DREAM GENOMICS
Developing Cutting Edge
CWD Detection Test
Sponsored by KEDA
HOW TO SAFELY HAUL WHITETAIL DEER
Sponsored by IDEFA
THE BENEFITS OF FEEDING TREATS TO DEER
Why, When and Which Kinds are Safe?
Sponsored by ILDFA
Board of Directors
Scott Fier President
Buffalo Ridge Whitetails 3788 260th Ave Porter, MN 56280
507-829-3151 fierscott@gmail.com
Steve Uchytil
Vice President Crow River Whitetails 14681 175th St NE
Mark Volk Treasurer Volk Whitetails 9095 160th Ave Royalton, MN 56373 320-232-3352 volkwhitetails@outlook.com
Atwater, MN 56209 320-894-1914
crowriverwhitetails@gmail.com
Steve Porter
Gary Olson
Olson Whitetails
34526 State Hwy 30 Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-269-9791 garypolson2005@yahoo.com
Secretary Porter Whitetails 1828 350th Ave Lake Bronson, MN 56734 218-526-0180 porterwhitetail@gmail.com
Steve Dougherty
Deb Holthaus
Two Rivers Deer Farm PO BOX 336 Little Falls, MN 56345 320-360-4667
Deb@Benefits-MN.com
Zumbro River Whitetails 57479 375th Ave Zumbro Falls, MN 55991 507-269-7346
steve@zumbroriverwhitetails.com
Scott Salonek
Ken Williams
Williams Whitetails 30567 440TH ST
Melrose, MN 56352 320-291-3385
kwilliams7777@outlook.com
Elm Creek Elk 15520 S Diamond Lake Rd Dayton, MN 55327 612-850-8684
Mike Elsberry
President Dakota Muleys
701-340-4445
Grand Forks, ND
Lani Schafer Secretary/Treasurer 1223 18th Ave NW
Turtle Lake, ND 58575
Board of Directors
Chris Ryckman
Missouri Valley Muleys 6160 Hiway 1804
Bismarck, ND 58504
Bob Miller
Evolution Whitetails 10801 52nd St NE Bismarck, ND 58503
Butch Dick 6379 123rd Ave SE Lisbon, ND 58054
Mike Ryckman
Ryckman Whitetails PO Box 565 Linton, ND 58552
Jamie Feist
Imperial Whitetails Baldwin, ND 701-471-1481 mount4u@hotmail.com
Grant Carrolan
President
Hidden Hollow Whitetails 12820 Prosperity Road Marion, IL 62959 618-559-5952 gra5566@yahoo.com
Chet Hostettler
Treasurer
Illini Whitetails 510 S. Pine St. Arthur, IL 61911 217-246-8566 illwchet@gmail.com
Board of Directors
Chase Baker
Vice President
Baker Whitetails 13289 Carter Rd. Junction, IL 62954 618-841-9776 bakerwhitetails@outlook.com
Kyle Neal
Secretary Neal's Whitetail Ranch 17952 Rescue Church Rd Ewing, IL 62836 618- 967-0076 nealfarms38@hotmail.com
Rick Davidson - 2023-2026
Illinois Dominant Bucks 12035 N Fox Rd Marshall, IL 62441 217- 260-2825 rdavidson@vivecrop.com
Rusty Karr - 2022-2025
Dominant Genetics PO Box 138 Wapella, IL 61777 309- 275-9567 rusty_k2000@yahoo.com
Larry Hackethal - 2021-2024
PO Box 655 Cobden, IL 62920 618- 893-2252 pro1ab@frontier.com
Ryan Sauls - 2024-2027
Flatland Whitetails 1279 Co. Rd. 500 East Enfield, IL 62835 618-380-3073 chanda_1221@hotmail.com
Billie Rix - 2023-2026
Red Wire Ranch
7350 Old Stage Rd Morris, IL 60450 630-816-8977 billierix@yahoo.com
Mark Voss - 2024-2027
Voss Whitetails 12430 SLANT RD Carlyle, IL62231 618-343-5653 vosswhitetails@gmail.com
Riley "Dink" Vaughan 2023-2026
Vaughan Deer Farm 925 CR 540 N. Norris City, IL 62869 618-383-0227 vaughnriley780@gmail.com
Travis Phelps - 2023-2026
Moultrie County Monsters 1535 CB 750 E. Sullivan, Il 61951 217-246-1319 mocomonsters@gmail.com
Illinois Deer Farmer’s Association
Enjoyed Prosperous Event
A Shared Moment with President Grant Carrolan and Vice President Chase Baker
As we reflect on our 2025 event February 21st and 22nd at The Comfort Suites in Effingham, Illinois, we ask that our association come further together for the sake of unity, understanding and for our continuation as a strong association. Looking ahead, we encourage and greatly need full member participation and willingness to assist when help and support are needed, not only at events but in other areas as well. We express sincere thanks to everyone who has helped in the past and for those who plan to help with future endeavors.
