PA Fall 2022 Magazine

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

PENNSYLVANIA FALL 2022

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Volume 5

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Issue 3

YOUTH HUNTING

Fueling Passion for the Outdoors SPONSORED BY PDFA

PDFA LEGISLATIVE RANCH TOUR A DIFFERENT STORY TO TELL… WHY HUNTING MATTERS!

IS IT A BREEDER OR STOCKER BUCK HOW DOES ONE DECIDE SPONSORED BY IDEFA

THE BEST PROTOCOLS FOR SELLING DEER SPONSORED BY WOL The North America Deer Farmers Association Scoring Contest

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In the uncertainty of our World please remember to make time for outdoor family focused activities.

Loved turkey hunting with you son, Dad

CONTENTS

FEATURED ARTICLES: Act Promptly to Treat Damaged or Infected Antlers .................27 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Genomic Susceptibility Program ....................................................15 Is it A Breeder or Stocker Buck - How Does One Decide..........37 PDFA Legislative Ranch Tour..............................................................8 The Art of Antler Trimming ...............................................................11 The Best Protocols for Selling Deer................................................35 Youth Hunting – Fueling Passion for the Outdoors......................6

Feature Farm Story: Red Ridge Whitetails and Cervid Solutions ......................23

IN EACH ISSUE

Advertising Information................................................13, 24

Winter

Business Card Advertising...................................................32 Letter from the Editor..........................................................16

Deadline

PDFA: Board of Directors..............................................................3 Membership Form...........................................................28 Presidents Message........................................................... 4

Nov. 8

ADVERTISERS INDEX

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PUBLISHING Kathy Giesen, Editor/Publisher 305 E. 350 N., Ivins, UT 84738 deerassociations@gmail.com 435-817-0150 • Fax: 435-359-5333

Website: deersites.com (Editorial Provided by Contributing Writers)

Recipe..................................................................................39

5 Star Genetics............................. 29 Antlers by Design......................... 38 AR&R Antler Replica & Repairs.32 Blessed Bayou.............................. 26 C&E Wildlife Products................. 17 Cervid Solutions, LLC.................. 22 CuddliEZ......................................... 15 Dan-Inject North America.......... 12 Ezid LLC.......................................... 38 Glenn Dice Farms........ In. F. Cover Head Gear LLC............................... 7 Hilty Whitetails.............................. 31 Illini Whitetails............................... 18 Male Maxx..................................... 30 Marsh Valley Whitetails.............. 33

NexGen.......................................... 19 Pine Creek Deer Farm....................... ............................20-21, In. B. Cover Pneu-Dart, Inc............................... 25 Prime Acres Whitetails............... 34 Purina............................................. 36 Rocky Ridge Whitetails..................... ...................... Cover, B. Cover, 2, 40 Sunrise Supply, LLC..................... 17 Thomas Ranch Whitetails.......... 14 Trophy Whitetails......................... 10 Whetstone Whitetails................... 5 Woodard Whitetails...................... 9 PDFA 2022

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PDFA 2022

OFFICERS / BOARD OF DIRECTORS PDFA • PO Box 516, Fogelsville, PA 18051 • 717-801-0533 • office@padfa.com • www.padfa.com

OFFICERS:

Josh Newton (2025) President Cervid Solutions, LLC / Red Ridge Whitetails 15223 Route 87 Hwy Williamsport, PA. 17701 Office: 844-478-2870 / Cell: 484-951-3229 Email: jnewton@redridgewhitetails.com

Secretary Pine Valley Whitetails 275 Pine Valley Road New Ringgold, Pa. 17960 Cell: 484-619-1690 Email: pinevalleywhitetails@gmail.com

Emily Hughes (2023)

Timothy Hill (2023)

Vice President Phoenix Whitetails 359 Valley Road Etters, Pa. 17319 Cell: 717-919-4541 Email: hughesemily79@gmail.com

Treasurer Three Rivers Whitetails 20 Sutton Lane Washington, Pa. 15301 Cell: 724-705-3955 Email: timothyhill81@gmail.com

Mark Gee (2024)

Bruce Snyder (2025)

John Fisher (2025)

Lloyd Stoltzfus (2023)

DIRECTORS:

Tioga Ranch P.O. Box 64 Tioga, Pa. 16946 Cell: 570-418-0840 Email: tiogaboarranch@gmail.com

World Class Genetics 152 Meadow Lane Loysville, Pa. 17047 Cell: 717-582-1896 Email: 5starjohndaniel@gmail.com

N ATIONWIDE S CENTS F RESH DEER URINE FROM OUR DEER TO YOUR DOOR

Katryna Stegmeier (2023)

Elam Lapp Jr. (2023)

Nationwide Scents 183 Spain Road Herndon, Pa. 17830 Office: 570-425-2804 Email: nationwwidescents@gmail.com

Snyder’s Whitetails 2358 Produce Rd. Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870 Cell: 570-259-0051 Email: snyderswhitetails@yahoo.com

Walnut Ridge Whitetails 142 Churchtown Rd. Narvon, Pa. 17555 Office: 717-768-3471 Email: wrwhitetails@yahoo.com

Michelle Gehringer PDFA Administrator P.O. Box 516 Fogelsville, Pa. 18051 Office: 717-801-0533 Email: office@padfa.com

