Quest Fall 2025

Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall 2025 l Volume 18 l Issue 3

BREEDING FOR CWD RESISTANCE:

How is this done with respect to proven production and marketability?

Sponsored by WDFO

KEEP YOUR DEER HERD ORGANIZED WITH A PROFICIENT TAGGING SYSTEM

Sponsored by KALA

SPREADING A POSITIVE DEER FARMING MESSAGE

Promoting an Industry Understanding Sponsored by PDFA

Dinero

SEE ADS IN

SIDE

NOVEMBER 2025 | FALL

Inside This Issue: 15

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Featured

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Crooked Tine Ranch and Farm – Focused on Unforgettable Experiences

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Far North Whitetails – Focused on Raising Healthy and Marketable Deer

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Content Advertisers Index.......................................................59 Board of Directors....................................................... 2 Business Cards....................................................37, 42 Event Calendar...........................................................13 Magazine Advertising Information........................58

Keep Your Deer Herd Organized with a Proficient Tagging System

Membership Application.........................................60 Meet the UDFoM Board of Directors............ 23, 24

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Breeding for CWD Resistance: How is this done with respect to proven production and marketability?

President’s Letter......................................................... 4 Recipe - Venison Chili...............................................50 Trophy Breeder Buck Showcase............................24

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Spreading a Positive Deer Farming Message: Promoting an Industry Understanding

UDFoM 2026 Convention Info........................6-7, 29 UDFoM 2025 Sponsors - Thank You!..............10-11 Whitetail Sales and Auction Events.......................46

WINTER MAGAZINE DEADLINE JANUARY 20th, 2026

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BOARD OF OFFICERS President – Ken Brown Pine Ridge Whitetails 117 Ewers Rd. Leslie, MI 49251 Phone: 517-525-4036 prwhitetails@gmail.com

Secretary – Kristi Dalton Iron Mill Whitetails Manchester, MI, 48158 Pone: 734 -637-2318 daltonkristi5@gmail.com

Vice President – Ryan Halfman Black Label Whitetails 10525 Frost Rd. Portland, MI 48875 Phone: 517-281-2936 blacklabelwhitetails@gmail.com

Scholarship Chair--Jason Kanouse Beaver Creek Whitetails 14813 210th Ave LeRoy, MI 49655 Phone: 231-342-9642 jrk8_98@yahoo.com

Treasurer – Tricia Davis UDFOM 3981 E. 46 Rd. Caldilac, MI 49601 Phone: 231-878-2229 (Cell) pedavis69@gmail.com

The Pac Chair – Merle Shepard Buckriver / Buckfalls 9897 Carter Allen Park, MI 48101 Phone: 313-268-1727 scishep@aol.com

Political Chair -- Doug Roberts Conquest Deer Farm 8399 E. Bristol Rd. Phone: 810-241-9554 droberts@conquestdeerfarm.com

Convention Chair - Dr. Anthony Klingler Concord Veterinary Clinic 2495 E Mosherville Rd Jonesville, MI 49250 Phone: 517-227-0517 concordvet04@gmail.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Member – Mathias Dekker Thunder Bay Whitetails, LLC 23825 Rea Rd. Hillman, MI 49746 Phone: 989-415-6201 mathiasdekker@gmail.com

Board Member -- Mason Rickle PR2 Whitetails 163 Ewers Rd. Leslie, MI 49251 Phone: 517-525-4295 pr2whitetails@gmail.com

Board Member - Nate Tacoma Raise ‘Em Up Whitetails, LLC 7814 88th Ave. Zeeland, MI 49464 Phone: 616-283-8154 nate.reuwhitetails@gmail.com

Board Member – John Wilson Platinum Whitetails 7852 Cook Ave. Marion, MI 49665 Phone: 989-324-0543 platinumwhitetails@yahoo.com uniteddeerfarmersofmichigan.com uniteddeerfarmersofmi@gmail.com facebook.com/UDFOM

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President’s Letter Fa l l

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From President Ken Brown Hello to all. To say the summer flew by is an absolute understatement! The past several months have been very trying on ones sole. In years past my wife, Casey, and I have been lucky enough to avoid the wrath of this devastating little bug called a midge. We have stood by watching friends and fellow members suffering the loss of the animals, sometimes considered to be pets, and have felt sorrow for them but did not fully understand their pain. Well I am saddened to say that we have joined the ranks of those that have been affected by this invasive bug. We lost four of our best does that were all bottle fed babies. Now we know the pain that others have been enduring for all this time. We at PR Whitetails pray for everyone that has suffered losses as well of those that have not.

