Quest SP 26 Full Book

Quest for Michigan’s Best Spring 2026 l Volume 19 l Issue 1

MEET TROY ZACCHINI

The Future NADeFA Executive Director

80% PIEBALD OFFSPRING

Sponsored by ADA

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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 – Samantha Vandort Phone: 616-416-0313 samanthavandort0@gmail.com

Vice President – Dr. Anthony Klingler Concord Veterinary Clinic 2495 E Mosherville Rd Jonesville, MI 49250 Phone: 517-227-0517 concordvet04@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 - Ryan Halfman Black Label Whitetails 10525 Frost Rd. Portland, MI 48875 Phone: 517-281-2936 blacklabelwhitetails@gmail.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Member – Kristi Dalton Iron Mill Whitetails Manchester, MI, 48158 Pone: 734 -637-2318 daltonkristi5@gmail.com Board Member – Mathias Dekker Thunder Bay Whitetails, LLC 23825 Rea Rd. Hillman, MI 49746 Phone: 989-415-6201 mathiasdekker@gmail.com Board Member - Nate Tacoma Raise ‘Em Up Whitetails, LLC 7814 88th Ave. Zeeland, MI 49464 Phone: 616-283-8154 nate.reuwhitetails@gmail.com

Board Member -- Mason Rickle PR2 Whitetails 163 Ewers Rd. Leslie, MI 49251 Phone: 517-525-4295 pr2whitetails@gmail.com Board Member – Tom Whittie Nature’s Best Whitetails Reed City, MI Phone: 616-406-5629 nbwhitetails@gmail.com

uniteddeerfarmersofmichigan.com uniteddeerfarmersofmi@gmail.com facebook.com/UDFOM

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N A T U R E ’ S

B E S T

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HARDCORE GREEN 70 BLACK 5 PURPLE 23 Y-87 GRIZZLY SON Y-49 SS EXPRESS Y-41 NB PRETTY GIRL SUNWEAVER WHITE 328

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APRIL 2026 | SPRING

Inside This Issue: 35

43

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31

Featured

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27

Content

Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI): Guiding Informed Decisions

Advertisers Index.......................................................55 Board of Directors....................................................... 1 Business Cards....................................................51, 52 Event Calendar...........................................................21

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Fox Valley Animal Nutrition, Inc. Covering Every Neonatal Need

Event Sponsors 2026................................................39

How to Make Money In the Deer Business

Membership Drive Information!..................... 16-17

Meet Troy Zacchini: The Future NADeFA Executive Director

Recipe - Summer Sausage Hash............................41

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Secondary Deer-Based Businesses

43

A Day in the Life of a Deer Farmers Wife

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What to Expect in Congress in 2026 - From CHCG

Magazine Advertising Information........................54 Membership Application............................................ 7 President’s Letter......................................................... 5 Puzzle Page.................................................................56 Trophy Breeder Buck Showcase............................44 Whitetail Sales and Auction Events.......................21 UDFOM Convention Photos!.................................4, 6

FEATURE STORIES: Michigan Deer Farmers Lend a Helping Hand.......................................11 Deer Farmers Doorstep App – Designed to Locate Deer Farms Nationwide.....................13

SUMMER MAGAZINE DEADLINE JULY 7TH, 2026

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UNITED DEER FARMERS OF MICHIGAN 2026 ANNUAL CONVENTION MARCH 6-7, 2026 AT EAGLE EYE GOLF & BANQUET CENTER UNITEDDEERFARMERSOFMICHIGAN.COM

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President’s Letter Sp r i n g

2 0 2 6

From President Ken Brown Hello to all. It’s nice to think that spring is just right around the corner. Well, it’s supposed to be here, but it seems to be 70° one day and 25 the next. Speaking of the weather mother nature sure does not seem to be shutting off that water spout anytime soon. I know where I stand today we have received 4 to 5 inches of rain over this last week. Things are to say the least a little flooded.

I would like to thank everyone who came to this year UDFoM convention and to all of the sponsors and the donators. Having the convention at a new location for the first time in a few years was definitely a struggle to put together and a little bit worrisome as to whether we would bring in enough members. As it turned out, we had an excellent attendance and quite possibly set a new record with everyone that was there. With that being said I cannot thank you all enough for the great support that you all showed on that Friday and Saturday.

I would like to congratulate and welcome our two new board members, Samantha Vandort, and Tom Whitte. Having new members join us with different perspectives is always enlightening. It will definitely be full steam ahead for these two along with all the rest of us as we have our first in person meeting coming up first part of May. At this meeting will be reviewing the convention and try and put into perspective. What worked and what did not work bring everybody up to speed as to where we are and quite possibly start working on next year‘s convention.

Again, I want to thank everyone that was able to attend and hope that those that were not able. Can possibly make it next year.

In closing, I’d like to wish everyone a safe and prosperous fawning season. It is definitely bearing down on us in a big hurry. It seems like only yesterday that we were AI ing.

