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RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACHIEVING AN OPTIMUM WHITETAIL FEEDING PROGRAM

Join our Association!

Welcome to the Trio Trails Quarterly Magazine.

We are excited for you to explore the many industry articles, deer farming and vendor advertisements, and much more. We would like to encourage you to JOIN or RENEW your membership with any or all of these associations in support of keeping the Cervid Industry live and well.

Benefits you will experience as a member include:

• Quarterly Newsletters containing information, education, and an opportunity for you to advertise along with an emailed ebook each quarter.

• Invites to all State Association Events and National Events.

• Connections to other cervid breeders and preserves. Communications about recent events and legislation affecting your cervid operation.

• Member listing on our website, Free business card placement in the quarterly magazines, and periodic emails about upcoming events.

New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

President Brandon Clewis

Vice President Jason Watson

Secretary Tina Moore

Treasurer Grace Clewis

Director: Finance Tim Bridgers

Director: NC Regional Development Phillip Briley

Director: Public Relations Joshua Young

Director: North American Development Nash Murray

Mike Suttle President

Term 2026-2029

2026 Board of Directors

Mark Cobb Ambassador

Term 2024-2027

Gobblers Ridge & Mountaineer Meat 304-532-451

mark.cobb@gmail.com

Sinking Creek Whitetails

304-661-1300

sinkingcreekwhitetailswv@gmail.com

Andy Manspile

Term 2024-2027

304-222-9914 sjwhitetailsllc@gmail.com

Justin Knight

Vice President

Term 2026-2029

Cross Brothers Whitetails

304-672-2033 knightjm418@gmail.com

Kenny Shoemaker

Term 2025-2028

304-538-2219

doublekfarm1@yahoo.com

Megan Pakradooni

Secretary & Treasurer

Term 2026-2029

Sinking Creek Whitetails

706-830-3403

info.wvdfa@gmail.com

Debra Jett

Term 2025-2028

Back to Our Roots Wildlife 304-553-5208

jettswildlife@gmal.com

President’s Message

Spring 2026

Hello everyone!

Allow me to introduce myself as the new president of the West Virginia Deer Farmers Association. I was born and raised right here in West Virginia and I am the 7th generation landowner on my family farm in Greenbrier County.

I am a veteran of the US Marine Corps and the owner/operator of Logan Haus KenneIs, a police dog breeding and training facility of 30 years. I am also the owner/operator of Sinking Creek Whitetails, a licensed class 1 and class 2 facility near Lewisburg.

West Virginia is, perhaps, one of the best states in the country for deer farming. This is thanks to the lobbying efforts from our leadership team 15 years ago who were able to get it switched from the DNR over to the Department of Agriculture, where it belongs. The current regulations in our state are fair and reasonable, the required paperwork is simple and straightforward, the license and permit fees are not outrageous, and our state vets and department of agriculture guys are genuinely helpful and accommodating. I hear lots of horror stories from farmers in other states about extreme over regulation, impossible testing requirements, etc; it really makes me appreciate how willing our state is to work with deer farmers, not against them.

Having said that, there are currently only 25 licensed deer farms in our state, and 11 licensed preserves. Of those 36 licensed facilities in WV, only 11 of them are members of the WV Deer Farmers Association. One of my main focuses this year will be increasing awareness among WV residents about deer farming. Most people don’t even know it is an option, despite them already having property with perfect terrain to farm deer and elk.

As president, I am going to make a serious effort to promote deer farming and try to increase the number of farmers in our state. Secondly, I’m going to push hard to get every licensed deer farmer in the state to join our association in order to have a larger collective voice when we are fighting to keep the right to operate deer farms in West Virginia.

I recently attended the NADeFA DC fly-in along with 25 other members from 16 different states. I can tell you firsthand that lobbying with politicians for our way of life, while not fun, is a crucial part of being able to continue what we do. This is why we need every deer farmer in our state to join the association! If you are currently a member, a board member, or an officer I ask only this of you… Be active in the association. Be responsive to texts, phone calls, or emails, and be willing to help when you can. We are a very small association with a lot of potential to grow and gain relevance in the industry, but we must be proactive to make that happen.

I truly appreciate you giving me the opportunity to serve in this position and I look forward to working with each of you. We have 2 other new officers that I’d like to introduce. Justin Knight is our new vice president. Justin is enthusiastic with a passion for deer farming and is full of great ideas to help better our association. Megan Pakradooni is our new secretary/treasurer. Megan built the new website for the association; she is extremely well organized in her record keeping skills and she has tireless work ethic. She is definitely an asset to the team and we look forward to working with her. Our veteran board members are Debra Jett, Kenny Shoemaker, Mark Cobb, and Andy Manspile.

