NADeFA Magazine Summer 2025

ASSOCIATION NEWS

photo by Danita Delimont.

Advancements In Deer Farming: A Summer Update

Hello everyone, I hope this message reaches you doing well. This summer has been a challenging one for a lot of deer farmers across the country with EHD. Our industry, together with Medgene, is working hard to fight this disease. I feel like we are finally getting somewhere with the help of several farmers using their farms as research facilities and getting all the data that we can to make the best product and this year adding BTV to the 2-6 vaccine. Please feel free to reach out to me or Ashley with Medgene if you would like help.

Also Dr. Chris Seaberry’s research with CWD genetic resistance is changing our industry like never before. We are finally able to have true science to help us manage and

protect the animals we love. If you see Mr. Seaberry make sure you and tell him thank you for using his own time and effort and expenses to help our industry.

One last thing, I’m excited about is the Dream Genomics CWD blood test. This is going to be another great tool for our industry. It’s good to see USDA supporting it and the extra funding should push us over the finish line. As always feel free to reach out to me anytime if you need anything. u

Regards,

Chris Ezell

NADeFA President

NADeFA CALENDAR

OCTOBER 2025

USAHA 129th Annual Meeting

Gaylord Rockies Hotel - Denver, CO Oct 30-Nov 5

JANUARY 2026

2026 Northern Top 30 Whitetail E xtravaganza Michiana Event Center - Shipshewana, IN Jan 14 - 16

Minnesota Elk Breeders Association Annual Conference Holiday Inn Alexandria - Alexandria, MN Jan 17

FEBRUARY 2026

Dallas Safari Club Convention & Sporting E x po Georgia World of Congress Center Atlanta, G A Feb 6-8

NRA Great American Outdoor Show Pennsylvania Farm Show ComplexHarrisburg, PA Feb 7-15

Exotic Wildlife Association 59th Annual Membership Meeting Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort San Antonio, TX Feb 12-15

Illinois Deer Farmers Association 2026 Fundraiser Carriage House Event Center Altamont, IL Feb 20-21

North Dakota Elk Growers Annual Meeting AmericInn - Valley City, ND Feb 21

Iowa Whitetail Deer Association Winter Banquet Timberghost Ranch Lodge – Sperry, IA Feb 21

KEDA Convention Acorns Resort - Milford, KS Feb 28

NADeFA MISSION

To foster a greater association among people who raise deer for commercial purposes, NADeFA® is dedicated to the promotion of deer farming and ranching as an agricultural pursuit and serves its members through its educational programs and publications and by providing leadership in setting and maintaining quality standards.

For more information on NADeFA and / or to become a member please call (330) 454-3944 or visit www.nadefa.org

Deer Farmer is published quarterly by the North American Deer Farmers Association. Graphics and pre-press production for North American Deer Farmer is provided by Verso Media Group (210) 639-2218.

Columnists & Contributors

Chris Ashworth, DVM

Randy Barks

Becky Compton

Bobby Deeds

Hank Dimuzio

Chris Ezell

Ray Favero, DVM

Shawn Schafer

Capitol Hill Consulting

Ashley Petersen, M.S.

Joshua Newton Dayden Schaffer

Michael L Schlegel, Ph.D.

Troy Zacchini

USDA

Lisa Weinsheimer

Article submission, photography, reader's letters, story ideas and other correspondence should be sent to:

NADeFA 4501 Hills & Dales Rd NW Suite C Canton, OH 44708 tel (330) 454-3944 fax (330) 454.3940

All rights reserved. Photocopying,

without permission from the publisher. Unsolicited material cannot be acknowledged or returned.

New Zinc Solution Offers Hope for EHD Protection

EHD is once again hitting the deer industry hard in many states. The good news is that we possibly have a new tool in our toolbox to protect our animals from large die-offs. It almost sounds too good to be true, but it may be as simple as increasing the level of zinc in our feed to increase our levels of protection before an outbreak. Adding zinc to the water is another way to quickly increase the levels of zinc during an outbreak and to buy you some additional time to adjust the zinc in your feed ration. Zinc has been proven to disrupt virus replication in RNA Viruses. You may remember during the covid outbreak one of the suggested therapies and protections was high levels of zinc. In more

recent times, and what brought zinc to the EHD / Bluetongue radar is the research into Avian Influenza in poultry and cattle. A lot of progress has been made to protect against Avian Influenza using high levels of zinc, and the good news for the deer industry is that EHD and Bluetongue are in the same class of virus as both Covid and Avian Influenza. Other than disrupting virus replication, there are additional benefits of zinc for the overall immune system and reproduction. There is still a lot to be learned and more EHD / Bluetongue specific research needed in the future, so I plan on trying to send out as much information as possible on social media as well as future articles in our quarterly Deer

Farmer magazine, and we are exploring setting up some zoom meetings in the future to try and get more information out.

The benefits of zinc do not mean we can forget about the rest of the tools in our toolbox. Vaccination is still one of the strongest tools we have. The EHD vaccine from Medgene Labs has proven antibody production. I cringe every time I read on Facebook that the vaccine doesn’t work because someone that had vaccinated had a deer die. First off, no vaccine is 100%, the animal’s immune system must still be in good order to fight off disease and the immune system no matter how strong it is can only take so much exposure to virus before it succumbs. Vector control is another tool in our toolbox that is super important, but more on that later. I would like to finish on vaccine before I move into vector control. The role of any vaccine is to prime the bodies immune system to build antibodies against a given disease. If you are not sure of the efficacy of a vaccine, I would encourage you to draw some blood and send it in to test the titer levels and see for yourself what the levels of protection really are. I can tell you the trials I have been personally involved in with Medgene Labs and my herd, the animals had extremely high titers levels after the booster shot, and that level remained well into the fall of the year when I tested them again at weaning. A key point to bring up here is that boosters need to be given well enough ahead of an outbreak to allow the animals to build up their antibody response. Another good point to bring up is that a vaccine and the booster are not cures to be given during an outbreak, they have no antibiotic or anti-inflammatory properties. As a matter of fact, they actually stress the immune system (which is why if builds antibodies) and weaken the animal and can make an outbreak worse, resulting in additional death loss. If a hemorrhagic outbreak hits you before you are scheduled to administer your booster, it truly is a judgment call if you should continue and give the booster or hold off and rely on the little bit of protection gained by the earlier shot. No one has a crystal ball to look into the future and tell what the best course of action is. If you choose to roll the dice and give the booster because you hope the peak of the outbreak is still several weeks away, then that is a choice you had to make, but don’t belittle the vaccine if the peak comes sooner and you end up

losing animals that were not boostered under ideal situations.

