAC so we can go to Lansing and teach the new members of Congress about what we do and the amount of money we generate for the Michigan economy. I would like to ask everyone to donate $1.00 for each deer you have on your farm or ranch to the PAC. We will be contacting you by email or mail asking for your support.

On to the latest and greatest! If you haven’t heard and were not at our convention in March 2023, you missed out on a beautiful new venue and probably the biggest and best convention in the history of UDFoM! After having our dates taken away from us by Soaring Eagle

Casino, we only had a few months to find a new venue and figure out all the catering, hotel accommodations, layout for booth spaces as well as the games and antler competition. With all the odds stacked against us, the board and many others stepped up and got everything put together in time to see Gaylord get hit with a snowstorm both days. There are many people to thank for the success that we had over the two days, but I would like to highlight a few that went above and beyond. Trish, Tina, Terry, Karen and Alicia literally made EVERYTHING happen. Diane and Kevin of the Ellison Place lived at the venue and took care of every need, Gayla and her staff that catered all the food for every meal and Jason Cross for two amazing concerts!

To give you a quick preview of what is going to be happening in 2023 for UDFoM.

1. We will be having a face-to-face board meeting every quarter with our first one taking place on April 24th at the Doherty hotel in Clare at 9am. We will announce the next meeting on the website and email blast.

2. Meetings with legislators in Lansing will start tsking place on April 13th and 18th.

3. Farm tours for new legislators with begin on April 21st.

4. We will set convention committees and start working on the 2024 convention.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to one of the board members. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

Have a blessed and safe year.

Sincerely,

Doug Roberts UDFOM President

UDFOM 2023 Convention Antler Competition

Corporate Sponsors

Antler Competition - Armada Grain

Auction - BR2 Whitetails

Silent auction - Gutierrez Cervid Company

Gun Safe - CG Financial Services

Beverage - Storms End Whitetails

Cornhole - Kalmbach Feeds

Meals - Riverdale Feed

Golden Ticket - Great Lakes Sire Service

Entertainment - Black Label Whitetails

Thank you for your support!

FEATURE STORY

DEER FARMING DEMONSTRATION EARNS GOLD STANDARD AT STATE FFA EVENT

By: Gail Veley

Using homebuilt props as well as props collected from a deer farm, an A.I. procedure is performed on a “doe” by Samantha VanDort and her teammates Carley Meyer, Kennedy Hower and Autumn Langeland from the Careerline Tech Center FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter, during a recent competition. A few minutes later, using props from the farm again, administering supplements to fawns and bottle feeding was demonstrated, along with an ear tag attachment. Judges were intrigued and impressed enough by their presentation during both the District competition February 1st and Regionals February 15th, to award the group second place.

When they went on to earn sixth place at State during the March 8th - 10th competition, their presentation also earned a Gold Standard. “We were so excited,” VanDort, 17, shared. “Our FFA Advisor Tony McCaul was so proud of us. He has always supported us through everything. He’s always been there.” VanDort, a senior at Zeeland West High School, is aspiring to continue her passion for deer by not only choosing an applicable college major, but by also being a major player at her family’s deer farm, GE Whitetails. “One of the biggest benefits to being involved in FFA is the opportunity to learn more about agriculture and all different types of animals,” VanDort said. “It also teaches you how to speak in front of a live audience, which is not at all like school presentations. No one should feel afraid to step outside of their comfort zone.”

Preparing for their demonstration required the group to gather as much information as possible, and work with

mentors to ensure it was presented efficiently. Among those at the forefront to offer advice were Robert Sergi and Jake Badger of Legends Ranch. “We were really glad for their help and support and for events like The United Deer Farmers of Michigan annual convention so we can mingle with other like-minded people,” VanDort said.

Being involved in FFA is also a great way to show people that agriculture isn’t just cows and horses, VanDort explained. “I also want to help people see the deer industry in a positive light and show them the beneficial things that deer farmers are doing,” she added. “I have friends who aren’t interested in agriculture at all. But I’m always inviting them out to our farm to show them what it’s all about. I love giving tours and handling our Facebook Page.” In addition to being a perpetual liaison for the deer industry, VanDort enjoys spending time with her four siblings and their goldendoodle puppy. She is also planning to be a camp counselor at a Bible Camp this summer.

