UPPER MIDWEST Winter 2023-24 l Volume 10 l Issue 4
PASSAGE OF OKLAHOMA HOUSE BILL 1844 WELL RECEIVED BY OKLAHOMA DEER FARMERS Sponsored by Woo
SELLING DEER NORTH TO SOUTH – INSIGHT FROM SOUTH DAKOTA Sponsored by SDDEBA
THE NORTH AMERICAN DEER REGISTRY (NADR)
MORE SERVICES AND INNOVATION FOR BREEDING AND MANAGING DEER Sponsored by iwda
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STATE PRESIDENTS:
FEATURED ARTICLES: Passage of Oklahoma House Bill 1844 Well Received by Oklahoma Deer Farmers..................................................................................................................33 Selling Deer North to South – Insight from South Dakota...............................28 The North American Deer Registry (NADR) Offering More Services and Innovation for Breeding and Managing Deer....................................................22
Grant Carrolan
ASSOCIATION INFORMATION: ILDFA Farm Spotlight - Baker Whitetails............................................................24 ILDFA Spring Fundraiser Information...................................................................6 IWDA Winter Meeting Information.....................................................................16 MDFA Fundraiser Auction Information..............................................................13 SDDEBA Annual Meeting......................................................................................18
Hidden Hollow Whitetails 12820 Prosperity Road Marion, IL 62959 618-559-5952 gra5566@yahoo.com
IN THIS ISSUE D&K Design Advertising Information............................ 52 ILDFA Association................................................................4 IWDA Association............................................................. 14 MDFA Association............................................................ 11 Member Business Cards................................................. 41 NDDRA Association.......................................................... 20 Puzzle Pages......................................................... 44, 46, 50 Quarterly Calandar.............................................................3 Recipe - Venison Tacos.................................................... 36 SDDEBA Association........................................................ 18
Adam Helgeland
Trophy Whitetail Deer 23209 470th St. Lake Mills, IA 50450 641-590-3410 adamhelgeland@gmail.com
Scott Fier
Buffalo Ridge Whitetails 3788 260th Ave Potter, MN 56280 507-829-3151 fierscott@gmail.com
Mike Ryckman
Ryckman Whitetails PO Box 565 Linton, ND 58552 701-527-2101 ryckman219@gmail.com
Mark Hollenbeck
Sunrise Ranch 277772 Elbow Canyon Road Edgemont, SD 57735 605-685-3376 markholl@gwtc.net
ADVERTISERS INDEX ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc..........................5 Alfahay....................................In. Front Cover Blessed Bayou.............................................19 Blosser Whitetails.......................................12 Blue Creek Whitetails.................................40 C&E BioSolutions..........................................8 C&E Wildlife Products.................................50 Cervid Central Market Place......................48 Cervid Solutions, LLC..................................42 Clay Kuntry Whitetails................................43 Clear Creek Whitetails................................31 CuddliEZ................................... 4, Back Cover Dan-Inject North America..........................17 Driftless Ranch.......................Center Spread Droptine Studios.........................................21 EZid, LLC.......................................................20 Fox Valley Animal Nutrition, Inc................38 Head Gear, LLC............................................30 Hilty Whitetails............................................32
Illini Whitetails.............................................39 Jo Jo’s Whitetails..........................................25 Major League Whitetails....... In. Back Cover MaxRax Performance Wildlife Nutrition....8 NADEFA Annual Conference......................23 NexGen Animal Health.................................7 North American Deer Registry..................23 Pine Creek Deer Farm................................49 Pneu-Dart.....................................................45 Prime Acres Whitetails...............................29 Purina...........................................................35 Rocking JE Whitetails...................................10 Rocky Ridge Whitetails...............................15 Rodenkirch Whitetails...........Center Spread Spotted Acres................................................9 Tajada Whitetail Ranch...............................51 Trophy Whitetails....................... Cover, 2, 47 Walnut Ridge Whitetails.............................34 Woodard Whitetails....................................37
SPRING MAGAZINE DEADLINE, APRIL 24TH, 2024 Watch for These Symbols
- these are interactive links in the eBook that is sent out to all members MAGAZINE GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PUBLISHING: D & K Design 305 E. 350 N., Ivins, UT 84738 deerassociations@gmail.com P) 435-817-0150 (Editorial Provided by Contributing Writers)
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Quarterly Calendar Update Ad Deadlines & Events
Quarterly Calendar Update ~ Ad Deadlines & Events
FEBRUARY AUGUST
Provided by D&K Design, Publisher for State Association Magazines l VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS: DEERSITES.COM
Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers’ Association Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline
Spring Quarter Begins
Pennsylvania Fall Deadline
North Dakota Deer Ranchers Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association
Summer Showcase Fudraiser Auction Event
IDEFA Journal 2023 Ohio Fall Upper Midwest Deer Convention Summer Deadline Deadline Spring
*SHOWCASE BOOK IN THE MAIL! to Deer Farmers in over 20 States!
