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
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
45
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.”
45
BOARD OF OFFICERS
President – Ken Brown
Pine Ridge Whitetails 117 Ewers Rd.
Leslie, MI 49251
Phone: 517-525-4036
prwhitetails@gmail.com
Vice President – Ryan Halfman
Black Label Whitetails 10525 Frost Rd. Portland, MI 48875
Phone: 517-281-2936
blacklabelwhitetails@gmail.com
Treasurer – Tricia Davis
UDFOM
3981 E. 46 Rd.
Caldilac, MI 49601
Phone: 231-878-2229 (Cell) pedavis69@gmail.com
Political Chair -- Doug Roberts
Conquest Deer Farm 8399 E. Bristol Rd.
Phone: 810-241-9554
droberts@conquestdeerfarm.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Member – Mathias Dekker
Thunder Bay Whitetails, LLC 23825 Rea Rd.
Hillman, MI 49746
Phone: 989-415-6201
mathiasdekker@gmail.com
Board Member - Nate Tacoma
Raise ‘Em Up Whitetails, LLC
7814 88th Ave.
Zeeland, MI 49464
Phone: 616-283-8154
nate.reuwhitetails@gmail.com
Secretary – Kristi Dalton
Iron Mill Whitetails
Manchester, MI, 48158
Pone: 734 -637-2318
daltonkristi5@gmail.com
Scholarship Chair--Jason Kanouse
Beaver Creek Whitetails 14813 210th Ave
LeRoy, MI 49655
Phone: 231-342-9642
jrk8_98@yahoo.com
The Pac Chair – Merle Shepard Buckriver / Buckfalls 9897 Carter Allen Park, MI 48101
Phone: 313-268-1727
scishep@aol.com
Convention Chair - Dr. Anthony Klingler
Concord Veterinary Clinic 2495 E Mosherville Rd
Jonesville, MI 49250
Phone: 517-227-0517
concordvet04@gmail.com
Board Member -- Mason Rickle PR2 Whitetails 163 Ewers Rd.
Leslie, MI 49251
Phone: 517-525-4295
pr2whitetails@gmail.com
Board Member – John Wilson
Platinum Whitetails 7852 Cook Ave. Marion, MI 49665
Hello to all! I hope everyone’s fawning has been going well. It sure has been an up and down weather pattern this spring. Here in central Michigan we started fawning with frost then it went to a cold rain and then it turned to 90 to 100 degree days. I have said it before that the dear Lord keeps us on our toes!
There has been some talk over the last year about moving our convention to a different location. Well let me be the first to tell you that we are moving to Eagle Eye Golf Club and Banquet located in Bath. This is just on the outskirts of Lansing and 15 minutes from the Capital Region International Airport. There is hotels minutes away and we will have a shuttle service through out the convention. The date for the event is March 6 and 7 of 2026. The Ellison Place where it has been for the last few years is a beautiful venue and we hated to leave but the risk of inclement winter weather was the driving force behind the move. Having a major airport minutes away was a bonus as well. Finding a venue to accommodate our group and in that time frame has been an on going task for several months. Several of the board members have visited a handful of locations trying to find the fit. I want to thank board members Dr. Klingler and his wife Kelsey along with Kristi Dalton for going the extra mile getting all the needed info for the board to make an informed decision.
We have been in Lansing at the Capitol several times this spring meeting with various politicians on a handful of topics. These meetings will continue through the summer and hopefully by the fall magazine I will have some information to share.
Thank you and God Bless
Ken Brown President United Deer Farmers of Michigan
Trophy Breeder Bucks Showcase Book 2025 Application
All advertisers that are published in our 2025 state associations magazines will have the opportunity to place a single Buck update photo in this September Showcase Book.
Reservation for space and buck info will be due no later than August 12th, 2025. If you have an existing picture ready to go, that will also be due at that time. If you would like to send in a last minute photo of your buck, the cutoff date is September 1st by 8am CST. Placement will be in order of first come first serve. Printing and mailing will start September 4th and be in hand between September 16th-20th. Just in time for semen sales getting ready for Breeding Season.
These will be mailed to Breeders and Ranch members of the 18 state associations we service.