At our recent event we had our best online McClung auction ever, raising approximately $30,000. We are very grateful for that, and for the 80 or so participants who came and enjoyed a Friday night pizza dinner sponsored by Baker Whitetails, and a catered lunch on Saturday sponsored by Springfield Whitetails. Raffle ticket sales through our “Making Noise in Illinois” chair game, also raised $7,000. Each chair had approximately $1,000 worth of valuable items under it. Winners received guns, deer, cash and other useful and valuable things. Raffle ticket winners won items such as a semen tank, a Nelson
waterer and even St. Louis Cardinals baseball tickets. These activities were definitely two of the highlights of the event.
We also enjoyed having our antler and photo contest, dart gun and corn hole competitions as well as our informative guest speaker from the USDA Illinois office. As we venture further into 2025, we both perceive the market as staying strong. More and more deer farmers are breeding for resistance and doing well raising both breeding and stocker bucks. Let’s take a stand together Illinois, get more association members and hope that this year and in the future, we can still hold fast to what we love so much – our deer businesses. Thank you!
DEER & ELK PHOTOS WANTED!
Board of Directors
Greg Leenderts Chairman Whitetail Farms 48474 257th St Garretson, SD 57030 507-227-6328 gleenderts@alliancecom.net
Brandon Walker Secretary/Treasurer
Cedar Breaks Mule Deer Ranch 19145 Robbs Flat Road Midland, SD 57552 608-695-0796 brandon@cedarbreaksranch.com
Mark Hollenbeck Sunrise Ranch 277772 Elbow Canyon Road Edgemont, SD 57735 605-685-3376 markholl@gwtc.net
Shane Zylstra Vice-Chairman 28863 471st Ave, Beresford, SD 57004
605-777-2731 shane.zylstra1@gmail.com
Cody Warne Stone Meadow Ranch 3520 LAMBETH PL Pierre, SD 57501
605-222-7407 codybuckwarne@msn.com
Rob Curtis
605-840-1079 rclandd@hotmail.com
Liz Vogelsong 605-310-2703 lizblain21@gmail.com
If any members of SDDEBA or other breeders/ranches of South Dakota have pictures of their deer and or elk please email to Brandon Walker. We are looking for South Dakota deer and elk producer pictures that we can post on our website. We do not need to share your farm/ranch information unless you want us to.
South Dakota Deer and Elk Breeder’s Association Seeking Full State Participation
An Invitation to Join and Participate in SDDEBA from Secretary/Treasurer Brandon Walker
The time to get involved in an organization is when things are going well, and not just when they aren’t. Here in South Dakota, we enjoy a very favorable working relationship with the South Dakota Animal Industry Board. On April 5th our association had our annual meeting at their office in Pierre, and as usual we were welcomed with open arms. There, we discussed our genetic resistance and GEBV breeding strategies for our big push to minimalize, or combat, CWD. The Animal Industry Board clearly recognizes that we’re trying to solve things and exercises common sense in their thinking.
Whitetail deer farmers still have the ability to obtain grants through the state and USDA for NADR/GEBV testing, something we are very grateful for. We also have strong support from the state vet, Dr. Beth Thompson and Assistant State Vet Dr. Mendell Miller. They are top notch in their efforts to keep us in the loop and in making sure that regulations are worded correctly. We couldn’t ask for anything better, with the exception of more association participation. While we are really
pleased that 13 state association members were present at the annual meeting, I know there are at least 45 farms in South Dakota breeding whitetails, mule deer or elk. We are asking every single one of you to please join our association. We need everybody to participate so if we meet rough times ahead, we can stand strong together. Dues are $50 for association status and $100 for active cervid breeders per year.
In closing let me add how much I enjoy going to Washington D.C. with other deer farmers to ensure our right to raise deer is upheld. Standing together is the best way forward. I look forward to meeting more of my fellow South Dakota deer breeders in the future. Please be a part of our great association. Thank you.
Board of Directors
Adam Helgeland
President
Trophy Whitetail Deer 15425 450th St. Leland, IA 50453 641-590-3410 adamhelgeland@gmail.com
Mike Hine
Timberghost Ranch PO Box 545 Mediapolis, IA 52639 319-394-9876 mike@timberghost.com
Jake Lahr
Double "O" Whitetails 2608 325th St Hopkinton, IA 52237 319-975-0005 jlahr.w@gmail.com
Matt Nebel
River Bottom Game Farm 2717 275th Ave Dewitt, IA 52742 563-580-4149
Fred Huebner
Vice President Circle H Ranch 2575 Iowa Keokuk Rd. North English, IA 52316 319-530-7824 circleh@netins.net
Roger Strunk
Secretary Strunk's Whitetail Haven 508 Franklin 3rd St West Point, IA 52656
319-470-2413 rlstrunk@yahoo.com
Mick Tonderum
GMT Farms Inc. 2008 5th St. Emmetsburg, IA 50536 712-260-7310 gmtfarms74@hotmail.com
Chad Machart
Prairie Antler Ranch 24424 180th St Anamosa, IA 52205 319-540-9311
Iowa Deer Farmers Staying Upbeat
An Inspiring Word from Board Member Jake Lahr
On February 15th a group of 16 deer farmers from around the state came together in Clearlake, Iowa for our annual event. We enjoyed a catered hot beef lunch, complete with mashed potatoes and green beans. The mood was very upbeat and seemed to shine though during our McClung online auction. Auction items included semen straws, pies, baked goods and other useful items needed to run a deer farm. We were happy with the results and our continued ability to fund lobbyists who stand by us, as we do what we love, and look toward a future in the hope that open borders could become a reality.