Thank you, and God bless Ken Brown President - UDFoM Sent from my iPhone

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UNITED DEER FARMERS OF MICHIGAN 2026 ANNUAL CONVENTION MARCH 6-7, 2026 AT EAGLE EYE GOLF & BANQUET CENTER UNITEDDEERFARMERSOFMICHIGAN.COM

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United Deer Farmers of Michigan Membership Application March , 2026 - March , 2027 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 Card # Exp Three digit code on back

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 Date

UDFoM USE ONLY: Check #__________ Cash__________ CC__________

Email to: Tricia Davis dedavis69@gmail.com

Amount:__________ Date:__________ 7

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FEATURE STORY Michigan Deer Farmers Lend a Helping Hand By: Gail Veley Chris Henke and his wife Suellyn are still sifting through the wreckage of what was once their home in Union City, Michigan. At 4:30 p.m. on March 6th an EF3 tornado, known to be a very rare and excessively strong type of tornado with winds that can excel up to 165 mph, funneled down during a fierce storm. In the two minutes and 30 seconds the tornado swept down their street, the Henke’s home was toppled. The roof was literally ripped off. Floor tiles churned up. Their bass boat was flung about the lake and totaled. A huge boat lift simply vanished. Three residents on their street were killed and several more neighborhood houses were demolished.

what the future holds. But they do know one thing. They are very grateful for the help and support found in those like UDFOM members. “It’s very sobering when something like this happens,” Chris said. “You get to our age, and you’ve saved money and suddenly it gets pulled out from underneath you. We are still considering our options and our plan moving forward. Thank you UDFOM for helping us when we absolutely needed it the most.”

It was only by the Grace of God that neither Chris nor Suellyn were killed. Accustomed to being home on Friday afternoons, Chris, 62, was at a fly-fishing trade show and Suellyn, 61, stayed late at the college she taught at to grade papers. Once they did get home on that fateful Friday, most everything they owned (except for some of Chris’s clothes kept in small closet) was destroyed or missing, carried off by the exponential winds. On that same Friday, UDFOM was having their annual spring event and fundraiser. When deer farmer D.L. Patton, a friend of the Henke’s, heard about their home, he and other UDFOM members organized a spontaneous fundraiser, auctioning off select semen straws will all the proceeds going to the Henke’s. In all, $7,250 was raised. “You can’t believe how much that immediate money helped us,” Chris said. “We are overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of Michigan deer farmers.”

The Henke’s stayed 24 nights following the tornado at a local hotel, and also spent time buying some much needed items like under garments, clothes and toiletries and on eating out, since they had no food or kitchen. Insurance adjusters were so busy attending to all who were affected by the tornado, they couldn’t even meet with the Henke’s until five days later. When the personal property specialists finally stood in front of what was once the Henke’s home, they were too afraid to venture into the abyss. Subsequently, the Henke’s are now doing what they call “tornado homework” which includes at least an hour a day of remembering everything they owned and taking inventory.

While their home was insured, construction costs to recreate it might exceed insurance limits. But the Henke’s still consider themselves very lucky. They are alive and unhurt. They also own another home that they are currently renting out. And unlike others on their street, their lake house was insured. They are now renting a small cottage nearby, paid for courtesy of their insurance company. Although retirement was on the foreseeable horizon for the Henke’s, now neither of them is quite sure

*For clarity the adjuster did tour the house. It was the personal property specialist who decided it was too unsafe to inventory inside the house. (this was included with the email)

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FEATURE STORY Deer Farmers Doorstep App – Designed to Locate Deer Farms Nationwide By: Gail Veley Locating deer farms and ranches in any state where they may exist, is about to get a whole lot easier, thanks to Ashley Lindsey, the inventor and brainstorm behind Deer Farmers Doorstep. Deer Farmers Doorstep, a phone APP, will allow any interested subscriber to locate deer farms and ranches for the purpose of networking or perhaps as a social stop during a road trip or business trip.

517-462-0317. The APP will also include banner ads and short videos about the deer industry, along with dates of upcoming deer association events. “I’ve been wanting to do something like this for a long time,” Lindsey said. “I look forward to it growing in numbers and helping to keep the deer industry healthy and alive by enhancing our ability to connect to one another.”

“This will be such an amazing tool to use,” Lindsey, owner along with her husband, Adam, of Size Matters Whitetails in Bronson, Michigan, explained. “So often you don’t know how many deer farms might be located in an area that you’re traveling through. That’s how I came up with the idea, after planning road trips for Adam. We realized how important an APP like this could be for bringing more business to ranches and deer farms, or more enlightenment as to what deer farming is.”

Lindsey can also be reached at deerfarmersdoorstep@ gmail.com if anyone has any questions or would like to participate or place ads.

For example, should an individual wish to travel from Michigan to Indiana to visit another deer farm, by inputting that information, the APP will show you how many other deer farms are included along the way to your destination.

“This APP could make it super easy to plan trips or to even take advantage of a layover at an airport,” Lindsey, 37, said. “It’s just a great way for all of us to get to know each other better.”