John Manta (2024)

Julie Acres Deer Farm 255 Wolf Bridge Rd. Carlisle, PA 17013 Cell: 717-448-8764 Email: julieacres@aol.com

Isaac Martin (2024) Bambi’s Paradise 230 Dusty Hollow Lane McClure, Pa. 17841 Cell: 570-412-0064 Email: ike@pikrite.com

Andy Goodman, Partner

Legislative Counsel Milliron & Goodman Governmental Relations 200 N. Third St. Harrisburg, Pa. 17101 Office: 717-232-5322 Email: andy@millirongoodman.com

PDFA 2022

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PRESIDENTS MESSAGE It seems like the last time we spoke I wishing you well with fawns, now we are in preparation to move our fall crop and make some more fawns! Things just move so fast.

On the association front the board of directors is wrapping up our work on the PA Eastern Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction. We anticipate a good sale as the market for quality ranch stock has never been better in the last decade.

We have also made the decision to break-up our fundraising efforts for the PAC Fund into more manageable pieces. In the past couple months, we have raffled of a sweet AR-15 package and currently we are raffling of a cannon… Yes, you read that right, a cannon!

These raffles are list in the “shop tab” of the padfa.com website. Check there for updates on future items as well. The monies raised serve to fund our donations to campaigns in Harrisburg. It is an election year so this funding is important and we truly thank each of you for your generosity over the years!

I have a question for you; have you taken advantage of the grant dollars available for GEBV/parentage testing though the Department of AG? If not all the details can be found on the “CWD tab” of the padfa.com website. The testing for genetic markers/GEBV scores is available to you. You get parentage, GEBV score, and Codon markers for $25 while the grant funding pays the balance. We as a PDFA board feel the technology surrounding the breeding of animals for CWD susceptibility continues to be a shining light in the effort to beat the CWD environment here in PA. Please take full advantage of this opportunity.

One final note- you will be seeing some changes happening with the PDFA board structure, in our office, and across the association. Our goal over the next 12 months or so is to provide as much value to our members and those on the fence about being members and can use your help. Please consider getting involved with some of the work we do. Volunteering for a committee is a great way to do so, or you can also consider running for a seat on a board. Either is appreciated. I look forward to seeing all of you over the coming months and should you need assistance with anything please do not hesitate to reach out.

Respectfully, Josh Newton, PDFA President

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PDFA 2022

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YOUTH HUNTING

FUELING PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by PDFA owner of Custom Pro Friction Calls and the man who taught Glenn to turkey hunt. After hearing about Archer’s first hunt, he surprised Glenn with a picture of Archer holding his first turkey, along with a personal inscription for Archer.

In sharing a love of the outdoors with Archer and his other young son Lincoln, 9, Glenn, 53, feels “it’s paramount to appreciate nature and spend time with them outside. There’s not a better morning than being out in the woods.

It’s my favorite time of day.”

“Now whatever you do, don’t blow up Dad’s new decoy,” Glenn Dice affectionately told his young son Archer as they called in turkeys and waited during a spring 2021 hunt in their home state of Pennsylvania. When a big curious, striking gobbler checked out the decoy then stepped a few feet away, Archer, then 10, took his first shot ever as a hunter. Bingo. The victorious turkey hunt was followed by one in Florida this past spring and yet one more a month later back in Pennsylvania with another father and son. As the four eagerly waited in the cool predawn, competitive gobblers soon came running in, yet Archer appeared to hesitate. “Why aren’t you taking a shot?” Glenn whispered. “I don’t want to shoot your decoy,” Archer replied. Glenn quickly responded, “I don’t care about the decoy just shoot the darn turkey!” And with that, Archer’s aim was triumphant.

He was the only one in the group to harvest anything that day.

The three bullet shells responsible for harvesting those three turkeys, each inscribed with Archer’s name, are kept on Glenn’s desk. He’s not only thrilled that his son shares one of his favorite pastimes, he’s also proud of his love of nature and the outdoors. Sharing that pride along with Glenn is Jeff Graham,

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PDFA 2022

Nationally, hunting is a multi-milliondollar industry responsible for substantial annual revenue. In 2021, revenue from hunting licenses was reported at $902,356,898, a $3 million increase from 2020. The top six states for issuing hunting licenses are typically Colorado at approximately $59 million followed by Texas at $47 million, Wisconsin at $41 million, Minnesota at $39 million, Pennsylvania at $37 million and Michigan also at $37 million. Even the tiny state of Rhode Island registered 26,690 hunters in 2021.

The most popular and number one animal to hunt is a whitetail deer followed by turkeys, elk and bear. While the interest in hunting is showing no signs of slowing down, without youth remaining interested in nature, hunting and the outdoors, subsequent decades may tell a different story. Vigilant deer farmers and preserve owners in Pennsylvania and in other states have a responsibility to ensure future generations embrace this same love, Glenn emphasized. “Being involved allows you to share your passion for the outdoors as well as collaborate on regulation development.

This enables us to enjoy year-round family-centered outdoor activities and to also be deer enthusiasts,” he said. “This involves working together as associations and staying abreast of current regulations and any proposed changes that affect us and standing up for our rights and practices of land ownership, management and stewardship.”