Lastly, during and outbreak (and ideally before) you must throw everything you have into vector control! No amount of vaccine, zinc, antibodies, or genetics, can save an animal that is being fed upon for 8 hours a night, 7 nights a week, for weeks on end. You should fog as the sun sets, and the evenings cool and the midges start flying to your deer (odor plume). You also should fog in the early mornings as the midges are leaving your deer and flying back to their mud beds. In addition to fogging, you could also be misting during the night to kill midges as they try and feed on your animals. Lastly during the day you should be spraying a barrier spray onto all your windbreaks, buildings, trees, vegetation, shade clothe, and anything else those little buggers will land on to take a break while flying to your animals.

I know there is a lot of discussion around adding Ivermectin or Cydectin to the animal’s water, with hopes of killing any vector as it feeds on the deer (there also are some thoughts of Ivermectin having many other healing properties. I don’t have any studies or research to support these claims; I also know of some farms that tried it and didn’t have much success. I will say that if you are adding these to your water and you think it is helping, then by all means keep doing it. But I would encourage you to also maintain a healthy (zinc supplemented) vaccinated animal that you are doing your best to provide a midge free area to live.

Please feel free to give me a call if you have questions or would like to discuss further.

Shawn Schafer 651-212-1315 schafer@nadefa.org u

Sincerely,

Shawn Schafer NADeFA Executive Director

From Passion to Leadership in Deer Farming Journey

I began my deer farming journey 25 years ago, fresh out of college. My family had hunting property in Alabama for many years and enjoyed hunting and fishing at every opportunity we had. After going on a high-fenced deer hunt in Northern Wisconsin, I became obsessed with the idea of starting my own hunting and breeding operation. I convinced my parents to partner with me, and Troy’s Hunt Club was born. Over the next few years, our operation grew, as did my family. I married my wife, Angela, and we have been happily married for 22 years. We have two sons.

In 2015, I felt a desire to become more involved with the industry and its regulations in my state, so I joined the board of directors for the Alabama Deer Association. In 2018, I was elected President of the ADA and served two terms. Since that time, I have stayed active on the ADA board and now serve as the chair of the government relations committee.

This past year, I was part of a team that passed HB509 into law. HB509 requires our state to establish criteria that allows deer farmers to move deer outside of the CWD zone.

During this same period, I had the privilege of participating in many DC fly-ins for NADeFA, in addition to serving a term on the board of directors. I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving NADeFA as your Associate Executive Director. I look forward to meeting all the members, listening to your concerns, and helping to make deer farming great again! u

Sincerely,

Troy Zacchini NADeFA Associate Executive Director

PRESIDENT CHRIS EZELL (2026)

Dangerous Whitetails 7134 W 420 Rd. Chelsea, OK 74016 918-697-5389 chrisezell@rocketmail.com

Executive Committee

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

RYAN HALFMAN (2028)

Black Label Whitetails 10525 Frost Rd. Portland, MI 48875 517-281-2936 blacklabelwhitetails@gmail.com

TREASURER

DR. HANK DIMUZIO (2028)

LedgEnd Farm 1288 Munger St. Middlebury, VT 05753 Phone/Fax: 802-388-3979 Cell: 802-343-8848 ledgendeer@comcast.com

PHONE: 330.454.3944

FAX: 330.454.3950

4501 Hills & Dales Rd NW, Suite C Canton, OH 44708 info@nadefa.org

2ND VICE PRESIDENT

DANIEL JENNINGS (2026)

Jennings Brothers Farms, LLC 143 Beach Hill Rd. New Ashford, MA 01237 413-822-1040 danjennings02@gmail.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SHAWN SCHAFER

Schafer Whitetail Ranch 1223 18th Ave. NW Turtle Lake, ND 58575 Office: 701-448-2002 Cell: 651-212-1315 schafer@nadefa.org

3RD VICE PRESIDENT

ALAN HOCHSTETLER (2026)

Double H Whitetails 9850 Winesburg Rd. Dundee, OH 44621 330-466-1514 elkaldiesel@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TROY ZACCHINI

Troy’s Hunt Club PO Box 15 Forest Home, AL 36030 Cell: 334-346-2255

troy@nadefa.org

MARK COBB (2028)

Gobblers Ridge, LLC Venison Valley, LLC Cobb Rentals, LLC 304-532-4514

MARK HOLLENBECK (2028)

Sunrise Ranch 27772 Elbow Canyon Rd. Edgemont, SD 57735 605-685-3376 markholl@gwtc.net

Board of Directors

BRAD FARMER (2028)

Farmer’s Fallow Deer 120 E Robinson St. Viola, KS 67149 620-584-6634 bradshirlfarmer@sktc.net

FRED HUEBNER (2027)

Circle H Whitetails 2575 Iowa Keokuk North English, IA 52316 319-530-7824 circleh@netins.net

BRIAN PIERSON (2027) Pierson’s Premier Whitetails 56 DrumHill Hunt Club Lane Gates, NC 27937 757-305-6099 brypierson88@gmail.com

JUAN LINO GARZA (2027)

Ranchos Garza US/MX 18005 Jara Chinas Rd. Penitas, TX 78576 210-393-5233 jlgarza@aol.com

CHAD JELINEK (2026) CJ Whitetails 55312 CR E Eastman, WI 54626 608-412-1124 jelinekca@hotmail.com