Here in Iowa, we are known for raising hearty and big-bodied deer. As we remain positive about our future in deer farming, we are continuing to focus heavily on the “SS” allele as we breed, and as we monitor and watch where CWD may appear prevalent outside of our farms within the wild populations of the state. We know, however, our efforts in breeding for resistance provide a better peace of mind for all of us. I’m proud to stand among my fellow deer farmers here in Iowa and look forward to seeing some of you at future deer events!
Breeder Buck 2024 Showcase Magazine
Just in time for semen sales, getting ready for breeding season!
We created this magazine in order for 2024 Breeder and Hunting Preserve advertisers to showcase their most recent photos of their bucks close to the last days of antler growth. We realize establishing a collective deadline for all states Fall magazines to publish on the same date to obtain last-minute photos would be impossible to achieve. With this magazine, advertisers have one more chance to showcase their bucks.
~ Thank you to all that participated!
SHOCK EFFECT PRODUCTS READY AND AVAILABLE
By: Gail Veley
Shock Effect has been taken over by Kathy and Travis Broadway, who are ready to fill orders and help deer farmers maximize the antler growth potential and body condition of their deer, among other things. Travis and Kathy, who also own and operate Winter Quarters Wildlife Ranch in Ethel, Missouri, are excited about the future of their company.
Shock Effect, a company originally founded close to 17 years ago, sells probiotic products formulated to help a deer, in all stages of life, maximize their potential. Featured products include Whitetail Conditioner, Buck Chill (to contribute to helping bucks stay calmer during the rut) Antler Maximizer (to aid in the growth of bigger, stronger and more impressive antlers) and Sea-Cal Calcium (to help maintain a sufficient level of calcium for a stronger skeletal structure while also preventing depletion of the skeletal structure.)
What originally began as a company started by Steve and Faye Thayer that sold only an antler enhancing product to local Missouri deer farmers, grew into a company that today sells a vast array of products along with a customer base that spreads from Mexico all the way to Canada. “Our customers appreciate the time and dedication it took to develop these products. Three things can determine the outcome of the health and vitality of your deer,” Travis explained. “Genetics, nutrition and stress. Shock Effect
products allow your deer to thrive and be the best they can possibly be in any and all circumstances.”
While other companies sell deer supplements “we know people depend on our products and want to continue buying them,” Kathy said. “When our previous co-owner decided to move onto something else, there was no question about stepping in to keep Shock Effect products available, because we have used them at our Missouri ranch for more than 11 years with great results.”
Every Shock Effect product is produced using no hormones, steroids or drugs and is also very specific to a deer’s nutritional needs and their very sensitive immune system. Every product sold today spent several years in a testing stage within a controlled herd, before ever being available to the public. “We know our customers believe in our products and that their herds respond favorably to them,” Travis said. “Our products were some of the first to really enhance antler growth. We have deer farmers telling us their two-year-olds look like three-year-olds.”
Through the years, Travis and Kathy have enjoyed seeing firsthand the favorable results and the extent to which their own herds of elk, red stag and whitetail thrive under Shock Effect products.
To order products or to apply for a sales position, please call Kathy at 318-446-2231, or send her an email at kbb720@gmail.com.
CAT’S CLAW FASTENERS
A FATHER’S INGENUITY, A DAUGHTERS VISION AND A MOTHER’S INSPIRATION
Ever built a fence to keep critters in, or critters out? Chances are, you’ve run into a dilemma that spans back to the dawn of fence building tradition The underappreciated artform of attaching wire or panel to a post. In a rocky, muddy, sloped field with only-kindacrooked-posts, it comes down to grit and sheer determination to beat a staple into submission, without pounding a finger too!
After 60 some odd years of ranching in Montana, and subsequently responsible for over 100 miles of fence, Curt Almy became increasingly disgusted with the “old fashioned” ever-rusty fence staple. In 2016, Following a particularly rough day on a nasty section of fence, Curt received a bit of divine inspiration that prompted him to retreat back to the old workshop, to tinker with this new idea. He declared the new product would be the antithesis of the old fashioned staples, the new claws would be simple to use, require only an impact driver instead of tangled air tools or hammers, be rust resistant, be reusable, and most importantly the new claws would be vastly stronger than the old fashioned staples.