(More information will be mailed out to all current advertisers closer to the date)
Cost: $180.00 each 1/4 page ad or 4 for $700.00 (Pre-register and we will contact you for further information)
PRIME SPOTS WILL BE AUCTIONED - LOOK FOR DATES TO BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE
DAY ONE FORMULA
Species - Specific for Whitetail , Mule Deer & Elk “Better Than Mother’s Milk”
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.
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Michigan Annual Event the Biggest One Yet
A Word of Thanks from President Ken Brown
In terms of a fundraiser, we are looking at the biggest one to date, during the annual United Deer Farmers of Michigan event that took place March 7th and 8th at The Ellison Place in Gaylord, Michigan. The crowd was estimated to be close to 350. We had 25 vendor booths, a number that seems to grow each year. We enjoyed great meals including a Friday night fish and chicken dinner followed by a Saturday lunch of pork loins and potatoes. Our sincere thanks to Red Fox Design
for sponsoring these well-prepared delicious meals, both of which went way above and beyond our expectations. In fact, one event participant said in reference to the meals that we really “knocked it out of the park.”
Our Saturday afternoon auction was a huge success, and we sincerely thank auction sponsor Kyle Eckert of BR2 Whitetails as well as auctioneer Ridge Bollheimer for helping it run so smoothly. Everything from semen straws, fencing, hunts, fishing trips and guns were auctioned off. A big and sincere thank you goes out to our Event Sponsor Jay’s Sporting Goods, Drink Sponsor Craig Frye of Spotted Acres, Silent Auction Sponsor Kalmbach feeds, Antler Competition Sponsor Armada grain, Cornhole Sponsor and Golden Chair Game Sponsor Springfield Whitetails. We truly appreciate everyone’s generosity, help and support of the Michigan deer industry and hope to see everyone again next year. Thank you!
FEATURE STORY
RED FOX DESIGN COMPANY –HELPING DEER FARMERS TO STAND OUT
By: Gail Veley
Visual presence is everything when marketing your deer business. Derek Sanderson, owner of Red Fox Design, LLC, can ensure you stand out from the crowd. Red Fox Design, based out of Perry, Michigan, specializes in tradeshow materials and branding and marketing your business. From banners, posters, business cards, company t-shirts, company hats, websites, logo design, tablecloths, pens and much more, they can get you noticed. And remembered.
“We want to make sure you are taken seriously,” Sanderson, a graphic designer with 15 years of experience, emphasized. “With social media being what it is, you could have millions of eyes on your farm. Branding is very important. Even if you have a smaller budget, we can still create something for you.” Officially established in July of 2024, Red Fox Design has helped numerous business owners substantially grow their customer base.
While he has always been very intrigued by the deer business, when Sanderson attended his first UDFOM convention he met, among several deer farmers, Kyle Eckert of BR2 Whitetails. “He gave me a farm tour and showed me all around,” Sanderson recalled. “It made me realize that there is a fast-learning curve with deer farming. You might be so busy running your farm, you don’t have time for the marketing side of things. I can help you from the ground up.”
In his experience creating business materials for Michigan deer farmers and in sponsoring meals at the UDFOM annual convention, he embraces the family atmosphere prevalent at events such as this as well as at NADeFA. “I’m used to working with music festival coordinators and restaurant owners and the like, and working with deer farmers is so much different and gratifying,” Sanderson said. “Being a part of it is really special for me and my company. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.”
Sanderson has been featured in USA Today and The Livingston Journal. He grew up riding dirt bikes and discovered along the way his love for graphic design. He currently resides in Michigan with his fiancé Brittany and their two boys Rilyn, 6, and Braylyn, 3.
To find out more about Red Fox Design, call or text Derek at 313-213-9384, or contact him through his website www:redfoxdesignco.com or his email at info@redfoxdesignco.com.