OK Annual Convention
Annual Meeting
Southeast Tines Southeast Tines Fall Deadline Spring Deadline LAST DAY TO SUBMINT *UPDATED BUCK PHOTOS
Annaual Meeting Benefit Auction
Texas Deer Association Annual Convention
KS Annual Convention
Pennsylvania Bluegrass Trophy Buck Auction, The IDEFA Journal Spring Deadline Cave City, KY Fall Deadline
Visit our website for more details realated to events: deersites.com
New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association
IA Annual Meeting Summer Picnic TBD
Whtietails of Louisiana alabama Deer association Expo & Auction Auction & Tradeshow
* See Showcase Flyer in this magazine for more information
MARCH SEPTEMBER
* See Showcase Flier in this magazine for more information
MDFA Annual Banquet
Louisiana Spring Deadline Labor Day
Mulit-Magazine Fall Deadline
UDFOM Annual Convention
Indiana Deer & Elk SETDA Spring fling Farmers’ Association Tri-State Associations Whitetails of Wisconsin Banquet & Fundraiser Fall Deadline Annaual Meeting Pennsylvania Benefit Auction Fall Deadline Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association
Alabama Spring Deadline
NADEFA Annual conference and Fundraiser
Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction
& North Dakota Deer Ranchers Annual Pennsylvania Deer and OutdoorAnnual Expo Meeting Louisiana Kentucky Alternative Fall Deadline Livestock Association Southeast Tines Summer Showcase Fundraiser Auction Event Fall Deadline
Kentucky & New York Deadlines Kentucky & New York Fall Deadline Upper Midwest Summer Deadline
2023 SOUTHERN TOP 30 Whitetail & Specialty Extravaganza Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX
Quest for Michigan’s Best Spring Deadline
APRIL OCTOBER
The IDEFA Journal Fall Deadline
Quest for Michigan’s Best Spring Deadline
New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association
SDDEBA Annual Meeting
Summer Picnic
ILDFA Annual
Meeting & Luncheon
Whtietails of Louisiana Expo & Auction
SDDEBA Annual Meeting ILDFA Annual
Meeting & Luncheon
Columbus Day
UpperMidwest Spring Deadline
Quest for Michigan’s Best Fall Deadline
Tri-State Associations Fall Deadline
Labor Day
Summer Quarter Southeast Tines Pennsylvania Deer Begins Farmers Association Summer Deadline
Louisiana Fall Deadline
Halloween
Fall Classic Stocker and Breeder Auction & Annual Pennsylvania Deer and Outdoor Expo
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ILLINOIS DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION - BOD'S
DIRECTORS:
EXECUTIVE BOARD:
WWW.ILDFA.COM
Grant Carrolan
Chase Baker
Chet Hostettler
Lisa Shepherd
Rick Davidson
Rusty Karr
Larry Hackethal
Alison Reynolds
Billie Rix
Kyle Neal
President Hidden Hollow Whitetails (618) 559-5952 gra5566@yahoo.com
2023-2026 Illinois Dominant Bucks (217) 260-2825 rdavidson@vivecrop.com 2023-2026 Red Wire Ranch 630-816-8977 billierix@yahoo.com
Vice President Baker Whitetails 618-841-9776 bakerwhitetails@outlook.com
2022-2025 Dominant Genetics (309) 275-9567 rusty_k2000@yahoo.com 2023-2026 Neal's Whitetail Ranch (618) 967-0076 nealfarms38@hotmail.com
Treasurer Illini Whitetails (217) 246-8566 illwchet@gmail.com
2021-2024 PO Box 655 Cobden, IL 62920 (618) 893-2252 pro1ab@frontier.com
Riley "Dink" Vaughan 2023-2026 Vaughan Deer Farm 618-383-0227 vaughnriley780@gmail.com
Secretary Hidden Hollow Whitetails (618) 713-3799 lisa_shepard83@yahoo.com
2021-2024 Rusty Gun Deer Farm 1706 W. Main St. Robinson, IL 62454 (217) 871-9657
Alisonmichelleoutdoors@gmail.com
Travis Phelps
2023-2026 Moultrie County Monsters 217-246-1319 mocomonsters@gmail.com
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MINNESOTA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION - BOD'S
EXECUTIVE BOARD:
WWW.MNDEERFARMERS.COM (OR MDFA.WILDAPRICOT.ORG)
Scott Fier
Treasurer Volk Whitetails 9095 160th Ave Royalton, MN 56373 320-232-3352 volkwhitetails@outlook.com