CHRIS RYCKMAN (2027)

Missouri Valley Muley’s 6150 Hwy 1804 S Bismark, ND 58504 605-848-0209 chrisryckman@yahoo.com

BRAD HEATH (2027)

Orion Whitetails W 13055 Akron Ave. Plainfield, WI 54966 715-335-6080 brad@orionwhitetails.com

RICH MEECH (2027)

Trophy Rach Reproductions 17424 390th St. Menahga, MN 56464 218-371-0455 rstrr2003@gmail.com

BRANDON WALKER (2026)

Cedar Breaks Mule Deer Ranch 19145 Robbs Flat Rd. Midland, SD 57552 608-695-07969 brandon@cedarbreaksranch.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN BRAD FARMER

Farmer’s Fallow Deer 120 E Robinson St. Viola, KS 67149

620-584-6634

bradshirlfarmer@sktc.net

1ST VICE CHAIR MARK COBB

Gobblers Ridge, LLC Venison Valley, LLC Cobb Rentals, LLC 304-532-4514

TREASURER

DR. HANK DIMUZIO

LedgEnd Farm 1288 Munger St. Middlebury, VT 05753

Phone/Fax: 802-388-3979

Cell: 802-343-8848

ledgendeer@comcast.com

NADEFA Cervid Livestock Foundation exists to serve the deer industry through educational, charitable and scientific purposes relating to deer farming and ranching and the use of deer products. The Cervid Livestock Foundation seeks to influence industry trends and assure a healthy and expanding industry.

The Cervid Livestock Foundation's mission is to facilitate public education about the agricultural and economic value of raising deer.

MISSION:

Educate the public as to the value and benefits of deer and deer products

Disseminate information relating to the care and breeding of cervid species

Conduct programs to support the education of deer farmers/ranchers regarding the deer industry and venison consumption

Support scientific research

Promote the expansion of the North American Cervid Industry

Current initiatives - The CLF and NADeFA sponsor a wide variety of educational activities: adult programs, youth programs, scholarships, scientific research, public awareness and marketing of deer products.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MRS. CAROLYN LAUGHLIN

Hilltop Whitetails 9025 Bachelor Rd. NW Magnolia, OH 44643 330-866-5421 carolyn@nadefa.org

Jennings Brothers Farms, LLC 143 Beach Hill Rd. New Ashford, MA 01237 413-822-1040 danjennings02@gmail.com

Orion Whitetails W 13055 Akron Ave. Plainfield, WI 54966 715-335-6080 brad@orionwhitetails.com

2644 10th Ave. Chetek, WI 54728 715-642-0466 indianheadwt@gmail.com

Cedar Breaks Mule Deer Ranch 19145 Robbs Flat Rd. Midland, SD 57552 608-695-07969 brandon@cedarbreaksranch.com

Oak Ridge Whitetail Adventure 7143 Noble Rd. Windsor, OH 44099 440-636-3040 sam@huntoakridge.com

Pierson’s Premier Whitetails 56 DrumHill Hunt Club Lane Gates, NC 27937 757-305-6099 brypierson88@gmail.com

NADeFA Executive Director Office: 701-448-2002 Cell: 651-212-1315 schafer@nadefa.org

BRAD HEATH

SAM HOLLEY

DANIEL JENNINGS

ROXANNE LOTTS

BRIAN PIERSON

SHAWN SCHAFER

BRANDON WALKER

Celebrating Memorable Events While Looking Ahead to Exciting Plans

My goodness! What happened to August?! I feel like I blinked, and it was gone!

Jeff (my husband) and I kicked off the month with a trip to Indiana for the IDEFA Summer Picnic Fundraiser on August 1st at Sammlung Platz in Nappanee. It was wonderful to see so many NADeFA members from across the country at the auction. And the food—oh my goodness! That pecan pie was the best I’ve ever had in my life.

Saturday, August 2nd, was farm tour day, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. The weather was fantastic, and every farm was simply amazing. Special thanks to:

Clear Creek Whitetails – for the delicious breakfast

• that kicked off our day

not disappoint. From start to finish, it was a first-class event, and it was so nice to visit with so many familiar faces and meet many new ones.

Events like these don’t just happen. They take planning, time, volunteers, sponsors, food—the whole works. But when everything comes together, you end up with a successful event that leaves everyone excited for the next one!

LOOKING AHEAD…

And speaking of the next one… mark your calendars! The NADeFA Conference will be held March 18–21, 2026, at Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio. This is our biggest event of the year, and we promise it’s going to be one you won’t want to miss!

• coffee & cookies (better than Dunkin’ or Starbucks!)

Backyard Whitetails/Barnyard Feeders – for iced

• most delicious, sweet tea & snacks

Pitside Whitetails & Horizon Whitetails – for the

5 Star Genetics – for an outstanding lunch spread &

• cookies

Zehr Bros. Whitetails

• Springfield Whitetails – for a wonderful dinner (on

• BOTH of the Eicher’s birthdays!)

Although we didn’t make it to Bellar’s Place this time, it’s on my list for next time. (And Dave Schwartz, I’m coming to Shallow Pond next time too!) I’m so grateful for all the hospitality. Even though I see these incredible deer in the ads, there’s nothing like standing in their presence. They are all truly beautiful and I was in awe!

Later in the month, Marci and I went to the Ohio Trophy & Breeder Auction hosted by WDFO on August 14–15 at Mt. Hope. Things kicked off with a well-attended open house on Wednesday, August 13th, at Double H Whitetails—I’m told nearly 400 people came! The Trophy & Breeder Auction itself was another great success—well organized, very well received, and once again the food did

Hotel rooms at Kalahari are already open for booking, so don’t wait—reserve your spot now by calling 877-525 2427. Be sure to mention that you are with NADeFA to get the discounted room rate. You can also use our booking link to reserve your room: https://book.passkey.com/e/51074426

We’re hard at work on the booth map and will be opening registration soon. Stay tuned—lots of exciting details are on the way. Get ready, because this conference is going to be bigger and better than ever! u

Best regards,

Marci & Lisa

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE

Sponsors Make Events Better Please Consider Being One!

