PA FA 25 Full Book by DandKDesign

EMBRYO FLUSHING a Proven Breeding Practice

BOARD OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Josh Newton (2025)

Cervid Solutions, LLC

Red Ridge Whitetails

15223 Route 87 Hwy

Williamsport, Pa. 17701

Office: (844) 478-2870

Cell: (484) 951-3229

Email: jnewton@redridgewhitetails.

TREASURER

Jason Stefanowicz (2027)

Awesome Whitetails

990 French Hill Road

Middleburg Center, PA 16935

Cell: (570) 418-3109

Email: awesomewhitetails2@gmail.com

Bob Byers (2025)

Triple B Whitetails

455 Byers Lane Knox, PA 16232

Cell: 814-229-0226

Email: bob.byers@agriking.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Jarrid Barry (2026)

Powder Ridge Outfitters

PO Box 6

Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

Cell: (717) 821-0669

Email: powderridgeoutfitters@ gmail.com

SECRETARY

Lloyd Stoltzfus (2026)

Walnut Ridge Whitetails 142 Churchtown Rd. Narvon, Pa. 17555

Office: (717) 768-3471

Email: wrwhitetails@yahoo.com

Bruce Snyder (2025)

Snyder’s Whitetails

2358 Produce Rd.

Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

Cell: 570-259-0051

Email: snyderswhitetails@yahoo.com

John Ervin Stoltzfus

Rocky Ridge Whitetails 6099 Wanner Road

Narvon, PA 17555

Phone: (717) 768-3336

Email: rockyridgewts@gmail.com

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL

Andy Goodman, Partner

Milliron & Goodman

Governmental Relations

200 N. Third St.

Harrisburg, Pa. 17101

Office: 717-232-5322

Email: andy@millirongoodman.com

Tucker Sellinger (2025)

The Valley Deer Farm 1506 Wells Road

Williamsport, PA 17702

Cell: 570-660-0143

Email: tuckersellinger@aol.com

Glenn Dice Jr.

Glenn Dice Farms

2763 Crottlestown Road Chambersburg , PA 17202

Cell: (717) 658-6373

Email: glenndicefarms@yahoo.com

Samuel King

Rocky Top Whitetails

6285 Engletown Road Honey Brook , PA 19344

Phone: (717) 768-0645

Email: samuel@keystonesteelstructures.com

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL

Kerry Lange, Senior Associate

Milliron & Goodman

Government Relations

Kerry Lange, Senior Associate

200 N. Third St.

Harrisburg, Pa. 17101

Office: 717-232-5322

Email: kerry@millirongoodman.com

President’s Message

Fall 2025

The fall season is upon us, with bucks maturing and fawns nearing weaning, we now prepare for the upcoming breeding cycle. I trust everyone enjoyed a fulfilling summer.

The PDFA Board of Directors has been diligently planning the PA Eastern Fall Classic, our annual convention scheduled for September 5-6 at the Blair County Convention Center. This event requires significant time and effort, but the result is a rewarding gathering that fosters connection and collaboration. We warmly invite you to join us.

We have also finalized our 2025 committee appointments to ensure a structured approach to PDFA’s workload. These committees (listed below) will provide regular, organized reports on key issues, including:

- Legislative/Regulatory

- Communications

- Fundraising (Fall Event, Spring Event, Raffles)

- By-Laws and Policy

- Office & Administrative Review

- Membership

- Budget

The Committees are the current priorities the PDFA Board has selected to focus on, if you have comments or suggestions please reach out to a board of director with your feedback.

Vice President, Jarrid Barry and I recently attended a luncheon hosted by Milliron-Goodman, where we engaged with Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman. This opportunity allowed us to share valuable insights from our industry and underscore the challenges faced by deer farmers in Pennsylvania. Building these relationships and educating policymakers are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of private deer management in the Commonwealth.

We extend our gratitude to our members for their steadfast support of PDFA’s fundraising initiatives. Our PAC fund has been active for years and allows us the opportunity to attend these types of events. To amplify your voice and contribute to our mission, consider joining the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association, a dedicated and knowledgeable community.

Additionally, we are resuming regular discussions with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture regarding Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management. As the state with the largest deer farming community and with advancements in CWD-related technologies, we remain optimistic about the future. We will promptly share updates that directly impact your operations. Notably, we are pleased to report that several producers have had quarantines lifted from their farms following an event related to a hunt ranch a few years ago—a positive development for our industry. PDFA will continue advocating for expanded commerce opportunities for all operations in the Commonwealth.

In the following pages, you will find detailed updates on:

- PA Eastern Fall Classic

- Upcoming Pennsylvania Grants for the Cervid Industry

- Legislative & Government Affairs Update from Milliron-Goodman

And more…

Respectfully Submitted,

Josh Newton President, Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

FEATURED

ROCKY RIDGE WHITETAILS INTRODUCING “MEGA STAR”

By: Gail Veley

Rocky Ridge Whitetails would like to introduce “Mega Star,” a 2025 yearling they are super excited to breed with. Rocky Ridge sold a half interest in the Choice Yearling off the farm at this year’s Northern Top 30. “Thank you” to Samuel King at Rocky Top Whitetails, for purchasing the Choice Yearling off the farm. Samuel picked Mega Star a few weeks before the deadline and before he was completely finished growing, which wasn’t a hard choice at all since Mega Star is a very rare yearling with a GEBV of -0.296, codon 96 SS, great frame and a loaded and stacked pedigree (with triple Heather on the bottom side.) His sire is the famous “Champion” from Lone Hollow. Champion has most likely been the hottest buck in Texas the last couple years, sporting a GEBV -0.342 and codon 96 SS with typical style antlers.

John Ervin Stoltzfus is hoping to get a successful semen collection from

Mega Star in October and if so, plans to give back to the buyers by having a contest for all the semen that is used in 2025. The top three 2026 Mega Star fawns that are DNA certified and GEBV tested by September 1, 2026, with the best GEBV’s, will be the winners. The First Place winner will be required to be a codon 96 SS deer, but second and third place do not. The winners must have their GEBV’s turned on by August 31st, 2026, with NADR to be eligible to win. The First Place winner will receive $5,000 cash. The Second Place winner will receive a $4,000 farm credit for Rocky Ridge Whitetails semen in 2026. Third Place winner will receive a $3,000 farm credit for Rocky Ridge semen in 2026. Rocky Ridge Whitetails is well known for attention to detail and improvement at the highest levels possible. Whether it pertains to genetics, pedigrees, antlers, the largest mainframes, largest typicals, largest nontypicals, longest beams, longest tines, width, body size,

herd health (and now codon 96 SS markers and the lowest GEBV scores for healthy CWD resistant deer) John Ervin pays astute attention to all of these things. Rocky Ridge Whitetails has received more than 100 awards from the DBC Golden Buck and NADeFA antler scoring contests. The First Place typical and First Place nontypical harvested in the SCI record books were also bred and born at Rocky Ridge Whitetails.

John Ervin started deer farming at 12 years old with his father and has seen some very exciting times in his 28 years of deer farming. Now with his wife Mary Ann, along with their family of six children (four boys and two girls with the oldest being 13 years old) want them to have the same opportunity he has had growing up on a deer farm. The most exciting times were when borders were open to most states, and you could sell and move deer easily. It was unlike anything we had ever seen before, with an auction room full of over 1,000 deer farmers looking to improve their genetics and with it, the ability to buy from virtually any breeder. Now, sadly due to CWD, many states closed their borders and today we are extremely limited in whom we can buy or sell deer to, as many states do not allow you to bring in an out-of-state deer if within 15 miles of a CWD positive.