Steve Uchytil
Steve Porter
Vice President Crow River Whitetails 14681 175th St NE Atwater, MN 56209 320-894-1914 crowriverwhitetails@gmail.com
Gary Olson
DIRECTORS:
Mark Volk
President Buffalo Ridge Whitetails 3788 260th Ave Porter, MN 56280 507-829-3151 fierscott@gmail.com
Olson Whitetails 34526 State Hwy 30 Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-269-9791 garypolson2005@yahoo.com
Deb Holthaus
320-360-4667 Deb@Benefits-MN.com
Secretary Porter Whitetails 1828 350th Ave Lake Bronson, MN 56734 218-526-0180 porterwhitetail@gmail.com
Steve Dougherty
Zumbro River Whitetails 57479 375th Ave Zumbro Falls, MN 55991 507-269-7346 steve@zumbroriverwhitetails.com
Scott Salonek
612-850-8684 Scott@healthyelkmeat.com
Ken Williams
320-291-3385 kwilliams7777@outlook.com
Look Forward To Seeing Everyone At Our Annual Fundraiser! 11
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Minnesota Deer Farmers Association Holiday Inn Conference Center 1701 4th St NW, Austin, MN 55912 Phone: (507) 433-1000 Contact: Scott Fier 507-829-3151 • fierscott@gmail.com
March 2nd (Conference center room opens March 1st @ 6pm)
Fundraiser Auction! The Minnesota Deer Farming Industry is in Jeopardy - We Need Your Support! Join us Saturday March 2nd for our Fundraiser Auction! The Minnesota Deer Farmers Association is raising money to fight the unconstitutional laws passed against the deer farming industry in the last legislative session. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to support the MN Deer Farmers legal battle. Go to our website for more Fundraiser Items: (These can be purchsed anytime!) Silver Tablets: 1 ounce .9999 pure silver Ten Commandments tablets Semen from H.H. Liberty (HH Genotype) • Semen from #205 (SS Genotype) mdfa.wildapricot.org • Mark Volk • 320-232-3352 • VolkWhitetails@outlook.com
Speaker Updates from
Board of Animal Health and DNR
AUCTION TO BE HELD ONLINE AT: DVAUCTION.COM @ 5pm March 2nd
FREE REGISTRATION! Register for event at: MDFA.WILDAPRICOT.ORG 13
IOWA WHITETAIL DEER ASSOCIATION - BOD'S
DIRECTORS:
EXECUTIVE BOARD:
WWW.IAWHITETAILDEERASSOCIATION.COM
Adam Helgeland
Fred Huebner
Tom Stumpf
Roger Strunk
President Trophy Whitetail Deer 15425 450th St Leland, IA 50453 641-590-3410 adamhelgeland@gmail.com
Treasurer God’s Country Whitetails 2045 270th St.. Rockwell City, IA 50579 712-830-2358 godscountrywhitetails@hotmail.com
Vice President Circle H Ranch 2575 Iowa Keokuk Rd. North English, IA 52316 319-530-7824
Secretary Strunk's Whitetail Haven 508 Franklin 3rd St West Point, IA 52656 319-470-2413 rlstrunk@yahoo.com
Mike Hine
Timberghost Ranch PO Box 545 Mediapolis, IA 52639 319-394-9876 mike@timberghost.com
Matt Nebel
River Bottom Game Farm 2717 275th Ave Dewitt, IA 52742 563-580-4149
Mick Tonderum
GMT Farms Inc. 2008 5th St. Emmetsburg, IA 50536 712-260-7310 gmtfarms74@hotmail. com
Chad Machart Prairie Antler Ranch Anamosa, IA 52205
Jake Lahr
2608 325th St Hopkinton, IA 52273 319-975-0005
Look Forward To Seeing Everyone At Our Event! 14
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2024 IWDA
Winter Meeting Saturday February 17th Knoll Ridge Country Club 746 W Washington St, North English, IA 52316 FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL Circle H Whitetails • 5:30 PM 10 AM Start Time 11 AM Membership Meeting Noon
BBQ Pork Lunch Sponsored by Veterinary Medical Center Williamsburg
1 PM
Speaker on Advanced Reproduction
2 PM
Social Time
5 PM
Dinner and Live Auction
Nearby Hotel Accommodation: Cozy House Inn & Suites Williamsburg 319-668-9777 Iowa Whitetail Deer Association Room Block Online Pre-Bidding at: McClungSales.w2auctions.com Feb. 12th-17th
For more information contact: Adam Helgeland • 641-590-3410 • adamhelgeland@gmail.com Or go to: www.iowawhitetaildeerassociation.com 16