Gone would be the days of staples p out and getting stuck in a hoof or a t financial advisor by day since the 80 rancher by evening, it took Curt mon dedicated weekends to create the ul “redesigned mousetrap” of the fenci Who would know that such a simple could be so complicated?
Several iterations of what would b the “Cat’s Claw fence claw” were ma tested by local fencers. By 2018 a rus resistant, patented version of the Cat Fastener w d f k t and i 2019 the as released
Testin s and receiving th y the first steps among many, in order to successfully launch the business. Chiefly, and rather importantly, an official name was needed for the product! During deliberations with his wife Patricia, it was determined that t historic Crown W 1914 George Ranc be used as the official headquarters.
Cur t Almy and Daughter
Toby-Jeanne shown at the historic 1914 Crown W Geor ge Ranch, home to the Cat’s Claw shop and many shop cats!
prototype claw
With the location d more amusing to the pa cats dominated the ran entertained the idea of area where the ranch w suggested that the prod they came up with “Ca
In 2018, the first $5 allowing the operation plague looming in the n play a major role in a d Canadian companies w bring attention to the fir posts made by Full Circ that Cat’s Claw could h gone through one of th
As video production time in 2020 approached, many warnings were issued, and borders closed a day after the Cat’s Claw crew made it home The markets were turbulent, and the future of Cat’s Claw was also in question. Would a small Mom & Pop operation make it through such a worldwide disruption?
1/4 magnetic hex driver is included in ever y bottle
Softwood claws 2” screw stays secure even in a rotten post
p j , g g j y to the Cat’s Claw crew If you have ever used a Cat’s Claw Fastener, the crew would love to hear from you! You can reach out at info .com, or write to:
Surprisingly, the answer was emphatically, “yes ” While many businesses saw stagnation, the topic of modern homesteading became increasingly popular Seeing an opportunity, (Daughter) Toby-Jeanne began advertising to homesteaders and buffalo fencing operations, which in turn lead to connections within Zoos and even the Cervid community.
Cat’s Claw Fasteners 28 N Montana Miles City, M.T. 59301
Who knows, your story could be featured next!
Curious to try them for yourself? Head on over to www.catsclawfasteners.com and enter code: CERVID2025 for free shipping until August 31st, or give them a call at 406 851 CLAW(2529)
Mountain lion testing out the fence claws: Courtesy of Twin Pine farm & exotics in South Carolina
Mascot Ronnie the Tiger Cat assists in reading incoming fan mail!
Upper Midwest Trophy Whitetails Dedicated to Raising Healthy, Typical Deer
By: Gail Veley
Anewly born and struggling doe fawn caught the attention of Shane Struckman, his father Ken and Kent Namken as they walked the pens in the spring of 2024 of their revered deer farm, Upper Midwest Trophy Whitetails in Hazel, South Dakota. Upon finding the altricial fawn, who was unable to eat, they all knew without intervention she was certainly not destined to survive.
“We started tubing her because she was so weak and raised her first inside a shoe box in my house,” Shane shared, reflecting on the day he brought the tiny fawn home to the house he shares with his wife, Terri. “After a while, she became almost too much of a pet. In a month she went outside to the chicken coop.”
While Shane, Ken and Kent partner together for the serious business of raising typical tall-racked deer, their deep love and passion for the whitetail itself is first and foremost. Nestled among 10 acres of breeding pens and scenic, grasslands
topography, Upper Midwest Trophy Whitetails is now in its sixth year. The northeastern South Dakota deer farm is home to close to 170 deer whose family tree most likely includes Big Hasse, a large “framey” breeder buck bought from Adam Helgeland of Trophy Whitetail Deer.
Breeding strategies at Upper Midwest revolve around moving toward the “SS” allele while creating a unique and mostly self-sustaining herd to cater to the stocking end of the industry. This spring between 70 and 90 fawns are expected, a dream that seemed out of the question as a kid to Ken, now 82, the father of Shane and the eldest partner. Having hunted whitetail, geese and gopher from age five, Ken remembers fondly the days he hunted in the Black Hills with both a gun and bow and arrow. In 1957 at age 14 he shot his first buck. “I had a bow and arrow and shot a doe from 40 yards away,” Ken shared. “I knew the buck would be coming and I was ready.”
Today, Ken, Kent and Shane are standing ready to persevere in the deer industry. Challenges and one tough fawning season aside, each new day brings an opportunity to look after each deer, get to know each one’s personality and to see to their health and longevity. “We got a lot of good advice from other deer farmers and enjoy events like NADeFA to learn as much as we can,” Kent said. “We are honest down to earth deer farmers and treat people the way we want to be treated. We are fair and honor the friendships and good relationships we have.” Ken is grateful for the love and support of his wife Jo in owning and running a deer farm, and likewise, Shane for Terri and Kent for Vanessa. “We feel very happy to be part of the deer industry,” Shane said. “We all feel truly blessed.”
THE BENEFITS OF FEEDING TREATS TO DEER
WHY, WHEN AND WHICH KINDS ARE SAFE?