I had mentioned in the last magazine that we should have some updates for you from the Capitol but with the recent budget issues our meetings have been pushed back. We hopefully will have an update by the next edition.

The board has been working hard to put together our 2026 March convention at Eagle Eye Golf and Banquet. You can reserve your hotel room by calling Courtyard by Marriott Lansing at 877-504-1572.

Discounted rooms are listed under United Deer Farmers of Michigan. There is a second hotel choice and that is Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Lansing at Eastwood. Their number is 517-374-6500.

Again discounted rooms are under United Deer Farmers of Michigan. If you have any questions please reach out.

Thank you God Bless Ken Brown President United Deer Farmers of Michigan

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UDFOM 2026 MOVING TO NEW ANNUAL

CONVENTION

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MINUTES FROM CAPITAL REGION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WWW.UNITEDDEERFARMERSOFMICHIGAN.COM

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UNITED DEER FARMERS OF MICHIGAN 2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION

SPONSORS UnitedDeerFarmersofMichigan.com

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Golden Chair Sponsors: DD Deer Farms, Five Star Genetics, Raise Em Right Whitetails, Freedom Whitetails, Sky Ranch Whitetails GreenStone, and TRN Restoration

UNITED DEER FARMERS OF MICHIGAN 2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION

SPONSORS UnitedDeerFarmersofMichigan.com

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Upcoming Whitetail and Cervid Events Northern Top 30 - Jan 14-16, 2026 - Shipshewanna, IN Alabama Deer Association Spring Auction - Feb 21, 2026 - Cullman, AL Kansas Deer & Elk Association Convention - Feb 28, 2026 Southeast Trophy Deer Association Spring Fling - March 6-7, 2026 - Orlando, FL United Deer Farmers of Michigna - March 6-7, 2026 - Bath Township, MI NADeFA Spring Open - March 20, 2026 - Sandusky, OH KALA Summer Showcase - Aug 8, 2026 Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Convention - Aug 13-14, 2026 Southern Top 30 - Aug 20-21, 2026 - Louisiana TDA Annual Convention - Aug 28-29, 2026 - San Antonio, TX Provided by D&K Design, Publisher for State Association Magazine VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS: DEERSITES.COM

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FEATURE STORY CROOKED TINE RANCH AND FARM – FOCUSED ON UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES By: Gail Veley When Bob Randolph and his son Ryan commit to something, it’s always 100 percent. To that end, they are realizing just to what extent their deer farm, Crooked Tine Farm, northeast of Lansing, Michigan, and their hunting ranch, Crooked Tine Ranch, located in Bitely, Michigan are thriving.

Both big hunters and big farmers at heart, Bob and Ryan are committed to raising the most healthy, hearty and typical racked deer possible and in turn, provide hunters with an experience they will forever cherish and never forget. It all began in 2023. The ranch, nestled within the Manistee National Forest, provides the most deep in the woods authentic hunt any hunter could possibly ask for. There, hunters are graciously accommodated and comfortable inside a cozy lodge situated among 80 acres and wooded terrain and fed homecooked meals by Ryan’s wife, Ashley.

“At night all of us sit around the campfire, talking about the day,” Bob said. “With unmistakable enthusiasm, conversations might include ‘what did you see out there ‘ or ‘ how big was it?’ We offer a lifetime experience that most people would never get a chance to have. Our future goal is to be able to offer 30 to 40 hunts each season.”