THE KLEIN FAMILY DEER RANCH – OPENING THEIR DOORS THIS FALL FOR GUIDED AND NON-GUIDED HUNTS

By: Gail Veley

Anytime Jason and Jesicia “Jesi” Klein traverse through their vast 200 acres of pristine rolling hills heavily forested by hardwoods at their ranch, The Klein Family Deer Ranch in Elmira, Michigan, they are certain of one thing. They feel as deep in nature as you can get. While the property is high-fenced and being prepared for hunters this fall, everything about it feels like the great wide open outdoors. “We are off the beaten path so to say, in the upper lower peninsula of Michigan,” Jesi, 46, said. “You will truly get a feeling of solitude when hunting with us, without being too far away from civilization.”

Started three years ago, the Klein Family Deer Ranch is as the name implies. It’s a family operated ranch with Jason and Jesi at the helm along with their children, Anthony, a prime participant in every capacity and Mackenzie, helping when she can. What began as a retirement dream for the Kleins turned into reality after spending time with Kyle Eckert of BR2 Whitetails several years ago. Today, within the ranch is a breeding facility where some of the best and hopefully most sought-after deer are being raised. “Our goal is to grow anything from 350” on down,” Jason, 45, said.

“In the future we intend to have a separate breeding facility adjacent to the ranch where we can promote solid pairings and bring some of the biggest and best deer to our clients,” Jesi explained. “This future endeavor will work to strengthen our positive attitude about hunters loving our ranch. Right now, we may not be the biggest or the fanciest operation, but I guarantee, your time with us will be memorable. We currently have temporary lodging for overnight hunters with the intent to build a full lodge

in the future. For us, hunting is a time to enjoy nature and be at peace with your surroundings and forget about the hustle and bustle of daily life.”

Perhaps another enticing feature of the ranch will be a hunter’s ability to choose a guided or non-guided hunt. “We can provide the full experience to hunters, giving them as much or as little help as they desire,” Jason said. “We want them to be able to enjoy just the thrill of the hunt and the positive experience that a well-run hunting preserve can provide. We hope to also change the perspective of those who may feel a preserve isn’t as satisfying as free-range. We welcome any interested hunter to come and enjoy our great outdoors and leave a satisfied customer.”

The Kleins can be contacted by email at KleinFamilyDeerRanch@gmail.com as well as Jason’s phone by calling or texting 734-368-4523. “We look forward to seeing you this fall,” Jason said. “And we are excited to have you come.”

UDFOM 2023 Convention Booths!

INVEST IN SEMEN STRAWS WISELY AND THOUGHTFULLY

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by UDFOM

Any deer farmer who’s bought semen straws for the last five to six years more-than-likely “has too much semen,” explains Alex Draper of DD Deer Farms in Clio, Michigan. Although semen straws allow a deer farmer to breed with perhaps the best buck on the market, that same buck may be replaced by another the following year with even better and more desirable traits, making semen straws of the previous year’s buck obsolete. “If you bought more semen from a buck than you can use in one breeding season, you may have wasted your money,” Draper advised.

Individual semen straws, which can vary greatly in price depending on the buck, typically cover two to three does through vaginal A.I. or one to two does through the use of an insemination gun. And while diversifying genetics can be the focus of a deer farmer each breeding season, Draper, 71, a deer farmer of 32-plus years, cautions to study conception rates and to consider your budget and goals beforehand. Should your budget allow for five semen straws, buy five of the same buck you desire to breed to, rather than one straw from five different bucks. “If you only buy one straw from one buck, and you only end up with one surviving fawn from that straw that dies later in the fall, you’ve lost the genetic potential of that entire straw,” he said. “Buy enough to make a difference. It’s better to make sure you end up with the offspring you were after. When you are buying semen, you also need a good grasp on genetics and should breed for paper (pedigrees) or better genetics going forward.”