Respectfully, WVDFA president, Mike Suttle

West Virginia Deer Farmers Focused on Unity

A Word of Inspiration with WVDFA Vice President MJ Christy

Here in our beautiful state of West Virginia, we are very grateful to have such a supportive and wonderful Dept. of AG to work with. Earlier this year through a grant, they provided 150 CWD resistance marker test kits to interested deer farmers, free of charge. Six Class One deer farms took advantage of this opportunity including me and my husband, John. We’re very happy to announce that on our farm we’ve operated since 2018, Greenbrier Mountain Whitetails, that only two fawns from this year’s crop were “GG.” Like the rest of the deer farming nation, we are pushing for “SS” resistance with the ultimate goal of raising the value of all deer within our state.

To this end, we will once again be afforded the same opportunity in 2026 by the Dept. of AG to show that West Virginia is serious about raising the best, most resistant and most marketable deer possible. This grant includes 200 testing kits, tagging applicators, ear notch collection tubes, and complimentary covering of the cost for submitting them to the North American Deer Registry (NADR). Collection, submission, and shipping of the samples will be every deer farmer’s responsibility. To submit samples to NADR, you also must

be a member of the North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA).

In the spirit of creating unity for this opportunity (and within our membership base), plans are in the works for a 2026 event. Time and location have yet to be determined. However, we are very glad that in 2025 we welcomed new deer farmers and look forward to getting to know them better in the future. The sense of optimism here in West Virginia is very palpable and we look forward to becoming a stronger deer farming community and standing together. Thank you.

West Virginia Deer Farmers Association

Vice President’s Message

Spring 2026

My Fellow Deer Farmers!

Well, it is time for me to bid everyone a lovely farewell. As many may know, I have worked rapidly at closing my farm due to personal reasons completely unrelated to deer farming. I have truly enjoyed my time raising cervids, and I will miss the excitement of finding the first fawn of the season or seeing the massive explosion of growing velvet. I’m not sure I will miss the excitement of busted velvet, injuries, sicknesses and wild predators…but the adrenaline that came with dealing with each new problem did keep me on my toes! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know a lot of you across the state and in other states as well. I will always be available for that late night phone call of panic to help problem solve the newest issue any deer farmer has come across. Anyone who tells you they know everything there is to know about deer farming has not been a deer farmer for very long. I’ve called as those in the industry for 25 plus years tell me they encounter new problems all of the time. I will miss seeing how the continued development of CWD resistance develops. My personal observations, the deer I have produced after pushing higher CWD resistance in my herd have been the healthiest fawns ever produced on my farm. I highly encourage everyone with a class 1 facility to consider the grant for testing your herd. It lets you see which lines are the healthiest, as well as help you keep track of which crosses produce the best bucks. Honestly, isn’t that the point?? Big healthy bucks???

We are looking forward to the association growing as a whole and having it become a strong proponent for the future of deer farming here in West Virginia! Several of our members traveled to DC with other state organizations and national leaders to lobby for deer farming.

So, for the very last time, I’m signing off. I wish everyone a wonderful and productive season. Maybe someday we will cross paths again…you never know!

Best wishes,

WVDFA Vice president Mindy Christy

Formerly Greenbrier Mountain Whitetails

PS…special thanks to all who supported me you guys all know who you are…and to the Dept of Ag that had to deal with me regularly, (Dr Alt, Shelly and Jason) thanks for putting up with me!

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• Fawns 1 week to 1 month of age: Feed 24 to 30 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 feedings.

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

• Fawns 2 months to weaning: Gradually decrease formula and number of feedings to approximately 15 oz. of formula once daily until fawn is fully weaned at 12 to 14 weeks of age. Provide a weaning diet and fresh clean water to the fawn.

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FOX VALLEY ANIMAL NUTRITION, INC. COVERING EVERY NEONATAL NEED

By: Gail Veley

It 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

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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Upcoming Whitetail and Cervid Events

Trio Trails Magazine Deadlines 2026

Spring: March 24th

Summer: June 23rd

Fall: September 29th

Winter: December 29th

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

MEET TROY ZACCHINI

THE FUTURE NADEFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Alabama Deer Association

Troy 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.”

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

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.”

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.bgov.com/news/T8GC6LKK3NYE

• https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5662275-statesredistricting-2026-fight/

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Trophy Breeder Bucks Showcase Book 2026 Application

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 Name: First

2025 Membership Drive, Featuring

Winners!

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

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.

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!

ALABAMA DEER FARMERS STRIVE FOR EFFECTIVE INSECT CONTROL

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

Without a doubt, “insect infestation affects the growth of deer antlers,” offers Dr. Dan Moore, DVM and owner of The Natural Vet, a supplement supply company based out of Unicoi, Tennessee. As a recent attendee of the 2024 Alabama Deer Farmers Association annual convention, Dr. Moore is well-versed in the types of insects that plague deer farmers in southern states such as Alabama and Tennessee. Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and midge flies “also carry the threat of disease in deer, leading to stress, weight loss, deficient antler growth, anemia and even death in more severe cases,” added Dr. Moore, 68, a retired veterinarian and former owner of two vet practices.