FEATURE STORY
HOUGHTON HILL FARM - PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE DEER INDUSTRY
By: Gail Veley
Nick Hummel had been talking casually to his wife and four children last year about deer farming. Merely considering the possibility. But it wasn’t until his nine-year-old son Brantlee had researched and written a school paper about deer farming, that he knew they had to go for it. “After we read his research paper, the whole family bought into it,” Nick, 39, said. “My wife Sydney and I had both grown up deer hunting. We have a farmhouse on 40 acres nestled a half mile off the road. We’d been wondering what to do with the land. We had watched Keith Warren’s show and became really interested and excited about raising deer. We absolutely love that we’re now doing it.”
After erecting fences on 3.5 acres at their farm, Houghton Hill, LLC, in Charlotte, Michigan, six naturally bred does arrived this past spring. The herd has since expanded to 12 deer as fawns are continuing to arrive. Genetics include the likes of Bambi Yardstick along with plans to raise both typical and nontypical deer, while breeding for codon 96 and “SS” deer.
“I feel like we should have done this 10 years ago,” Nick said. “Everyone in the family loves it and wants to help.” Even their 17-year-old daughter Hailee said she would rather be a full-time caretaker of deer, than do anything else. The Hummel’s other children, Hudson, 7, and Carson, 14, are just as invested. “Sydney and I love that deer farming is teaching them about responsibility,” Nick explained.
The Hummel’s five-year, three-phase farm goals include incrementally fencing in another 20 acres, having a herd of 100 breeding does and exclusively using sexed semen for increased buck production. While it may be another two years before they sell anything, they are excited for what the future holds.
They are grateful to everyone who has helped and continues to help and offer advice including Jake Badger and Robert Sergi of Legends Ranch, and Dr. Anthony Klingler of Concord Vet Clinic. “We attended the UDFOM convention this year and everyone was so nice including UDFOM President Ken Brown and his wife. She even offered to help us bottle feed if it was needed,” Nick shared. “It’s definitely a niche industry. We own a couple of other businesses, but this is something unique that our whole family appreciates doing together.”
Check out Houghton Hill, LLC on Facebook!
Email : houghtonhillsfarm@gmail.com
Nick: 517-819-7570
Breeder Buck 2024 Showcase Magazine is here!
Just in time for semen sales, getting ready for breeding season! Scan QR Code to View the Magazine!
We created this magazine in order for 2024 Breeder and Hunting Preserve advertisers to showcase their most recent photos of their bucks close to the last days of antler growth. We realize establishing a collective deadline for all states Fall magazines to publish on the same date to obtain last-minute photos would be impossible to achieve. With this magazine, advertisers have one more chance to showcase their bucks.
~ Thank you to all that participated!
Meet The UDFOM Board of Directors
PAC Chair Merle Shepherd
Merle Shepherd, raised on his grandfather’s dairy farm in Dearborn, Michigan and a lifelong lover of deer, devotes his time on the UDFOM board as PAC Chair, influencing the outcome of legislation. The need for association representation is strong, along with the need to foster an understanding of the role that deer farming plays within the State of Michigan. Merle, 62, is proud to be that voice. Now in his third term, Merle works diligently to build bridges of understanding while keeping Michigan deer farmers vigilant about the way their farms and hunting ranches operate.
Merle is also heavily involved in Safari Club International (SCI) and has enjoyed hunting virtually all over the world. With his broad perspective, he speaks on behalf of hunting ranches with the goal of perpetuating support from whatever legislative body it may be. He and his wife Lorraine operate Buck Falls and Buck River private hunting ranches in Northern Michigan. In his spare time Merle enjoys being a high school baseball coach.
Board of Directors Member John Wilson
Now in his seventh year on the UDFOM board, John’s main focus has primarily been the annual UDFOM convention and helping in various capacities to ensure things always run smoothly. While being on the board requires sacrifice and hard work, he feels proud to be part of an association that represents everyone while also having everyone’s best interest in mind. Whether it be a smaller or larger deer farm, John, 55, believes the board considers everyone’s perspective and values the opinion of each individual. While this was his initial motivation in becoming a board member, it’s also the reason he wishes to remain on the board.