While Archer is poised to perpetuate this philosophy, he has yet to hunt whitetail, partially due to the fact that they are raised on the family farm, Glenn Dice Farms in Chambersburg.

However, he has expressed an interest in trying. After they explore whitetail hunting sometime in the near future in Pennsylvania, Glenn and Archer may plan a Utah vacation to hunt mule deer.

In the meantime, Glenn is working steadfast to maintain a constant presence in Washington on behalf of deer farmers, and to give back to an industry that has been so good to him and his family.

Glenn and Archer Dice

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

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PDFA LEGISLATIVE RANCH TOUR

A DIFFERENT STORY TO TELL… WHY HUNTING MATTERS! For more than 20 years the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association has been an advocate for deer farming across the Commonwealth. PA has a rich history of being at the forefront of the private deer industry, however we have neglected doing our due diligence in telling the full story of our operations and business markets.

Hunting is the backbone of what our industry does. Cervid hunting in North America and specifically the Whitetail deer are without a doubt the most coveted species for hunters to pursue.

Knowing this, whitetail deer are prized for their high quality venison, trophy quality antlers and some of the greatest adventure and experience in the world, the privately managed ranches in PA provide for safe and entertaining pursuit of whitetail deer and have an outstanding impact on local economies along with the ability to keep traditional family farms and land conserved for future generations.

With many legislative farm tours over the years, PDFA sponsored a recent hunt ranch tour highlighting one of PA’s premiere hunting

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properties, Powder Ridge Outfitters. PDFA appreciates the Barry family for their support over the years and for allowing the PDFA to be a part of telling our story as it is also theirs.

11 legislator’s and committee personnel from the Game and Agriculture committees attended the ranch tour on August 25th of this year. Overall, it was a resounded success in showcasing a side of “deer farmers” in PA that we have overlooked for some time. Sharing hunting stories, seeing the whitetail habitat, and discussing our industry from the hunting heritage we all share made an impact on those who toured the nearly 1500-acre property.

I personally appreciate those in attendance, our lobbying firm Milliron-Goodman (Kerry Lange) for organizing the event, and their willingness to participate.

Best Regards, Josh Newton, PDFA President

PDFA 2022

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THE ART OF ANTLER TRIMMING By: Gail Veley - Sponsored by Whitetails of Louisiana (WOL)

H

Should a deer farmer be facing a situation where antlers could jeopardize the health or safety of a herd, “I would not risk the life of one of my prized bucks to save an antler,” Kris explained. “Realize he produces 5. Determine beforehand how long more for your farm than what he the deer may be down and choose grows on his head. That’s a wise rule the proper sedation medication to live by with your deer.” Kaplan (such as BAM for shorter periods or agrees and echoes her sentiments. a combination of medetomidine and “If you have any thought there is an ketamine “MK” for longer periods). antler infection they have to come 6. Ensure you have the proper amount off. You will always be better off of CO2 for your dart guns, the proper acting quickly and not having future darts and any medications you plan on problems or issues,” he said. using such as antibiotics. In addition, make sure all of your vaccines are ready to go.

aving everything you possibly think you might need makes the job of trimming antlers infinitely easier and more efficient, explains Kris Rothchild of All In Whitetails deer farm in Eros, Louisiana. Safety is the Number One reason any deer farmer makes the decision to trim antlers, as the rut season approaches. While any buck may look impressive sporting 500-inch antlers, “we don’t need him with 500 inches of antlers hurting us,” Rothchild emphasized. “We cut antlers because another we don’t want a deer getting gored or a person getting injured,” she added.

keep the temperature of the deer within the minimum range during the entire process. Never trim antlers on a day above 78 degrees.

Whether it’s a scheduled hard antler trim in late fall or a trim while in velvet due to injury or infection, all scenarios require extreme preparedness, Rothchild said. In addition to her job as a registered nurse, Rothchild, 44, has assisted veterinarians such as Dr. Lauren Harper in trimming antlers on various deer farms in Louisiana.

Because of her medical knowledge and experience, Rothchild offers the following advice for optimum safety as well as efficiency:

7. Never enter a pen without a good saw with a fresh blade. Always have a backup blade as well. (Josh Kaplan of Golden Ranch Whitetails in Gheens, Louisiana prefers to use a reciprocating saw with a steel blade as he feels it can cut through anything very fast.)

1. Have someone else there to assist you and ensure your safety. Never handle deer alone.

2. Never plan on antler cutting to be a real “quick fix.” Always be prepared to take your time.

3. Make sure all of your tools are operational, well-maintained and inspected before use.

4. Have a large bucket of ice water, two bath towels and alcohol and help

8. Should cauterizing of blood vessels be necessary, use a hot blade or searing knife and banding system to act as a tourniquet to stop bleeding. This might be safer and more sterile than inserting objects such as toothpicks into the blood vessel to stop bleeding and may also reduce the possibility of infection.

However, Kaplan feels toothpicks work tremendously well and has never had an issue or infection as a result of using them.

9. Never trim too close to the pedicle (located at the base of the skull) where antlers grow from, as this can cause irreparable damage and perhaps cause antlers to not grow again.