For many years it seemed impossible to alleviate regulations without scientific research pointing to eradicating CWD. Thanks to Dr. Seabury, his scientific research has greatly aided us in this quest. As our state and national leaders work hard to educate our legislators as to

FARM STORY

what deer farmers are doing to lower the risk of spreading CWD, we are finally seeing some positive light. This includes Oklahoma passing a bill to release CWD resistant deer into the wild in 2026. We are also hopeful more states will follow Oklahoma and also hopeful in the near future we can move CWD resistant deer to currently none deer farming states, close boarder states, and move resistant deer from farms that are within 15 or 30 miles from a CWD positive. This could make deer farming great again!

John Ervin’s ultimate suggestion is to have good healthy discussions with your very own Department of AG, along with senators and regulators on what makes sense in improving regulations, while acknowledging the latest scientific research that points to lowering the risk of contracting CWD. The faster we get there, the better for all of us. The faster that resistant herds get established within our industry along with more and more proof that breeding for resistance is working, the better chance we have to get our anti deer farming wildlife agencies on our side and pave the way for new deer farming states to open up and flourish.

John Ervin is optimistic about Pennsylvania’s deer farming future and has just started his third farm in Lancaster County, with no traceback connections from his other two farms (using all embryo’s at the most recently established farm and all 2025 fawns with codon 96 SS along with one was a HS -0.38.)

John Ervin feels he has been blessed with all of the 2025 doe fawns GEBV results have come back as -0.30 or better at the new farm. John Ervin is trying not to have his eggs or deer all in one basket or farm, so if a quarantine would happen on one farm, the other farms can still move deer. Remember, let’s not forget to use the Golden Rule and work together for the best of our industry!! And give God the glory for the many blessings we may have.

John Ervin Stoltzfus

BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM FOR THE FALL SALE

Call the Country Inn and Suites (formerly the Courtyard by Marriott) at 814-312-1800 to secure your room by asking for the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association rate of $129/plus tax. Rooms are available September 46, 2025. There are limited rooms available and last year they sold out!

AGENDA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

9:00am-8:00pm VENDER/EXHIBITOR MOVE -IN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

8:00am-8:00pm TRADE SHOW FLOOR OPEN, BOOTH VISITATION

8:00 COFFEE AND DONUTS SERVED

9:00-4:00 ANTLER SCORING COMPETITION – SPONSORED BY TROPHY SCAN SILENT AUCTION

9:00-5:00 GUN RAFFLES, 50/50, BINGO GAMES

9:00-10:30 SPEAKERDAWN DILLION – DEPT. OF AG – PA DEER FARMING/HUNTING RANCH PROGRAM UPDATE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ASHLEY PETERSON, MEDGENE LABS- EHD

PANEL DISCUSTION -WITH BILL LEFFLER, JOSH NEWTON, GLENN DICE

10:30-11:30 PDFA BINGO

10:30-11:30 KIDS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

11:30-12:30 LUNCH-HOME STYLE LUNCH WITH CHICKEN POT PIE, MEATLOAF AND MASHED POTATOES, CORN AND GRAVY, TOSSED SALAD

12:30-1:30 LAST MAN STANDING

2:00 RANCH-STOCKER AUCTION

5:00-6:00 DINNER-CHEFS’S CHOICE WITH POTATO, RICE, OR PASTA, VEGETABLE MEDLEY, SALAD DU JOUR, MIXED GREENS WITH TOMATOES, RED ONIONS, CUCUMBERS, CHEDDER CHEESE, OLIVES, CROUTONS, AND ASSORTED DRESSINGS. FOLLOWED BY CHEF CHOICE DESSERT

6:00 BREEDER AUCTION

7:30 PDFA BINGO (OR FOLLOWING BREEDER AUCTION)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

8:00 TRADE SHOW FLOOR OPEN, BOOTH VISITATION

8:00 COFFEE AND DONUTS

8:45-9:00 PDFA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

9:00-2:00 GUN RAFFLES, 50/50, BINGO

9:00-12:00 ANTLER SCORING COMPETITION – SPONSORED BY TROPHY SCAN

9:00-9:45 KEYNOTE SPEAKER DR. GARY PUSATERI, DREAM GENOMICS - CWD BLOOD TEST UPDATE

10:00 KIDS SCAVENTURE HUNT

11:00 KIDS COLORING CONTEST

10:00-11:30 CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT – MEN, WOMEN, COUPLES

11:30-12:00 LUNCH-TWO ENTREES, SALAD, ROLLS, , SALAD DU JOUR, SOUP DU JOUR, FRESH VEGETABLES AND RICE OR POTATOES

11:30-12:00 AWARDS PRESENTATIONS WITH PDFA

12:00-5:00 PDFA FUNDRAISER & BENEFIT AUCTION-FEATURING HUNDREDS OF DONATED ITEMS

1:00 SILENT AUCTION ENDS

2025 PA Eastern Fall Classic Stocker & Breeder Auction

Farm Name:__________________________________

Name:________________________________________

Address:______________________________________

Phone:________________________________________

E-mail:________________________________________

CWD Date: ___________ TB/Brucellosis: ____________

Miles from CWD ________________________________

TO CONSIGN YOUR LOTS AND RESERVE BOOTH AND ADS

SPACE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND MAIL A COPY TO:

PENNSYLVANIA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION PO BOX 394, HARRISBURG, PA 17108

(BOOTH AND ADVERTISEMENT INVOICES WILL BE MAILED BY PDFA BEFORE THE AUCTION)

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS

m Platinum Sponsor

m Gold Sponsor

m Platinum Sponsor

m Gold Sponsor

m Silver Sponsor

m Speaker Sponsor .

m Podium Sponsor .

m Digital Sponsor

m Wrist Band Sponsor

m Sharpie Sponsor

m Meal Sponsor

m Video Spots

m Carpet Sticker Sponsor

m Stage Banner Sponsor

m Table Placemats Sponsor

m Logo Email Sponsor

m Website Logo Sponsor

m Cornhole Sponsor

m Donut Sponsor .

.$2500.00

Blair County Convention Center 1 Convention Center Drive Altoona PA 16602

AD INSTRUCTION

Press Ready Ad to be supplied in High Resolution PDFs or JPEGS: Full page ads are 8.5” wide by 11” tall, plus add 1/8 Bleed on all sides. email ads to and consignments to office@padfa.com

.$2500.00

.$1750.00

.$1000.00

.$1500.00

.$2000.00

.$750.00

.$500.00

.$150.00

.$500.00

.$750.00

.$1000.00

AUCTION TERMS

Breeder Sale SEMEN = 100% Due day of sale. Animals 50% due day of sale. 18% interest will be added to account after 30 days and every month of unpaid invoices.

Cash, travelers check or certified check and most major credit cards (3.5% fee), personal or business checks accepted. Buyer registration at office. Purchaser must understand he/she is buying property under his/her own examination and opinion. All guarantees are between the buyer and seller, and under no circumstance shall the auction company or its agents be held responsible for correctness or warranties or genuineness of description of property.

Announcements made the day of the sale take precedence over all printed materials. All Sales are Final.

Arrangement for exchanges of animal are to be made the day of the sale between the buyer and the seller. All sales are final day of sale.