Become A Sponsor Of The Largest Farmed Cervid Event Of The Year!

GIVE US A CALL TODAY TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE 2026 NADEFA CONFERENCE!

IMPROVING WHITETAIL CONCEPTION RATES

Enhancing Breeding Success Through Stress Reduction and Nutrition

by Dr ray Favero Whitetail Genetics

We are constantly striving for better breeding season results. We are all looking for the “magic” pill that will improve our success in the upcoming breeding season. There is no magic pill or magic technician. One of the main factors influencing success is STRESS. The term stress is a bit of a catch all. But this term is not just an excuse for when things do not go well.

NUTRITION

Nutrition can be a stress is multiple ways, many of which influence reproductive and productive success. Farms usually use factory made feed or mix their own deer feed, or a combination of both. The problem arises with farmer

formulated feed is that while twenty years ago, the ration was a balanced ration, the farmer has continually added or subtracted ingredients. Or the mineral additions may have changed. Adding 50 pounds of roasted soybeans to a ration may increase overall consumption, but it also changes the protein, fat, energy and mineral composition of the feed.

BALANCE RATIO

It is important to have your current ration reviewed by a qualified ruminant (deer) nutritionist. This is called balancing a ration. This is not a costly procedure but can ensure that adequate nutrition is being provided.

Now that we have the proper feed, we need to ensure

that ALL animals are able to consume it. Many of you have heard my rant about producers saying that the deer have “all the feed that they want”. Many factors go into this. Whatever you have for bunk space, add an additional 20%, if all animals are not able to eat at the same time.

The argument that there is feed left in the bunk, is not an accurate statement. Timid animals will not push into the feeder, but after the dominant animals eat, the timid animals will eat a mouthful or two and then leave with the group. They are not consuming the intended amount, or the amount that they may need to best performance.

This is true of males and females of all age groups. For the breeding season, we like to see the females recovering

from the previous fawn and that they are “on a gaining plane of nutrition”. This means, feed them the best that you can just before and through breeding.

PEN DESIGN

The number of animals in a pen is also important. We have all seen producers that have had to increase the number of animals in a pen, or overall, on the farm, because of expansion of borders, or agreeing to consign animals for the breeding season. I have never seen conception rates, fertility, livability, or overall productivity increase. Also, try not to mix

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age groups of animals. Adding young does to a group of older does, is disruptive to the social status and usually results in the younger does, becoming less dominant and lowering their reproduction and production.

If you are purchasing a complete feed, with each batch, take a one-quart bag full and mark it with the date, and place it in a safe place. Maybe the Freezer. If unexplainable issues arise, you can refer to this sample to check that the ration was correct. I have seen this help explain some major issues.

The role of your veterinarian is important. He can advise you on mineral and vitamin issues in your specific area. Selenium and copper are both mineral needs that vary from area to area. Remind him, that “these are not sheep” and copper is very important.

SOCIAL STRESS

The social status of a pen is very important. Moving one animal disrupts the entire status of the pen (community). I really try to encourage producers to move animals to new groups, as early in the season (or spring) as possible. Moving animals at CIDR insertion or after breeding, is very disruptive and will hurt conception rates. Moving does to another pen because of the upcoming “clean up” buck is not a good practice.

Just a little more on social stress. Having an environment that the animals feel comfortable in is important. Try not to put them into a pen that is exposed to too many stressors. Try to leave enough brush in the pen so that the animals can seek an area where they may feel more secure. Try to have the area of feed and water to be in

Stress management and proper nutrition are crucial for deer reproduction.

Balancing deer feed ratios ensures optimal nutrition for improved breeding success and health.

an area where the animals feel secure enough to spend added time, to ensure maximum feed consumption.

Minimizing stress when working deer is very important. Anything new to the routine can be stressful. Many of the most successful artificial insemination programs are when does are removed from “their” pen and taken to the barn for their AI and then returned to their pen afterwards. And left alone for 24 hours. Even driving other pens of deer past their pen, can be stressful. No whips, no hot shots, no jabbing sticks. Only people with even temperaments, EVEN OWNERS. Loud, abusive, people keep them out of the barn. Send them to work at Walmart, not the deer barn. Deer that are hard to work, or near suicidal should go natural breeding or hunting preserve.

I am not going to mention drugs or dosages but maybe look into drugs that may reduce body temperature or reduce anxiety.

I have mentioned it before but think of some of your friends. We all know or have heard of people that have wanted a child, they have tried for years, some have tried

laboratory assisted techniques. After years of trying, many have given up, and adopted a child. Many of these women have then become pregnant within months of adopting the child. This is because of STRESS. Once the stress, the need to become pregnant was not there and the couple could occupy their thoughts with other things than the need (obsession) to become pregnant, she was able to conceive.

The bottom line, deer or humans, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!

I am not some type of animal rights person. I do not like humanizing deer or pets or livestock.

But I still believe in HAPPY DEER! u

Dr. Ray Favero is one of the deer and elk industries’ leading experts when it comes to breeding and collecting semen for breeding from captive deer and elk. Ray Favero can be contacted at 815-341-4109.

Well-designed pens reduce stress and promote healthy social dynamics for improved deer reproduction.

FEEDING DIR

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not replace it. All the supplemental feed in the world will not replace good habitat.

HOW DO DEER USE NUTRIENTS?

Although antler growth, from pedicle development to velvet shedding, takes about 100 days on average, feeding for antler growth is a 365-day a year job. So, let’s step through how a deer uses nutrients from late March through to early March the next year and how that bears on nutrient requirements.

In March and April as pedicle development starts, the buck needs amino acids from protein and minerals which can come from the buck’s diet. During antler growth from pedicle to the forked antler stage, the buck pulls amino acids from the diet, but minerals start to come from bone reserves as well.