PDFA 2022

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PHASE 2: CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE (CWD) GENOMIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PROGRAM The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will be opening Phase 2 of the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Susceptibility Subsidization Program to all participating premises. The department is pleased to announce some changes to the originally proposed program.

The program has been extended until August 30, 2023 and has expanded to include fawns with an official identification as listed in the CWD General Quarantine Order. In addition to allowing fawns, the participant may submit an unlimited amount of tissue samples for Genomic Enhanced Estimated Breeding Value (GEBV) testing. This USDA grant program also provides funds to replace poor-scoring breeding stock with more resistant breeding stock.

The department has increased the stipend amount to $550 per replacement of any poor GEBV scoring susceptible breeding white-tailed deer removed from the herd, and $250 for each poor GEBV scoring fawn removed. These stipends can be used towards the purchase of a replacement whitetail, artificial insemination, or sperm/embryos.

Lastly, all participating premises will receive a CWD Genomic Susceptibility Program Certificate. This certification will serve as proof for buyers and sellers that your premises is taking the necessary precautions towards preventing the spread of CWD in Pennsylvania.

For more information contact the Department of Ag

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Letter from the Editor, Kathy Giesen

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hile May is fawning season and November is breeding season, this past March proved to be the official “Membership Drive Season” for our 15 state deer associations I am proud to service. Having attended the March 2022 conventions for Michigan, NADeFA and for Minnesota and Iowa, I can say without a doubt that membership drives were very successful. More than $4,300 in membership money combined was collected at these events. And perhaps even more important is the enthusiasm felt from renewing members and the anticipation of learning more about other state associations felt by newly registered members.

My Multi-State Association Booth has become a mainstay at many state association events, created to entice industry participants to not only support their own state association, but to join others as well. Making this a one-step and easy process has always been my goal as individuals can fill out one simple form and make one payment, and yet join as many associations as they wish. And each year at NADeFA conventions, anyone who joins multiple state deer associations is entered into a drawing for a special high-end gift.

In 2019, Brandon Walker, Manager of Cedar Breaks Ranch in Midland, South Dakota won a camouflaged, weatherproof and easily assembled deer blind.

also know as “The Mask Lady” hit a Home Run immediately after her first ad insertion appeared. She found herself with close to 100 new orders.

“I’m very happy with the outcome,” she said. “I look forward to seeing the outcome with my ad running the rest of the year in D&K Designs full package advertisng program.”

2022 Multi State Membership Winner Brad Farmer

This year at the NADeFA convention, 35year NADeFA association member and supporter of multi state associations Brad Farmer of Farmer’s Fallow Deer in Viola, Kansas won the drawning with his participation renewing memberships with three state associations. The prize this year was a Holy Stone GPS Drone.

Many conference attendees checked back with me afterwards in the hope that they had won. But don’t dismay.

We may have another drone in the near future to offer. Right now, Brad is really enjoying his new and well-deserved gift.

I greatly appreciate everyone who offers their support in the form of advertising, as this provides revenue to publish each magazine and helps alleviate the obligation from state associations for this purpose.

Advertising is the best and most effective way to keep your farm, product or services in front of those who need it most. While advertising has been proven to work well when done consistently and repetitiously, some advertisers such as Mary Volk of Cuddliez custom embroidery service,

If you have a story to share, pictures that you would like to show off, or would like to participate in one of our advertising programs, please give us a call!

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As you know, our magazines keep associations informed of events as well as keep us united. Magazines are not only mailed, they are also emailed in the form of e-books. Watch for a new feature to be added soon in these popular e-books, as well as for updated features on our multi state association website, deersites. com. As 2022 progresses, please know that I am proud to be a part of such a great and inclusive industry. If anyone is interested in pursuing a Feature Farm article with my journalist Gail Veley, please get with me on pricing and other details. And remember to officially start marking your calendars for March. It’s our new official “Membership Drive Season!!”

Kathy Giesen, Editor / Publisher, D&K Design 435-817-0150 deerassociations@gmail.com

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RED RIDGE WHITETAILS AND CERVID SOLUTIONS STRIVING TO REPRESENT THE DEER INDUSTRY IN A POSITIVE LIGHT By: Gail Veley

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ed Ridge Whitetails is more to Operations Manager Josh Newton than just a place to raise and sell deer. At the end of the day, the farm is a representation of all that is good about the deer industry. From the development, breeding and raising of quality seed stock for hunting ranches, to the practice of superior animal husbandry to the promotion of private land management and conservation, Newton’s goal is to help the industry as a whole to thrive and prosper. And he wants the governing bodies in his state, as well as in other states, to know how diligently deer farmers work to improve the health and vitality of whitetails in many facets including the potential eradication of CWD. Yet, there are moments when Newton relaxes, however brief and cherished those moments might be on the peaceful and lush 10-acre farm in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Then, he just simply enjoys his deer and his role as a father to his young daughters

Roman- sheds (200 inch 4x4)

Lena and Gianna Lena, 5, and Gianna, 2. Watching them interact with fawns alongside his wife Lisa, 37, reminds him of how it all started. For this, Newton is grateful for the other lessons offered through deer farming. “The real lesson is the life itself,” Newton, 41, shared. “And whether we like it or not the reality is that life does exist and (the deer) depend on you. Sadly, some do die.