The ability to stock the ranch with high quality, beautiful trophy deer is attributed to the hard work and careful decisions made on the farm, which includes 20 oneacre breeding pens. “Most of our does are bred with A.I. breeding,” Bob, 74 years old, said. “The Number One scare for a deer farmer is the health of the deer. We want resistance, and we want to strive for that and build that resistance against EHD and CWD. We stock the ranch with our offspring and very seldom need to acquire new deer.

We want to be self-sustainable and build the best big bodied and heavy typical racked deer we can.” Assisting in these goals are breeding bucks Machine Head and Promise Land, owned by Ryan Halfman of Black Label Whitetails.

Promise Land, as a 3-year-old, was 306” with a 45 inch inside spread.

In addition to raising the best and most marketable deer possible, both Bob and his son Ryan, who worked many long hours creating both the ranch and farm, want to educate the public about the importance of conservation and the opportunities that lie within both facilities. Plans are in the works to

offer school field trips to the farm along with tours, for an up close and personal experience with fawns, nature and the like.

Inspiration to begin the farm and ranch points more to Ryan, who said he was intrigued by the deer farming industry. He found a place that had already been used as a hunting ranch, and Bob provided the means to purchase it. “I had no idea that deer farming and a deer ranch was so labor intensive,” Bob reflected. “I’m grateful to my wife Joann, my son Ryan and my daughter-in-law Ashley who support this dream and who are a very important component to its success. We want to do this the best we can, and we worked and worked to remodel the ranch and devoted our entire attention to it. Ryan took charge as he worked alongside me, and we built all of this together and now we have that as our legacy. I feel very proud of him.”

Check out Crooked Tine Ranch at www:crookedtineranch. com for hunting packages and other details.

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FEATURE STORY Far North Whitetails – Focused on Raising Healthy and Marketable Deer By: Gail Veley Kyle Techel and his father Brian of Far North Whitetails in Gaylord, Michigan haven’t bred using A.I. in four years.

Since 2014, the year they first began their farm, they have thoughtfully and continuously moved towards creating their own line of healthy, hearty deer from a wide variety of northern genetics. In doing so, they included the likes of Fed Ex, Gladiator II, breeding bucks from Thunder Bay Whitetails, Storms End Whitetails and several more.

While they produce both typical and nontypical deer within their 10-acre paradise, they focus more on the breeding end of the industry while also striving for resistance. “Although resistance is a priority, we also want to make sure we grow big and healthy deer,” Kyle said. “We place very high importance on that, too. Hunting preserves that acquire deer from us are very satisfied with the results.”

Helping to create the herd that thrives at Far North, which usually numbers close to 60 in the winter and 100 in the summer, was a homegrown deer named Northen Gladiator who was born on the farm in 2017. He was a son of Gladiator II, out of a King Rex doe. As a yearling his 10-point 5 x 5 typical rack measured 180” before he passed away from an antler infection. However, his genetics have been successfully passed down to his sons each year, his first being Northern Storm, who won Second Biggest Typical as a two-year-old at an antler contest at a UDFOM convention, and whose impressive frame echoed a solid breeding decision. “We are using Northern Gladiator’s great grandson now for breeding,” Kyle, 38, said. “And each year it keeps getting better.”

Kyle is grateful for the day-to-day management and care given by his father Brian to every deer in the herd and is also thankful for the support of his wife of 11 years, Alivia, as well as the enthusiasm of his young children for deer.

Two homegrown bucks later sold as breeders, The Real McCoy and Beckett’s Choice, were named after their two sons, McCoy and Beckett. This coming spring, Kyle plans to let Millie, his four-year-old daughter, name a doe fawn.

“Having my family involved is one of my favorite things about deer farming,” Kyle said. “Along with passing down good genetics. I feel that being a smaller farm allows us to be well enough known within the industry yet also stay focused on quality. We really enjoy meeting new people, keeping current clients happy and attending events such as the UDFOM convention. It’s a great venue for seeing everybody face to face, getting updates about issues such as CWD and EHD, and learning about current state guidelines and deer prices. We go every year.” Check out Far North Whitetails on Facebook!