Stocker Buck 25% down Pick up by November 1st. After November 1, Seller may feel free to sell the buck to someone else and retain the down payment unless other arrangements have been made between buyer and seller.

www.padfa.com STOCKER CONSIGNOR FEE TERMS COMMISSION = 10% OF WINNING BID WITH A CAP OF $500.00 NO SALE FEE = $150.00 IF YOU ARE IN A CCMZ OR QUARANTINE FACILITY - FEE IS $50 CONSIGNERS PAID WITHIN 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS.

Farm Name:________________________________________________________________________

Lot Title__________________________

Age_________ NADR _______________

Codon Marker#_______ GEBV Value_____

Miles from CWD _________

CWD Date: ___________ TB/Brucellosis: _____

m Semen # Straws_______________

m Fawn Choice ___ Buck ______ Doe

m Live Animal _________Buck ______ Doe

Include picture and label with deer name and age.

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________

Lot Title__________________________

Age_________ NADR _______________

Codon Marker#_______ GEBV Value_____

Miles from CWD _________

CWD Date: ___________ TB/Brucellosis: _____

m Semen # Straws_______________

m Fawn Choice ___ Buck ______ Doe

m Live Animal _________Buck ______ Doe

Include picture and label with deer name and age.

Comments:

Lot Title__________________________

Age_________ NADR _______________

Codon Marker#_______ GEBV Value_____

Miles from CWD _________

CWD Date: ___________ TB/Brucellosis: _____

m Semen # Straws_______________

m Fawn Choice ___ Buck ______ Doe

m Live Animal _________Buck ______ Doe

Include picture and label with deer name and age.

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________

LIGHTER WEIGHT. MORE EFFECTIVE.

MINIMAL TRAUMA.

IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED PNEU-DART’S RDDS, YOU’RE MISSING MORE THAN YOUR TARGET

2025 PA Eastern Fall Classic Stocker Form

(FORM DUE AUG 8, 2025)

Auction is Sept 5, 2025

Blair County Convention Center • 1 Convention Center Drive, Altoona, PA 16602

Name________________________________________________

Farm Name____________________________________________

Location______________________________________________

Tag #__________________________________________________

Estimated Width _______________ & Score__________________

Is your premise/facility under a quarantine? m YES or m NO

Live Load m YES or m NO

Miles from CWD __________________ CCMZ m YES or m NO

HCP m YES or m NO / HMP m YES or m NO

SALES LIMITED TO CCMZ OR QT FACILITY m YES or m NO

Name________________________________________________

Farm Name____________________________________________

Location______________________________________________

Tag #__________________________________________________

Estimated Width _______________ & Score__________________

Is your premise/facility under a quarantine? m YES or m NO

Live Load m YES or m NO

Miles from CWD __________________ CCMZ m YES or m NO

HCP m YES or m NO / HMP m YES or m NO

SALES LIMITED TO CCMZ OR QT FACILITY m YES or m NO

Name________________________________________________

Farm Name____________________________________________ Location______________________________________________

Tag #__________________________________________________

Estimated Width _______________ & Score__________________

Is your premise/facility under a quarantine? m YES or m NO

Live Load m YES or m NO

Miles from CWD __________________ CCMZ m YES or m NO

HCP m YES or m NO / HMP m YES or m NO

SALES LIMITED TO CCMZ OR QT FACILITY m YES or m NO

Name________________________________________________

Farm Name____________________________________________

Location______________________________________________

Tag #__________________________________________________

Estimated Width _______________ & Score__________________

Is your premise/facility under a quarantine? m YES or m NO

Live Load m YES or m NO

Miles from CWD __________________ CCMZ m YES or m NO

HCP m YES or m NO / HMP m YES or m NO

SALES LIMITED TO CCMZ OR QT FACILITY m YES or m NO

PLEASE SEND STOCKER PHOTOS TO OFFICE@PADFA.COM

Jason Stefanowicz (Chairmen) 570-418-3109

Lloyd Stoltzfus (Co- Chairmen) 717-768-3471

Bruce Snyder 570-259-0051 PDFA Office 717-801-0533

Name________________________________________________

Farm Name____________________________________________

Location______________________________________________

Tag #__________________________________________________

Estimated Width _______________ & Score__________________

Is your premise/facility under a quarantine? m YES or m NO

Live Load m YES or m NO

Miles from CWD __________________ CCMZ m YES or m NO

HCP m YES or m NO / HMP m YES or m NO

SALES LIMITED TO CCMZ OR QT FACILITY m YES or m NO

Name________________________________________________

Farm Name____________________________________________

Location______________________________________________

Tag #__________________________________________________

Estimated Width _______________ & Score__________________

Is your premise/facility under a quarantine? m YES or m NO

Live Load m YES or m NO

Miles from CWD __________________ CCMZ m YES or m NO

HCP m YES or m NO / HMP m YES or m NO

SALES LIMITED TO CCMZ OR QT FACILITY m YES or m NO

Name________________________________________________

Farm Name____________________________________________

Location______________________________________________

Tag #__________________________________________________

Estimated Width _______________ & Score__________________

Is your premise/facility under a quarantine? m YES or m NO

Live Load m YES or m NO

Miles from CWD __________________ CCMZ m YES or m NO

HCP m YES or m NO / HMP m YES or m NO

SALES LIMITED TO CCMZ OR QT FACILITY m YES or m NO

Estimated Width _______________ & Score__________________

Is your premise/facility under a quarantine? m YES or m NO

Live Load m YES or m NO

Miles from CWD __________________ CCMZ m YES or m NO

HCP m YES or m NO / HMP m YES or m NO

SALES LIMITED TO CCMZ OR QT FACILITY m YES or m NO

m Video Spots - $500.00

m Table Placemat Sponsor - $500.00

m Cornhole Sponsor - $500.00

m Donut Sponsor - $250.00

m Carpet Sticker Sponsor - $150.00

m Stage Banner Sponsor - $150.00

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS

PLATINUM SPONSOR: $2500.00

Showcasing the day of event

Door Mat and Logo Sign

Logo Pens to be given at Event

Social media blasts (3)

One Ad in Auction Booklet Ad on the PDFA website Recognition at the Event Slideshow at the event Logo on PDFA emails Six email blasts

GOLD SPONSOR: $ 1750.00

Showcasing day of the sale

Logo Sign

Social Media Blasts

One Ad in Auction Booklet Slideshow at event Logo on PDFA emails

VIDEO SPOTS UP TO 60 SECONDS

LONG $350

Have your video viewed throughout each day of the show.

PDFA is not responsible for recording, editing or producing any video. They must be ready to be viewed at time of submission. Due by August 30th. Videos will need to be approved by the PDFA Auction Committee.