A ten-day free trail period is available to anyone interested in trying the APP. While the APP itself is free and will be available on Google play store and apple store, an annual subscription will cost $39.99. Ranches will be given the chance to try the APP free for one year. All public deer farms and ranches will automatically be included in the APP. However, any deer farmer who wishes to be included in, or taken off the APP, should contact Ashley at

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2025 Membership Drive, Featuring 4 Grand Prize Winners!

A Word of Reflection with State Association Magazine Editor, Kathy Geisen

As most of you know, D&K Design has been at the forefront of overseeing a membership drive for many state deer associations for the past years. As part of servicing 19 states with quarterly publications, we were proud to also offer this service. 2025 we included in our grand prize drawing, donations from each state association. Many of their members stepped up to donate a product or service.

Memberships are collected throughout the year and at events such as NADeFA and Top 30. Each participant that spent over a certain amount on memberships was included in our end of year drawing.

Meryle Frey’s Winnings ~ • $250 Shock Effect Certificate • 50 Custom Ear Tags • $350 C&E Solutions certificate • Legends binocular harness • Ohio Gun Raffle Calendar • 10 Personalized calendars • 1 Straw of Mohican • $250 Gift Certificate from Pneu-Dart

$1800. Value!

2025 winners included Shane and Jennifer Horrocks of C&E Bio Solutions and Max Rax feed company, Amber Boldt, a loyal D & K Design supporter, James Weaver of Dutch Creek Whitetails in Fredericksburg, Ohio and Meryle Frey from Fish Lake Whitetails in Indiana.

Winners received gifts, valued at over $1,800. which also included certificates for deer industry goods and services.

“I found the semen straw of Cruiser from Rocky Ridge Whitetails to be very worthwhile and appealing,” James Weaver said. “I say YIPPEE! I hope I win again!”

Merle Frey felt that winning for him was a bonus, on top of the fact that he became a member of several state associations. “The items that were in my basket were things I was already using like Shock Effect and products from C & E Bio Solutions,” he said. “I’m also really glad to have gotten a semen straw of Mohican that Woodard Whitetails donated.

Being a member of these associations has been worth it even without winning, and I appreciate everyone who donated the items I won.”

Shane and Jennifer Horrocks, huge supporters of each state association, strong advertisers and advocates for state memberships, were equally pleased. “What a great way to have our enthusiasm rewarded by winning a raffle,” Shane said. “Our basket was very thoughtfully hand selected by Kathy and we really appreciated receiving it.”

Amber Boldt, who has gladly pitched in and helped transport D & K Design booth to industry events, was very pleased with her raffle win as well.

James Weaver~ Dutch Creek Whitetails 16

1 Straw Semen ~ Cruiser

This helps keep the momentum going and further fuels my desire to have every state continue to donate items, in an effort to make these raffles one of the most anticipated activities at our events. We sold over $8,000 in memberships total! I appreciate everyone who has donated in the past and plans to donate in the future. Your support will win you recognition throughout the year. Ask me for more details!

Amber Bolt’s Winnings ~ • Legends binocular harness • Ohio Gun Raffle Calendar • Gift bag full of AL event logo items • LA logo wear, sweatshirt and hat • 100 logo pens • $250 Gift Card • Camo Buck deer fleece throw blanket • 1 Male Sexed Straw of Semen from Game Changer

Associations that participated in the membership Drive: MINNESOTA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

$1800. Value! $1800. Value!

Thank you to all of the donors!

erMomma De

Embroidery

Shane & Jennifer Horrocks Winnings ~ • Gift bag full of AL logo items • Canvas picture and 4 mugs • Legends binocular harness • Ohio Gun Raffle calendar

• $250 Deer Mamma certificate • $750 Cert. MixLab • Fawn cradle cover • 100 logo pens

Visit our website and join the 2026 Membership Drive! deersites.com

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Upcoming Whitetail and Cervid Events Quest for Michigan’s Best Magazine Deadlines 2026 Spring: April 7th Summer: July 7th Fall: October 13th Winter: January 12th, ‘27

Use this QR Code or go online to DeerSites.com for more deadlines and up to date event information!

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers Association - July 31-Aug 1st - Nappanee IN KALA Summer Showcase - Aug 8, 2026 Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Convention - Aug 13-14, 2026 Southern Top 30 - Aug 20-21, 2026 - Louisiana Whitetails of Louisiana - Aug 21-22, 2026 - Marksville, LA TDA Annual Convention - Aug 28-29, 2026 - San Antonio, TX 21

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CERVIDAE HEALTH RESEARCH INITIATIVE (CHERI)

GUIDING INFORMED DECISIONS By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Southeast Trophy Deer Association

I

f you only need one reason to attend every annual Southeast Trophy Deer Association Spring Fling event, President Bill Leffler can tell you what it is. The Cervidae Health Research Initiative. (CHeRI), a team of Florida-based scientists, is the only group in the U.S. that works as closely with deer farmers as they do, explained Vilma Cooper, a former CHeRI Ph.D. student in entomology.