For deer farmers, protecting their deer from disease is akin to protecting their very own families, Dr. Moore has learned. “This is how much deer farmers love their deer. I even knew a farmer once who had two fawns at his wedding just for the sake of having them there,” he said. For the sake of running a successful operation, prevention is the main focus in disease management. While Alabama itself is home to several predatory animals that can harm adult deer and fawns such as opossums, hawks, coyotes,

alligators, raccoons and feral hogs, to name a few, insects cannot be held back by sturdier fences, traps or legal, seasonal hunting practices.

In the warmer, moist and more humid climate found in Alabama “insects must be managed year-round,” Dr. Moore said. These insects predominately include midge flies which can carry Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), horse flies which live on host blood and deliver painful and stressful bites, ticks which can carry Lyme Disease and mosquitoes which can carry a vast amount of diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile virus and other diseases that can also affect both deer and humans. Alabama is home to approximately 60 species of mosquitoes that are attracted to water puddles, watering holes, ditches and other waterways.

Eradication methods include fogging with misting systems, insect deterrent sprays such as fly spray and supplements added to feed to make livestock unpalatable to preying insects who depend on their host blood for survival. Understanding which insects are most prevalent at your deer farm can help guide decisions such as which time of day is most effective for fogging, or when to mow or not

now grass, or simply leave it as grazing land. However, without careful scrutiny and monitoring, these practices could cause misfortune to other wildlife species, floral and fauna that are not harmful to deer.

Many deer supplement products, available from a wide variety of local and on-line feed stores, were primarily derived from Dr. Moore’s horse products after it was discovered that deer found them appealing. “They can provide deer farmers with natural solutions to common problems,” Dr. Moore said. “My father went through three-year illness during which I lost faith in traditional medicine. I felt that there could be better and more natural ways to propagate health for ourselves and our domestic animals.”

“I highly recommend that all deer farmers investigate natural solutions for the dilemmas they face in raising their deer,” Dr. Moore. “This can also include more natural dewormers, insect sprays and feed management practices. Considering the big picture, I think this is the best thing to do.”

FREE business card ads for members of NYDEFA, WVDFA, and CDA

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 the email address below.

This gives NYDEFA, CDA & WVDFA 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.

NY Email to: dana@abcmailbox.net or call Dana at: 315-595-2202

NC Email to: Joshua Young pr@ carolinadeerassociation. org

RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACHIEVING AN OPTIMUM WHITETAIL FEEDING PROGRAM

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association

In developing an adequate, nutrition dense and highly digestible feeding program for your deer herd, the aim involves a good return on your investment. “Expense wise, bulk feed is better,” explains Dana Hoover of Mountainside Whitetails in Penn Yan, New York. “Feed by far is your biggest expense, and you don’t want to pay for something that doesn’t work.” While common sense dictates feeding for sufficient protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral intake, getting the amount and frequency just right requires quantifying a few things. This could include tracking the amount of grass that grows on your farm naturally during the year, soil nutrient density, weather patterns and the sex and age of the deer you are feeding. For example, bucks may require less protein during the winter as antlers aren’t growing and breeding season isn’t directly in the picture. Does, on the other hand, are carrying fawns through the winter, making dense caloric intake a high priority. And in the spring, fawns gradually transition from milk to solid food and require a highly digestible feed to help avoid diarrhea and other issues. “It’s really not complicated,” Hoover said. “The

from Pennsylvania deer farmers, he believes in very carefully measured supplements as overfeeding them can do more harm than good. “I want the deer to grow to their full genetic potential, but you can’t grow what’s not there,” he said. However, Hoover is sold on the benefits of Calf Manna, a pelleted feed designed to support growth, weight gain, improve digestion and aid animals in distress as it is highly palatable. He also gives spring fawns Nutra-Glo right in their bottle for better overall health and a healthy coat. Although there’s nothing more enticing to any livestock species than fresh spring grass, not all grass is equal and can only be as nutritionally equivalent as the soil it grows from. It also shouldn’t necessarily take the place of a regularly fed regime of grain and alfalfa, as deer will wait expectantly to be fed, giving a deer farmer a chance to take inventory of their herd. As winter approaches, obtaining alfalfa hay through products such as Chaffhaye or silage hay may help ensure that deer are eating a nutrient dense feed that promotes productive gut health.