John believes that when you get involved you help the industry as a whole to succeed. His time on the UDFOM board has allowed him to gain a better grasp of the processes involved in running deer farms and ranches such as his own deer farm, Platinum Whitetails in Marion, Michigan, that he and his husband Nick operate together. Spare time isn’t something John is very familiar with, since both he and Nick work other fulltime jobs (and also own a spray foam insulation business) as well as raise and sell Australian shepherds. A true animal lover inside and out, John fully appreciates the direction his life has taken him as much as he appreciates being a part of the dedicated UDFOM board.
Meet The UDFOM Board of Directors
Political Chair Doug Roberts
Doug Roberts, a board member who’s served in several different capacities over his 34 years (and counting!) tenure, clearly remembers the day in 1994 when 10 people gathered in his backyard in Davison, Michigan to start what would then be called the Michigan Deer Farmers Association. The recognition that action was needed to continue farming deer and the motivation that followed as a result of that meeting, is exactly what keeps the Michigan deer farming industry strong in it’s present day. Doug is extremely grateful that so many people have given so much of their personal time to enjoy an industry that is now in a fairly good spot. He hopes the UDFOM members remember how the industry started (when having a 170” buck was a big deal) and where it is at now. As Political Chair, Doug, 62, spends time each and every week on legislative conference calls and also travels to Lansing, Michigan two to three times a month for meetings.
He feels immense satisfaction in being able to help move the industry forward and as such, ensures legislative bills are being written correctly. He is often called upon to testify before various legislative committees and truly appreciates the efficiency of lobbying firm Karoub Associates for helping to manage these legislative concerns. Doug strongly believes that the members of UDFOM realize how hard the board works, and he is willing to continue on as long as he is still needed. In his not-so-easily-found spare time, Doug enjoys hunting and spending time with his wife Karen who is every bit as involved with their deer businesses, Conquest Deer Farm and Conquest Scents, as he is. Together, they also enjoy spending time with their three adult children and their spouses, along with four grandchildren.
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IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED PNEU-DART’S RDD S , YOU’RE MISSING MORE THAN YOUR TARGET
2025 United Deer Farmers of Michigan Convention
2025 United Deer Farmers of Michigan Convention
DREAM GENOMICS
DEVELOPING CUTTING EDGE CWD DETECTION TEST
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Kansas Alternative Livestock Association
Early, non-symptomatic detection of CWD in a whitetail herd could become as simple as drawing blood, thanks to a revolutionary diagnostic test currently being developed by Dream Genomics. Based out of Northbrook Illinois, Dream Genomics is a newly developed visionary biotech firm started in 2023, whose energy and efforts are fully invested in the “Discovery Phase” of developing a reliable, ultimately fool-proof and scientifically recognized CWD detection blood test. Leading the charge for Dream Genomics is Dr. Gary Pusateri, CEO and Founder, Michael Falduto, Chief Technology Officer and Founder as well as Dr. Scott Magnuson, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder.
Along with developing a reliable test, are the challenges of buying equipment to continue the research along with obtaining adequate numbers of positive CWD samples.
Dream Genomics is actively searching for sponsors and donors in the form of corporations, deer associations and private individuals to continue on this quest.
NADeFA and The Cervid Livestock Foundation (CLF) have donated substantial seed money to Dream Genomics, in an effort to keep the research ball rolling and to help purchase testing plates or “chips” as they are commonly called.
Chips, an array that looks at all the genes in a deer’s genome and measures the gene expression via profiling using RNA, fully measures a deer’s response which creates a “bio-profile” for early detection. This technology could perhaps also be used to “stage” the disease in the fact that it will be specifically used at the front end of detection, and not the back end.
Unlike old traditional testing methods which examine CWD prions in already infected organs, this new test is being designed to preemptively find CWD in a singularly fashion, before symptoms develop and before others in a herd are also affected. “Their progress is amazing,” said NADeFA President Shawn Schafer. “This could completely change everything in the industry as we know it right now. Gone may be the days of five-year quarantines or repeatedly extracted rectal samples.”
Resounding in the deer industry is the common goal to eradicate CWD and to develop a minimally invasive diagnostic test, explained Dr. Pusateri. “Once adequate project funding has been established and enough positive samples have
been acquired, Dream Genomics can move towards biological confirmation that our test is accurate,” he said. “We strongly believe that we can reach our goal of making this real and attainable.” Anyone interested in donating towards Dream Genomics research, please contact Dr. Pusateri at his office at 847-291-9602 or his cell phone at 715-891-7878 or email him at gpusateri@dreamgx.com. You can also check out the website at www.dreamgx.com.