The dedicated team at CHeRI works to ultimately determine how to help Florida deer farmers raise healthier deer. CHeRI offers hemorrhagic disease testing for Florida deer farmers free of charge and extends their services, for a nominal fee, outside of the state.

three species (Culicoides insignis, Culicoides stellifer and Culicoides venustus) out of 50 biting midge fly species, are involved in transmitting hemorrhagic disease viruses.

CHeRI also determined that ultra-low volume (ULV) applications (sometimes known as fogging) with permethrin can be effective in controlling biting midges when applied as indicated on the label, and that these applications may be most effective when done between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the time when biting midges are most active. Insecticide treated barriers (shade cloth treated with permethrin 0.5%, InsectGuard) can also reduce the number of midges biting deer by more than 150 times.

Typically, the scientific conclusions that CHeRI reaches are applicable to many other deer farming states who may face similar challenges. CHeRI’s services include tissue testing for detection of hemorrhagic disease, diagnostic assays to determine the most appropriate vaccines for protecting against deer diseases, intervention strategies for controlling predatory insects and more, Cooper said. Some of the main accomplishments by CHeRI over the last few years include testing the effectiveness of EHD vaccines and pinpointing that merely

Each year at the SETDA Spring Fling, CHeRI has a booth. Members of their team share relevant research updates and provide a means for deer farmers to express their needs and support CHeRI’s research initiatives.

In 2026, the Spring Fling is scheduled to take place March 6th and 7th at the Double Tree by Hilton near the Orlando Airport. Booth spaces tend to go quickly, with a capacity inside the event room for up to 29 booths.

Interested attendees should call Double Tree now to reserve a room at 407-856-0100. “We are attempting

to grow our event larger all the time,” Leffler said. “We have a waiting list for booths so let us know right away and you will be put at the top of the waiting list. We are so glad that CHeRI is one of our sponsors and that they are such a fantastic group of people who really have our back.

We feel very lucky here in the state of Florida.”

In addition to great sponsors, three other important factors can help make any deer farming event successful, Leffler shared. “First of all, the attendees and camaraderie. You can’t get the full experience of an event simply by being a spectator bidding online. Second is the education you can receive that saves deer and makes us better stewards for our animals. Third is networking and the support of our sponsors and donors, knowing without them none of it would even be able to happen.

We owe it to them and to ourselves to be there.”

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• Fawns 1 month to 2 months of age: Feed 30 to 35 oz. of formula daily, divided into 2 to 3 feedings.

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• All-Milk Protein from Premium Food-Grade Milk Ingredients • Essential Vitamins and Complex Minerals • Balanced Fatty Acids • Improves Digestion • Promotes Growth and Performance • No Refrigeration Needed • Easily Palatable • 18 Month Shelf Life • Available in 20# & 8# pails • 24/7 Technical Advice & Support • Formula for other Exotics and Wildlife Available

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Nick Vlamis, President Email: nklc@aol.com www.foxvalleynutrition.com 26 26

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FOX VALLEY ANIMAL NUTRITION, INC. COVERING EVERY NEONATAL NEED

I

t wasn’t just belief in his products that prompted Nick Vlamis to start his company, Fox Valley Nutrition, Inc., in 1995. It was because the need for his products weren’t being filled anywhere else. Since the very beginning Nick has valued every customer, particularly the four-legged ones, by producing milk replacers, supplements and feeding supplies for young wildlife, domestic and exotic animals. Since founding his company, Nick has been helping orphaned neonates maximize their health, growth and performance potential through species-specific milk replacers and supplements. “It’s a blessing for all the animals that we save,” Nick said.

“It makes it much less about making money and more about gratification.

My customers are not just an invoice.

And the quality of our products has never been compromised.”

Fox Valley, headquartered in Huntley, Illinois, sells their products in the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Costa Rica, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain and also in the United Kingdom.

They specialize in species-specific milk replacers, made with the finest raw ingredients available, to create the same composition found in natural milk. To date, more than 60 different types of milk replacers are offered to various species ranging from whitetail deer fawns, elk, moose, kittens, puppies, goats, cows, llamas, wallabies, raccoon, shrew and baby humpback whales among many others. In starting Fox Valley, Nick knew he’d be successful because “no one else had anything species-specific. Back then a raccoon would fall under feline. Everyone was taking existing puppy or kitten formulas and trying to make it work for other animals,” he said. “However, if you have a formula as close as possible to the actual animal you have, it can cause better health and greater

By: Gail Veley

performance. Anything less can result in feeding problems and other issues.”

Not only do Fox Valley’s milk replacers aid in the overall health of each neonate, but their supplements do also, as they are formulated to combat dehydration, diarrhea and disturbed intestinal flora. “I got my start at a National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association conference,” Nick explained. “We were always finding orphaned fawns. I let them have free field trails of my formulas. They saw it worked and had great trust in it, making me believe I was on the right track.” Customers also trust that should they call Nick with questions, he will make every effort to speak to them directly. He has spent immense time promoting his products to veterinarians, colleges, conferences, trade shows and other venues. He knows the results speak for themselves, yet finds great joy when customers write or call to express their gratitude.