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SOUTH DAKOTA DEER & ELK BREEDERS ASSOCIATION- BOD'S
DIRECTORS:
EXECUTIVE BOARD:
WWW.SDEBA.COM
Mark Hollenbeck Chairman
Sunrise Ranch 277772 Elbow Canyon Road Edgemont, SD 57735 605-685-3376 markholl@gwtc.net
Cory Jueneman
Timber Lake Elk Ranch PO Box 141 Mobridge, SD 57601 605-850-4118 cjueneman@outlook.com
Greg Leenderts
Vice-Chairman Whitetail Farms 48474 257th Avenue Garretson, SD 57030 507-227-6328 gleenderts@alliancecom.net
Brandon Walker
Cedar Breaks Mule Deer Ranch 19145 Robbs Flat Road Midland, SD 57552 605-567-3563 brandon@cedarbreaksranch.com
Chris Kassube
Brian James
Secretary/Treasurer James Whitetails 30267 464th Ave Centerville, SD 57014 605-660-6280 Jamesfam13@outlook.com
CNK Riverside Whitetails 39775 134th Street Bath, SD 57427 605-395-7111 Chriskassube1@gmail.com
Cody Warne
Stone Meadow Ranch 2699 Remington Road Custer, SD 57730 605-222-7407 codybuckwarne@msn.com
SOUTH DAKOTA
DEER & ELK BREEDERS ASSOCIATION Annual Meeting Saturday April 6th 10:30 AM South Animal Industry Board Office Conference Room 411 S Fort St, Pierre, SD 57501 18
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NORTH DAKOTA DEER RANCHERS ASSOCIATION FACEBOOK: NORTH DAKOTA DEER RANCHERS
Directors Mike Ryckman
Chris Ryckman
Lani Schafer
Butch Dick
President Ryckman Whitetails PO Box 565 Linton, ND 58552
Secretary/Treasurer 1223 18th Ave NW Turtle Lake, ND 58575
Ryckman Whitetails 6160 Hiway 1804 Bismarck, ND 58504
Bob Miller
Evolution Whitetails 10801 52nd St NE Bismarck, ND 58503
Board Member 6379 123rd Ave SE Lisbon, ND 58054
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THE NORTH AMERICAN DEER REGISTRY (NADR) OFFERING MORE SERVICES AND INNOVATION FOR BREEDING AND MANAGING DEER By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by IWDA Deer farmers, through the unwavering innovations of NADR, can now know exactly which GEBV markers and codons their deer possess, along with standard DNA parentage markers. “Our recently upgraded technology is allowing us to include GEBV markers and codon information with our standard parentage testing,” said NADR Executive Director Gary Cook. “This information allows breeders to maximize the reduction risk regarding CWD. The science allows them to genetically reconstruct their herds, making them less likely for CWD to occur, by virtually layering genetics from animals that are less susceptible to CWD. This will greatly influence breeding decisions as well as the future of the deer industry.” Established in 2007 as an independent agency to help validate the deer industry, NADR has also recently purchased Game Management Solutions (GMS) software from NADeFA. “Our goal is to reinvent it so it can be opened from a phone and utilized in web-based applications,” Cook said. “We’ve been spending considerable time and effort revamping it to make it a much more powerful tool.” GMS, a tracking system designed to help manage every aspect of deer farming, will be available on a subscription basis in late winter or early spring, depending on when NADR is ready to introduce it. Currently, NADR maintains a DNA registry for whitetail, fallow and mule deer and as such, has tested almost 400,000 tissue samples. In addition, NADR is working on adding SNP markers for axis deer that will be available in 2024. Deer farmers looking to sell, breed or participate in consignment sales are strongly encouraged to register their deer with NADR, through the submission of tissue samples. Sample submission options include an excel spreadsheet,