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Meet The UDFOM Board of Directors Mason Rickle Mason Rickle, 31, joined the UDFOM Board of Directors in 2023 and has been hard at work helping with fund raising and attending to legislative matters. He feels very lucky to have been given the chance to go to Washington D.C. and represent Michigan deer farmers and everything they stand for. Having been raised by his father, Tom, a “mountain man” who still embraces the outdoors on every level, Mason spent more time hunting, gathering and canning food growing up, then he ever did inside a grocery store or restaurant. His love of nature resonates today. As the owner of PR2 Whitetails in Leslie, Michigan, he understands the impact of deer farming on an economic and emotional level for everyone involved and feels great pride in representing UDFOM. He is grateful to his father-in-law, Ken Brown, for gifting he and his wife Julie their first deer, so that they could get started on their deer farming journey. When he isn’t busy with his deer, fulfilling his duties for the UDFOM board, operating his stump grinding company or working as a road construction employee, he enjoys spending time with Julie and their daughter Marvella. They are also expecting a son, Wayke, in December.

Nate Tacoma Nate Tacoma, 37, became a member of the UDFOM Board of Directors in 2024 and is proud to be a sound representation for UDFOM. As the owner of Raise ‘Em Up Whitetails in Zeeland, Michigan, he thoroughly enjoys helping fellow deer farmers understand state legislative requirements for operating their farms. Through his travels to Washington D.C., he has gained a strong perspective on the importance of being part of a united front. He understands the significance of knowing firsthand the potential impact of legislation before it is implemented, and how it might affect and shape the industry. In addition to focusing his attention on the UDFOM board or his deer farm, Nate works full time as the General Manager of Industrial Solutions. He also immensely enjoys spending time with his wife Amanda and their three children Krew, 7, Baylor, 4, and Rhetta, who is five months old. Together, they enjoy the farm and also go camping, hunting, fishing and ride on ATVs. Nate is living testimony to the familiar saying “you work hard to play hard.”

Continued on next page...

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Meet The UDFOM Board of Directors Mathias “Matt” Dekker Mathias “Matt” Dekker, 29, feels deep gratitude to Ryan Halfman for nominating him for a UDFOM board position. He served two years as secretary for the UDFOM board and this past year solely as a board member. He feels it is a privilege to serve and an honor to be voted into his board position, where, like Nate and Mason, he is responsible for fundraising and travelling to Washington D.C. Unlike many deer farmers, however, Matt, owner of Thunder Bay Whitetails in Hillman, Michigan, is a full-time deer farmer and handles dayto-day matters primarily by himself. This further ignites his passion to help all deer farmers, large or small, be able to continue raising deer and doing what they love. He feels it is very important that each UDFOM member participate in the association, and for the state of Michigan to be firmly represented for the strong cervid industry it upholds. He knows that at the end of day, this makes things easier on everyone. In his spare time, Matt enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and anything outdoor related. He also hopes to be able to carry on his board duties in the upcoming years.

Breeder Buck 2025 Showcase Magazine is here!

Just in time for semen sales, getting ready for breeding season!

We created this magazine in order for 2025 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!

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KEEP YOUR DEER HERD ORGANIZED WITH A PROFICIENT TAGGING SYSTEM By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

As your deer herd grows in number, it becomes increasingly more important to keep them organized through the use of ear tags. In a farm setting, ear tags are typically used to help monitor disease, maintain accurate health, movement and sale records, establish potential research protocols and breeding programs. Using specific colored and numbered ear tags could also “help you keep track of which bucks your deer were produced from,” offers Dustin Blosser, manager since 2021 of Woodard Whitetails in Glasgow, Kentucky. “It’s also a very good way to make sure age classes are in order. While each farm has different ways of doing it, it’s important that it’s done accurately.”

makes going through your inventory and finding a deer much faster and easier, Blosser, 26, said. “You don’t realize at first how you might start memorizing tag numbers and which deer are which. Someone rattled off “4012” and I knew what pen this doe was in, and who her parents were right off the top of my head.”

Assessing accurate population trends, survival rates and utilizing proficient management strategies can be several reasons wildlife agencies use ear tags. Tags can come in the form of metal, plastic, scanned electronic identification (EID) tags or even Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) microchip tags.

