Emanuel Weaver (2027) 5373 Kansas Rd Apple Creek Ohio 44606 330-698-5504
BOARD MEETING INFO
WDFO board meetings are normally held on the third Monday evening of every other month. Past board members are encouraged to attend when possible and serve in an advisory position. Any WDFO member is welcome to attend board meetings. If you would like to attend a meeting please contact any board member.
NEWSLETTER INFO
Any WDFO member is welcome to submit articles or stories they would like to see published. Articles will be screened by the WDFO board before printing. If you are interested in advertising refer to the Magazine Advertising rates sheet included in this issue.
President’s Letter
Time Well Spent
A Parting Word from Outgoing WDFO President Andy Nisley
I think we can all thank the Lord for a good fawning season. I hope things are going well for everyone on their deer farms and that bucks are growing out to everyone’s satisfaction. In September, shortly after our upcoming convention August 13th-15th in Mount Hope, Ohio, a new Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio President will be elected. It has been my honor and a great privilege to have served as your president these past few years. While I was initially very tentative about accepting the position, I was ultimately grateful to have fulfilled these duties. I always had a great team, in our board, to work with. I know the next president will find it as satisfying as I did. We will also have a board member election in September and I’m confident it will turn out fine as well.
Ohio is truly a great state for deer farming. It is a calm and quiet place to raise deer. We hope to see everyone at our event to celebrate the support we have from our Dept. of AG and to rekindle friendships and make new friends. If you have any questions about the event or want booth space or to purchase a gun table, please let Levi know. He’ll be glad to hear from you. Thank you and God Bless!
A Message from your WDFO Board of Directors:
We still have tables and booth spaces available for the Ohio Fall Deer Convention. Due to factory issues the gun this year will no logner be the XRP400 Winchester, it will be replaced this year with the Brown A Bolt 65 Creedmore. The XRP400 Winchester will now be the 2026 gun. If you have any questions you can contact Levi Miller (330-231-3359) or any board member.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSAGE
Ohio Deer Farmers Ready to Welcome All in August
A Moment with Executive Director Levi Miller
I’d like to say how thankful I am to the Good Lord for the health and prosperity of our families. I know everyone here in our beautiful state of Ohio is looking forward to our convention August 13th-15th and seeing old friends and making new ones. We may struggle at times to stay motivated in the deer business. When you walk out to your farm and unexpectantly find a nice buck that passed away, you wonder why you’re doing it. But then you come to the convention and see your friends and you know why. It’s because of the valued relationships we all share with each other. We are grateful to our Gold Sponsors, H&H Whitetails, Whiskey River Whitetails and Major League Whitetails for helping us to put this event together that includes a much-anticipated buck auction and annual fundraiser.
Please plan on joining us in Mount Hope, Ohio. We have a few booth spaces left and gun tables still available. We have 100 Gun Tables so far and are trying for 130. We will have a three custom-made gun give away, with all proceeds going to Keith and Mary Warren who recently lost their house. Our association feels it is our duty to give back to those who have given us so much, like Keith and Mary. Recently we also helped five local families in need, because that’s what the Good Lord would want us to do. The Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio believes in extending philanthropic charitable support if and when we can.
At the convention, WDFO members are welcome to place farm business cards or pens or small memorabilia on the buck tables. Members can also bring a basket for the Basket Raffle and something for the benefit auction. It will cost $50 to enter the antler competition for two and three-year-old bucks. We also look forward with great anticipation to Guest Speaker and Alaskan Big Game Guide Billy Molls, who also spreads a great message about finding God.
In closing, I’d like to recognize the hard work of Mike Tonkovich, the Ohio DNR Deer Project Leader for his hard work. I hope his replacement will be just as good. I’m also looking forward to two other things: NADeFA being in Sandusky, Ohio in 2026 and my week-long bear hunting vacation in Maine. God Bless and hope to see you at the WDFO Convention!
BOARD MEMBER
Larry Weaver - Dutch Creek Whitetails
My name is Larry Weaver, I live in Fredericksburg Ohio with my wife and 1 child. My father James and I started raising whitetails in 2012. I enjoy being around the deer and getting together with everyone throughout the industry.