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GMS software or manually. Samples could include pulled (not shaved) hair between 30-50 millimeters long from the underside of the tail, an antler core from the base of a shed antler, semen straws or used semen straws with the cotton plug still intact. However, AllFlex tissue tubes can be handled much quicker through an automated process versus hair or blood, explained Lindsey Kogut, NADR Senior Lead Scientist. “We need to constantly remind people that we’ve grown, and samples can take weeks to process,” she said. “The earlier you get them to us the better. We will keep you informed and let you know when it’s in process.” One of the advantages of the revamped GMS software will be the ability to notify breeders when samples are in process and when results are available.
the latest CWD research and how GEBV’s and codons influence resistance. “Genetic improvement for reduced CWD susceptibility is not a single step process. It is a work in progress and is a standard practice in commercial/production livestock species as well,” Kogut said. “This information takes the guess work out of it and can provide an immense level of comfort to deer farmers. I cannot imagine where the deer breeding industry would be without the efforts of NADR.”
As a more recent staff edition, Kogut, is responsible for ensuring parentage and GEBV results are reviewed and released to the breeders in an accurate and timely manner. Drawing from the extensive research conducted by Dr. Christopher Seabury, Kogut spends a considerable amount of time talking with deer farmers in an effort to explain
You may reach NADR staff by calling 405-513-7228, faxing them at 405-513-7238, sending an email to nadr@deerregistry.com or visiting their website at www:deerregistry.com. NADR is located at 1601 Medical Center Drive, Suite 1, Edmond, OK, 73034.
“We continue to work hard to provide the very best tools and the most valuable information in a genetic registry,” Cook said. “NADR is ever continuing to seek ways to use technology to provide knowledge and state of the art services to our customers.”
Watch online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9mcoEMtacA&t=768s
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ILDFA Farm Spotlight Baker Whitetails Relishing Every Aspect of the Deer Industry By: Gail Veley Inviting warm sun and a clear blue sky prove too much to resist for Chase Baker, owner of Baker Whitetails in Junction, Illinois. He finds his favorite chair, a rocking chair, and after nestling in begins to rock slowly back and forth. A smile spreads across his face. This is by far his favorite place to be. However, the typical front porch surroundings associated with rocking chairs aren’t part of this scenario, but rather, it’s actually inside one of his doe pens. “I just love sitting in my rocking chair and spending time with my deer,” Baker, 30, said. “They brighten my day. Until I see them each day, I worry about sickness or if anyone is hurt.” While wearing a coal miner’s hat, boots and uniform is what Baker is most accustomed to (and the main way he makes a living), he eagerly awaits the day that deer farming can be his full-time job. What started as an “itch” while living in Kentucky in 2021, after a friend made a post about raising deer on Facebook, is now a dream come true for Baker. Today, his small ranch house surrounded by Illinois cornfields, two barn cats and 16 mainly typical deer may soon expand into more, should Baker find the right plot of land. His dedication to raising quality deer (along with the help of his nephew and friends) can be found in their pedigrees produced through A.I. efforts. Their family trees include the likes of Energizer, Maxbo Ranger, Pretty Paper, Navigator, Ringo and Express Shadow. While he is breeding stockers for “the look,” his breeding plans have also included interjecting SS straws into the process. Just this past year, he sold his first stocker buck, one breeder buck and several does. Like most up and coming deer farmers, he in reinvesting his revenue back into the farm.