During the rapid growth phase of antler development, late June through mid-August, the buck cannot consume enough amino acids or minerals to meet the maximum possible antler growth rate, so the buck has to pull from bone and body reserves. If there are not ample reserves to pull from, maximum antler production will not be obtained. The main beam could have a smaller diameter and points could be reduced in size or number of points off the main beam could be reduced.

By the end of August or September when antler growth is complete for the season and velvet is shed, antler growth and hence nutrient demand for their growth is done.

IT’S A YEAR-ROUND JOB

As you can see, antler growth is a year-round job and just because you do not see antler growth taking place does not mean it is time to take a break from optimum feeding of the buck. Late Summer to early Fall is the most influential time nutritionally on antler development, so be sure you are providing the best you can for your herd.

For more information on our products, or to inquire on a free nutritional evaluation for your current program, feel free to contact us anytime. u

Bobby Deed has been with Cargill for more than 21 years, working in wildlife nutrition management, sales, marketing, and the development of innovative products. These products provide managers with nutritional tools that can enhance production beyond what other commercially available options offer.

Fertile by DESIGN How Smart Weaning Builds Stronger Breeding

By Dayden Shaffer Owner of The Velvet Standard

Weaning is one of the most pivotal moments in a fawn’s development, and one of the most overlooked when it comes to setting a deer herd up for long-term success. Whether you’re raising bottle babies or managing pen-raised fawns alongside their mothers, the transition from milk to maturity deserves just as much attention as the breeding plan that follows it. And when weaning and breeding prep go handin-hand, you set the stage for healthier fawns, stronger does, and a more productive season overall.

At The Velvet Standard, we view weaning and postweaning management as the foundation for the upcoming breeding season. Here’s how to make that transition as seamless, and strategic, as possible.

MILK TO MEAL: KNOWING WHEN FAWNS ARE READY

Weaning isn’t just about checking off the calendar and flipping a switch, it’s about watching your fawns closely and timing the transition based on readiness, not just age.

Pen-raised fawns that have nursed from their dams often begin nibbling feed and forages around 2–3 weeks of age. By 8–12 weeks, they should be regularly eating solids and

showing signs of rumination, AKA “chewing their cud”. Bottle-raised fawns may be slower to reach that point, especially without peer modeling from other fawns or adult does.

Fawns are ready to wean when:

● They’re consistently consuming 1/3 to 1/2 lb of pelleted feed daily

● They have access to quality forages or hay and are actively eating it

● They show good gut fill and solid stool consistency

● They’re maintaining or gaining weight independent of milk

Fawn nutrition is its own category, and in order to set them up for success it is imperative that you do not treat them like “mini adults”.

Young, growing animals need higher protein levels (typically 18–20%), quality fiber sources to develop the rumen, and the right balance of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Unlike adult deer, who can get by on lower energy rations during maintenance periods,

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fawns are in an accelerated growth phase that requires dense nutrition. This accelerated growth phase starts at birth and continues to require extra nutr itional investment up until they are 1.5 to 2 years old.

Pelleted starter feeds, clean hay, and natural browse can all help bridge the gap from milk consumption to mature rumen function. Be cautious not to underfeed during the transition or you risk stunting growth and compromising immunity. However, you should also avoid overfeeding rich, high-starch diets that can disrupt gut flora.

A major role in ruminant nutrition and health, especially in a developing ruminant animal is the idea of “The Scratch Factor”. “The Scratch Factor” is the concept that quality hay (like alfalfa or chaffhaye) or high quality natural browse, promotes several different necessary ruminant processes vital to gut health. “The Scratch Factor” refers to how much a roughage source “scratches” the rumen. It is essential to provide all ruminants, but especially developing ruminants, with a high scratch factor roughage because:

It stimulates rumination & saliva production

Increased saliva levels act as a natural buffer in the rumen to help maintain proper pH levels

It maintains rumen motility

The physical action of scratching the rumen surface with roughage products stimulates rumen contractions, which helps distribute microbes and nutrients, prevents gas buildup, and aids passage of smaller particles for further digestion

It promotes healthy rumen papillae

The abrasiveness of high quality roughage helps exfoliate old or dead skin cells from the rumen papillae (finger-like structures on the rumen wall). This keeps those structures healthy and promotes their growth and development which is a key factor in maximizing the absorption of volatile fatty acids; the primary energy source of ruminants.

It supports optimal fiber digestion

Strong scratch factor roughage(s) create a favorable environment for microbial breakdown and fermentation of dietary fiber. This is crucial for extracting energy from plant material and maximizing nutrient utilization.

In the wild, whitetail deer rely heavily on natural browse that not only provide nutrients but also help stimulate digestion through the scratch factor concept. When we bring those same deer into a pen setting and feed them highquality protein pellets designed to push genetic potential, we cannot forget what their guts were built for. To make sure your deer are getting the full benefit from every bite of processed feed, it is essential to offer a high-quality roughage source that mimics that natural scratch, like clean hay or leafy alfalfa. It is not just a filler, it serves a highly necessary function.

WEANING STYLES: FENCE LINE VS. COLD TURKEY

There is more than one way to wean a fawn, and each has its pros and cons.

FENCE-LINE WEANING

Fence-line weaning fawns helps keep the environment familiar while still forcing independence. Fawns can still see and hear their dams, which helps cut down on pacing, bawling, and the dreaded post-weaning sulk. That visual reassurance often translates to more time at the trough and less time stressing out. Fawns that stay hydrated and keep eating in those first few days tend to hold their weaning weight, gain new weight better, and bounce back faster. It is not just about comfort, it is also about managing their immunity. When fawns experience high levels of stress, their bodies release cortisol, the primary stress hormone. While cortisol plays a necessary role in short bursts; prolonged elevation can do more harm than good. Chronically high cortisol suppresses the immune response and dampens inflammation pathways; two major parts of immunity that fawns need to be fully functional in order to fight off infection during this vulnerable stage. In other words, stressed fawns get sick faster and recover slower. That is why maintaining a calm, low-stress environment isn’t just kind, it is the proactive foundation of post-weaning herd health.