But these experiences create a normal traditional value mindset and animals are a great conduit for that.”

Creating the desire to raise deer started in 1999 when Josh was 17 and visited his uncle’s deer farm for the first time.

Within moments of being there, what stirred in his soul was something he couldn’t ignore. He bought his first deer and never looked back. Through working on the farm and learning a vast majority of relevant management skills, he eventually became the operations manager of Red Ridge Whitetails in 2006 after a fateful encounter and subsequent three-hour conversation with the owner. Today, Newton might be considered a walking encyclopedia or a beacon of information on whatever subject pertaining to whitetails you want to discuss. His never-ending drive to represent the industry and continually learn also extends to his role as President of the Pennsylvania Deer Farmer’s Association.

three weeks in 2008, Newton vowed “never again.” Through his grief and resolve, Cervid Solutions, a company dedicated to providing cervid specific vaccines as well as health management protocols, was founded and today ensures that all deer at Red Ridge (and other farms) live the healthiest lives possible. By using Cervid Solutions as the foundation for putting prevention through herd health at the forefront of the farm’s daily operations, and limiting the number of deer per acre, Red Ridge stays poised to continue setting a good example to others.

They are proud to raise typical deer from the likes of Roman, Rango, Legion, Big Fuzz, Two Big and Artisan among several more. Providing preserves and ranches with big-bodied, hearty, classic, genetically viable typical stocker bucks remains a steadfast goal. Their herd, numbering close to 50, are all DNA certified and registered and also GEBV tested for CWD susceptibility.

“The whitetail industry for me always has been, and will continue to be, my labor of love,” Newton said. “Through Cervid Solutions, I can always provide the best health tools for Red Ridge Whitetails and for a multitude of other like-minded deer farmers.”

His education didn’t always come easily or happen overnight. It evolved after Newton’s worst and ultimately best experience at Red Ridge Whitetails.

After the heartbreak and exasperation of watching close to 20 fawns die within PDFA 2022

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deerassociations@gmail.com

435-817-0150

2022 PDFA Quarterly Advertising Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

PENNSYLVANIA WINTER 2021

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Volume 4

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Issue 4

DEER FARMING

Benefitted by a Woman’s Touch SPONSORED BY Kala

EHD SHOWING A PRESENCE WITHIN NEW YORK STATE BORDERS Sponsored by NYDEFA

CAPTURE MYOPATHY WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO AVOID IT SPONSORED BY WOO

PDFA DEER &OUTDOOR EXPO

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For more information contact our Customer Care Representative ~ Samantha Uchytil Phone or Text: 320-905-2622

I look forward to working with you! ~ Samantha 26 PDFA 2022

Email: deerassociations@gmail.com

Fax: 435-359-5333

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ACT PROMPTLY TO TREAT DAMAGED OR INFECTED ANTLERS By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by KALA

T

he site of blood on a buck’s antler should mean one thing to any deer farmer.

Drop everything and treat it.

Whether treatment involves cutting the antlers or administering first aid in the form of antibiotics or topical ointments “don’t push it off until the next day,” said Joe Miller of Kentucky Whitetails, a 17-acre deer farm home to approximately 90 whitetails in Guthrie, Kentucky. “You can’t say ‘I will do it tomorrow.’ The possibility of serious problems or losing that buck to a blood infection is real.”

Although not formally recognized as a predator in the traditional sense, flies can cause blood infections should they lay eggs in an untreated infected antler and maggots result. “If you can control the flies, you have a better chance of avoiding this,” offers Nathan Blosser of Blosser Whitetails, a 50-acre farm with close to 400 whitetail deer in Buffalo, Missouri. Miller and Blosser agree that feeding topical ivermectin on deer feed can be a good defense against maggots as well as a worthwhile proactive health measure.

While injuries such as those caused from feeders or fencing can cause antler damage, shedding season also poses risks if antlers aren’t shed within a day, advised Miller, and recommends all deer farmers own a Callicrate Velvet Antler Bander to safely cut antlers and minimize bleeding for such occasions.

“The bigger the antlers, the harder time they have shedding them,” said Miller, 65, a deer farmer since 1999. “If they aren’t shed in a day, flies can get in there and poison them. If so, we dart them when it’s cool, cut the antlers and clean them from the base and leave about three inches. Then we give a heavy dose of ivermectin and a shot of the long-lasting antibiotic Draxxin and sometimes a regular dose of penicillin

on top of it. We also put caustic powder on the ends to help it heal faster. Some farmers like to burn the tips. We’ve never done that.”

Congruently, Blosser, 56, has found in addition to using antibiotics, that Melaluca oil is excellent at deterring flies while penetrating into and cleaning antlers. He also uses Aluma Shield (used traditionally on wounds in horse hooves) that creates an aerosol bandage to protect from outside elements. Although both Blosser and Miller only see infected antlers less than a handful of times each year on their prospective farms, each had more cases earlier on in their deer farming careers.

As a result, Miller, who prefers to raise typicals with a “little extra,” constructed a better feeder with 6 x 6 posts placed ten feet apart accompanied by eight or 10-inch PVC pipe after seeing the antler damage the original one had caused.

“Now, if they jerk their head up, they won’t hit anything. Most of the time It’s the drop tines or more non-typical frames that can give you the biggest problems with catching or hitting things,” he added.