PIT tags, commonly used by various wildlife agencies, are transplanted under the skin and only activated when a deer passes close by to a specialized antenna and later, accounted for via computer records.

With fawns, smaller, temporary tags are typically attached and subsequently changed out after two months of age for an official farm tag. Blosser recommends using an ear tag clearly visible to the naked eye which can be read in a mere few seconds if necessary. “With our farm tags, the color changes to coincide with the year they were born. We have their number on one side and put our farm name and the sire and dam’s name on the other side. It’s good for farm tours and in letting people know right away about their pedigree. We also use four digits.

Tags used this year start with “4” which stands for 2024. With our bucks we put a “B” at the end of the number and attach the tag in their right ear and attach the doe tags in the left ear. It’s really important to pay attention to whether it’s a buck or doe when you’re tagging. Seems like every year we have an intern that gets one or two wrong.”

However, deer farmers rely on easyto-read highly visible ear tags as it

Rather than just using numbers, ear tags are also available with letters

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that (given there are 26 letters in the alphabet) can span over a much longer interval of time compared to numbers. Each farm ear tag should also be accompanied by a mandatory state “premise I.D.” Department of Agriculture tag.

Although both can be placed in the same ear, Blosser recommends putting them in opposite ears to avoid potentially losing both should an ear, for example, get stuck in a fence. Likewise, it’s important to invest in fade resistant and very thick durable tags, as deer tend to chew on them. Adding more minerals to their feed is thought to help prevent this from happening, according to research.

Ultimately, an ear tag could help a hunter make a split-second decision, as farm tags get replaced with preserve tags when stocker deer are sold. “If you know what a certain color tag costs, then you can be better prepared when that perfect buck shows up,” Blosser said. “You have the ability to make that splitsecond decision, if need be, and take home the trophy you’ve always wanted.”

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Science Geared For Deer

FREE business card ads for members of the United Deer Farmers of Michigan If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email a digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to: Ken Brown prwhitetails@gmail.com This gives UDFOM members a way to reach out to one another for services and to buy or sell deer! There will be limited pages for these card spreads, first come first serve. The overflow will be placed in the next issue and cards will be rotated each quarter.

SOLUTIONS CERVID EVOLVE YOUR HERD

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BREEDING FOR CWD RESISTANCE HOW IS THIS DONE WITH RESPECT TO PROVEN PRODUCTION AND MARKETABILITY? By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio

T

he fastest way to get to negative GEBV’s such as -.3 or -.2 or better, is to use deer that have SS markers and negative GEBV values, offers Ivan Hochstetler of Double H Whitetails, 25-acre deer farm in Mt. Eaton, Ohio. However, proven production and pedigree can also play a huge part in exactly how you arrive at having such a herd.

Many deer farmers simply do not own (at this point) quality breeding bucks that are SS with negative GEBV breeding values. Yet it seems “every year a good buck comes out with good markers,” Hochstetler said. “For us, we buy SS semen with negative GEBV values from privately owned farms.”

The push to breed for SS markers and negative values and the realization that it was going to become necessary, began about five years ago, Hochstetler believes.

Three years ago, things got more

Black Widow @ 4

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serious. For Hochstetler and his herd of powerhouse GG does, he knew he needed a strategy. In breeding his proven and very valuable GG does to SS bucks with negative GEBV values, he is now producing GS deer and some SS negative breeding values.

He has also not culled any deer but rather has sold some to hunting preserves. If all goes according to plan, in five years Double H Whitetails will see a huge impact as a result of their breeding decisions and have their very own SS bucks for breeding. “We’ve tested our offspring, and they are more and more resistant with each breeding cycle,” Hochstetler said.

Utilizing your current herd while working towards resistance breeding is a strategy that Joe and Crissy Johnson, owners of 7-acre Whiskey River Whitetails in East Sparta, Ohio are also abiding by. “We are doing a mix and not giving up proven production and pedigree,” Joe Johnson said. “Ninety-five percent of our deer are foundation deer to Ms. Patrick, a line that has proven itself for decades and decades.”