Larry Weaver
Jacob Hostetler - Hostetler Whtietails
My name is Jacob Hostetler, I am a current WDFO board member and I live in Carroll County, OH. Along with my wife Louisa, we have five children and two grandchildren. We have one daughter (Amy) still living at home, who is a big help with the deer.
We started deer farming in 2005 and have 60 deer, plus fawns on our farm. We made lots of good friends in the deer industry.
We also have a furniture shop that we started in 1997 building rustic furniture. I was asked to rerun for a sencond term. I do enjoy working with current and past board members. If re-elected I will do my best to help improve and promote this industry. I also do not have a problem with any of the other nominees for board members.
God bless you all, Jacob
Steven Yoder - Westwind Whitetails
My name is Steven Yoder, Owner of Westwind Whitetails.
We are located near Fredericksburg. I have been involved with deer farming for 28 years. My dad started raising deer when I was about 10 years old. We have 52 acres with about 8 acres fenced. We also have a tree farm and own Fredericksburg Landscape and Design.
Steven Yoder
NOMINEES
Joe Johnson - Whiskey River Whitetails
My name is Joe Johnson with Whiskey River Whitetails from East Sparta, OH. My wife and I are going into our third year of deer farming here in Ohio. Prior to that I had a farm fro 5 years in Michigan. I was on the Michigan board and served as the Fundraising chair. Looking forward to the opportunity to serve on the WDFO board and help our organization move forward in the most strategic and beneficial way possible, thank you.
Ben Henico - Timeless Whitetails
My name is Ben Henico. Together with my wife and five children, our deer farm is Timeless Whitetails. My oldest son Simon owns several of the deer and has an interest in deer farming. I have been a board member for the last three years, and my term expires this year. It has been a pleasure serving on the board and being part of such a great organization. I have really enjoyed getting to know so many great people and working with the other board members. I would be happy to run again for another term, and if elected, look forward to continuing to serve.
Thanks,
Ben Henico
Joe Johnson
Science that delivers the health & productivity you require
G FORC E™
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
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
Preliminary Schedule
as of March 15
Schedule may change yet
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13
12:00 Event Center Opens for Booth Setup
THURSDAY AUGUST 14
7:00 Doors Open
9:00 Buck Auction Starts
11:30 Free Noon Meal
2:00 Gun Blitz Opens
4:30 Annual WDFO Membership Meeting
5:00 Dinner
6:00 Billy Molls
7:00 Breeder Auction
FRIDAY AUGUST 15
7:00 Doors Open
9:00 Buck Auction Starts
11:30 Free Noon Meal
2:00 Gun Blitz Opens
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Last Man Standing
7:00 WDFO Benefit Auction
All raffles to be drawn immediately after benefit auction ends.
Wednesday Evening Activities
AT DOUBLE H WHITETAILS
4:00 PM Till Dark
Come and enjoy a fun evening at…
Double H Whitetails
Farm Tours
4:00 pm till dark
Food
Enjoy Byler’s BBQ
Entertainment: by New Sound Band (formerly Holmes County Bluegrass)
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
INDIVIDUAL SEATS
Can be purchased for gun tables for $175 per seat. There will also be plenty of free seats available if you do not wish to purchase a table.
BOOTHS . 10X10
$250 . Booth space will be very limited.
LOTS OF RAFFLE PRIZES
Women’s Raffle
Sewing Machine
$500 Cash Mixer
Huge Basket Raffle
Johnny Blind Raffle
Main Raffle
Kawasaki Mule 4010 4x4
Stihl HT 135 Pole Saw
Blackstone Griddle
St. Croix Rod & Reel
Solo Stove ‘Bonfire ’
GUN BLITZ
Draw subject to availability.
TABLES . 8 PEOPLE
$1200 Table purchase includes all meals for event.
Each table wins a Winchester 400 Legend and gets 8 UTV tickets.
8 cards of basket raffle tickets and other free gifts.