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He is immensely grateful to live in the state of Illinois, known for its very supportive powers that be. Illinois is home to several deer farms, eight of which are within one hour of Baker’s farm. As he looks to the future, Baker, Vice President of The Illinois Deer Farmer’s Association, is grateful for the events and camaraderie found within the association and encourages everyone to be as active as they can. “If you are thinking about raising deer or already are a deer farmer, I would like to invite everyone to our spring event April 5th and 6th in Effingham, Illinois,” he said. “This event is one you won’t want to miss. It’s a great follow-up to the national NADeFA convention in Springfield, Illinois in March.” Without the networking and support of fellow deer farmers, many of whom regularly attend association events as well as NADeFA, Baker would not have found the process of starting his deer farm to be as smooth as it was. “I talked to so many people and had so much help, I wouldn’t know where to begin in thanking everyone,” he said. “I don’t know of any other industry that is like this.” “I encourage everyone interested in starting a deer farm to reach out and visit as many farms as possible and learn from everyone,” Baker said. “We’ve all made mistakes and can lend advice.” Visit Baker Whitetails on Facebook and stay tuned for their future website!
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SELLING DEER NORTH TO SOUTH INSIGHT FROM SOUTH DAKOTA By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders Association
S
elling and moving stocker deer from northern to southern states generally revolves around one important factor – the first hard frost. In an effort to avoid epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreaks, it is safer and more advisable to wait until the possibility of EHD has passed for the year, shares Greg Leenderts, Vice-Chairman of the South Dakota Deer and Elk Breeder’s Association (SDEBA). After the first hard frost, most culicoides midge flies, the “no-see-um” biting flies responsible for transmitting the disease, have died off. In states such as Kansas, this happens much earlier in the year as opposed to states such as Texas where the climate can remain warmer well into the fall. Although deer might develop a certain degree of immunity to EHD for the particular region where they live (and may even receive a vaccine), several strains of EHD are found throughout the U.S., as there are more than 1,000 culicoides species. Known to affect whitetail deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep, EHD is a blood borne disease and the most prominent infectious disease among whitetails. However, while outbreaks
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can prove quite deadly, the disease is not contagious. “Deer in northern states deal with different EHD strains than deer in southern states,” said Leenderts, who owns Whitetail Farms in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “There is a fine and tricky line as to when you should transport.” And while he can never guarantee that a northern deer will not succumb to EHD in the south (despite administering vaccines, feeding vitamins such as “K” to boost their immune system and using fly spray), he can guarantee that northern deer will be naturally hearty with sizable racks and substantive bodies. “Hunters really like them because they look mature even when they are younger,” Leenderts explained. “The yearlings mix right in with the older ones.” Having spent the better part of ten years raising a CWD certified herd and selling and transporting typical whitetail deer and mule deer to certain southern states, Leenderts, 43, appreciates the business relationships he has established and keeps in contact with each preserve throughout the year. “I don’t sell mine until they are done growing and don’t price the deer until
early fall,” he said. “There can be a huge price difference in having ten more typical inches on a rack versus not.” Other considerations when selling and transporting northern raised deer to southern states, is the unavoidable temperature fluctuation between colder and warmer climates. “Your trailer ventilation is key along with air conditioning,” Leenderts said. “If your deer get warm, they are going to get worked up. It’s also always better to haul at night when temperatures are cooler.” In addition to his loyal customers who keep him busy, Leenderts is also grateful for the support shown to deer farmers in his state by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “We have a supportive government here and it’s great,” he said. “Having moved here from Minnesota three years ago, I can tell you that South Dakota is a very welcoming place to raise deer.”