However, even though keeping up with industry trends has it’s advantages, Draper, whose focus in the past few years has been on raising typicals, is

now charting a different course for his farm. This fall and in subsequent years to come, he will be focusing on genetic breeding values (GBV’s) which estimate an animal’s genetic merit for a particular trait and while defining the superiority or inferiority of it’s offspring. In the case of whitetail deer, Draper along with other deer farmers, are realizing the increased need to breed for CWD resistance. To this end, Draper may use some of the semen straws from his old inventory to help perpetuate this goal. “Be aware that some big bucks on the scene now have no GBV’s,” he said. To date, as a result of making informed choices about the purchase of semen straws, more than half of the breeder bucks on Draper’s farm possess the “SS” allele or better. Through his studies, Draper has found he likes “K’s” and “H’s” and anything equal to the “SS” allele but without a “G” link to it. Alleles, defined as one or two alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome, may strongly determine a whitetail’s potential resistance to CWD.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like my typicals, but most of the stuff that has favorable GBV’s has a more nontypical look,” explained Draper, whose background and professional engineering career centering around science is influencing him to move away from typicals, and later go back to them when genetics are more favorable and able to sustain many generations of CWD resistant deer. “Here in Michigan, we look it at as a long-term goal and can start with the base that we are creating,” he said. “The science side of me is making me want to focus on the breeding markers and leave a good foundation (legacy) for others to benefit from. It’s not about chasing pedigrees but about the markers. Michigan has a good stocker buck market to move us a couple years down the road. Our ultimate goal is to develop our breeding operations to have all great markers and develop the GBV’s that protect against CWD for future sales of those protected deer.”

FALLOW DEER GAINING IN DEMAND AND POPULARITY

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by WOO

Fallow deer, known for their hardiness, adaptability and apparent resistance to contracting CWD and EHD, are gaining popularity as perhaps a more low-risk animal to raise, compared to whitetails. Although whitetails are and always will remain the Number One animal in North America to hunt, producers and hunters alike are increasingly intrigued by fallow deer with their unique paddle or rack with tines. “I’ve had hunters willing to pay $50,000 to $500,000 for the right fallow buck,” shared Lance Clawson of Caveman Wildlife in Austin, Texas. Credited as being one of the first in the U.S. to raise high-end pedigreed fallow deer, Clawson maintains a herd of approximately 150 in a partnership with Jason Milligan of Cross Canyon Whitetails. Clawson also partners with Chris Ezell on a herd numbering approximately 160 at Ezell’s farm, Dangerous Whitetails of Oklahoma in Adair, Oklahoma.

Originally from Europe, fallow deer were brought to the U.S. during the 19th century as domesticated animals

and as such, no license is currently needed to raise them, said Ezell, who has raised fallow deer for nine years. Having originally bought them to merely help keep the grass “mowed” on his expansive farm, Ezell started appreciating more and more their calmness and their ability to take stressful situations in-stride. Even better was “a combination of three very important things. Their hardiness, they adapt to any environment, are CWD non-susceptible and don’t get EHD,” Ezell emphasized. “They are very efficient animals and usually have only one fawn in June with an unbelievable success rate.”

Clawson, who’s efficiently raised fallow deer for 20 years, first promoted them as a viable choice for hunters from his booth at a Texas Deer Breeders Association show in 2015, after CWD started becoming a more prevalent issue for whitetail breeders in Texas. Pleasantly surprised by the response he received, Clawson said he “just kept going with it.” He began to work steadfast towards developing a registry and later found support through The Exotic Wildlife Association in Kerrville, Texas. “I feel a strong allegiance toward the EWA for coming through for those of us who raise fallows and want to continuously improve them through quality genetics and pedigrees,” Clawson said. More recently, The North American Deer Registry (NADR) began a fallow deer registry as well.

While Clawson, 54, admits he may not be a professional at marketing his fallow deer, he appears to be a professional at producing world-record bucks. “We are creating a species that has never been seen before” said Clawson, whose farm sports

“The 400” Club” with the likes of American Made, Lightening and Bullwinkle, the fallow buck unofficial world record holder. “Everyone who visits our farm immediately wants to go and see Bullwinkle,” Clawson said. “They are immediately drawn to him and intrigued by his size and stature.”