Drop tines, combined with reaching under fencing to get to grass can be another major cause of antler damage,

Blosser uses this type of feeder on his deer farm Blosser found, who also prefers to raise typicals with a “little extra.” “So don’t leave your deer in bare pens if there is tempting grass growing right on the other side of it,” he said. “This type of management and prevention is the key to avoiding antler damage along with regularly observing your animals. If caught early enough, an antler infection can show improvement in one day. If not and the infection has become septic, it may take a buck as long as two weeks to be back to normal.

Taking action early along with fly control is important in keeping your herd healthy.”

Lastly, no matter how bad you believe an antler infection is “you’ve always got to try and save them,” Miller said. “With all the time and effort put into raising them, it’s always worth trying.”

Blosser Whitetails: New deer barn, handling facility and holding stalls.

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PENNSYLVANIA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (Please check one)

❑ New

❑ Renewal - Member #____________ (if known)

Membership Name:___________________________________________Date________________ Farm Name:_____________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________State:_______Zip:_____________County___________________ Phone #1 (will appear in directory)________________________ Phone #2:______________________ Fax:____________________________E-mail:__________________________________________ Website_________________________________________________________________________ I am joining as (please check one) ❑ Active PA Propagator* (voting privileges) - $100.00

❑ Associate Member (non-voting) - $75.00

IMPORTANT Please check all that apply: ❑ Farm ❑ Hunting Ranch Ranch Name & Contact info if different from Farm:

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

*Must be a Pennsylvania resident

❑ Other _________________________

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:______________________ Please mail application with payment to: application with payment to: PAPlease Deermail Farmers Association PA Deer Farmers Association P. O. Box 3635 • Williamsport, PA 17701 P.O. Box 516 Fogelsville, PA. 18051

Payment method:

Check (made payable to PDFA) - #__________________

Credit Card - ______Visa ______Master Card ______Discover

Card # __________ - __________ - __________ - __________ (Please print clearly)

Expiration Date _____/_____

________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Authorized Signature

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3-digit V-code __________

_______________________________________ Credit Card Billing Zip Code

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HELPING TO IMPROVE THE RATIO OF BUCKS TO DOES

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If you want more of your animals being bucks, rams,

By: Gail Veley

or bulls on your ranch or farm

…We’ve Got What It Takes…

vidence is mounting that GenMax, LLC MaleMaxx, a nutritional supplement for does manufactured by GenMax, LLC, is helping to improve the sex Imagine having up to 70% of your animals being bucks, rams or bulls for your ranch or farm. Many properties are “plagued” by too many females affecting the male: female ratio. Conservation ratio of buck to ondoe fawns at several departments are trying to manage too many females the landscape affecting crops, auto insurance, property damage, and in some cases spreading disease. If we can affect the ratio by feeding MaleMaxx, it may benefit all aspects of the hunting and preserve industry. TheVarious challenge of coursedeer is getting thefarmers whitetail deer farms. product into the females at the right time of year, but this can be overcome with some creative feeding where legal. You may want to start feeding 4-6 weeks ahead of your normal rut in your area and feed have reported to GenMax owners Dr. for 4-6 weeks past the 2 rut which usually includes the females of the year and any females that may not have conceived on the first cycle. For farms, just start feeding product to females 30 days ahead of breeding and 30 days afterShipley breeding and for 30 days after.

Cliff and Dr. Rick Balsbaugh, an increase of 20% to 30% more buck fawns over doe fawns being born each fawning season. While the biological mechanism for this phenomenon has not been fully pinpointed, it is speculated that the ingredients and nutritional value found in MaleMaxx may allow for a greater mobility and concentration of male sperm versus female sperm to fertilize an egg, among several other unproven theories.

P. O. Box 41

Savoy, IL 61874

Dr. Shipley (217) 493-2958

cshipley@illinois.edu

Dr. Balsbaugh (217) 653-1420 rbalsbaugh@yahoo.com www.malemaxx.com

nd

While traditional theories may suggest that either the “X” or “Y” chromosome predominantly effects the sex of offspring, research has shown that other factors way heavily into the outcome of breeding.

Some of these factors include environmental conditions, the density of the herd population and/or nutrition.

Focusing in on the nutritional side of breeding ratios was the catalyst for creating a product to help whitetail deer farmers, said Dr. Balsbaugh. “Our goal was not to try and make a million dollars or market this on a huge scale, it was to help the deer industry,” he said.

After reading a peer-reviewed paper 10 years ago which attributed nutrition as the key to altering breeding outcomes, Dr. Shipley turned to Dr. Balsbaugh, a nutrition specialist for 30 years for a major feed company. He asked him to create a product for this purpose as both men, long-time friends, felt it was worth pursuing. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Balsbaugh had created something he felt he was ready to try and Dr. Shipley’s deer farm, Salt Fork River Ranch in St. Joseph, Illinois, then became the living laboratory.

In the eight years that Dr. Shipley has subsequently fed MaleMaxx to the does on his farm, he has experienced a 70:30 male to female ratio, as opposed to the more typical 50:50 male to female ratio found at most other farms. After seeing these results, MaleMaxx became commercially available four years ago.