LOCATION
Mt Hope Event Center 8076 St Rt 241 Millersburg OH 44654
LODGING
Sleep Inn - Mt Hope 330-294-9977
Ask for WDFO group rate
FEATURED
PRIME ACRES –EXPANDING EXOTIC HERD NUMBERS
By: Gail Veley
It’s raining, cold and damp in midspring in Woodville, Texas and Erica Caldwell, Herd Manager of Prime Acres doesn’t hesitate. She’s headed out to walk 30 acres of whitetail deer pens for the second time that day to specifically check on their 80 newly born fawns. Lots of babies are on the ground at Prime Acres from whitetails to axis deer to Nubian ibex. And while whitetail deer may be heartier in many ways compared to exotics “the babies might not do very well or struggle in a pen situation if it’s chilly or raining,” Caldwell explained. “They like to hide. Sometimes they will hide in a puddle and get cold and sick. We’re always trying to make sure that type of thing doesn’t happen.”
Since 2015 Prime Acres, a 500-acre ranch where legends are born,
has been dedicated to raising the healthiest and heartiest deer possible. In an effort to meet market demand and spread out the risk, they recently began raising exotics and have been busy welcoming exotic offspring within 20 acres of pens and vast sprawling Texas landscape. Perhaps their greatest excitement this year has come in the form of a bongo calf born February 7th. “We pulled him to bottle raise and named him Bandit,” Caldwell, 33, said. “His parents were trying very hard to be good parents, but we discovered in the past that the antibodies weren’t getting to the babies. We felt we needed to intervene to give this one the best chance.” If all goes according to plan, Bandit will become a significant part of a calm breeding herd.
Other newborns include 23 axis deer fawns and four “especially fun” Nubian ibex kids. Also adding to their exotic herds is the recent acquisition of a male scimitar horned oryx. Hopefully next year, all five of the ranch’s resident female scimitar horned oryx will deliver calves. While exotics are proving to be a welcome and well thought out addition to Prime Acres, their first love will more than likely always be whitetail deer.
Without abandoning pedigrees, the ranch is focused on creating an “SS” herd with the likes of well-known breeder buck Simply Irresistible as well as Talk to Me, a typical two-year-old son of the infamous Money Talks. Another promising buck, Horizon, a typical four-yearold “GS” with a wide main frame, up tines and a very clean look, is also
FARM STORY
included in the line-up. Breeding strategies have included using A.I. with several “SS” bucks combined with “GS” and “SS” does. Currently the farm has 90 breeder does and high hopes for creating the type of whitetail herd the industry needs. Caldwell believes the leadership within the “powers that be” in Texas has improved, perhaps in the long run, in greater favor of deer farmers. She hopes for a future with an increased understanding of the efforts made in the deer industry to help combat CWD.
“All of us here at Prime Acres, Brad, Rosy, Connor, Brooke, Scott, Avery and Maverick are a great team and really love what we do,” Caldwell said. “We’re very happy with the direction we are headed and are really feeling excited about the future.”
LIGHTER WEIGHT. MORE EFFECTIVE. MINIMAL TRAUMA.
IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED PNEU-DART’S RDD S , YOU’RE MISSING MORE THAN YOUR TARGET
CWD GENETIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UPDATE & IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Author: Dr. Liane Davila-Martin, DVM, MPH – Ohio Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Epidemiologist
CWD UPDATE IN USA VS OHIO
As of April 2025, Chronic Wasting Disease has been detected in captive (farmed) cervids across 22 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In contrast, the disease has been found in free-ranging (wild) cervids in 36 states and 4 provinces, highlighting its wider spread in wild populations.
Here in Ohio, the 2024–2025 hunting season showed a notable increase in CWD detections. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), 24 wild deer tested positive in Allen, Hardin, Marion, Morrow, and Wyandot counties, compared to 11 positive cases during the 2022–2023 season, which were limited to just Wyandot and Marion counties. This reflects a 118% increase in the number of positives (from 11/5,978 to 24/6,001 tested deer), signaling a concerning upward trend. These numbers underscore the importance of continued surveillance and prevention efforts, especially in our farmed cervid populations, to help limit further spread and protect the health of both wild and captive herds.