Under the right setting and super genetics, fallow deer racks (or palmate racks as they are called) can be four to six inches wide, Ezell said. “With superior genetics, they could be 10 to 15 inches wide. Fallow deer can also be a variety of coat colors and look different from each other.” Since he began promoting his fallow deer, Ezell has shipped them to states such as Missouri, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maine, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. Using embryo transfer, he and Clawson and Milligan have helped improve the genetics on both of their farms in a continuous effort to make a science out of raising fallow deer. “They are also good eating and big for the meat industry,” Ezell said. “The future for fallow deer is very bright.”

UDFOM 2023 Convention Photos!

ANTLER REPLICATION TECHNIQUES WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Missouri Deer Association (MDA)

Antler replication has joined the digital world and may offer conveniences not available through traditional antler replication techniques. However, both traditional and digital techniques offer their own unique advantages. Making an informed decision about which one is right for you comes with weighing the pros and cons.

In creating an antler replica “you want someone to think that set is the real one,” said Jon Dittmer of Spring Creek Taxidermy in Coder, Missouri. “If you are also taking these antlers to shows they need to be strong and hold up. Compared to what I do to make a realistic and durable set of antlers, 3D scanning would be easy,” he added.

Traditional replication methods:

• Require the customer to ship or drop off the antlers and leave them with the replicator for an agreed period of time.

• Provide the finer details of each set of antlers including veins, hair line fractures and even gnarly bumps.

• Are generally as heavy and as durable as the original set.

• Come complete with a lifelike coat of paint producing the most natural look possible (as a result of working directly with the original set.)

Yet 3D scanning, through creating a digital copy of the antlers using handheld scanners, can provide the opportunity to produce a replica the exact same size or smaller or larger than the original set of antlers. “Scanning also creates a permanent digital copy stored in the computer to have on file for fabricating another copy,” offers Dan Perreault, President of Neometrix, a 3D scanning company. Most companies who offer 3D scanning services, for a fee, may be able to bring their scanning machinery to you, allowing you to maintain possession of your antlers. In addition, 3D scanning companies:

• Use laser lines and positioning targets approximately ¼ in diameter to measure antlers, generally taking about one hour to scan a 200-inch set of antlers. Scans can typically cost between $200 and $500.

• Offer same-size resin machine printing (stereolithography) as well as “CNC” computer numerically controlled printing, allowing the antlers to be reproduced on a smaller or larger scale.

• Typically use resin materials lighter than those used in traditional replication methods, potentially making them more fragile or prone to break if mishandled.

• May or may not offer painting services once the antlers are done being processed by the machine.

Costs for traditional antler replication as well as 3D scanning are determined by the size of the rack and the amount of inches involved, usually not making cost an overly significant consideration factor when deciding which route to take. Customers should also make sure their timeline to receive a completed replica coincides with their needs, no matter which method they choose.

“Our customers have been happy with the results,” Perreault said. And while Dittmer is familiar with the 3D scanning process “there’s nothing as good or looks as real as traditional replication methods,” he said.

FEEDING DIRECTIONS: WHITE-TAILED DEER:

• Fawns up to 1 week of age: Feed 16 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 – 6 feeding.

• Fawns 1 week to 1 month of age: Feed 24 to 30 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 feedings.

• Fawns 1 month to 2 months of age: Feed 30 to 35 oz. of formula daily, divided into 2 to 3 feedings.

• Fawns 2 months to weaning: Gradually decrease formula and number of feedings to approximately 15 oz. of formula once daily until fawn is fully weaned at 12 to 14 weeks of age. Provide a weaning diet and fresh clean water to the fawn. For oral use only. These feeding directions are guidelines. As each animal is an individual, the feeding rate may be increased or decreased according to the needs of the neonate.

Feeding directions for other species can be found on our website.