When Whiskey River Whitetails first got started three years ago, they acquired GG deer as starting stock for raising typical deer. Today, they use semen from SS bucks and have subsequently acquired GS offspring.

“In a couple years we hoping to have phased out the GGs and have our very own SS big clean typical breeding bucks,” Johnson added.

While solid scientific proof points to the understandable justification for SS production, things can and often do change quickly in the deer industry. Therefore, Johnson, 47,

Daybreak @ 3 believes his decision to preserve pedigree and proven production is a solid one, no matter what the latest trends may be or could become.

“At this point I say ‘to each his own’ in finding what works for you and your farm,” he said. “Everyone has their own opinion on what is best for them.”

Going forward, Hochstetler feels that currently, “there’s not enough people selling markered does, but as that begins to happen it might be harder to afford to acquire them, especially for the new deer farmer,” he explained. However, while this may or may not prove to be a stumbling block “deer farmers are the solution to CWD and I feel having a reliable markered herd is what we’re all going to need, along with the indisputable proof from NADR that it’s real.”

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this advertisement is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medications shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular medication. You should consult with your veterinarian about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has the FDA approved the medications to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Medications compounded by Mixlab are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Mixlab compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals. Mixlab does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific dosing, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, veterinary care providers, or other information that may be contained in this advertisement. Mixlab is not responsible nor liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this advertisement.

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Nelson Miller • 574-312-1349 • nelmiller26@gmail.com

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Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Venison Chili

1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 yellow onion, diced 2 green bell peppers, diced 1 lb. ground venison 4–5 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp. chili powder 1 Tbsp. cumin 1 tsp. paprika ½ tsp. cinnamon (optional) 1 and ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 3 Tbsp. tomato paste 1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce 1 orange, juiced 1 lime, juiced 1 and 1/2 cups venison or beef stock* 28 oz. diced tomatoes, drained 15 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz. kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions 1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and peppers and cook until the onions start to brown on the edges, about 5-7 minutes.

Then, add the venison and brown.

3. Once the venison is browned add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

Saute for 1-2 minutes and then add the tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute, incorporating the tomato paste.

4. Then, deglaze the pot with Worchestershire sauce, orange juice, and lime juice. Scrape the bottom of the pot and add the stock, tomatoes, and beans.

5. Stir well and bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid and let the pot simmer for at least 30 minutes but up to all day. If you’re cooking longer than an hour, be sure to cover the chili fully with a lid so all of the liquid doesn’t evaporate.

6. Ladle up generous portions, top with your favorite chili toppings, and serve.

Have a great recipe to share? Email to deerassociations@gmail.com or mail to: Samantha Uchytil 19291 59th St NE, New London, MN 56273

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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.”

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Mult-State Magazine Advertising Pricing Guide ~2025 Advertising Packages~

• Alabama Deer Association • Illinois Deer Farmers • Indiana Deer And Elk Farmers Association • Iowa Whitetail Deer Association • Kansas Elk and Deer Association • Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association

Buckaneer

• Minnesota Deer Association • Missouri Deer Association • New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association • North Dakota Deer Ranchers • Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association • South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders • Southeast Trophy Deer Association

Package: *

44 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. Reaching out to over 2500 members (11 Publications x 4 quarters) 17 State Associations - Approx. 2500 readers $189 / Issue ($8316. / Yr) ~ Full Page $107 / Issue ($4708. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (55-59% Discount off single ad placement)

Yearling

Package: *

4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (1 Publication x 4 quarters)

Doe-Re-Mi

• Texas Deer Association • United Deer Farmers of Michigan • West Virginia Deer Farmers Association • Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio • Whitetails of Louisiana • Whitetails of Oklahoma

Package: *

16 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (4 Publications of your choice x 4 quarters) $220 / Issue ($3520. / Yr) ~ Full Page $121 / Issue ($1936. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (48-54% Discount off single ad placement)

Exotic

Package Add On *

TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION MAGAZINES 4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (Can be added to Buckaneer or Doe-Re-Mi package)

Reaching out to over 800 TDA members

$252/ Issue ($1008. / Yr) ~ Full Page $137 / Issue ($548. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (40-48% Discount off single ad placement)

(3 Tracks Publications & 1 Auction Catalog)

Single Issue In Any Of Our Eleven

Single Issue In TDA Publications:

Quarterly Publications:

Two Page: $1500.