ODA-WDFO
CWD Genetic Improvement Project Updates
Since the fall of 2022, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), in partnership with WDFO, has been working on a special project to help
improve herd health and reduce the risk of CWD in our state. Thanks to funding from a USDA grant, we’ve been able to provide genetic test kits and cover the costs of CWD susceptibility testing through the North American Deer Registry (NADR). The goal of this project has been simple but important: to lower the risk of CWD in Ohio’s farmed white-tailed deer herds by helping producers make stronger breeding decisions based on genetic information.
We are incredibly thankful to all the Ohio producers who joined us in this effort. So far, we’ve distributed nearly 4,000 genetic test kits and enrolled about 50 producers in the project. This is a huge step forward in protecting Ohio’s deer farms.
Unfortunately, due to changes in federal funding, we are sad to share that the CWD genetic grant will not be renewed for another year. The current grant is set to officially end on August 31, 2025. While this is disappointing news, the work doesn’t stop here. Many of you have already seen the benefits of genetic testing in your herds, and we strongly encourage you to continue testing your fawns each year. Keeping up with genetic testing will help you make the best decisions for breeding and build a stronger, more resistant population of white-tailed deer in Ohio.
A Few Important Reminders:
1. All genetic samples must be received by NADR before August 31, 2025.
If samples are received after this date, ODA will not be allowed to pay for the testing. Please make sure your samples are shipped early enough to arrive on time!
2. Please share your genetic test results with me.
As an epidemiologist, I use this data to understand the overall risk of CWD in Ohio’s deer population. When you share your results, it helps in several important ways:
a. You can receive updated genetic summaries for your herd.
b. It helps us track progress and show how the industry is working to reduce CWD risk.
c. It strengthens our future grant applications by proving that we are making real, data-driven improvements.
A Personal Note
As this grant comes to a close, so will my time at ODA. It has truly been an honor to work with Ohio’s cervid industry, and I’ve loved getting to know so many of you. Thank you to WDFO and all of the producers who welcomed me into your community—I’ve felt like part of the family since day one, and I’m so grateful for that.
If you have any questions or would like to share your genetic results, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you again for your participation, support, and dedication to improving Ohio’s deer herds.
Email: Liane.Davila-Martin@agri.ohio.gov
Work Phone: (614) 593-9952
Resources:
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Chronic Wasting Disease Distribution Map – https://www.usgs.gov
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). CWD Surveillance Summary 2024–2025 – https://ohiodnr.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CWD in North America – https://www.cdc.gov/prions/cwd
• North American Deer Registry (NADR). Genetic Testing for CWD Susceptibility – https://www.deerregistry.com
• USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. Farmed Cervid Program – https://www.aphis.usda.gov
Previously purchased Value Added Memberships will expire after the Summer magazine.
GOLD
TREASURING HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES
SHARED MEMORIES WITH JAKE ANDERSON
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by KALA
The clock was close to striking midnight when Jake Anderson set out for an eastern Kentucky elk hunt in September of 2013. This trip would be one of several he would take in an effort to not waste the coveted elk tag he had drawn from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife lottery earlier that summer. His plan, along with packing his hunting bow and camping gear, was to arrive at daybreak to scope out promising areas for the harvest.
“The maps provided by fish and wildlife were terrible,” Anderson, who was 25 at the time, said. And even though he stopped at several places to ask the locals about elk sightings “no one could tell me anything,” he added. “This was all on public land with no guide.” It took five trips. The first was with one of his hunting friends. Although on that trip Anderson squarely landed an arrow into a really sizable bull, the big elk was completely unfazed by the shot and continued on chasings cows, until completely disappearing from sight. His fifth trip found him shooting a fatal arrow into what Anderson still
considers his “once-in-a-lifetime” freerange elk. Luckily, the elk had expired on a dirt road on land formerly used for mining, and Anderson was able to bring his truck into the exact location and load the entire body into his truck bed.