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Noah & Sarah Hilty South Whitley, IN
260-248-1684
HILTY WHITETAILS
PASSAGE OF OKLAHOMA HOUSE BILL 1844 WELL RECEIVED BY OKLAHOMA DEER FARMERS By: Gail Veley
Sponsored by Whitetails of Oklahoma
Oklahoma deer farmers are now enjoying an open state border for receiving deer from any state where they are raised, thanks to House Bill 1844 which became effective November 1st, 2023. “We are very pleased they opened up our border. It makes things much easier for everyone,” said Tim Condict, Legislative Representative for Whitetails of Oklahoma (WOO) and owner of Flying Eagles Ranch in Hogden, Oklahoma. Since 2010, Oklahoma borders had been closed to importing deer from states that didn’t allow their deer to be imported into it. As other states closed their borders to imports the number of stocker bucks available to Oklahoma Hunting ranches markedly shrank, leading to a shortage of available bucks for hunting. Since that time, the WOO board voted unanimously to seek to change the law and worked diligently with State Lobbyist Karel Brewster to make it happen. When the vote on House Bill 1844 was ultimately held, it passed the Senate and House with flying colors. “WOO members are very pleased with the outcome of House
Bill 1844,” said WOO President Chris Ezell, owner of Dangerous Whitetails of Oklahoma in Adair, Oklahoma. “It’s very good for the longevity of our industry. This may help ease the passage of other legislation in the future and in 2024.” While deer can now be transported into Oklahoma from other states with closed borders, Oklahoma deer farmers can also continue selling their deer to Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota. “We are hoping to be able to sell to more states and are working toward that goal, and if not, we want to make Oklahoma THE STATE to raise whitetails, mule deer or elk,” Condict said. “We are grateful to The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture for their support and cooperation in us raising deer in Oklahoma. Likewise, The Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur, State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall, Assistant State Veterinarian Alicia GorczycaSoutherland and the entire staff at the Department of Agriculture have always been great to work with,” agreed both Condict and Ezell.
Since 1995, the first year Condict began raising deer, he feels the efforts made legislatively to make it easier to raise deer have been worth it. “Today, the prices we get for deer are better,” he explained. “Deer reach maturity at a younger age and our ability to make a profit is stronger. Genetics are better. Instead of selling a 5-year-old stocker buck we now have 2-year-old stockers, so you don’t have to keep them as long. You spend less time and money raising them, and it requires less overall space. This has made it better for farmers, preserve owners and hunters and allows us to more easily keep up with the demand.” Members of numerous state deer associations have experienced the benefits of working together for positive changes, as seen in states like Missouri. “That’s why it’s important to make your voice heard,” Ezell said. “Standing together, we can work toward a better and brighter future. Stay involved in your association. And support events like state conventions, annual picnics and the NADeFA convention.”
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UMW 2022
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VENISON TACOS With my quick, flavorful ground venison tacos, the meat is sauteed with a mixture of herbs and spices until perfectly cooked! Simply serve the ground venison taco meat on your favorite tortillas with the condiments you love, and dinner is served!
Ingredients
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1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
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½ Cup Diced Onion
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1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic
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1 Pound Ground Venison
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1 Large Diced Roma Tomato
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¼ Cup Chopped Cilantro
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3 Tablespoons Lime Juice
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¼ Cup Water or Broth (to help cook down the venison)
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4-8 Tortillas
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Seasonings – 1 ½ tablespoon chili powder, ½ tablespoon cumin, ½ tablespoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt & pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions 1. Sauté onion. In a large skillet or non-stick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer and gets close to smoking, add ½ cup of diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent, tender, and fragrant. 2. Sauté venison. To the onion, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute before adding 1 pound of ground venison. Then, loosely break up the venison and stir into the onion and garlic. Allow the venison to sear for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and break up the venison as it browns. 3. Add seasoning. Once the ground venison is browned, add the seasoning, including 1 ½ tablespoon of chili powder, ½ tablespoon of cumin, ½ tablespoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon each of salt & pepper, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of onion powder. Next, add ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 1 large diced Roma tomato, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, and ¼ cup of water. Stir the mixture until combined. 4. Simmer taco meat. Next, bring the ground venison taco meat to a boil, reduce heat to low, and then simmer for 5 minutes or until the taco meat reaches your desired consistency. When the taco meat is done, remove the pan from the heat and serve in about 4 to 8 of your favorite taco shells/tortillas. Top with desired condiments and serve!