AUCTION CATALOG AD OPTIONS:

m Front Cover $750.00

m Back Cover $500.00

m Inside Front Cover $400.00

m Inside Back Cover $400.00

m Full Page Ads $250.00

Ad Size Below:

(8.5x11 plus 1/8th bleed on all sides, with a 1/4 inch safety margin on the inside)

2025 PA EASTERN FALL CLASSIC

STOCKER & BREEDER AUCTION

SEPTEMBER 5-6, 2025

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES DEADLINE August 1, 2025

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

PLATINUM SPONSORSHIP $2,500

One or two 10'x10' booth

1 full page ad in auction catalog

Reserved table for 8 people with meal tickets for both days of sale

Logo on all emails from PDFA from October 2025-september 2026

Logo and/or website link on PDFA website from October 2025-september 2026

24 Gun Raffle Tickets

Logo on stage banner

GOLD SPONSORSHIP $1,750

One 10'x10' booth

1 full page ad in auction catalog

Reserved table for 8 people with meal tickets for both days of sale

Logo on all emails from PDFA from October 2025-september 2026

16 Gun Raffle Tickets

Logo on stage banner

SILVER SPONSORSHIP $1,000

1 full page ad in auction catalog

Reserved table for 8 people with meal tickets for both days of sale

12 Gun Raffle Tickets

Logo on stage banner

Floor sticker with logo

SPEAKER SPONSORS $1,500

(PICK A SPEAKER)

Your logo on stage banner

m Bill Lefler – EHD discussionSETDA president

m Gary Pusateri – dream genomics

CWD blood testing

m Ashley Peterson – Medgene vaccines update

PODIUM SPONSOR $1,500

Large sign attached to podium on the stage for both days of event

DIGITAL SPONSOR $2,000

Your logo on all online auction slides as well as on the screen in the sale during the auction

Your logo on stage banner

LOGO/ AND OR WEBSITE ICON ON PDFA WEBSITE $1000

Your logo and/or website icon on PDFA website from October 2025-September 2026

Your logo on stage banner

WRIST BAND SPONSOR $750

Your logo on wrist bands that will be worn by all guests who purchase meals

Your logo on stage banner

STAGE BANNER SPONSOR $150

Your logo on stage banner

VIDEO SPOTS UP TO 60 SECONDS LONG $500

Have your video viewed through out each day of the show constantly all day.

PDFA is not responsible for recording, editing

or producing of any video. The video must be ready to be viewed at time of submission August 28. Videos will need to be approved by the PDFA auction committee.

Your logo on stage banner

CUP SPONSOR $750

Your logo on cups used during the event at the drinks stations and bar

Your logo on stage banner

PEN SPONSOR $750

Your logo on pens given out during event

Your logo on stage banner

SHARPIE SPONSOR $750

Your logo on sharpies that will be liberally given out both days of event

Your logo on stage banner

MEAL SPONSOR $500

2 meal tickets for both days of event

4 Gun Raffle Tickets

Your logo on stage banner

SILENT AUCTION SPONSOR $500

Your logo on auction tables

Your logo on stage banner

FLOOR STICKER SPONSOR $ 150

Your logo on large stickers on floor throughout event

Your logo on stage banner

STAGE BANNER SPONSOR $150

Your logo on stage banner that will hang on the main stage during both days of event

TABLE PLACEMATS SPONSOR $500

Your logo on all placemats on all dinner tables during entire event

Your logo on stage banner

LOGO ON EMAILS SPONSOR $750

Your logo on all PDFA emails from October 2025-September 2026

Your logo on stage banner

CORNHOLE SPONSOR $500

Your logo on a set of professionally made cornhole boards to be used during cornhole tournament and then given to each sponsor to keep. Cornhole sponsors from previous years can sponsor again with same boards for only $300

Your Logo on Stage Banner

DONUT SPONSOR $250

Your sponsorship will pay for the donuts for both mornings of the event where coffee and donuts will be provided in the am.

Your logo on stage banner

BOOTHS $300

10'x10' booth for both days of event

2 BOOTHS $500

10'x20 booth for both days of event

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.”

HARRISBURG OVERVIEW

With no budget deal in sight, the Pennsylvania General Assembly completed the first quarter of the 2025-2026 legislative session on June 30th.

While budget negotiations continue internally among House and Senate leadership, rank-and-file members and their staff are preparing for the upcoming fall session. Assuming a budget deal isn’t reached earlier, the Senate is scheduled to reconvene on September 8th. The House is scheduled to return the week of September 29th.

The House is currently comprised of 102 Democrats and 101 Republicans. The Senate has a slightly larger divide with 27 Republicans and 23 Democrats.

As you know, the caucus with the most members controls the chamber’s legislative agenda and determines whether or a not a bill receives consideration in committee and on the respective chamber floor.

With slim margins between Democrats and Republicans, especially in the House, strong bi-partisan support on every issue has become essential for legislative success.

Below are committee chairs of interest to PDFA:

• Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs:

o Majority Chair Elder Vogel (R-Beaver)

o Minority Chair Judy Schwank (D-Berks)

• Senate Game & Fisheries:

o Majority Chair Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland)

o Minority Chair James Malone (D-Lancaster)

• House Agriculture & Rural Affairs:

o Majority Chair Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne)

o Minority Chair Dan Moul (R-Adams)

• House Game & Fisheries:

o Majority Chair Anita Kulik (D- Allegheny)

o Minority Chair Dave Maloney (R-Berks)

Budget

As of July 28th, Pennsylvania does not have an agreed-to budget plan.

In February, Governor Josh Shapiro provided his 2025-26 budget address and corresponding proposal. It was a $51.3 billion spend plan, a 7.5% increase over last year’s budget.

Similar to previous proposals, it did not include any increases to the personal income tax (PIT) rates or sales & use (S&U) tax rates. However, to help offset the state’s current $3.4 billion operating deficit, the Governor proposed the legalization and taxation of recreational marijuana, taxed at 20%, and skill games, taxed at 52%. The projected revenue from both recreational marijuana and skill games in the first fiscal year (if passed) would be just shy of $1 billion.

The Independent Fiscal Office projects the state’s operating deficit to increase from $3.4 billion to $6 billion by next year.

In mid-July, far past the constitutional deadline of June 30th, the House passed a $50 billion spend plan, with all Democrats plus three Republicans in support. The Senate then stripped the bill of all funding and recessed with no confirmed plans to return to session. The point of gutting the House bill was a procedural move to have a vehicle staged once a deal is reached. If House and Senate leadership reach an agreement, members will be expected to return to Harrisburg prior to the scheduled September dates.

Keep in mind, the spending number is just the starting point. They also need to determine additional revenue sources (regulating and taxing skill games, removing S&U tax exemptions, etc.) as well as the other components of the budget package, like the fiscal code, which specifies how the funding is distributed to each line item. There is much work that remains to be done. In the meantime, several state-funded education programs and essential service providers face an unknown fiscal future.

LEGISLATION

We continue to monitor for any bills that could potentially harm the industry, as well as for bills that could support growth. Our firm coordinates directly with the PDFA legislative committee to review the introduced bills and determine levels of engagement (support/oppose/amend/neutral).

So far, over 2,500 bills have been introduced since the beginning of the session (Jan 1, 2025). Each one has until the end of the session, November 30th, 2026, to get through the legislative process and across the Governor’s desk.

Sunday Hunting

PDFA circulated a letter of support in the Capitol for Representative Mandy Steele’s HB 1431, which amends Title 34 (Game) and repeals the Sunday hunting prohibition in Pennsylvania.

While the original purpose of the bill was to open Sunday hunting, it became an omnibus hunting package and addressed a few different hunting-related issues. PDFA specifically supported the proposed changes to Section 2308 (Unlawful devices and methods), which clarifies that it shall be legal for hunters to utilize natural deer urine attractants.