One Page: $950 1/2 Page: $650

Full Page: $420.00

1/2 Page: $263.00

$428 / Issue ($1712. / Yr) ~ Full Page $267/ Issue ($1068. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (55-59% Discount off single ad placement)

To Order Advertising, Contact Our Customer Care Representative,

Samantha Uchytil at: deerassociations@gmail.com 320-905-2622 or 260-222-3478 Fax: 435-359-5333 www.deersites.com Find us on Face book: DeerSites * Quarterly recurring payment pricing available upon request 58 58

NEW!

NEW!

ADVERTISERS INDEX Antler Ridge Whitetails.............................. 48 Beem Fence Company............................... 13 Black Label Whitetails.... Inside Front Cover Blosser Whitetails......................................8-9 Broken Road Whitetails............................. 33 C&E BioSolutions™ / MaxRax®................. 38 CC Bar Whitetails.................................. 26-27 Cervid Solutions, LLC................................. 42 Clay Kuntry Whitetails................................ 53 Crescent Ranch........................................... 22 DanInject USA............................................. 51 DD Deer Farm.............................................17 DeerDoc.......................................................41 EZid, LLC.......................................................28 Five Star Genetics..................Center Spread Hatada..........................................................21 HeadGear, LLC............................................36 Jay’s Sporting Goods..................................... 5 Jo Jo’s Whitetails.......................................... 18

Magazines Published Quarterly By:

K3 Land & Whitetail Services, Water Tower Whitetails, JoJo’s Whitetails.....20

Lone Pine Whitetails................................... 25 NADR - North American Deer Registry.... 48 NexGen is now MixLab.............................. 44 Picture Perfect Whitetails.......................... 14 Pine Creek Deer Farm................................ 49 Pneu-Dart, Inc.............................................39 Prime Acres.................................................45 Rocky Ridge Whitetails.........................43, 52 Rocky Top Whitetails............................ 56-57 Spotted Acres.............. Cover, 3, Back Cover Springfield Whitetails...........................12, 54 Straight Shooter Game Fencing............... 28 Tajada Whitetail Ranch.............................. 16 Walnut Ridge Whitetails............................. 34 White Ghost Ranch..................................... 35 Woodard Whitetails.................................... 47 Zehr Brothers Whitetails....Inside Back Cover

Meet Our Team

D K &

D E S I G N

67 41st Ave. NW, Hickory, NC 28601 435-817-0150 • Fax: 435-359-5333 Website: deersites.com Facebook: DeerSites (Editorial Provided by Contributing Writers)

Customer Care / Sales / Design

Editor / Publisher

deerassociations@gmail.com

advertising4@mac.com

Samantha Uchytil

Kathy Giesen

Journalist

Gail Veley

gbveley@live.com

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United Deer Farmers of Michigan Membership Application March , 2025 - March , 2026 Name: Business Name:

Species Raised:

Mailing Address: City, State, Zip: Home Phone:

Cell Phone:

Email Address:

Website:

Membeship Status:

New

Renewal

Would you like to volunteer for any of the following UDFoM committees (check all that apply): Board

Auctions

Education

Newsletter

Legislation

Website

Lifetime Membership - $500

This will be a full registration & includes voting privileges, with a maximum of one vote per year per application.

Full Membership - $50 annually

This will be a full registration & includes voting privileges, with a maximum of one vote per year per application.

If you would like to pay with a credit card please enter your information here: Name on card Three digit code on back

Card #

Exp

Type of card

Signature I hereby make application for membership to United Deer Farmers of Michigan, agreeing to conform to the Code of Ethics and Bylaws governing the Association.

Signature

UDFoM USE ONLY: Check #__________ Cash__________ CC__________ Amount:__________ Date:__________ 60

Date

Email to: Tricia Davis dedavis69@gmail.com