Ironically, as he arrived to this particular spot to gather his elk, he found five elk standing right there, all bigger than the one he had just taken down. “I thought ‘you gotta be kidding me. This is just my luck,” Anderson said, even though he was really happy with his hunted treasure. During another hunt, a whitetail hunt in Kansas, both Anderson and his uncle had shot an arrow at a buck. Anderson, however, had taken and landed the first shot. Both men, upon searching for their deer, thought that their arrow had certainly been the fatal one. However, when they found the buck, only one arrow was in it. “That was another memorable hunt that really stands out for me,” Anderson said.
Yet, in all the hunting adventures he’s enjoyed throughout the years, Anderson has noticed one thing. Public land for hunting decreases every year.
According to internet research, rapid urban sprawl has been responsible for close to 14,000 square miles of land development between 2001 and 2019, which comparatively is an area roughly five times the size of the State of Delaware. Real estate values for farmland have also increased substantially throughout recent years, making selling the land more enticing particularly in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Florida. Other states experiencing the most accelerated urban growth have included Texas, Illinois and North Dakota. “Unless you own land or are leasing it, our opportunities to hunt in open range are going to be gone,” Anderson, owner of Anderson Whitetails in Guston, Kentucky, said. “There is less and less land to hunt and we are going to get to a point where there will be no place left to hunt. This is where we are lucky to have high fence hunting. You could hunt your whole life and never have the opportunity to shoot one like you have in a preserve.”
“Without high fence hunting, it is so hard for an individual to find somewhere to hunt that’s not developed or leased out,” Anderson emphasized. “If I visited a preserve, I’d like to get another elk. Same for other hunters. It wouldn’t have to be just a whitetail. You might be sitting in a deer stand an elk goes walking by and you change your mind and want one of them instead. And you wouldn’t have to go through the hassle of entering a lottery and getting a special tag. Preserve owners are playing a vital role in current and future land conservation, and in providing the sustained opportunities to enjoy unforgettable hunts.”
CARING FOR FAWNS IN THE SPRING MORE THAN A LABOR OF LOVE
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association
Early on in the start of each new year, Amy Stefanowicz takes inventory of everything she’ll need for the upcoming spring. Fawning season and the expectation of 54 fawns might be a few months away, but then again, it’s as though it’s right around the corner. Bottles, nipples. Check. Fawn paste, probiotics, goat’s milk, puppy training pads, cleaning supplies. Check, check, check. Known for her expertise in successfully raising calm and well-acclimated deer, Amy and her husband Jason of Awesome Whitetails in Middlebury, Pennsylvania may have the science of raising fawns perfected as this year marks their fifth season. In addition to meticulously managing a fawn’s health and immune system, Amy believes acclimating them to outside stimulus is just as important. Given that deer generally become comfortable with specific individuals, she plays a radio 24/7 inside the barn to get them used to strange noises and voices. “I’ve found this really helps them to not overreact if someone new comes around,” Amy said.
However, the most pressing initial issue is a fawn’s intake of colostrum within 12 hours of birth. Good, diligent mamas and babies that latch on pave the way for the next steps Amy takes. After each doe fawn (and struggling buck fawn) intakes sufficient colostrum, they are pulled and moved into a fawn facility where they spend up to three weeks isolated inside a 2 x 3 feet durable polymer box complete with drainable rubber (piglet) flooring, allowing urine and droppings to fall into a black tray beneath the flooring, covered by a puppy pad. Unlike wood that may allow germs to soak in and remain active and risky, Amy knows plastic does not do that and is much easier to clean. This can ensure a healthier fawn, one that will be introduced to other healthy fawns.
Sometimes fawns may need more intensive care and if so, may spend time in a bedroom or dog crate inside the house, until they are strong and healthy enough to be in the official fawn barn. Building up their strength and immunities also involves the careful administration of vaccines, so as to not puncture their fragile skin. Next, ear tags are attached and microchips inserted. Inside each 2 x 3 fawn box Amy also places a small bowl of natural dirt to softly and safely introduce them to their eventual life outside in the deer pens, which usually occurs after week three. “Unless you have a jumper,” Amy, 46, explained. “They might need to go outside sooner.”