COLD-TURKEY WEANING

While fence-line weaning might be the gold standard for minimizing stress, it is not always realistic for every operation. Not every facility has the luxury of spare pens, ideal layouts, or extra manpower to manage a multi-day weaning process. That is where cold-turkey weaning becomes not just acceptable, but entirely appropriate with

the right management practices in place. Cold-turkey weaning involves a hard separation of fawns from their dams, typically with no visual or auditory contact afterward. Naturally, this results in higher short-term stress as fawns adjust to the abrupt change. But when paired with smart protocols, it can still produce healthy, thriving post-weaning groups. Support is key. Because weaning is a high-stress, high-risk window for disease outbreaks and weight loss; at the time of weaning, consider proactively administering a broad-spectrum antibiotic to cover against opportunistic bacterial infections that can often take hold while immunity is suppressed. A B-12 shot can also be extremely beneficial in helping stimulate appetite. It also supports red blood cell function and gives sluggish fawns a metabolic nudge to keep them on track during this stressful period.

Additional techniques that make cold-turkey weaning more successful include:

● Pre-weaning feed training: Make sure fawns are already comfortable eating the post-weaning ration several weeks before separation.

● Water familiarity: Avoid changes in water delivery (trough, flavor, or location) that could discourage intake.

● Minimize regrouping: Keep familiar pen mates together to preserve the social structure and reduce fighting.

● Electrolytes or vitamins in the water: Especially during hot weather, this helps buffer hydration loss and gut imbalance.

Please note, if you want to provide a source of vitamins and electrolytes, do it in addition to fresh plain water, not in place of it.

Cold-turkey weaning is not an inferior option, it is just a different tool. If you manage it intentionally, with a solid health support plan and an eye on stress triggers; your fawns can transition just as well as those weaned across a fence line.

WORMS & WELLNESS: THE DEWORMING & VACCINATION DISCUSSION

Weaning is a prime time to implement two critical health protocols: deworming and vaccinations. Both play a major role in protecting fawns during this susceptible transition, when stress and dietary changes can leave them more exposed to parasites and disease. Treating internal and external parasites, while also bolstering immunity through a strong vaccination program, creates a solid foundation for

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healthy growth and prepares the herd for the next production phase.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DEWORMER

Not all dewormers are created equal, and delivery method can be just as important as the active ingredient(s).

● Oral dewormers (pellets, drenches, or pastes) are easy to administer in a controlled setting and ensure that the animal gets the full dose in one feeding or handling session. They tend to be the most reliable when dosing individual animals to a specific body weight. However, accuracy is critical, because under-dosing not only reduces effectiveness but can contribute to drug resistance.

● Injectable dewormers (often macrocyclic lactones) are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, which can be advantageous for systemic control of both internal and some external parasites. They also remove the risk of animals sorting or rejecting medicated feed. Injections require proper handling and storage facilities, and strict attention to dosage precision.

● Topical pour-on dewormers are convenient for large groups and can help with external parasites such as lice or mites, but their efficacy against internal parasites varies. Rain, mud, or heavy hair coats can reduce absorption, making them less dependable as a stand-alone treatment in high-density parasite environments.

The main drug classes include:

● Benzimidazoles (e.g., Safeguard®/fenbendazole): Broad spectrum, effective against many intestinal worms, and considered safe for repeated use.

● Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., Ivomec®, Cydectin®): Strong against both internal and external parasites, available in injectable and pour-on formulations.

● Combination dosing may be warranted on farms with known resistance issues, but should be done under veterinary guidance to ensure proper drug synergy and avoid overdosing.

THE RESISTANCE PROBLEM

Using the same dewormer year after year without evaluating its effectiveness creates drug resistance within

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the parasite population on your farm. Over time, the parasites that survive treatment begin to pass on resistance genes, and eventually that dewormer loses most of its effectiveness. This is not just a theory; it is a proven pattern in livestock production, and deer are no exception. If you start noticing clinical signs that a dewormer is no longer doing its job such as:

● persistent diarrhea

● poor weight gain

● rough hair coats

● potbellies despite treatment

Then it is time to reassess your protocol. That does not mean rotating on a set calendar for the sake of change. Instead, it means switching products only when clinical symptoms suggest your current choice is no longer at peak efficacy. This decision can be further solidified using confirming diagnostics, because the strongest deworming programs are built on data. Fecal egg counts before and after treatment tell you exactly which parasite species you are dealing with, and how well your chosen dewormer is working against them. For new farms, this step is even more important. Every farm has its own parasite profile, and what thrives in one set of pens might be different in another just a few miles down the road. That is why your deworming strategy should be tailored to your operation, not solely built upon another breeder’s recommendation. Use diagnostics to determine which parasites are most prevalent on your property, and then select the dewormer class and delivery method that will be most effective for your herd.

FOLLOW-UP DOSING

Very few dewormers kill every life stage of a parasite. Most are designed to target adult worms and may not fully eliminate eggs or larvae. That means the parasite cycle is only broken when all life stages are addressed at once, or when adults are removed in two phases: first by treating the existing adults, then by treating again once surviving eggs and larvae have matured into adults. For most products, that second treatment falls 10 to 21 days after the first dose, based on the life cycle of the parasite species present. Skipping the follow-up dose allows newly matured parasites to reestablish themselves and undo the initial treatment benefits. Do your research. Match your dewormer to your target parasite species; and always consider the timing between doses as

part of your overall parasite control plan.

When you build your deworming plan on diagnostics, observation, and strategic product selection, you are not just treating the problem – you are staying one step ahead of it.

VACCINATIONS

A strong vaccination program can be an important layer of protection in a herd health plan, helping prevent costly disease outbreaks before they start. Like any management tool, the decision to vaccinate should be based on your herd’s unique risks, environment, and management style. There are whitetail deer-specific vaccines available on the market, however many breeders have also found success in using products originally formulated for cattle. Deciding whether a vaccination program fits into your operation depends on several factors such as:

● herd size

● pen density

● soil and water quality

● outside influences such as adding deer from other herds and/or states.