“I had a guy walk up to me at this past NADeFA and tell me ‘don’t stop making that stuff,’” Dr. Shipley said.

“He said he’s been having an 80:20 male to female ratio every fawning season on his farm ever since he started using MaleMaxx.”

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While a majority of farms now using MaleMaxx have had favorable results, some said they have not. “When we investigate, we conclude it’s because they have not followed the recommended feeding guidelines or the deer haven’t consumed it,” Dr. Shipley said. “It is also speculated that feeding humic acid, in conjunction with MaleMaxx, may have an effect on the efficacy of MaleMaxx.”

Recommended doe feeding is ½ pound per day as a replacement, not in addition to, a ½ pound of other grains you are feeding. While feed costs are volatile at the moment, the average cost to feed a doe MaleMaxx is about $11 per month.

Considering the additional revenue a farm may realize in having more bucks to sell, there is a substantial return on your investment, Dr. Balsbaugh explained.

Feeding protocols dictate that MaleMaxx be fed 28 to 30 days prior to doe breeding and 28 to 30 days after breeding, on the chance your doe did not “take” the first breeding cycle and needs to be bred to the backup buck. MaleMaxx is available in 50-pound bags and costs approximately $45 per bag. Other GenMax products include ZenMax, a calming agent used to lessen the aggression of bucks in the rut or to aid in the safe transport of deer. Visit their website at www.malemaxx.com.

IF YOU WANT MORE OF YOUR ANIMALS BEING BUCKS, RAMS, OR BULLS ON YOUR RANCH

...WE’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES

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FREE business card ads for members of Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Assoc.

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: Michelle Gehringer: office@pdfa.com This gives PDFA 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.

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THE BEST PROTOCOLS FOR SELLING DEER

E

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

stablishing and cultivating trusting relationships between parties is seen by those in the deer business, as the most important priority for both the selling and buying of whitetail deer. In an industry where friendships run deep and reputations are built on solid, reliable production, trust is needed to take the risks involved in this inevitable transaction. “Everyone is taking a risk whether you are buying or selling deer,” said Rick Davidson of Illinois Dominant Bucks in Marshall, Illinois. Davidson, 49, who has been in the industry for 24 years and who both buys and sells deer, shares a common desire felt among deer farmers. “I always pay up front. I would think every deer farmer would want that, too,” he said. “If I buy a deer and release it into my preserve it may or may not be harvested, but that deer farmer deserves to be paid regardless.

He spent two or more years raising that deer.”

Although a vast majority of deer farmers are paid at the time of the sale “I’ve heard so many horror stories about guys who were never paid,” Davidson added. Congruently, after being in the business for several years, Rusty Karr of Illinois Dominant Genetics in Wapella, Illinois has learned in his experience “if you’re not paid until later, you will only get paid one out of ten times.” In what

he often times feels is a “cutthroat” business, Karr, who sold close to 90 deer in 2020, strongly advocates not giving credit to someone you do not know well or trust. “If someone wants to buy deer from me, they need to call me two or three months ahead of time and build a relationship with me,” he said. Karr, 45, also shares this important advice. “If you sell more than five deer you need to get paid up front on some of them,” he said.

“Make sure your buyer is going to be reliable. Always ask for a deposit. If they can’t afford a deposit, then they can’t afford a deer.”

Contracts might seem to be a reasonable way to ensure payment, yet Grant Carrolan of Hidden Hollow Whitetails in Marion, Illinois feels a level of trust between sellers and buyers can be worth more. “I know someone whose been working with same person for 12 years buying his deer,” he said. “And he doesn’t get paid until the following January for all the deer. But he’s been paid every single time for between $30,000 and $50,000 worth of deer.” While that system may have worked well for those individuals “I know one guy who had sold a dozen deer and was getting paid over six months. He got a check when the deer were picked up, one a few months later and a then final check. He did not like that,” Carrolan said. “The risk incurred from a preserve owner (acquiring and keeping deer) is so minimal compared to a deer farmer and yet we’re both making same amount of money.”

Spreading payments out over time may require the seller to “keep tabs” on their deer. “But you don’t need to do that if the money comes immediately,” Carrolan, 39, emphasized. He also feels that selling deer as a “package deal” works better if each deer is still individually priced,

rather than placing equal value on every deer included in the group. In the event that a deer in this situation perish, a value established prior to the incident and may help eliminate future payment discrepancies.

Perhaps even better than being paid up front is being paid in advance, providing added incentive for the seller to keep the deer healthy and thriving. “I know one preserve owner who prepays 50% of the total cost up front and the rest when the deer are picked up from the seller,” Carrolan said. However, many reputable preserve owners, who always honor their commitment to pay for deer they have acquired, must wait until hunters pay them, in order to have the necessary funds to pay the deer farmer.

It was 2 a.m. in 2018, when newly established deer farmer James Perry of Drop Tine Whitetails in Marshall, Illinois sold his first deer. After the buyer’s deer hauler finally arrived and the two prepared to load the deer, the hauler announced that the buyer did not provide him with a check when Perry inquired. Perry, 49, reluctantly agreed to let the deer go and be paid later. “I was pretty uncomfortable about it,” he admitted. “I assumed I was going to get paid right then and should have clarified it. But a check came in the mail a month and a half later and I was very relieved.” In order to achieve the highest level of success in the industry “I think especially if you are small, take time to develop relationships with other deer farmers and preserve owners in your state or region,” Perry said. “Being a part of a close-knit group really helps. After purchasing my farm, I went and met Greg Mills when he was president of our association, and he was a lot of help. He encouraged me to join the IDFA association and since then I have developed a couple of close relationships. It makes a huge difference getting in these groups and having their support.”