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Illinois Deer Farmer’s Association
Staying on top of herd health finds many deer farmers to be big proponents of feeding treats to their whitetail deer. Safe options could include animal crackers, peanuts, marshmallows, horse treats made with oats, golden oreos or other similar non-chocolate cookies. “Feeding treats helps me to get a good look at them every day,” said Chase Baker of Baker Whitetails in Junction, Illinois. “Each deer has a distinct personality and if they aren’t acting like themselves then I know something is wrong. If I can get closer to one that normally I couldn’t or pet one I normally can’t, there’s a problem. Or if one that is normally friendly and right up front is hanging out in the back, then I know I need to attend to it. There could be any number of things wrong from a soundness issue, a wound or a virus.”
Baker, who prefers to feed animal crackers and buys them in bulk, also adheres to certain safety rules while feeding treats. He only feeds bucks outside the fence and never touches them. He also never wears gloves, to allow his deer to be familiar with his scent. Baker
also recommends feeding treats during a specific time of the day, to help ensure that expectant deer will be ready, waiting and easier to find. Through Baker’s year-round routine of feeding treats, it allows him to check for ailments specific to certain times of the year such as pneumonia in the fall or EHD in the summer months. While feeding treats year-round can be ideal, in places such as New York where winters can be much colder and more brutal, Dana Hoover of Mountainside Whitetails in Penyan, New York abstains in the winter from doing so. “Starting after NADEFA when the weather turns nicer, we start feeding treats again,” Dana shared. “I like to feed peanuts for the protein aspect and that way I won’t get sticky hands like I would feeding something like diced up apples. Peanuts rattle when they hit the ground, and the deer know the sound.”
Dana and his wife Ella feed treats from early spring until early fall and revel in the time they spend in the deer pens. They have found that throughout the winter, their deer tend to get wilder due to reduced interaction. As soon as the peanuts
come out and Ella resumes her daily practice of walking though the pens, the deer calm right down (and fawns get used to seeing humans from the very onset.) “This really helps our program,” Hoover said. “We can safely watch them grow and catch stuff early on. It also gives us a head start on any potential antler infections. We’ve definitely caught most of them early on during the years.”
Medicinal benefits from other types of food such as raw pumpkin, also perceived by deer as a treat, is a natural dewormer as a result of the fiber content. In addition, acorns, watermelons, apples, alfalfa, soybeans and legumes provide vitamins, protein and energy. However, certain foods such as cucumbers, rhubarb plants, potato leaves, tomato leaves, onions, garlic, daffodils, foxgloves and poppies are either toxic, or generally unpalatable to deer, and should not be found near where they thrive. “If you have a garden, make sure it is fenced off properly and your deer are unable to get in there,” Baker said. “Regardless of whether you’re growing watermelons or tomatoes.”
GRILLED VENISON KABOBS
Deliciously marinated grilled venison kabobs – the perfect summer grilling recipe for your venison steak or tenderloin. Pair them with your favorite vegetables and you have a quick and easy weeknight wild game dinner.
Ingredients
• 1 lb. venison tenderloin tips or sirloin steak cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup liquid aminos or soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 8 oz. whole mushrooms
• 32 oz. bag mini sweet peppers
Instructions
1. Combine the olive oil, liquid aminos, Worcestershire, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl in a bowl and whisk together.
2. Add the tenderloin tips to the marinade and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat or 350 degrees F.
4. After the marinating time, remove the tenderloin tips and place them on their own skewer, separate from the veggies.
5. Add the sweet peppers and whole mushrooms to the skewers. Tip: keep veggies on their own skewer to allow correct cooking time for both the veggies and the steak.
6. Grill the tenderloin tips until they reach medium-rare – about 130-135 degrees F. Remove from grill.
7. Grill the veggies until soft and tender. Remove from grill and serve immediately.
8. Serve with your favorite steak dipping sauce.
DREAM GENOMICS
DEVELOPING CUTTING EDGE CWD DETECTION TEST
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Kansas Alternative Livestock Association
Early, non-symptomatic detection of CWD in a whitetail herd could become as simple as drawing blood, thanks to a revolutionary diagnostic test currently being developed by Dream Genomics. Based out of Northbrook Illinois, Dream Genomics is a newly developed visionary biotech firm started in 2023, whose energy and efforts are fully invested in the “Discovery Phase” of developing a reliable, ultimately fool-proof and scientifically recognized CWD detection blood test. Leading the charge for Dream Genomics is Dr. Gary Pusateri, CEO and Founder, Michael Falduto, Chief Technology Officer and Founder as well as Dr. Scott Magnuson, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder.
Along with developing a reliable test, are the challenges of buying equipment to continue the research along with obtaining adequate numbers of positive CWD samples.
Dream Genomics is actively searching for sponsors and donors in the form of corporations, deer associations and private individuals to continue on this quest.
NADeFA and The Cervid Livestock Foundation (CLF) have donated substantial seed money to Dream Genomics, in an effort to keep the research ball rolling and to help purchase testing plates or “chips” as they are commonly called.