For brief background in September 2022, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) attempted to propose new regulations to ban hunters from utilizing urine-based scents in an overreaching attempt to reduce the spread of CWD. While deer farmers are not directly regulated by the PGC, a ban on the use of hunting scents would have unnecessarily impacted urine producers in the state. Fortunately, there was not enough support from the commissioners to proceed with the regulations. However, there was always potential for the issue to be addressed again in the future. Our industry continued to actively engage and educate the PGC and the public about research by Davin Henderson, PhD, from CWD Evolution, which demonstrates the improbability of spreading CWD through deer urine. He found that to be potentially infected, an otherwise healthy deer would need to consume at least 10oz of urine from an infected deer, which realistically won’t occur in the wild.

Initial drafts of HB 1431 clarified the legality of the use of hunting scents and included CWD testing requirements. However, those testing requirements were ultimately removed in the final version. The law now simply states that natural deer urine is permitted for “taking, attempting to take, attracting or scouting wildlife.” There are no CWD testing requirements for hunting scents. The law simply clarifies that hunting scents are permitted.

For PDFA, HB 1431 is more than a hunting bill. It represents a small, but significant shift in understanding CWD and how it can/can’t spread, as well as a consensus by our state’s policymakers to take actions that will protect and preserve the hunting industry.

HB 1431 passed the House with a vote of 142-61 and the Senate with a vote of 34-16. It was then signed into law by Governor Shapiro on July 9th as Act 36 of 2025.

Shortly after signature, the PGC expanded Sunday hunting beyond the existing November days (16th,23rd,30th) and added ten more Sunday hunting days:

• September 14th, 21st; 28th;

• October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th;

• November 2nd, 9th ; and

• December 7th.

LEGISLATIVE TOUR

PDFA plans to continue to host legislative tours at their facilities.

Events like this help:

• Educate our state’s lawmakers who never had the opportunity to visit a deer farm;

• Provide a more robust understanding of the industry, its current regulations and obstacles; and

• Build positive relationships with the people who may have to vote on future issues that would directly impact the industry (good or bad).

Without knowing you personally, having access to you as a resource, or understanding the deer farming industry overall, how could legislators make informed decisions? These tours are a critical component of legislative success.

As always, please feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns. We look forward to continuing to represent you in the 2025-26 legislative session.

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BAN ON SUNDAY HUNTING REPEALED!

HOUSE BILL 1431 SIGNED INTO LAW

For the past few years the PDFA has been working to secure the use of natural urine based scents across the commonwealth, given PA hosts some of the top urine producers in the country. As we know, restricting the use of these products not only can negatively impact our businesses, it also limits opportunities for hunters who use these scents while hunting.

As part of the “Sunday Hunting Bill” natural urine based scents and like products can be used across the commonwealth. A win for all. Thanks to all involved!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

Governor’s Press Office, ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov

Governor Shapiro Signs Historic Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Pennsylvania’s Ban on Sunday Hunting, Giving Hunters More Freedom, Supporting Rural Economies, and Honoring Pennsylvania Traditions

Governor Shapiro signed HB 1431 into law, officially repealing Pennsylvania’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting — one of the last remaining “blue laws” dating back to the 17th century.

The new law expands freedom for hunters, empowers the Pennsylvania Game Commission to set hunting seasons that include Sundays, and strengthens conservation efforts while growing rural economies across the Commonwealth.

West Hanover Township, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1431 into law, repealing Pennsylvania’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. This new bipartisan law delivers real freedom for Pennsylvania’s 850,000 licensed hunters, empowers the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to expand Sunday hunting opportunities, and strengthens wildlife conservation efforts while growing rural economies across the Commonwealth.

Speaking at the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Dauphin County, Governor Shapiro was joined by Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Representative

Mandy Steele, legislators, hunters, and outdoor advocates to mark this historic change.

“This new law is about real freedom: the freedom to hunt,

“This

new law is about real freedom...”

the freedom for families to pass down traditions to the next generation, and the freedom for the Pennsylvania Game Commission — the experts who know our hunters and our wildlife best — to set hunting seasons that work for today’s Pennsylvania,” said Governor Shapiro. “By repealing this outdated ban on Sunday hunting, Pennsylvanians can spend more time outdoors, with more chances to share traditions and a stronger future for conservation. I’m proud we came together to bring Pennsylvania’s hunting laws into the 21st century and honor the traditions that make our Commonwealth special.”

Since 2020, Pennsylvania hunters have been able to hunt on three designated Sundays each year — and during that time, the Commonwealth has maintained steady hunting license sales even as many other states have seen declines. The PGC has seen that even limited Sunday hunting opportunities have helped keep hunters and sportsmen engaged — and expects that broader access under the new law will further strengthen Pennsylvania’s hunting heritage for current and future generations.

The new law gives PGC full authority to decide which hunting seasons can include Sundays — guided by biological data and hunter feedback. Until now, Sunday hunting was strictly limited to one each during archery and rifle deer seasons and a third Sunday chosen by the PGC.

“For years, we heard from hunters across Pennsylvania frustrated by the Sunday hunting ban — from young hunters with school obligations to folks working two jobs and parents balancing family time on weekends, all wanting more time outdoors,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “As a parent myself, I know what it’s like to spend every fall Saturday on

the sidelines, wondering when you’ll get to hunt — let alone share that tradition with your kids. Today, we’re changing that. By making hunting more accessible for everyone, this new law isn’t just a win for hunters — it’s a win for conservation. It helps us better manage wildlife now and ensures we pass down this tradition to the next generation. It’s a great day for Pennsylvania.”

Strengthening Rural Communities and Honoring Tradition

Hunting contributes over $1.6 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy, supports more than 15,000 jobs, and generates millions in state and local tax revenue. Expanding Sunday hunting is expected to draw more hunters from within and outside the Commonwealth — increasing spending at local businesses and helping sustain wildlife conservation efforts funded by license sales. With around 850,000 licensed hunters, Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation, just behind Texas.

At the same time, the law also strengthens protections against trespassing on private property, ensuring the rights of landowners are respected as Sunday hunting expands.

“The passage of Sunday hunting is a meaningful step forward for Pennsylvania’s farmers, too,” said Secretary Redding. “Crop damage from overabundant wildlife continues to take a real toll on farms across the Commonwealth. Giving hunters more days in the field helps protect livelihoods, especially in areas hardest hit.”

“Here in Pennsylvania, we still believe in coming together to get stuff done — and that’s exactly what happened with Sunday hunting,” said Dan Sneath, Director of Legislative Affairs for Hunter Nation. “We rolled up our sleeves, went to work, and found common ground between the agricultural community and hunters. Farmers were struggling with crop damage, and hunters were ready to help. By working together, we reached solutions that benefit everyone.”

Bipartisan Support to Get Stuff Done in Pennsylvania

House Bill 1431, sponsored by Representative Mandy Steele, passed the House in a 142-61 vote and the Senate by a 34-16 vote — showing broad, bipartisan support. Identical legislation (SB67) was also introduced by Senator Dan Laughlin.

“Repealing the archaic ban on Sunday hunting is a historic win for Pennsylvania’s forests and for generations of hunters to come,” said Representative Mandy Steele. “I am honored to have led on this issue in the House. This new law creates more opportunities for hunters to participate in one of America’s oldest traditions and be on the front line of conservation here in the Keystone State. Governor Shapiro has long understood the value of hunting and conservation, and I admire his commitment to getting this bill signed fast — he truly gets stuff done.”

“For years, I’ve worked alongside sportsmen, farmers, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to finally bring Pennsylvania in line with the vast majority of other states,” said Senator Dan Laughlin. With the signing of HB 1431, we’re showing that common-sense reform is possible when we focus on shared values. I’m proud of this bill, proud of the process, proud of the persistence, and proud of what it means for Pennsylvania.”