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DAY ONE FORMULA Species - Specific for Whitetail , Mule Deer & Elk “Better Than Mother’s Milk”
Now - April
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DON'T LOSE A FAWN THIS YEAR TO POOR NUTRITION • All-Milk Protein from Premium Food-Grade Milk Ingredients • Essential Vitamins and Complex Minerals • Balanced Fatty Acids • Improves Digestion
FEEDING DIRECTIONS: WHITE-TAILED DEER: • Fawns up to 1 week of age: Feed 16 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 – 6 feeding. • 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. For oral use only. These feeding directions are guidelines. As each animal is an individual, the feeding rate may be increased or decreased according to the needs of the neonate.
• Promotes Growth and Performance • No Refrigeration Needed • Easily Palatable • 18 Month Shelf Life • Available in 20# & 8# pails • 24/7 Technical Advice & Support
Feeding directions for other species can be found on our website.
Nick Vlamis, President Email: nklc@aol.com www.foxvalleynutrition.com
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(847) 687-3200 (800) 679-4666
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FREE business card ads for members of Upper Midwest Associations 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
SOLUTIONS CERVID EVOLVE YOUR HERD
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WEANING TIME IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO VACCINATE YOUR FAWNS To ensure maximum health of your animals, Evolve your Herd, Today! The Cervid Solutions LifeCycles program incorporates industry leading vaccines. See why the top Cervid Livestock Operations choose PV3 and EV1 for protecting their herd.
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JOIN OUR GROWING LIST OF MEMBERS — SIGN-UP TODAY! 42
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Word Search Blossom Breeze Budding Cervid Dandelions Dazzling Dragonfly Equinox Fawn Garden
Crossword Puzzle
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Answers to puzzles will be available in the next issue, or can be found on our website: www.deersites.com
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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 will be available in the next issue, or can be found on our website: www.deersites.com Coloring pages can be mailed to “Samantha Uchytil, 19291 59th St NE, New London, MN 56273” for a chance to be featured in the next issue!
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Last Issues Puzzles ~ Answer Keys ~
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Multi State Magazine Advertising Pricing Guide ~2024 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
• 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 • United Deer Farmers of Michigan
NOW Publishing for 17 States • Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio • Whitetails of Louisiana • Whitetails of Oklahoma
Buckaneer Package:*
44 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (11 Publications x 4 quarters) - 17 State Associations
$180 / Issue ($7920. / Yr) ~ Full Page $102 / Issue ($4488. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (55-59% Discount off single ad placement)
Doe-Re-Mi Package:*
16 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (4 Publications of your choice x 4 quarters) $204 / Issue ($3264. / Yr) ~ Full Page $112 / Issue ($1792. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (48-54% Discount off single ad placement)
Yearling Package:*
4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (1 Publication x 4 quarters) $238 / Issue ($952. / Yr) ~ Full Page $130 / Issue ($520. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (40-48% Discount off single ad placement) Single Issue In Any Of Our Ten Publications:
Full Page: $400.00
1/2 Page: $250.00
To Order Advertising, Contact Our Customer Care Representative, Samantha Uchytil at: deerassociations@gmail.com 320-905-2622 Fax: 435-359-5333 Find us on Face book: DeerSites
* Quarterly recurring payment pricing available upon request
www.deersites.com
435-817-0150
Custom Embroidery
Mary Volk
“The Mask Lady”
320.232.7493
cuddliez@outlook.com
Veteran Owned Business
Deer Masks • Caps • Koozies • Apparel