Nick also feels great gratitude for his employees Walter Amador, Chris and Heather Vlamis as well as Tyler Eldrup and Jonathan Cielo. Amador’s scientific background is key to carefully blending all product nutritional ingredients

to “spec.” Nick’s son Chris manages key components in the development and distribution of products, while Heather’s (Nick’s daughter-in-law) computer knowledge and synergistic personality greatly assists in customer service through phone orders and in creating an effective website. Nick is also very grateful to Tyler Eldrup and Jonathan Cielo who oversee the packing and shipping of products.

“We have the best wildlife milk replacer available,” Nick said. “The products are easy to mix and have an 18-month shelf life. They also come in convenient sizes in sturdy, reusable plastic buckets and have been thoroughly field-tested by rehabilitators.”

Should product prices ever increase, Nick will always explain the reason to his customers. “I will not substitute a cheaper product to make a buck,” he said. “I will always offer the same high-quality products I have stood behind since day one. I believe Fox Valley Nutrition is the Cadillac of neonatal formulations. We strive to be a growing world-class manufacturing organization that responds to customer-driven demands while consistently exceeding expectations.”

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How to Make Money In the Deer Business

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Alabama Deer Association

I

n order to make a profit in the deer industry “don’t spend any more than you can afford to lose,” explains Nathan Blosser of Blosser Whitetails in Buffalo, Missouri. “Have a lucrative career or side business and put the money back into the deer.” While this advice has been taken to heart by many entrenched in the industry, making a profit also involves patience, making timely decisions and the willingness to take risks. There are many popular and successful deer farmers with vast clientele, who appear to never struggle or have setbacks. However, they almost certainly didn’t start out that way. Virtually every deer farmer has struggled through successes and failures, some very monumental. “There were times that I despaired with losing so many deer that I wanted to get out,” Blosser, who started the farm in 1994, said. “But by staying in, it rebuilds faster than you think. In 2005 I lost 70% of my herd. In 2009 I had my best financial year ever. Then in 2012 and 2015 I lost 100 head of deer each year and even left my farm for a while in 2012. I couldn’t stand being around it and brought someone in to handle all the dying deer.”

However, Blosser, now a deer farmer for 32 years, believes deep down

that you should never make drastic decisions when you’re feeling low and defeated. Six years into starting the farm, he and his wife Elaine decided to clear out their old genetics and invest in a really nice buck, BW Sunny, owned by Dean Bontrager.

“From there we went into the breeding market and through BW Sunny, produced his son Sundowner. Now, we feel we will make a profit each year,” Blosser said. “When we decided to get more serious, I had a good friend of mine tell me to attach yourself to other successful people. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. And it’s okay to work with people who have made mistakes because you learn from them.” In addition to creating a solid business plan built around marketable genetics, Blosser feels another way to add to your profits is through positive advertising and good pictures showing such things as antlers at their largest, along with a landscape that looks lush, bountiful and void of fences in the background.

Yet genetic and promotional advice aside, as a newcomer or even more seasoned deer farmer, how do you make enough seed money to continue building your herd? “Everyone is told that when they start a deer farm to buy bred does,” said Josh Newton,

a deer farmer for 27 years and owner of Deer Wizard Ranch in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“But why not buy a group of yearling bucks and in 30 months turn them into cash. You’re cutting your time tremendously in making a profit. Even though it could typically take up to 10 years to really see a profit in the deer industry, today it could be as little as five because there are so many advantages now.”

At this point in their careers, both Newton and Blosser feel more certain that success will outweigh failures. But Blosser cautions “you cannot have a million dollar dream with a minimum wage work ethic.

You cannot raise profitable deer without good feed and top end genetics. Closely watch your input.

Lastly, watch your genetics and know who your customers are. Establish very good working relationships. Be personable and caring.”

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MEET TROY ZACCHINI THE FUTURE NADEFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Alabama Deer Association

T

roy Zacchini, the current Associate Executive Director of NADeFA, is prepared to fill some big shoes as NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer moves towards retiring from a job he’s dearly loved and served with great pride. This fall, Zacchini will officially step into his new role. “I’m just very grateful the board thinks I’m up to the task.” Zacchini, 48, said. “I would like to think a lot of people would like the opportunity to be the executive director of NADeFA. I’m humbled that the board thinks I’m capable, and they feel optimistic that they found who they’ve been looking for.”

It was a little luck combined with fate that brought Zacchini, owner since 2000 of Troy Hunt’s Club in Forest Home Alabama, and Schafer together. After flying to Washington D.C. on deer farming legislative matters in the spring of 2025, the two discovered their gates to catch a flight home were right next to each other. “Shawn started sharing with me what his job was, and that he was thinking about retiring,” Zacchini said. “I asked him if he thought it was something I could do.”

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circuses. Edmundo and Hugo Zacchini were the daring performers behind their flying human cannon ball act, deemed the most dangerous profession one would possibly have, having only a thin landing net between them and certain death. The Zacchini’s, who resided in Tampa, Florida, also walked high wires, performed trapeze acts, rode horses and dazzled audiences from all over the world.