United Deer Farmers of Michigan
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:
Ken Brown prwhitetails@gmail.com
This gives UDFOM 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 will be placed in the next issue and cards will be rotated each quarter.
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G FORC E™
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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
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Use PeaceMaker to “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation, weaning and anytime destructive behavior may occur
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Use in does before fawning, during lactation and all cervids during times of environmental stress
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SELLING DEER NORTH TO SOUTH
INSIGHT FROM SOUTH DAKOTA
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders Association
Selling 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
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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Developed by a zoo veterinarian to allow wildlife handlers to induce a reversible sedation, the MKB™ kit offers smooth induction with faster reversal times due to the lower concentration of ketamine. It’s recommended for sedation scenarios where the procedure being performed doesn’t require the animal to be on the ground for more than 15-20 minutes. Our MKBM™ Kit builds on our MKB™ combinations by adding midazolam to provide superior muscle relaxation and more reliable sedation. It’s recommended for the chemical immobilization of numerous large exotic hoofstock species including bongo, kudu, gazelle, eland as well as other African hoofstock and certain domestic wildlife species.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this advertisement is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medications shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular medication. You should consult with your veterinarian about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has the FDA approved the medications to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Medications compounded by Mixlab are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Mixlab compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals. Mixlab does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific dosing, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, veterinary care providers, or other information that may be contained in this advertisement. Mixlab is not responsible nor liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this advertisement.
2025 United Deer Farmers of Michigan Convention
THE ART OF ANTLER TRIMMING
By: Gail Veley - Sponsored by Whitetails of Louisiana (WOL)
Having everything you possibly think you might need makes the job of trimming antlers infinitely easier and more efficient, explains Kris Rothchild of All In Whitetails deer farm in Eros, Louisiana. Safety is the Number One reason any deer farmer makes the decision to trim antlers, as the rut season approaches. While any buck may look impressive sporting 500-inch antlers, “we don’t need him with 500 inches of antlers hurting us,” Rothchild emphasized. “We cut antlers because another we don’t want a deer getting gored or a person getting injured,” she added.
Whether it’s a scheduled hard antler trim in late fall or a trim while in velvet due to injury or infection, all scenarios require extreme preparedness, Rothchild said. In addition to her job as a registered nurse, Rothchild, 44, has assisted veterinarians such as Dr. Lauren Harper in trimming antlers on various deer farms in Louisiana. Because of her medical knowledge and experience, Rothchild offers the following advice for optimum safety as well as efficiency:
1. Have someone else there to assist you and ensure your safety. Never handle deer alone.
2. Never plan on antler cutting to be a real “quick fix.” Always be prepared to take your time.
3. Make sure all of your tools are operational, well-maintained and inspected before use.
4. Have a large bucket of ice water, two bath towels and alcohol and help
keep the temperature of the deer within the minimum range during the entire process. Never trim antlers on a day above 78 degrees.
5. Determine beforehand how long the deer may be down and choose the proper sedation medication (such as BAM for shorter periods or a combination of medetomidine and ketamine “MK” for longer periods).
6. Ensure you have the proper amount of CO2 for your dart guns, the proper darts and any medications you plan on using such as antibiotics. In addition, make sure all of your vaccines are ready to go.
7. Never enter a pen without a good saw with a fresh blade. Always have a backup blade as well. (Josh Kaplan of Golden Ranch Whitetails in Gheens, Louisiana prefers to use a reciprocating saw with a steel blade as he feels it can cut through anything very fast.)
8. Should cauterizing of blood vessels be necessary, use a hot blade or searing knife and banding system to act as a tourniquet to stop bleeding. This might be safer and more sterile than inserting objects such as toothpicks into the blood vessel to stop bleeding and may also reduce the possibility of infection. However, Kaplan feels toothpicks work tremendously well and has never had an issue or infection as a result of using them.