The law takes effect on September 7, 2025. After that, the PGC will set new season dates and bag limits, paving the way for expanded Sunday hunting opportunities.

SPREADING A POSITIVE DEER FARMING MESSAGE: PROMOTING AN INDUSTRY UNDERSTANDING

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

“Every time we put a fence around land, we are preserving it for future generations.” This sentiment spoken by Red Ridge Whitetails Owner Josh Newton, echoes perhaps the most important reason to understand and support hunting and a deer farmer’s role in it. Deer farmers (a majority of which are hunters) promote land conservation, environmental stewardship, economic and community benefits, job creation as well as local establishment patronage.

“The trophy status sport of hunting also provides the economic means to sustain land in its natural state,” Newton explained. “Numerous other species propagate as well inside a preserve including turkeys, pheasants, grouse, songbirds, ground rodents, bear, coyote and the list goes on and on.” Reflecting the North American Wildlife Model, a framework that guides wildlife management and conservation, hunting preserves uphold the very practice of science-based management while ensuring the long-term viability of vast and expansive wildlife populations.

Given that close to 900,000 hunting licenses are sold annually in the state of Pennsylvania alone, the national economic impact of hunting is, putting it simply, impressive. And when taking into consideration the genetic improvements included in breeding decisions, deer farmers themselves are working to eradicate disease such as CWD, an everlooming concern in wild and farmed populations. “Look at the work being done in Oklahoma integrating deer farms and creating structured programs for improvement and reintroduction of genetics. Hunters drive that,” Newton said. Through improving farmed genetics and ultimately improved genetics in wild populations, the agencies that support these types of programs are the winners, he emphasized.

As these messages are spread through concise communication and outreach advocacy, public perception could start to shift in a more positive and sustained direction. “Before you take a side, understand both sides,” said Micheal Goodman of Goodman’s Piebald Haven in New Stanton, Pennsylvania.

“If someone from the general public wants to see my deer, just knock on my front door and ask. I’d be happy to show you.” Along with transparency “we as a group should stop saying shooter bucks,” shared Chase Baker of Baker Whitetails in Junction, Illinois. “We need to stress that in hunting preserves deer are not quick bait in confined spaces. In an industry that is so over-looked for the good work we are doing and so over-regulated, this is very important.”

Thoroughly understanding the role of genetics in conservation is another vitally important message to promote to a concerned public. “Most people who have studied GEBV’s have some level of excitement about our controlled breeding programs,” Newton said. “Those outside the industry have looked at this and at our genetic progress which continues to be a focal point nationally. Ultimately if this continues, we will be able to provide a genetic reservoir for wild populations that allow healthy biodiversity to come full-circle and remain that way.”

Meet the New Directors of the PDFA Board

A big thank you to the five candidates that accepted their nominations to be a part of the PDFA Board of Directors! These five candidates will fill the seats that were up for reelection or vacated. We are grateful to see so many members looking to continue and or up their involvement with our association in a leadership role. Candidates have all answered three questions for you to get to know them better before voting in September. Below are all of their answers candidate by candidate.

2025 PDFA Board of Director Nominee Questionnaire

Ben Spangler

General Bio (Tell us a little about yourself/operation/time in the industry, etc.)

Hello everyone. I am Ben Spangler and I live in south central PA. I am the owner of Big Vision Whitetails. I am married to Lindi and we have 3 kids: Layne, Breanna and Landon. We are a family run deer farm with all hands on deck daily. I have been in the whitetail industry for 20 years and have been blessed to be on the breeding side and also the hunting side giving me a good understanding of what it takes.

What are some skills you can offer to help PDFA in its mission to help promote and preserve the cervid industry in PA?

My goals with being on the board are simple. Do what is best for the future of our industry. I have been in the industry a long time and have built connections with people which will allow me to continue to work hard educating the breeders about CWD resistance and collaboration with the board members and breeders to continue the fight against CWD. With proven SCIENCE, the future of deer farming can be preserved.

Another goal of mine is to continue to work hard to educate the general public about deer farming and how it could help the preservation of the whitetail deer outside of our closed industry.

What is one topic you are passionate about regarding the deer industry that you would like to help champion in your role as a PDFA Board of Director?

Breeders have said to me “I wish I could have a market for my does”. I think we have an answer to that but it starts by using resistance in your breeding programs and holding the preserves accountable to put on an ethical and desirable hunt. This brings the hunter back and brings 5 more hunters with him/her on the next adventure. The results from that would be a higher demand for our bucks and that would make the doe/doe fawn industry stronger because we as breeders won’t be able to keep up with the demand. Farmers will be looking to add resistant does to their breeding herds in order to fill the demand for bucks. I look forward to working with the PDFA board if I am elected.

Josh Newton, current PDFA President

General Bio (Tell us a little about yourself/operation/time in the industry, etc.)

Greetings everyone! I have been in the deer industry since 1999. I keep a small herd of around 40-60 whitetails focused on raising healthy quality stock for the hunting market. I’m also the operations manager for Cervid Solutions, a health management company. Our primary focus is on education relating to animal health and the use of vaccines as a tool for disease prevention. I have served on the PDFA board for 17 years. I am the current President of the Association. I have previously served as Vice President, treasurer and President within the PDFA.

What are some skills you can offer to help PDFA in its mission to help promote and preserve the cervid industry in PA?

Drawing on my 26 years of experience lends itself greatly to providing historical context to the PDFA board discussions. Through this time, I have contributed to many initiatives set forth by our Board of Directors. While in leadership and before, I provide insight into Policy, Public Relations, Legislative and other discussions to help slow the onslaught of potential harmful regulatory matters. I also try to act within the best interest of the industry as a whole with a “realist” view of our markets and political dynamics.

I regularly travel to Harrisburg, the state capitol, attending meeting with legislators and regulatory bodies advocating on behalf of the industry. I also travel to Washington DC at least once a year for advocacy work and meetings. All of these cannot be achieved without the support of the other Board of Directors and PDFA membership. I greatly appreciate all of you.

What is one topic you are passionate about regarding the deer industry that you would like to help champion in your role as a PDFA Board of Director?

Unfortunately, it is CWD. Over the past few years there has been a shift in the perception of our industry (in a positive light) from our elected officials and regulatory bodies. They are becoming more educated and insightful to our discussions regarding CWD. I would like to continue to be a voice (one of many) for deer farmers advocating for less regulation and better commerce opportunities for all.

Tucker Sellinger, current PDFA Director

General Bio (Tell us a little about yourself/operation/time in the industry, etc.)

Tucker Sellinger of the Valley Deer Farm. I have been in the industry for 6 years and have been on the Board of Directors for PDFA for three of them. Started small and we are still small but growing every May!

What are some skills you can offer to help PDFA in its mission to help promote and preserve the cervid industry in PA?

Working with the PDFA board on many topics, our local government and of course to bring new information back to the PDFA for the farmers.

What is one topic you are passionate about regarding the deer industry that you would like to help champion in your role as a PDFA Board of Director?

Find a way for CWD to go away. Have a great leadership team. To be a voice in the Capital and let the PDFA be one of the leading states for deer farmers.

Kelli Nelson

General Bio (Tell us a little about yourself/operation/time in the industry, etc.)

Hi! I live on our farm with my husband, youngest son, and our labs in York, PA. We are extremely family oriented; both our older boys live with their families on very close properties. (And yes, I’m already a grandma!)