Troy Zacchini plans to bring the same passion and energy his ancestors brought to their daring circus acts, to his role as Executive Director for NADeFA. His wife Angela and their two sons, Tavio, 17, and Teovanni, 15, are excited for their father to take

this next step. Zacchini received a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2000, from Stetson University in Deland, Florida. He has spent the better part of his life living in Alabama, where he has enjoyed being a lifelong bow and gun hunter.

“NADeFA feels confident that Troy will do a great job,” Schafer said. “He has the experience and intestinal fortitude needed to carry the torch as we in the deer industry navigate the ever-changing trends and regulations. We welcome him fully and look forward to everyone else doing the same.”

Shortly after that time, Schafer has been steadfastly preparing Zacchini to take on the monumental role of executive director. Zacchini is very comfortable with public speaking, having worked with legislatures, led bible studies and also worked as a hunting guide before starting his own breeding and hunting operation. He understands what being in the spotlight is all about, being a descendant of the famous Italian “Zacchini Brothers” circus performers from the 1930’s and 1940’s, who spent time with both the

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By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Minnesota Deer Farmers Association

inding creative and lucrative ways (within the scope of the deer industry) to subsidize your deer farm may prove beneficial and ultimately cost-effective, offers Mark Volk of Volk Whitetails in Royalton, Minnesota. When Mark and his wife Mary started their 8-acre farm in 2014, fate would later point them in a direction they never saw coming.

Today, in addition to raising deer, they also own and operate CuddliEZ, a custom embroidery company that manufactures deer masks with farm logos that keeps Mary extremely (if almost) too busy. This demonstrates there are various ways to turn an additional profit from deer farming, other than just the raising and selling of deer, Volk, 40, explained.

Some of these ways include: Deer Velvet: Widely used in oriental medicine, deer velvet, when taken as a supplement, is thought to increase joint mobility, overall flexibility, strength, energy and blood flow.

Found growing on the outside of buck antlers in the summer, deer velvet contains important chemicals, amino

acids and collagen. Antlers in velvet that are properly trimmed and stored from whitetails, red deer and elk can be sold to interested manufacturers, such as Cervid Labs USA, who purchase elk antlers. Other companies who purchase antlers in velvet can be found with online research.

Deer Capes: A deer cape, essentially the hair and hide from the nose to shoulder of a deer, if properly skinned, can be sold to the taxidermy market to enhance wall mounts.

They can also be prepared and used as stand-alone decorative displays.

Urine Collection: Doe and buck urine, used to cover up the scent of hunters while attracting deer to a hunting location, is a popular go-to for hunters. Several deer farmers have taken to the business of collecting, processing and selling deer urine as the demand is very high. Through the construction of special collection stalls, substantial amounts of urine can be collected in a short amount of time, adding to the appeal of starting or contributing to a urine collection and distribution business.

Antler Collection / Selling: Hard deer antlers are used to make a variety of useful items such as tools, jewelry, chew bones for dogs and much more. Single antlers and antler sheds are bought from deer farmers from a wide variety of U.S. companies and are usually priced from $8 to $15 per pound.

Antler Replication / Taxidermy: Although very time-consuming, antler replication and taxidermy is highly sought out as the demand from hunters for these services is very high.

Those in this profession are never without work and devote long hours to perfecting their craft and keeping customers happy.

Farm Tours: A fascination with deer, particularly whitetails, is the driving force behind every deer farmer’s desire to raise deer. Likewise, the general public often shares this fascination and curiosity. For several years Mike Czora and Sandy Malone of Prime Whitetails in Rush, New York offered “Walk with Whitetails,” at a reasonable price to individuals and families interested in an up close and personal experience, after they realized how popular it could be. Turns out they were right.

“Our secondary deer business of making embroidered deer masks has helped us cover the cost of our feed,” Volk said. “It can be vital to look for other ways to financially subsidize your farm. We all know how quickly costs add up and how important having discretionary income can be.”

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7. Spoon hash onto a warm platter, drizzle vinaigrette lightly, and garnish with extra thyme leaves.

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A Day in the Life of a Deer Farmer’s Wife By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers Association

T

here was a distinct spring in the step of Verlin Yoder and an urgency to his walk early one May morning several years ago, as he entered the kitchen of the home he’s shared with his wife Nadine since 2002. “There’s another fawn on the ground,” he announced with an expectant smile, seemingly oblivious to the fact that Nadine was right in the middle of bottle feeding their very own baby as well as tending to their 18-month-old daughter. As his smile was met with a stern gaze, raised eyebrows, heavy sigh and the unspoken question “are you kidding?” Verlin’s face turned perplexed. After all, Nadine had been gladly bottle feeding all their fawns at their deer farm, Clay Kuntry Whitetails, in Millersburg, Indiana. What was one more? “I guess I wasn’t quite into it right then and there,” Nadine, 41, reflected. “We started off bottle feeding our fawns.