• All-Milk Protein from Premium Food-Grade Milk Ingredients

• Essential Vitamins and Complex Minerals

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• No Refrigeration Needed

• Easily Palatable

• 18 Month Shelf Life

• Available in 20# & 8# pails

• 24/7 Technical Advice & Support

UDFOM 2023 Convention Booths!

Science that delivers the health & productivity you require

SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED NATURAL SUPPLEMENT TO HELP GROW LARGE, HEALTHY DEER AND BIG ANTLERS!

Nutrient rich formula contains highly bioavailable ingredients, including our proprietary calcium/phosphorous complex with Antler D TM, that are required to support body and bone growth, especially for fast growing bucks

Contains probiotics and targeted enzymes to support gut health and proper digestion

Available in pellet or powder that can be top dressed or mixed in feed. Great for antler growing season and young bucks, too

PeaceMaker™

PRECISELY FORMULATED TO HELP MAINTAIN A NORMAL AND RELAXED DISPOSITION IN ALL CERVIDS

Provides optimal levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to promote calmness and provide help for restless animals

Contains no herbals, tryptophan or chemicals, eliminating concerns of unwanted side effects

Use PeaceMaker to “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation, weaning and anytime destructive behavior may occur

ENTERIC HEALTH FORMULA

POWERFUL SOLUTION FOR HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY

Helps maintain digestive health and productivity

Contains micro-encapsulated probiotics, targeted enzymes and a novel fiber complex

Use in does before fawning, during lactation and all cervids during times of environmental stress

FAWN ARRIVAL™ POWDER & PASTE

HELPS PRODUCE HEALTHY, FAST GROWING FAWNS

Helps maintain normal digestive health

Supports a healthy immune system

Feed powder for 14 days to bottle fed fawns

Paste is ideal for fawns left on does

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FAWN & DEER XTR

ROBUST FAST RESPONSE FOR FAWNS & OLDER DEER

Innovative formula delivers max digestive support, especially in newborns

Rapidly delivers help for GI health and a functioning immune system

May also be used post-tranquilization to support healthy recovery

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

Quincy Querfurth

quincyquerfurth97@gmail.com

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.

Coloring Activity!

Send in this picture with your child / grand child name and age for a chance to be featured in the next magazine or on our facebook page!

All ages welcome to participate!

Pictures can be emailed to deerassociations@gmail.com or mailed to Samantha Uchytil

19291 59th St NE New London, MN 56273

Across

1. Bashful colleague

4. Minor Leaguer’s goal

10. Farmer’s locale, in song

14. Night predator

15. Incite

SPRING STUFFSALE

16. “The Time Machine” leisure class

17. Showy annual

19. Pitcher’s error

20. Leftover plastic

21. Irritate

23. Actor Snipes

25. Scottish kinsmen

27. Slender fish

28. April sign

29. Rhythm starter?

30. Danny Thomas role

32. Screw cutter

33. Forum participant

35. Pottery treatment

40. Carriers, of a sort

41. Curiosity victim

43. Improvise

46. Bencher’s implement

47. Drillmaster’s command

49. Neckline shape

50. Moses laid them down?

52. Reprimand

53. Clears the board

55. Opinion

56. Carry on

57. Sampling group

62. A Jackson

63. Twisted at the end?

64. Where men hoop it up

65. Oinker entree

66. Produce

67. High-pitched bark Down

1. Don’ts partners

2. Rent alternative

3. Of higher grade

4. Groups of staff officers

5. Set out for display

6. Advance

7. Nut type

8. GI R&R provider

9. Contour feather

10. 6-Down result

Answers to Sudoku and Crossword puzzles will be available in the next issue, or can be found on our webstie: www.deersites.com or facebook: deersites

11. Past happy

12. Dillydallied

13. Probable

18. Opposite of flushed

22. Conclude with

23. Study hall ammunition

24. Idle actor?

25. Multiplexes

26. Habitually idle person

29. Roar

31. One-time spokesman Fleischer

33. Word with bum or bunny

34. Foil material

36. “Who ___ to judge?”