9. Never trim too close to the pedicle (located at the base of the skull) where antlers grow from, as this can cause irreparable damage and perhaps cause antlers to not grow again.
Should a deer farmer be facing a situation where antlers could jeopardize the health or safety of a herd, “I would not risk the life of one of my prized bucks to save an antler,” Kris explained. “Realize he produces more for your farm than what he grows on his head. That’s a wise rule to live by with your deer.” Kaplan agrees and echoes her sentiments. “If you have any thought there is an antler infection they have to come off. You will always be better off acting quickly and not having future problems or issues,” he said.
CAT’S CLAW FASTENERS
A FATHER’S INGENUITY, A DAUGHTERS VISION AND A MOTHER’S INSPIRATION
Ever built a fence to keep critters in, or critters out? Chances are, you’ve run into a dilemma that spans back to the dawn of fence building tradition The underappreciated artform of attaching wire or panel to a post. In a rocky, muddy, sloped field with only-kindacrooked-posts, it comes down to grit and sheer determination to beat a staple into submission, without pounding a finger too!
After 60 some odd years of ranching in Montana, and subsequently responsible for over 100 miles of fence, Curt Almy became increasingly disgusted with the “old fashioned” ever-rusty fence staple. In 2016, Following a particularly rough day on a nasty section of fence, Curt received a bit of divine inspiration that prompted him to retreat back to the old workshop, to tinker with this new idea. He declared the new product would be the antithesis of the old fashioned staples, the new claws would be simple to use, require only an impact driver instead of tangled air tools or hammers, be rust resistant, be reusable, and most importantly the new claws would be vastly stronger than the old fashioned staples.
Gone would be the days of staples p out and getting stuck in a hoof or a t financial advisor by day since the 80 rancher by evening, it took Curt mon dedicated weekends to create the ul “redesigned mousetrap” of the fenci Who would know that such a simple could be so complicated?
Several iterations of what would b the “Cat’s Claw fence claw” were ma tested by local fencers. By 2018 a rus resistant, patented version of the Cat Fastener w d f k t and i 2019 the as released
Testin s and receiving th y the first steps among many, in order to successfully launch the business. Chiefly, and rather importantly, an official name was needed for the product! During deliberations with his wife Patricia, it was determined that t historic Crown W 1914 George Ranc be used as the official headquarters.
Cur t Almy and Daughter
Toby-Jeanne shown at the historic 1914 Crown W Geor ge Ranch, home to the Cat’s Claw shop and many shop cats!
prototype claw
With the location d more amusing to the pa cats dominated the ran entertained the idea of area where the ranch w suggested that the prod they came up with “Ca
In 2018, the first $5 allowing the operation plague looming in the n play a major role in a d Canadian companies w bring attention to the fir posts made by Full Circ that Cat’s Claw could h gone through one of th
As video production time in 2020 approached, many warnings were issued, and borders closed a day after the Cat’s Claw crew made it home The markets were turbulent, and the future of Cat’s Claw was also in question. Would a small Mom & Pop operation make it through such a worldwide disruption?
1/4 magnetic hex driver is included in ever y bottle
Softwood claws 2” screw stays secure even in a rotten post
p j , g g j y to the Cat’s Claw crew If you have ever used a Cat’s Claw Fastener, the crew would love to hear from you! You can reach out at info .com, or write to:
Surprisingly, the answer was emphatically, “yes ” While many businesses saw stagnation, the topic of modern homesteading became increasingly popular Seeing an opportunity, (Daughter) Toby-Jeanne began advertising to homesteaders and buffalo fencing operations, which in turn lead to connections within Zoos and even the Cervid community.
Cat’s Claw Fasteners 28 N Montana Miles City, M.T. 59301
Who knows, your story could be featured next!
Curious to try them for yourself? Head on over to www.catsclawfasteners.com and enter code: CERVID2025 for free shipping until August 31st, or give them a call at 406 851 CLAW(2529)
Mountain lion testing out the fence claws: Courtesy of Twin Pine farm & exotics in South Carolina
Mascot Ronnie the Tiger Cat assists in reading incoming fan mail!
2025 United Deer Farmers of Michigan Convention
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