We did it four to five times a day. I’ll never forget those nights. It was overwhelming. We eventually resolved it by not bottle feeding and instead imprinting them by walking through the pens to make our presence ‘second nature’ to them.”

Assisting with her husband’s dream to raise deer is something Nadine is still happy to do during breeding season and other times of the year, however, she also appreciates a schedule more conducive to other life responsibil-

ities. Like Nadine, when Etta Stoltzfus’ husband John wanted to start his deer farm, Five Star Genetics in Shipshewana, Indiana in 2008, she supported his idea yet, honestly, wanted little if nothing to do with it personally. “That’s where I was at,” shared Etta, John’s devoted wife of 25 years and counting. “I had my three kids and school and my massage therapy job, and helping with the deer was the furthest thing from my mind. But over time I slowly got sucked in.”

One spring afternoon, John brought home a fawn in a storage bin. “It had a broken leg and needed to be bottle fed,” Etta said, recalling what would be the beginning of her lovehate relationship with deer. “I had done my fair share of bottle-feeding calves and didn’t want to start something like that again. But now it was my first fawn, my baby, to take care of. We would let this fawn play outside and didn’t realize the leg might swell in the bandage. So, I had to take the fawn to the vet who was an hour away. I put it inside the bin and took his work pickup. I get there and I have to carry it inside and there’s this massive curious barking dog in there and everybody is looking at me strangely.

The fawn starts panicking and kicking and I had to go wait outside for like 10 minutes. I thought ‘oh no Bambi is going to die!’ but they rewrapped the leg, and everything turned out fine.

Now, I’m all in and love the fawns.

There are many similarities with children and fawns. They are both so needy. But there’s something so different in the way these little fawns think ‘here comes Mama!!’ They are now my girls.”

Etta and Nadine both agree that behind every successful man is a woman who wants to help him out.

“I get a little emotional talking about this,” Etta said. “John pours his heart into it and it’s what I love about him.

And he never complains and to have deer at our house, it’s beautiful and has so much meaning for him and me along with joy.

Even the hard work.” Deer farming “has definitely made our marriage stronger,” Nadine added. “Verlin runs everything by me. We like to go out to the deer pens and just enjoy the serenity, just the two of us. That’s our time together.” Given the chance to do it all over again, perhaps neither Nadine nor Etta would change a thing. “If there are times when I feel I’m competing for his attention, John makes sure everyone is ok. There have been times he’s working hours and hours and days and days, and I go work alongside him. When you ask if it’s ‘taken him away from me’ I’d say no. It’s very fulfilling to realize a dream together and to know you’re a part of it.”

43

Trophy Breeder Bucks Showcase Book 2026 Application

Scan QR Code to View the 2025 Magazine!

Reservation for space and buck info will be due no later than August 12th, 2025. If you have an existing picture ready to go, that will also be due at that time. If you would like to send in a last minute photo of your buck, the cutoff date is September 1st by 8am CST. Placement will be in order of first come first serve. Printing and mailing will start September 4th and be in hand between September 16th20th. Just in time for semen sales getting ready for Breeding Season.

These will be mailed to Breeders and Ranch members of the 20 state associations we service.

More information will be mailed out to all current advertisers closer to the date.

Pre-register and we will contact you for further information PRIME SPOTS WILL BE AUCTIONED ONLINE AT MCCLUNG SALES: JULY 2026 Showcase Advertising Rates: __________Current Advertiser in Quarterly Magazine: $135 __________Current Member of any of the Associations we Serve: $180 __________Non-Member and Non-Advertiser: $250

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Name: First ________________________________________________ Last ___________________________________________ Farm___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________City ____________________ST_____ Zip______________Phone________________ Email ________________________________________________________Fax__________________________________________ Date______________________________________ Mail or Email to: Samantha Uchytil • 19291 59th St. NE • New London, MN 56273 • 320-905-2622 • deerassociations@gmail.com 44

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN CONGRESS IN 2026 This year, Congress and the administration will face several major deadlines and policy decisions that are expected to shape the legislative agenda. Lawmakers will work to avoid another government shutdown while attempting to advance unfinished priorities, including full-year appropriations and reauthorization of the farm bill. At the same time, trade policy, court rulings, and the upcoming midterm elections are expected to influence both congressional activity and the broader political environment.

Appropriations Congress must pass full-year spending bills or a short-term funding extension before January 30 in order to prevent another government shutdown. Neither the Democrats or Republicans are understood to want a repeat of last year’s shutdown, which was the longest in history. As of the week of January 5th, the Agriculture-FDA, Legislative Branch, Military ConstructionVeterans Affairs appropriations packages have been enacted through the Continuing Resolution which brought an end to last year’s shutdown. Congress has introduced appropriations bills for Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior-Environment which are expected to be passed by Congress before the January 30 deadline. No agreement has been reached on other appropriations measures.

Farm Bill Agriculture Committees in both the House and the Senate will attempt to pass a five-year farm bill after the 2018 bill expired in 2023. While many policies that the farm bill provides have been continued through short-term extensions and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, lasting updates to conservation, forestry, rural development, and the farm safety net were not extended.

Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman (R-AK) is committed to advancing a bill which includes increasing the limits on federally backed farm loans. However, there are concerns about staffing shortages at the Department of Agriculture after their workforce was cut by several thousand people last year.

In July, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review. President Trump has indicated that he may pull out of the $1.5 trillion trade agreement rather than extend it for another 16 years. However, the agreement has been credited with protecting consumers from rising prices amid the President’s tariff regime, meaning the administration may choose to maintain the U.S.’ participation in the pact.

Tariffs The Supreme Court will also issue a ruling on President Trump’s tariff policies by June at the latest. The court will issue a ruling on President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic

Powers Act to set 10-50 percent tariffs on most imports as well as duties on Mexico, Canada, and China to address fentanyl trafficking.

Midterm Elections In November, Republicans will seek to maintain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterms.

Democrats are unlikely to win the 4 seats they need to take control of the Senate. However, Republicans have a very thin majority in the House, so Democrats are widely expected to win control of that chamber. As a result, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is anticipated to become the House Speaker after the elections. In order to secure this victory, Democrats are expected to continue to campaign on affordability, how tariffs affect affordability, and the release of the Epstein Files.

Congressional Maps The congressional map may be reshaped before the November midterm elections. After Texas began a redistricting effort to secure 5 extra Republican seats, states across the country have redrawn their maps. Republicans in Florida and Kansas as well as Democrats in Virginia, Illinois, and Maryland will continue the redistricting effort this year ahead of the elections.

Overall, the year ahead is expected to be defined by shortterm legislative solutions, election-year politics, and movement around trade and economic policy. While Congress is likely to move forward on must-pass items such as appropriations, progress on longer-term priorities may take a back seat. With the midterm elections approaching and potential changes to congressional maps, political considerations are expected to play a significant role in shaping outcomes across policy areas.

Carolina Herrera Resources: • https://www.axios.com/2026/01/05/ congress-government-funding-package • https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/03/ trump-shutdown-january-00700940 • https://www.eenews.net/articles/ spending-permitting-highway-bill-congress-2026-to-do-list/ • https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/14/why-inflation-angstmay-temper-trumps-trade-threats-to-mexico-canada-00689322 • https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/14/why-inflation-angstmay-temper-trumps-trade-threats-to-mexico-canada-00689322 • https://www.bgov.com/news/T8GC6LKK3NYE • https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5662275-statesredistricting-2026-fight/

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NEW PRODUCT UPDATES

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 wil be rotated each quarter.

51

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Multi-State Magazine Advertising Pricing Guide ~2026 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 • Minnesota Deer Association

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

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44 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. Reaching out to over 2500 members (11 Publications x 4 quarters) 19 State Associations - Approx. 2500 readers $200 / Issue ($8815. / Yr) ~ Full Page $113 / Issue ($4990. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (55-59% Discount off single ad placement)

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Kathy Giesen at: deerassociations@gmail.com 435-817-0150 or 260-222-3478 Fax: 435-359-5333 www.deersites.com Find us on Face book: DeerSites * Quarterly recurring payment pricing available upon request 54 54

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

ADVERTISERS INDEX Antler Ridge Whitetails.............................. 38

K3 Land & Whitetail Services, Water Tower

Blosser Whitetails....................................... 33

Whitetails, JoJo’s Whitetails...................... 49

C&E BioSolutions™ / MaxRax®................. 10

Lone Pine Whitetails .................................. 20

CC Bar Whitetails........................................ 19

MixLab..........................................................24

Cervid Health Management...................... 34

NADR - North American Deer Registry.... 34

Clay Kuntry Whitetails................................ 30

Nature’s Best Whitetails..................Cover, 2

Crescent Ranch........................................... 18

Picture Perfect Whitetails.......................... 40

DanInject USA............................................. 48

Pine Creek Deer Farm.................................. 9

DeerDoc.......................................................36

Pneu-Dart, Inc.......................................32, 50

EC Whitetail Ranch......................Back Cover

Prime Acres.................................................25

EZid, LLC.......................................................50

Rocky Ridge Whitetails............................... 46

Five Star Genetics....................................... 22

Rocky Top Whitetails.................................. 45

Fox Valley Animal Nutriton........................ 26

Straight Shooter Game Fencing............... 38

Hatada..........................................................53

Walnut Ridge Whitetails............................. 15

HeadGear, LLC.............................................. 8

White Ghost Ranch..................................... 42

Iron Mill Whitetails......... Inside Front Cover

Woodard Whitetails......... Inside Back Cover

Jo Jo’s Whitetails.......................................... 14

Zehr Brothers Whitetails........................... 12

Magazines Published Quarterly By:

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)

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Samantha Uchytil

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Gail Veley

gbveley@live.com

55

Word Search Adventure Backyard Barbecue Butterflies Canoeing Festivals Fireworks Gardening Hayride

SUDOKU The rules for sudoku are simple: A 9x9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.

To challenge you more, there are 3x3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.

Answers to puzzles can be found on our website: www.deersites.com

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