We work a lot! I won’t even go into the myriad of different things we have going on, I’ll just say we don’t keep our eggs in 1 basket, probably like 10, 12, or 20?

Our family has always been outdoorsy: fishing, crabbing, boating, camping, hiking, swimming, riding atvs/utvs, shooting guns, raising farm animals, with most focus on hunting. I LOVE TO HUNT which explains my slight obsession with deer.

We also had friends that previously ran hunting preserves, so when our older boys got out of the military and moved home, that was the start-up of Deer Forest Farms! We got our 1st deer in April of 2022, and WOW! What a learning experience it has been! I am extremely thankful for wonderful peers that took me under their wing making this journey easier, and lessened some of my many tears. Nobody can truly understand how much deer farmers love deer until they become one! My slight obsession is now a deep-rooted passion. Currently on our farm we are breeding some of the best genetics while improving our CWD resistance, installing fence for a small archery-only preserve, and praying that it will all work out.

What are some skills you can offer to help PDFA in its mission to help promote and preserve the cervid industry in PA?

I am an extremely hard worker and excellent problem solver. I believe that there’s always a way to get things done, sometimes we just have to go about it differently than what seems the most logical.

I’m an excellent mediator. Understanding how people communicate and accepting people’s differences help get tasks accomplished. It’s important to understand the needs of all members, and do what’s best for our organization as a whole.

I will say “I don’t know” if I truly do not know the answer to something. Then I will research A LOT! (I hate not understanding how things work!) and either get the answers or redirect to help find the answers.

What is one topic you are passionate about regarding the deer industry that you would like to help champion in your role as a PDFA Board of Director?

EDUCATION! I would love to see our organization have more educational material readily available to deer farmers, on all topics. I now passed my 3rd year mark and have learned immensely, but it is VERY overwhelming at start-up, and I still have a lot to learn. I embrace deer farming as an always evolving/always learning passion, but we can make a lot of this info more easily available.

Michael Lapp

General Bio (Tell us a little about yourself/operation/time in the industry, etc.)

My name is Michael Lapp, I’m 26 yr old. I married in the fall of 2019 to my beautiful wife Dorothy. We were since blessed with 3 girls, Lori Beth 3, Caroline Sue 2, Katrina Rose 7mo.

I’m very blessed to be able to work at home almost every day with my family on our Nationwide Scents Deer and Elk farm at the Farm 1 location.

I was around deer since I could walk and remember helping clean waters and feed deer since age 5. Then throughout my school years I had daily chores with the deer after school each evening. I became a partner in Nationwide Scents with my brother Elam in 2020.

What are some skills you can offer to help PDFA in its mission to help promote and preserve the cervid industry in PA?

Offering a unique view and our experiences from a deer urine collection company with over 600 head of whitetails and elk.

What is one topic you are passionate about regarding the deer industry that you would like to help champion in your role as a PDFA Board of Director?

I’m very passionate about deer farming/genetic improvements and will be happy to help where I can to support the PDFA.

Fall Gun Raffle Tickets on Sale Now!

Get ready for an exciting opportunity to win big while supporting the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association (PDFA)! Our Fall Gun Raffle is here, and it’s packed with thrills! This year’s ticket features an incredible lineup of 11 awesome firearms, three cash prizes , and a stylish Women’s Coach Purse —something for everyone to get pumped about!

Every $10 ticket you buy fuels the PDFA’s mission to advocate for our members and keep our community thriving. The funds raised go straight to our general fund, ensuring we can continue our vital work.

The big drawing happens at our Fall Event on September 6, 2025 , at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, PA. No need to be there to claim your prize—winners will be notified!

Grab your tickets on our website, from any PDFA board member, or by contacting us directly. A huge shoutout to our ticket sponsor, Valley Deer Farm , for making this raffle possible! Join the fun, snag a ticket (or ten!), and help us keep the PDFA strong. Let’s make this raffle a blast while supporting a great cause!

Keynote Speakers

For the upcoming PDFA

Eastern Fall Classic

FEATURED SPEAKER PA EASTERN FALL CLASSIC - ASHLEY PETERSEN, M.S.

Ashley received her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and Master’s Degree in Veterinary Microbiology from South Dakota State University. She has worked at Medgene since its founding over 13 years ago. This has allowed her to be involved in almost all aspects of vaccine research, development and manufacturing. Advancing from a research assistant to Senior Scientist and ISPrime Director, she now bridges the gap between external sales and internal vaccine manufacturing, along with being technical services for Medgene’s small ruminant division.

Presentation Overview-

Ashley will provide important updates on EHD and BTV vaccines, how they work, and their role in helping your herd be better prepared for hemorrhagic disease outbreaks. Learn how vaccines can be used as a prevention strategy along with other management practices to keep your herd healthy.

FEATURED SPEAKER PA EASTERN FALL CLASSIC - DR. GARY PUSATERI, M.D.

Dream Genomics, Inc. is a biotech company founded in 2023, developing a blood-based diagnostic test for early detection of Chronic Wasting Disease in cervids using gene expression profiling. They aim to improve the lives of wild and privately owned deer.

Dr. Gary Pusateri, M.D. is the CEO and co-founder of Dream Genomics. A physician with 35 years of experience, he graduated from Rosalind Franklin University and focuses on gene-based disease detection. Based in Watersmeet, Michigan, he drives CWD research as a passionate hunter.

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT - GRANT FUNDING

The Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association (PDFA) has been pivotal in establishing Cooperative Agreement funding through USDA-APHIS, distributed via state agencies, through tireless efforts in both Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. We commend the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) for being one of the first state agencies to apply for and secure these grants, which directly support our operations. These funds provide deer farmers with free GEBV, codon, and parentage testing, saving thousands of dollars. This testing enables better breeding decisions and reduces chronic wasting disease (CWD) risks. Additionally, PDFA and PDA’s groundbreaking work has led to a first-of-itskind genomic improvement program, allowing members to cull animals with poor GEBV and purchase replacement stock (semen, embryos, or live animals) through grant-funded

We recognize member feedback about delays in sample processing at NADR due to pending funding. PDFA is optimistic that contracts are being finalized, with funding expected within weeks. We encourage members to fully utilize these programs, which PDFA fought hard to secure at

HOW TO SAFELY HAUL WHITETAIL DEER

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Indiana Deer and Elk Farmers Association

Aprofessional deer hauler hopes for a few very important scenarios when they pull their rig into a farm. This includes adequate room to get the truck and trailer turned around and aligned or situated safely in the loading area, along with dry ground conducive for the occasion. “Everyone gets a little nervous when you’re loading deer,” said Delvy Workman of Deer Works, a professional deer hauling company out of Ashland, Ohio. “A lot of people don’t think about loading or unloading deer when they set their place up. This is a really crucial thing to figure out.” Having hauled deer for 14 years, Workman hopes for the most efficient process possible.

Ensuring a safer loading experience begins first with allowing your deer to walk into and through your handling facility on a regular basis, said Dave Schwartz of Shallow Pond Whitetails in Shipshewana, Indiana. “Once we wean our fawns, we move them into a corral pen that’s attached to the handling facility and utilize that to get them used to it,” he said. “That way we can get them into there in a short amount of time when we need to.” By also working deer at random times and moving them into dark

‘pre-loading’ rooms, it can eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of stress put upon deer. “We can sell a doe and within five minutes live load her onto a trailer,” said Schwartz, who prefers to load deer into trailers specifically designed for deer (not a makeshift horse trailer) and to use a reputable, reliable hauler. “There are good deer haulers out there with specialized cargo trailers with great air flow and air conditioning and adequate room for bucks or does,” Schwartz emphasized. “Trailers set up for deer hauling are way better and are going to minimize the stress from the entire moving process. It’s important to keep the stress as low as possible. If you are sedating and loading bucks, make sure they are up and on their feet before moving the trailer.”