The proximity of your herd to native deer or other wildlife species — many of which can act as vectors for disease like raccoons or buzzards — is another very important consideration.

You should also factor in the type of animal handling equipment available on your farm. If you do not have a working facility and must sedate deer in order to vaccinate, then choosing a product that does not require a booster dose is critical for both cost-effectiveness and management success. This choice reduces the need for repeated animal handling, sedation and the associated stress on the herd.

It is best to consult with your herd health veterinarian to weigh the pros and cons of a vaccine program for your specific situation. Maintaining a strong diagnostic program, especially post-mortem testing on any deceased deer; will give you valuable data to guide these decisions. This information can help identify which diseases have had the most significant impact on your herd and whether a vaccine is available to help prevent them.

DOES AFTER WEANING: FAWNING SEASON SUCCESS STARTS NOW

Once the fawns are weaned, the spotlight turns back to

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your does. A healthy breeding season starts now! Your future fawning season successes begin and end with the does. Does need to shift from high-energy lactation diets to more balanced rations that support recovery and reconditioning. The goal is to get each doe to a Body Condition Score (BCS) of roughly 3.0 to 3.75 (out of 5.0) before breeding. This range is the sweet spot for reproductive success. A doe that is too thin may cycle irregularly, have lower conception rates, or struggle to maintain a pregnancy. If she is too fat, she may be prone to metabolic stress, reduced fertility, or a higher rate of complications during fawning.

A consistent body condition scoring protocol is one of the most valuable tools for monitoring herd readiness. Using a BCS chart, breeders can visually assess muscle tone, fat cover over the ribs and hips, and topline condition without running animals through a chute unnecessarily. Regular visual scoring allows managers to identify does that may need extra attention early enough to make dietary adjustments before breeding season.

If a facility is set up to collect weights at weaning, those numbers are equally valuable. Weaning weights on fawns and post-fawn-season weights on does can help determine the individual deer’s needs, and helps guide managers’ decisions on nutrient requirements pen by pen. Sorting does into groups based on their condition — thin, ideal, and over-conditioned — makes it easier to tailor feed programs. Thin does can be offered higher-energy rations to help them recover. Well-conditioned does can be maintained on balanced diets, and over-conditioned does can be managed to avoid excessive fat gain that may hinder breeding performance.

Weight loss post-weaning is common, especially in hard-working dams. You can adjust energy levels with highquality alfalfa, beet pulp, or pelleted supplements if necessary.

By taking a data-driven and visual approach, managers can fine-tune nutrition so that every doe enters the breeding season in optimal shape; setting the stage for stronger conception rates and healthier fawns the following year.

SORTING & PLANNIN G BREEDING GROUPS

Sorting your does for the fall is not just about pen assignments, it is a management tool that can save time, improve breeding efficiency, and even reduce stress within the herd. While it is not always feasible to do so, it is

recommended to make these sorting plans well before weaning season. That way, when you are already running fawns through for sorting and processing, you can also sort your does at the same time. This eliminates the need to send does through a separate handling or sorting process later, which can increase stress levels and escalate the risk of injuries. There are several ways to approach sorting, depending on your operation’s priorities and facility layout:

● By Body Condition: This is one of the most practical sorting methods post-weaning. Thin does can be grouped together for higher-energy diets. The ideal-condition does can be maintained on a balanced ration. Finally, the overconditioned does can be managed to avoid excess fat gain.

● By Assigned AI Buck: If artificial insemination is part of your breeding plan, sorting by AI buck makes handling and record-keeping much smoother. This method helps keep fawn crop records clean and reduces the risk of mix-ups during next summer’s fawning/weaning season.

● By Natural Cover Buck: Does can be grouped by which buck will live cover each pen, whether that buck is a

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backup to an AI sire or the sole breeding method for that group. This simplifies observation and prevents accidental breeding by the wrong buck.

● By Age: Grouping younger does together can help prevent them from being pushed off feed or water by older, more dominant animals. It also allows for tailored nutrition that meets their still-developing needs.

● By Pedigree or Genetic Strategy: In some programs, it makes sense to keep certain bloodlines together to manage future pairings and track the influence of specific genetic lines.

● By Temperament: Some does are naturally shy or unassertive and can lose condition when penned with more dominant personalities. A dedicated pen for these quietnatured animals helps ensure they get their share of feed and reduces stress-related breeding issues.

No matter which sorting strategy you use, the key is to have a clear plan and execute it before the breeding season begins. This not only reduces handling stress on the animals but also gives them time to settle into their new social dynamics, which supports better reproductive performance.

MINIMIZING STRESS BEFORE BREEDING

Stress is a silent fertility killer. In the weeks leading up to breeding, it pays to be proactive. A calm, low-stress environment supports better conception rates, stronger embryo development, and healthier pregnancies.

Spikes in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, can disrupt normal estrous cycles, reduce conception rates, and even interfere with embryo implantation. Breeding season itself, especially when cycle synchronization is part of the program, carries its own stress load. The process often involves increased handling and the introduction of hormones like progesterone and PMSG (Pregnant

Mare Serum Gonadotropin) at elevated levels, both of which can influence a doe’s mood and overall stress response. Managing these factors carefully helps protect fertility and supports a smoother, more productive breeding season.

As a manager, I spend all year preparing for breeding season. From building sorting lists to handling pen maintenance, my goal is to make sure that once weaning is complete, my only focus is maintaining a relaxed, stress-free environment for my does. That means minimizing unnecessary traffic in and around the pens, limiting new visitors to the deer area, and making sure the freshest feed,

water, and hay are always in front of them. Every small detail matters — the calmer they are, the more successful the breeding season will be.