Chips, an array that looks at all the genes in a deer’s genome and measures the gene expression via profiling using RNA, fully measures a deer’s response which creates a “bio-profile” for early detection. This technology could perhaps also be used to “stage” the disease in the fact that it will be specifically used at the front end of detection, and not the back end.
Unlike old traditional testing methods which examine CWD prions in already infected organs, this new test is being designed to preemptively find CWD in a singularly fashion, before symptoms develop and before others in a herd are also affected. “Their progress is amazing,” said NADeFA President Shawn Schafer. “This could completely change everything in the industry as we know it right now. Gone may be the days of five-year quarantines or repeatedly extracted rectal samples.”
Resounding in the deer industry is the common goal to eradicate CWD and to develop a minimally invasive diagnostic test, explained Dr. Pusateri. “Once adequate project funding has been established and enough positive samples have
been acquired, Dream Genomics can move towards biological confirmation that our test is accurate,” he said. “We strongly believe that we can reach our goal of making this real and attainable.” Anyone interested in donating towards Dream Genomics research, please contact Dr. Pusateri at his office at 847-291-9602 or his cell phone at 715-891-7878 or email him at gpusateri@dreamgx.com. You can also check out the website at www.dreamgx.com.
Rack PlusTM for Outstanding results
O ut st a nding perfo rmance is the hallma rk o f A D M ’s Dee r and E lk
Feeding P rog ram .
The Rack Plus program incorporates the latest technical advances in cervid nutrition with AD M’s time and field-proven formulation and feed technology techniques to deliver the right balance of protein, energy, vit amins, and minerals that enable deer and elk to reach their full genetic potential.
Deer & Elk 18 - 4 (816 86A A A) and Deer & Elk 18 - 5 Breeder (816 92A A A)
• Complete, pelleted feeds formulated specifically for deer and elk
• Provide multiple protein sources, stabilized rice bran, highly digestible energy and fiber sources, CitriStim®, and direct fed microbial
• Both products provide 18% protein and no more than 14% fiber; 18-4 provides 4% fat and 18-5 provides 5% fat
• 18-5 Breeder: Formulated specifically for the breeding herd; also provides natural-source vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, selenium yeast, and Antler D™*
CitiStim®, an ADM proprietary feed ingredient, is a proven, truly unique, whole-cell, inactivated yeast product that may help the animal strengthen its defense against health challenges by supporting and optimizing gut function, gut integrity, and body defense responses.
*Antler D is a trademark of Head Gear LLC.
Proven Performance
For more info, contact Troy Bjorge at 320-412-9957
AN_DeerHelp@adm.com www.ADMAnimalNutrition.com/wildlife
EMBRYO FLUSHING
A PROVEN BREEDING PRACTICE
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association
When deer farmers tell Kevin Calmes “I know my deer,” he responds with “yes, but you don’t know the insides of your deer.” Calmes, who is a consultant and product shipper for Advanced Deer Genetics as well as the North American Small Ruminant Manager and Coordinator for Sexing Technologies, believes his specific recommendations for A.I. breeding and embryo flushing will provide a deer farmer with a safer and perhaps a more successful outcome.
Embryo flushing, often used to allow recipient does to carry the offspring of does with superior genetics, can be an efficient way to produce a uniformly high-quality herd. It all starts with placing CIDR’s in does with superior genetics, followed by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) shots 11 days later and subsequently inducing multiple ovulations. In his years of experience travelling all over the world to work with cervids, Calmes has found that does, when run through a chute for any type of breeding procedure, tend to fight ovulation. “The stress put upon the doe by running them in a chute causes them to shut down in a sense,” Calmes, 57, explained. The better solution? “I prefer to run the deer into a facility, separated by ages, and blow dart FSH to get them to super ovulate,” he said.
Calmes has found that does who are darted with a specially designed 2.5 cc syringe with an 18 or 19gauge one inch needle shot out of a small pistol, absorb all of the FSH hormone and don’t even know they’ve been hit, since the small size of the needle and force of the pistol is so minimal. “The first time I’m in
there they might be nervous, but by the second or third time they aren’t because they don’t know something hit them,” he said, referring to the dart which was designed years ago by Chinese scientists. And while the hormone can also be administered in a chute with a pole injection, very often you will have backflow and wasted product, decreasing your chances of fertilization success.
After two to eight FSH hormone shots have been administered, depending on protocols, CIDRS’s are pulled on day 14 and followed up with a hormone shot of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG.) The next step involves laparoscopic artificial insemination (A.I.) ideally performed 57-58 hours later. Approximately six to eight days after that, embryos are flushed (as though it were another laparoscopic surgery in terms of preparation) however they are under sedation longer. After flushing and retrieval, embryos are placed in a petri dish and graded on a scale of one to three by an embryo specialist. Grade one embryos, considered the better ones, are either placed immediately into recipient does or frozen for later use. Grade two and three embryos, considered not as hearty as grade one, need to be placed into recipient does immediately as they may not retain their viability should they be frozen and used later.