Verlin Yoder, a veteran of the deer industry since 1999 and owner of Clay Kuntry Whitetails in Millersburg, Indiana, remembers the days when deer farmers used 2 x 4-foot individualized wooden boxes for hauling deer. This often involved a ‘deer rodeo’ in an effort to get them sedated with telazol and/or rompun, and then inside the box. “It might take four guys. Sometimes you’d have to wrestle the deer down for

sedation,” Yoder recalled. “You’d reverse them inside the box and then they’d jump around inside of it. And we always seemed to have some sort of surprise.” A great sense of relief overcame Yoder when he was able to attain his own handling facility and loading chute in 2006. “It’s one of the best investments a deer farmer can make,” he said. “You need to haul deer for all sorts of reasons. Breeding season. Hunting season. Sales. Boarding.” Boarding does for the sake of breeding requires careful timing, as you don’t want to bring them back too soon or too late in their pregnancy, for fear or losing the offspring due to hauling stress.

Depending on the distance, longer hauling trips, such as up to eight to 10 hours, may require the hauler to put straw bedding down for comfort and to also include hay and water. And last but not least, the most important advice might be “give yourself plenty of time,” Yoder said. “Haul at night when it’s cool and the deer are naturally calmer. Keep the trailer dark and peaceful and wellventilated. You are hauling some very precious cargo and want everyone to arrive safely.”

“You need to haul deer for all sorts of reasons. Breeding season. Hunting season. Sales. Boarding.”

STRAIGHT SHOOTER GAME FENCING

Breeder Buck 2025 Showcase 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!

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!

If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to: Tess Stevenson: office@pdfa.com

This gives PDFA members a way to reach out to one another for services and to buy or sell deer! There may be limited pages for business cards, overflow would be placed in the next issue and cards will be rotated each quarter.

Does the sound of antlers clashing make you cringe each fall?

NOW ENHANCED WITH APPETITE STIMULANTS & PROBIOTICS!

PEACEMAKER

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Rut and reduced feed intakes can bring out the worst in bucks and irritable behavior can rear it’s ugly head!

PeaceMaker is scientiﬁcally formulated to provide optimal support levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to help maintain a normal and relaxed disposition in cervids

Now enhanced with appetite stimulants and probiotics for digestive health

Contains no herbals nor tryptophan, eliminating concerns of unwanted side effects

Use PeaceMaker™ to help “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation and other key times during the year

Now available in a 30 lb resealable bag and 11.25 lb pail to help ﬁt your operation’s needs

FAWN &

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Designed to quickly support normal GI health

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ENTERIC HEALTH FORMULA™

DIGESTIVE HEALTH & IMMUNE SUPPORT CERVIDS OF ALL AGES

Supports digestive health and a healthy immune system

Natural formula contains Encrypt®, egg proteins, enzymes, micro-encapsulated probiotics and a prebiotic

Top dress or mix in feed during fawning season, weather changes, times of stress and when top performance is desired

EMBRYO FLUSHING

A PROVEN BREEDING PRACTICE

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

When deer farmers tell Kevin Calmes “I know my deer,” he responds with “yes, but you don’t know the insides of your deer.” Calmes, who is a consultant and product shipper for Advanced Deer Genetics as well as the North American Small Ruminant Manager and Coordinator for Sexing Technologies, believes his specific recommendations for A.I. breeding and embryo flushing will provide a deer farmer with a safer and perhaps a more successful outcome.

Embryo flushing, often used to allow recipient does to carry the offspring of does with superior genetics, can be an efficient way to produce a uniformly high-quality herd. It all starts with placing CIDR’s in does with superior genetics, followed by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) shots 11 days later and subsequently inducing multiple ovulations. In his years of experience travelling all over the world to work with cervids, Calmes has found that does, when run through a chute for any type of breeding procedure, tend to fight ovulation. “The stress put upon the doe by running them in a chute causes them to shut down in a sense,” Calmes, 57, explained. The better solution? “I prefer to run the deer into a facility, separated by ages, and blow dart FSH to get them to super ovulate,” he said.

Calmes has found that does who are darted with a specially designed 2.5 cc syringe with an 18 or 19gauge one inch needle shot out of a small pistol, absorb all of the FSH hormone and don’t even know they’ve been hit, since the small size of the needle and force of the pistol is so minimal. “The first time I’m in

there they might be nervous, but by the second or third time they aren’t because they don’t know something hit them,” he said, referring to the dart which was designed years ago by Chinese scientists. And while the hormone can also be administered in a chute with a pole injection, very often you will have backflow and wasted product, decreasing your chances of fertilization success.

After two to eight FSH hormone shots have been administered, depending on protocols, CIDRS’s are pulled on day 14 and followed up with a hormone shot of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG.) The next step involves laparoscopic artificial insemination (A.I.) ideally performed 57-58 hours later. Approximately six to eight days after that, embryos are flushed (as though it were another laparoscopic surgery in terms of preparation) however they are under sedation longer. After flushing and retrieval, embryos are placed in a petri dish and graded on a scale of one to three by an embryo specialist. Grade one embryos, considered the better ones, are either placed immediately into recipient does or frozen for later use. Grade two and three embryos, considered not as hearty as grade one, need to be placed into recipient does immediately as they may not retain their viability should they be frozen and used later.

While a small percentage of does whose embryos are flushed may retain one or two and carry them to a full-term pregnancy “I suggest rebreeding her that same year naturally, to help break up the scar tissue from the previous procedures and not put any additional stress on her,” Calmes said. “We push these animals so much. And whether it’s the chemicals sprayed on what we feed them or a lack of chelated absorbable vitamins and minerals in their diets, I have also found in my work that our semen quality is driven down year after year. On average, ten years ago we had 4-6 billion cells per buck per collection, and today it’s 2 to 3 billion cells per collection. Given that deer genetics are held in such high regard, I believe the industry as a whole needs to sit down and look at this.”

• Alabama Deer Association

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• Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

Buckaneer Package:

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Single Issue In Any Of Our Eleven State Publications: Full Page: $420.00 1/2 Page: $263.00

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4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (Can be added to Buckaneer or Doe-Re-Mi package) Reaching out to over 800 TDA members

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(55-59% Discount off single ad placement)

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Two Page: $1500. One Page: $950 1/2 Page: $650

PENNSYLVANIA

(Please check one) ❑ New ❑ Renewal - Member #____________ (if known) Membership Name:___________________________________________Date________________ Farm Name:_____________________________________________________________________

I am joining as (please check one)

❑ Active PA Propagator* (voting privileges) - $100.00

❑ Associate Member (non-voting) - $75.00

❑ Life Member* (voting privileges) - $1,000.00

*Must be a Pennsylvania resident

IMPORTANT

Please check all that apply:

Farm ❑ Hunting Ranch Ranch Name & Contact info if different from Farm:

I hereby make application to the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association, Inc. and certify that the information I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature:___________________________________________ Date:______________________