Amy’s bottle-feeding regimen includes a combination of goat’s milk and red cap milk, given at 6 a.m., 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. for four weeks, followed by two feedings from week five until week nine, when henceforth bottles are offered merely once a day. After 13 weeks, fawns fully transition to solid food and water. Through this micro-management system, Amy has gained a reputation as being somewhat of an expert on the process of raising healthy, calm and well-acclimated deer. Her advice has even been sought out by numerous others in the industry. “Jason and I just firmly believe in our process,” Amy said. “We feel it’s worth it in the long run and have found our deer are more ready to face whatever may come as they grow into healthy mature adults.”
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!
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
If you are not a current advertiser, sign up for a
- Half or Full
This gives Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio 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 according to space availability.
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.
• All-Milk Protein from Premium Food-Grade Milk Ingredients
• Essential Vitamins and Complex Minerals
• Balanced Fatty Acids
• Improves Digestion
• Promotes Growth and Performance
• No Refrigeration Needed
• Easily Palatable
• 18 Month Shelf Life
• Available in 20# & 8# pails
• 24/7 Technical Advice & Support
• Formula for other Exotics and Wildlife Available
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.
THE BENEFITS OF FEEDING TREATS TO DEER
WHY, WHEN AND WHICH KINDS ARE SAFE?
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Illinois Deer Farmer’s Association
Staying on top of herd health finds many deer farmers to be big proponents of feeding treats to their whitetail deer. Safe options could include animal crackers, peanuts, marshmallows, horse treats made with oats, golden oreos or other similar non-chocolate cookies. “Feeding treats helps me to get a good look at them every day,” said Chase Baker of Baker Whitetails in Junction, Illinois. “Each deer has a distinct personality and if they aren’t acting like themselves then I know something is wrong. If I can get closer to one that normally I couldn’t or pet one I normally can’t, there’s a problem. Or if one that is normally friendly and right up front is hanging out in the back, then I know I need to attend to it. There could be any number of things wrong from a soundness issue, a wound or a virus.”
Baker, who prefers to feed animal crackers and buys them in bulk, also adheres to certain safety rules while feeding treats. He only feeds bucks outside the fence and never touches them. He also never wears gloves, to allow his deer to be familiar with his scent. Baker
also recommends feeding treats during a specific time of the day, to help ensure that expectant deer will be ready, waiting and easier to find. Through Baker’s year-round routine of feeding treats, it allows him to check for ailments specific to certain times of the year such as pneumonia in the fall or EHD in the summer months. While feeding treats year-round can be ideal, in places such as New York where winters can be much colder and more brutal, Dana Hoover of Mountainside Whitetails in Penyan, New York abstains in the winter from doing so. “Starting after NADEFA when the weather turns nicer, we start feeding treats again,” Dana shared. “I like to feed peanuts for the protein aspect and that way I won’t get sticky hands like I would feeding something like diced up apples. Peanuts rattle when they hit the ground, and the deer know the sound.”
Dana and his wife Ella feed treats from early spring until early fall and revel in the time they spend in the deer pens. They have found that throughout the winter, their deer tend to get wilder due to reduced interaction. As soon as the peanuts
come out and Ella resumes her daily practice of walking though the pens, the deer calm right down (and fawns get used to seeing humans from the very onset.) “This really helps our program,” Hoover said. “We can safely watch them grow and catch stuff early on. It also gives us a head start on any potential antler infections. We’ve definitely caught most of them early on during the years.”
Medicinal benefits from other types of food such as raw pumpkin, also perceived by deer as a treat, is a natural dewormer as a result of the fiber content. In addition, acorns, watermelons, apples, alfalfa, soybeans and legumes provide vitamins, protein and energy. However, certain foods such as cucumbers, rhubarb plants, potato leaves, tomato leaves, onions, garlic, daffodils, foxgloves and poppies are either toxic, or generally unpalatable to deer, and should not be found near where they thrive. “If you have a garden, make sure it is fenced off properly and your deer are unable to get in there,” Baker said. “Regardless of whether you’re growing watermelons or tomatoes.”