37. Monthly bill

38. Searching examination

39. Mediocre writer

42. Word with end or man

43. Deflects

44. Run off the tracks

45. Rough shed

47. Ketcham’s Dennis, e.g.

48. Watch for the cops, maybe

51. Jellied dish

52. Revived the pilot

54. Tops a different way?

55. Fish lunch meat

58. Boston Bruins Hall of Famer

59. Macabre writer

60. Sash for Madame Butterfly

61. Carpet fuzz

This juicy Elk Burger recipe is a lean but flavorful alternative to a traditional beef burger. Whether you purchase your elk meat from the store or you have it ground fresh, you can make them juicy and delicious with just a few simple steps!

IngredIents

• 1 pound ground elk meat (blended with fat)

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 hamburger buns

• Your favorite hamburger toppings

InstructIons

Gently mix the ingredients together in a large bowl. Overmixing can make the meat tough, so just mix it until the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 372 kcal

Divide the meat into four equal portions, and shape each into a ½-inch-thick patty.

Press an indention into the center of the patty. This gives the meat room to expand and helps them to keep their shape as they cook. It also helps the patties to cook more evenly.

Grease your pan or grill grates so that the lean meat does not stick. I use butter when cooking on the stove, and rub the grates with oil when cooking on a grill.

Whether cooking your burger patties in a pan or on a grill, use medium heat. Cook the patty for 4 minutes, then flip it over and cook an additional 4 minutes. Cheese can be added a couple of minutes after flipping the burger.

Your elk burger is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Using a thermometer is helpful for this, as cooking to this temperature will help you have a juicy burger.

Top your burger with your favorite hamburger toppings. While some elk burger aficionados say that ketchup and mustard don’t belong, it really is about designing a burger that you think is delicious.

My personal preference is to top the elk burger with caramelized onions and garlic aioli! It is also delicious with bacon and an over-easy egg.

OUR RDDS ARE RIGHT ON

TARGET

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Photo credit: Dan Verrips

Meet the Team

Meet Our Customer Care Representative ~ Samantha (Sam) Uchytil

By: Gail Veley

entrenched in the industry, is anxious to help deer farmers reinvest in their business through advertising in state deer association magazines. Her journey began years ago when as a young girl, she held a bottle for her first personal deer, Mocha (a.k.a. Purple #3). In that moment, Sam, the daughter of Steve and Melissa Uchytil of Crow River Whitetails in Atwater, Minnesota, knew where her heart was leading her. Now, at age 29, Sam has recently stepped in to join the D & K Design Team as a Customer Care Specialist and bring even more breath and vitality to each quarterly deer association magazine.

“I’ve worked the registration desk at Minnesota deer association events for about 10 years and because of that, made a lot of friends,” Sam shared. “I love working with deer and the opportunity to be an active industry member in this new role.” Choosing Sam for the position came easily for D & K Design Magazine Editor Kathy Geisen, who felt that Sam’s ability to connect and relate to those in the industry made her a perfect fit.

very personable,” Geisen said. “Whether you have been in the industry for a long time or are a newcomer, Sam can relate to your goals and needs.”

While the goal of advertising is to showcase your products and services, it’s also to maintain a consistent presence to those seeking what you have to offer. “I’m excited and feel very fortunate to make this my full-time endeavor,” Sam said. Thus far her favorite ads are those featuring bucks, followed by ads pertaining to antler replication, food plots and nutrition.

When she isn’t working with clients, she enjoys long-distance competitive running, gardening, maintaining an orchard at her cozy 500-square foot home in New London, Minnesota and spending time with her three dogs. They include her chihuahua “Lucky,” a heeler mix named “Ringo” as well as a husky/ shepherd mix named “Finn.” Sam also enjoys spending considerable time at Crow River Whitetails, hanging out with hunters and seeing the results of their hunts. While she

small game such as rabbits and squirrels. As she sets her sights on her next hunting adventure, she also is setting her schedule to attend future industry events and expanding her circle of friends and clients whether they be from Florida, Texas, Michigan, New York and everywhere else in between.

“This is a dream come true for me,” Sam said. She can be reached by calling or texting her at 320-905-2622 or emailing her at samuchytil@gmail.com. “I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”

“Mocha”