While a small percentage of does whose embryos are flushed may retain one or two and carry them to a full-term pregnancy “I suggest rebreeding her that same year naturally, to help break up the scar tissue from the previous procedures and not put any additional stress on her,” Calmes said. “We push these animals so much. And whether it’s the chemicals sprayed on what we feed them or a lack of chelated absorbable vitamins and minerals in their diets, I have also found in my work that our semen quality is driven down year after year. On average, ten years ago we had 4-6 billion cells per buck per collection, and today it’s 2 to 3 billion cells per collection. Given that deer genetics are held in such high regard, I believe the industry as a whole needs to sit down and look at this.”
HOW TO SAFELY HAUL WHITETAIL DEER
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Indiana Deer and Elk Farmers Association
Aprofessional deer hauler hopes for a few very important scenarios when they pull their rig into a farm. This includes adequate room to get the truck and trailer turned around and aligned or situated safely in the loading area, along with dry ground conducive for the occasion. “Everyone gets a little nervous when you’re loading deer,” said Delvy Workman of Deer Works, a professional deer hauling company out of Ashland, Ohio. “A lot of people don’t think about loading or unloading deer when they set their place up. This is a really crucial thing to figure out.” Having hauled deer for 14 years, Workman hopes for the most efficient process possible.
Ensuring a safer loading experience begins first with allowing your deer to walk into and through your handling facility on a regular basis, said Dave Schwartz of Shallow Pond Whitetails in Shipshewana, Indiana. “Once we wean our fawns, we move them into a corral pen that’s attached to the handling facility and utilize that to get them used to it,” he said. “That way we can get them into there in a short amount of time when we need to.” By also working deer at random times and moving them into dark
‘pre-loading’ rooms, it can eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of stress put upon deer. “We can sell a doe and within five minutes live load her onto a trailer,” said Schwartz, who prefers to load deer into trailers specifically designed for deer (not a makeshift horse trailer) and to use a reputable, reliable hauler. “There are good deer haulers out there with specialized cargo trailers with great air flow and air conditioning and adequate room for bucks or does,” Schwartz emphasized. “Trailers set up for deer hauling are way better and are going to minimize the stress from the entire moving process. It’s important to keep the stress as low as possible. If you are sedating and loading bucks, make sure they are up and on their feet before moving the trailer.”
Verlin Yoder, a veteran of the deer industry since 1999 and owner of Clay Kuntry Whitetails in Millersburg, Indiana, remembers the days when deer farmers used 2 x 4-foot individualized wooden boxes for hauling deer. This often involved a ‘deer rodeo’ in an effort to get them sedated with telazol and/or rompun, and then inside the box. “It might take four guys. Sometimes you’d have to wrestle the deer down for
sedation,” Yoder recalled. “You’d reverse them inside the box and then they’d jump around inside of it. And we always seemed to have some sort of surprise.” A great sense of relief overcame Yoder when he was able to attain his own handling facility and loading chute in 2006. “It’s one of the best investments a deer farmer can make,” he said. “You need to haul deer for all sorts of reasons. Breeding season. Hunting season. Sales. Boarding.” Boarding does for the sake of breeding requires careful timing, as you don’t want to bring them back too soon or too late in their pregnancy, for fear or losing the offspring due to hauling stress.
Depending on the distance, longer hauling trips, such as up to eight to 10 hours, may require the hauler to put straw bedding down for comfort and to also include hay and water. And last but not least, the most important advice might be “give yourself plenty of time,” Yoder said. “Haul at night when it’s cool and the deer are naturally calmer. Keep the trailer dark and peaceful and wellventilated. You are hauling some very precious cargo and want everyone to arrive safely.”
“You need to haul deer for all sorts of reasons. Breeding season. Hunting season. Sales. Boarding.”
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 Upper Midwest 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.
ILDFA: Lisa_shepard83@yahoo.com IWDA: adamhelgeland@gmail.com
MDFA: fierscott@gmail.com NDDRA: ryckman219@gmail.com SDDEBA: jamesfam13@outlook.com
If you have any questions please contact: Kathy Giesen: 435-817-0150
LIGHTER WEIGHT. MORE EFFECTIVE. MINIMAL TRAUMA.
IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED PNEU-DART’S RDD S , YOU’RE MISSING MORE THAN YOUR TARGET
Your Business Card HERE!
Science that delivers the health & productivity you require
G FORC E™
SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED NATURAL SUPPLEMENT TO HELP GROW LARGE, HEALTHY DEER AND BIG ANTLERS!