Feeds. Yet they take their feeding program one step further by including Aureo S 700 (AS700) in their winter grain, a medicated veterinary feed directive containing chlortetracycline and sulfamethazine which works as an antibiotic or as a preventive measure for combating pneumonia. They have also found that feeding 18.6 percent protein and fat year-round works well for them. The Connelly’s strive to keep first-cutting alfalfa stocked up year-round and typically feed it the most from November through March. With sustained herd health and longevity of the farm first and foremost, both Hoover and the Connelly’s only buy their hay in-state, to avoid potential problems with CWD. “We also realized we needed barn cats to keep rodents out of our feed,” Michael said. “We started out with three cats. Now we have seven.”

WEST VIRGINIA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Date: ____________________________________ ____ New Member ____ 202_ Renewal

Primary Member Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Second Farm Member Name:_______________________________________(Family/Farm membership only) Farm Name:_____________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________ State: _________________Zip: _________________

Home Phone:___________________________________ Other Phone:

License#: _______________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________

What type of deer and/or services will you offer: __ Whitetail __ Elk __ Red Deer Other ___________ __ Scents __ Urine __ Antlers __ Venison __ Breeding Stock __ Shooters

Annual Membership Levels

___ Active WV Propagator (voting privileges) $75 ___ Family Membership (2 voting privileges) $100 ___ Associate Member (no voting privileges) $25 ___ Other ___________________________

Active WV Propagator is a proprietor, partnership, firm, corporation, division of an organization or individual actively engaged in whole or in substantial part, in the husbandry of domestic deer for commercial sale of venison or the breeding of stock to support such operations.

Family Membership, membership is same as Active WV Propagator but includes 2 voting privileges from the same household. This includes spouse, significant other, partner or child 18 years or older.

Associate Member is anyone who has an interest in cervid farming, but does not own deer. Associate Members do not vote and cannot hold office in the Association. They may attend all activities sponsored by the Association and they will receive the WVDFA Newsletter.

Other, Lifetime membership, sponsors, or representatives apply. I hereby make application to the West Virginia Deer Farmers Association, Inc. and certify that the information I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Would you approve sharing your information with other deer farms or folks interested in deer farming? ______

Signature_____________________________________Date___________________

Make Checks/Payments payable to: WV Deer Farmers Association, Inc. C/O Mark Cobb, Secretary 215 Eastwood Road Ravenswood, WV 26164

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THE MANY USES FOR DEER ANTLERS

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

Nate Nisley started making antler chandeliers in 2013, one year after his dad, Joe Nisley, passed away. “My parents had been raising and breeding whitetails since 1998,” Nate shared. “Dad had been saving most of his antlers over the years and often mentioned wanting to make a chandelier out of them someday. After he passed away in 2012, I thought I would try to make one out of his saved antlers in remembrance of him.”

One simple chandelier soon led to Nate, owner along with his wife Diane of Antlers by Design, taking a week-long, hands-on course in Montana, learning from an expert on how to create antler lighting and other antler decor. “After that I just kept making chandeliers and selling them,” he said. “I still have the first one I ever made. The quality has come a long way since then. Building chandeliers out of natural antlers is considered an art and takes a lot of time. A good builder will take a lot of pride in his work.”

Having access to a reputable antler supplier and high-quality material to work with is paramount, as antler quality can vary depending on where and when they are found. “Antlers, like a piece of wood, have a lot of moisture inside,” explained Heath Merry, owner of Antlers 4 Me out of

Salina, Kansas. “If they are found in a pretty timely manner in the spring and kept inside, they can last forever,” he said. “If they are kept outside, they dry out and lose a lot of color. Anything made with antlers and kept outside will eventually need to be replaced.”

While Merry caters to a wide variety of customers, up to 75% of the antlers he sells are shipped to western states such as Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Colorado and used for furniture, necklaces and rustic cabin décor, while lower grade antlers often end up in rock gardens. “There is an end market for every type of antler,” Merry said. Both Merry and Nisley spend considerable time travelling to pick up antlers, power washing them (with water only) and properly storing them. This typically happens more abundantly after the hunting season ends in the early fall, and as orders for Christmas supplies and gifts start flooding in.

To maintain lasting quality on products created by antlers, Nisley recommends buying only Grade A or good, solid antlers. “Whether they are cutoffs or shed antlers, I usually pay the same price as the demand for antlers has gone up for me,” he said. “Most sheds that come from wild deer hold a little higher value because more of them have a little better look and

darker color than farmed deer. I try to stay away from antlers that are very weathered, dried out, cracked or have a bleached look.” Likewise, cutoff antlers that have excessive velvet still hanging on them and as such, possibly never completed drying out before being removed from a buck’s head, also hold little value for him.

Through the years, Merry has experienced the expected ebbs and flows of an antler market that can be fickle yet has built a solid reputation and plenty of fallback business. His customers also include those who simply want a full set of antlers to hang inside their house, store or office. “That might cost around $1,000,” he said. “A lot of people could not afford to go out and shoot something that nice for the same price, and it’s the closest they’ll ever come.”