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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.
KEEP YOUR DEER HERD ORGANIZED WITH A PROFICIENT TAGGING SYSTEM
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association
As your deer herd grows in number, it becomes increasingly more important to keep them organized through the use of ear tags. In a farm setting, ear tags are typically used to help monitor disease, maintain accurate health, movement and sale records, establish potential research protocols and breeding programs. Using specific colored and numbered ear tags could also “help you keep track of which bucks your deer were produced from,” offers Dustin Blosser, manager since 2021 of Woodard Whitetails in Glasgow, Kentucky. “It’s also a very good way to make sure age classes are in order. While each farm has different ways of doing it, it’s important that it’s done accurately.”
Assessing accurate population trends, survival rates and utilizing proficient management strategies can be several reasons wildlife agencies use ear tags. Tags can come in the form of metal, plastic, scanned electronic identification (EID) tags or even Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) microchip tags. PIT tags, commonly used by various wildlife agencies, are transplanted under the skin and only activated when a deer passes close by to a specialized antenna and later, accounted for via computer records.
However, deer farmers rely on easyto-read highly visible ear tags as it
makes going through your inventory and finding a deer much faster and easier, Blosser, 26, said. “You don’t realize at first how you might start memorizing tag numbers and which deer are which. Someone rattled off “4012” and I knew what pen this doe was in, and who her parents were right off the top of my head.”
With fawns, smaller, temporary tags are typically attached and subsequently changed out after two months of age for an official farm tag. Blosser recommends using an ear tag clearly visible to the naked eye which can be read in a mere few seconds if necessary. “With our farm tags, the color changes to coincide with the year they were born. We have their number on one side and put our farm name and the sire and dam’s name on the other side. It’s good for farm tours and in letting people know right away about their pedigree. We also use four digits. Tags used this year start with “4” which stands for 2024. With our bucks we put a “B” at the end of the number and attach the tag in their right ear and attach the doe tags in the left ear. It’s really important to pay attention to whether it’s a buck or doe when you’re tagging. Seems like every year we have an intern that gets one or two wrong.”
Rather than just using numbers, ear tags are also available with letters
that (given there are 26 letters in the alphabet) can span over a much longer interval of time compared to numbers. Each farm ear tag should also be accompanied by a mandatory state “premise I.D.” Department of Agriculture tag. Although both can be placed in the same ear, Blosser recommends putting them in opposite ears to avoid potentially losing both should an ear, for example, get stuck in a fence. Likewise, it’s important to invest in fade resistant and very thick durable tags, as deer tend to chew on them. Adding more minerals to their feed is thought to help prevent this from happening, according to research.
Ultimately, an ear tag could help a hunter make a split-second decision, as farm tags get replaced with preserve tags when stocker deer are sold. “If you know what a certain color tag costs, then you can be better prepared when that perfect buck shows up,” Blosser said. “You have the ability to make that splitsecond decision, if need be, and take home the trophy you’ve always wanted.”
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GRILLED VENISON KABOBS
Deliciously marinated grilled venison kabobs – the perfect summer grilling recipe for your venison steak or tenderloin. Pair them with your favorite vegetables and you have a quick and easy weeknight wild game dinner.
Ingredients
• 1 lb. venison tenderloin tips or sirloin steak cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup liquid aminos or soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 8 oz. whole mushrooms
• 32 oz. bag mini sweet peppers
Instructions
1. Combine the olive oil, liquid aminos, Worcestershire, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl in a bowl and whisk together.
2. Add the tenderloin tips to the marinade and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat or 350 degrees F.
4. After the marinating time, remove the tenderloin tips and place them on their own skewer, separate from the veggies.
5. Add the sweet peppers and whole mushrooms to the skewers. Tip: keep veggies on their own skewer to allow correct cooking time for both the veggies and the steak.
6. Grill the tenderloin tips until they reach medium-rare – about 130-135 degrees F. Remove from grill.
7. Grill the veggies until soft and tender. Remove from grill and serve immediately.