Nutrient rich formula contains highly bioavailable ingredients, including our proprietary calcium/phosphorous complex with Antler D TM, that are required to support body and bone growth, especially for fast growing bucks
Contains probiotics and targeted enzymes to support gut health and proper digestion
Available in pellet or powder that can be top dressed or mixed in feed. Great for antler growing season and young bucks, too
PeaceMaker
PRECISELY FORMULATED TO HELP MAINTAIN A NORMAL AND RELAXED DISPOSITION IN ALL CERVIDS
Provides optimal levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to promote calmness and provide help for restless animals
Contains no herbals, tryptophan or chemicals, eliminating concerns of unwanted side effects
Use PeaceMaker to “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation, weaning and anytime destructive behavior may occur
ENTERIC HEALTH FORMULA
POWERFUL SOLUTION FOR HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY
Helps maintain digestive health and productivity
Contains micro-encapsulated probiotics, targeted enzymes and a novel fiber complex
Use in does before fawning, during lactation and all cervids during times of environmental stress
FAWN ARRIVAL™ POWDER & PASTE
HELPS
PRODUCE HEALTHY, FAST GROWING FAWNS
Helps maintain normal digestive health
Supports a healthy immune system
Feed powder for 14 days to bottle fed fawns
Paste is ideal for fawns left on does
FAWN & DEER XTR™
ROBUST FAST RESPONSE FOR FAWNS & OLDER DEER
Innovative formula delivers max digestive support, especially in newborns
Rapidly delivers help for GI health and a functioning immune system
May also be used post-tranquilization to support healthy recovery
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.
Thunderstorm
Sunscreen
Backpacking
Mountains Bonfire Muggy
Trophy Breeder Bucks Showcase Book 2025 Application
All advertisers that are published in our 2025 state associations magazines will have the opportunity to place a single Buck update photo in this September Showcase Book.
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 16th-20th. Just in time for semen sales getting ready for Breeding Season.
These will be mailed to Breeders and Ranch members of the 18 state associations we service.
(More information will be mailed out to all current advertisers closer to the date)
Cost: $180.00 each 1/4 page ad or 4 for $700.00 (Pre-register and we will contact you for further information)
PRIME SPOTS WILL BE AUCTIONED - LOOK FOR DATES TO BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE
• 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 • 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
Buckaneer 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)
$252/ Issue ($1008. / Yr) ~ Full Page
• Texas Deer Association
• United Deer Farmers of Michigan
• West Virginia Deer Farmers Association
• Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio
• Whitetails of Louisiana
• Whitetails of Oklahoma
Doe-Re-Mi Package:
16 ISSUES FOR 1 YR.
(4 Publications of your choice x 4 quarters)
$220 / Issue ($3520. / Yr) ~ Full Page
Exotic
Package Add On *
$137 / Issue ($548. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (40-48% Discount off single ad placement)
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
(3 Tracks Publications & 1 Auction Catalog)
$428 / Issue ($1712. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$267/ Issue ($1068. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (55-59% Discount off single ad placement)
$121 / Issue ($1936. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (48-54% Discount off single ad placement) Single Issue In Any Of Our Eleven State Publications:
Single Issue In TDA Publications: Two Page: $1500. One Page: $950 1/2 Page: $650
ADVERTISERS INDEX -
2025 Membership Application
(Illinois) ILDFA: Assoc. Member $25 Active Member $50 Lifetime Member $500 (Iowa) IWDA: _____ Assoc. Member $50 _____ Active Member $100 Lifetime Member $500 (Minnesota) MDFA: Assoc. Member $50 _____ Active Member $75 (North Dakota) NDDRA: Assoc. Member $50 Active Member $75 (South Dakota) SDEBA: Assoc. Member $25 _____ Animal Owners $50
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a resident of any of these states and required to be an active member, please select the correct level above. If you are not sure of your membership status with a state and you sign up, your payment will cover you for the next year. *** These states allow anyone that lives in their state and not raising deer but have interest to supporting the industry to be at the Associate Membership Level. This level is a non-voting level.
Name: Spouse or Partner:
Farm Name/Company:
Membership Address: City: State: Zip:____________County
Main preferred listing phone: Alternate listing phone: Fax: Email:
WebSite:
Check which apply ___:Own Hunting Preserve ___Own Breeding Operation ___Industry Supplier Species Raised: ___ Whitetail Deer ___Elk ___Mule Deer Other Species Raised:
Products I Offer: __ Meat __Velvet Antler __ Industry Supplies __ Feed __ Nutritional Supplements ___Vaccine ___Graphic Design & or Web Design Other Products or Services:
I hereby make application for membership to these associations, agreeing to conform to the Code of Ethics and Bylaws governing the associations.
Signature:
Date:
I give permission to have my contact information published in the annual directory and on the website Yes No
Please mail applications to:
ILDFA: Chet Hostettler, 510 S. Pine St, Arthur, IL 61911
IWDA: Tom Stumpf, 2045 270th St, Rockwell City, IA 50579 MDFA: Mark Volk, 9095 160th Ave, Royalton, MN 56373 NDDRA: Lani Schafer, 1223 18th Ave NW, Turtle Lake, ND 58575
SDEBA: Brandon Walker, 19145 Robbs Flat Road, Midland, SD 57552