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A DIFFERENCE YOU CAN SEE MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL

©2021 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved.

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IS IT A BREEDER OR STOCKER BUCK HOW DOES ONE DECIDE?

A

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by IDEFA lthough a deer farmer may raise both breeder bucks and stocker bucks, it all comes down to pedigree in determining who is sold and who remains on the farm, said John Stoltzfus of Five Star Genetics. At his farm in Shipshewana, Indiana, Stoltzfus knows that when everything is said and done, deer have greater value (and typically succeed as breeding stock) when they have a marketable, proven pedigree.

“There’s no denying that the ones with no pedigree could, at times, be bigger and prettier. It happens a lot,” Stoltzfus explains. Yet, “the ones with value at the auction are the proven ones with the pedigree that you can sell semen from,” he emphasized. While Stoltzfus feels most people may not care much about pedigree and simply prefer a certain look, “ten percent of the market does care, and they control the outcome.”

Pedigreed does bred to pedigreed bucks generally produce offspring destined for a higher price tag, unlike a pedigreed doe merely bred to a “grade” buck, or vice versa. Offering deer farmers access to important lineage information, for breeding purposes, is the North American Deer Registry founded in 2007. Perhaps Junior, the very first buck to ever be registered with the NADR, was a descendant from some of the largest free range whitetail bucks on record to ever be harvested, setting the ball in motion for the ultimate pursuit of quality genetics.

According to internet research, in 1940, a 45-point non-typical buck from Ohio named “Hole in the Horn” measured in at 328 2/8”. It would take 41 years before two other non-typical bucks, both from the St. Louis, Missouri

area, would rival his score. “Monarch” measured in at 333 7/8” by the Boone and Crockett Club, while 44-point “Brewster’s Buck” measured in at 327 7/8.”

The quest to harvest an impressive buck such as these is the driving force behind hunters booking hunts at preserves, rather than taking their chances in the wild where today, lack of habitat and forage, may make it more difficult to find one. Nonetheless, many of today’s stocker bucks sold to preserves could also easily become a new deer farmer’s breeding “superstar” given their size and overall look.

When it comes to buck fawns, typically 25% are deemed worthy of becoming breeding stock while the others typically are sold as stockers according to Stoltzfus. However, raising stocker bucks ready to be sold at two years old, rather than three, should be an important benchmark as “a lot of unfavorable things can happen between two and three,” he said.

Realizing this important benchmark ensures a solid cash flow for your farm,

said Dave Schwartz of Shallow Pond Whitetails in Shipshewana, Indiana.

“Producing breeding stock is the bonus side of it,” he said. “But you might get a year where it doesn’t pan out. Being able to raise stocker bucks can make it easier for you overall. With the way the industry is going, there will not be a surplus of stocker bucks.” Schwartz also agrees, along with Stoltzfus, that pedigree matters. While Schwartz himself raised a 232” typical buck that came from an unregistered deer, without the pedigree to match, even a big buck such as that “won’t sell very much semen,” he said.

“To be successful in producing breeding stock, you ultimately need the right look and the pedigree to go along with it,” Schwartz offers. “The right nutrition for growth potential is an absolute must, too. Providing that type of environment can make all the difference. Look at Gunfighter.”

Stoltzfus adds one final piece of advice.

“Don’t let all of your hard work be for nothing. Make sure your buyer pays you before the deer leave your farm.”

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Antlers by Design is buying bulk antlers again this year!

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VENISON WELLINGTON This is your basic beef Wellington adapted for venison. This venison Wellington is delicious and very easy but looks gourmet

Prep: 30 mins Cook: 30 mins Total: 1 hr Servings: 10

2 tablespoons butter, divided, or as needed 1 venison backstrap, cut in half 1 (10 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms 1 medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, diced ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon ground thyme, or to taste salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 pound bacon, or as needed 1 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon water, or as needed

Step 1 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Step 2 Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a hot pan over medium-high heat. Brown venison in hot butter, about 2 minutes per side. Set meat aside.

Step 3 Melt remaining butter in the pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Sauté until mushrooms are soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.

Step 4 Spread thyme, salt, and pepper onto a large cutting board and roll backstrap halves in mixture to form a coating of herbs. Wrap each piece of backstrap in enough bacon to cover.

Step 5 Unfold 1 puff pastry and place first piece of backstrap into the center. Bring sides of pastry together and pinch to seal. Repeat with second backstrap and remaining pastry. Place each into an ungreased baking dish.

Step 6 Mix egg yolk and water together in a small bowl; brush tops of dough.

Step 7 Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Continue baking until dough is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Cook’s Note: Remember to take puff pastry package out of the refrigerator and follow package directions to thaw. If you forget, place individual pastries on a plate and microwave for 10 seconds. Remove and check. If not completely thawed, continue microwaving until thawed.

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