One of the greatest management tools a good deer breeder has is the ability and skill to truly know their deer. I make it a priority to know which does are dominant or aggressive, which are shy and easily pushed off feed. Which does will fight with younger animals, and which individuals stay high-strung no matter the circumstance. By understanding these personalities, I can tailor the daily schedule, pen groupings, and even feed distribution to reduce unnecessary conflict and competition.

The more you can structure your does’ environment and routine to keep stress low, the better your results will be. Calm herds eat better, maintain ideal condition more consistently, and enter the breeding season in the optimal state to conceive and carry healthy fawns.

FINAL THOUGHTS: IT ALL STARTS HERE

A successful breeding season does not start when the semen tank arrives or when the buck struts into his breeding pen — it starts now. The steps you take in the weeks surrounding weaning can ripple through the entire year’s production. From milk-to-meal transitions that protect growth rates, to targeted parasite control and vaccination programs that strengthen immunity, to re-conditioning your does for optimal body condition, every decision is laying the groundwork for next year’s fawn crop.

Weaning is your opportunity to set the herd up for what comes next. Prioritize nutrition that meets the unique needs of growing fawns and recovering does. Invest in proactive health management with diagnostics and strategic treatments. Maintain low-stress environments that protect both immunity and fertility. Thoughtful sorting, tailored feed plans, and early breeding group organization ensure that by the time the bucks are turned out, every doe is ready to conceive and carry to term.

At The Velvet Standard, we do not believe in shortcuts. We believe in proven systems that start with careful planning, hands-on observation, and purposeful action. When weaning is done right, it is not just a box checked on the calendar, it is the foundation of a healthier, more productive herd and the first chapter in next season’s success story. u

NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF PENNED DEER

Beyond Nutritional Requirements

Michael L. Schlegel

PhD, PAS, Dipl. ACAS-Nutrition Director, Companion Animal Technical Innovation Wildlife and Small Ruminant Nutritionist Purina Animal Nutrition, LLC

Nutritional management of penned deer goes beyond making sure the diet includes the required nutrients. Ensuring nutrients are provided in the correct quantities to meet the productive needs of the animals at each life stage and season is important. Equally vital are analyzing hay and water, providing feed in a low-stress environment, keeping deer at an appropriate body condition, controlling parasites, and assessing nutritional status.

It is a given that deer should be provided with the required nutrients for each stage of production to allow them to exhibit their genetic potential. These nutrients include protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. The one nutrient that is often overlooked is water, and water is the most essential. Water needs to be clean, fresh and always available.

Nutrient and energy requirements are not static but change throughout the year as the reproductive cycle of the animal changes. As does progress from breeding to gestation to lactation, their energy and nutrient requirements increase. The does’ intake will increase to meet these needs, but the energy density of the diet may also need to be increased. Bucks go through a similar cycle as they regain body condition after breeding and begin to grow antlers. Understanding these changes helps make sure the amount of diet fed changes to meet these needs without wasting feed or causing the animals to become over conditioned.

A balanced nutrition approach is the goal. There are some nutrients ‘that more is not always better’, and this is often the case with minerals. An excess of one mineral can impact the absorption of another mineral. It is always good practice to have water and forages (pasture or hay) analyzed for minerals to understand if these sources of dietary minerals may supply high levels of a specific mineral that may interfere with another mineral’s absorption causing a deficiency. Even if your area’s soils have minerals in

appropriate concentrations and ratios, if hay is purchased from outside of the area, this may impact the overall diet of the animals.

When feeding penned deer, proper feeding management helps reduce digestive upset and stress. The first step is to follow the directions of the feed being fed. While some feeds are labeled as complete feeds and contain adequate amounts of fiber for digestive health, many feeds are supplements. Feeding a supplemental feed typically requires forage (pasture, hay, or browse) to be fed to provide enough dietary fiber.

Make any dietary changes slowly over a 7-10-day period. This will allow the rumen microbes time to adjust to the new feed. This can be done by replacing 25% of the current diet with the new diet and replacing 25%. If the animals are eating the new diet and fecal consistency stays the same, an additional 25% can be replaced every three to four days. If fecal consistency becomes loose, it may take a few more days for the rumen to adjust. If fecal consistency does not improve, the diet transition may need to take a step backwards and smaller changes may be needed to progress to 100% of the new diet.

Feeding times and amounts should be consistent to keep intakes from fluctuating and reduce the chances of digestive upset. Additionally, when feeding in a trough, provide adequate feeder space to prevent stress from competition, allowing all animals the opportunity to eat. While providing 12 inches of trough space for does may be adequate, feeding bucks with growing antlers may require significantly more linear trough space per deer. More space is always better to reduce stress.

Evaluating body condition is an important tool to assist in the nutritional management of the deer herd. A body condition score (BCS) is a visual assessment of the amount

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of muscle and fat deposited on the deer’s skeleton. The Purina Animal Nutrition Body Condition Scoring System uses a 1 to 5 scale, where BCS =1 is a deer that is Emaciated and a BCS = 5 is a deer that is Obese. An ideal BCS is between 3 and 3.5 and may need to be higher in bucks prior to the rut. Assessments should be done at least annually.

The body condition of does should be evaluated midto late-summer during the end of lactation to determine if does need to gain body condition prior to the breeding season. In mule deer, does with greater body condition prior to the breeding season had greater rates of twinning than those with lower BCS (Tollefson et al., 2010). Additionally, does in good body condition during gestation produced heavier fawns and more fawns than does in poor body condition (Verme, 1963). As noted, keeping does in good body condition supports reproduction, but getting does over conditioned has its own problems. In a study in red deer, when females had a BCS approaching 4, the hinds were 2.7 times more likely to have difficult births (Audige et al., 2001). A good time to evaluate a buck’s body condition is after the rut. This allows time to change the buck’s diet to improve body condition before the next antler growing season.

Internal and external parasites rob the deer of nutrients that could be used for reproduction, growth, or antler development. It is important to know what parasites are prevalent in your deer’s environment. Your herd veterinarian can assist in identifying the internal parasites that are present in a fecal sample and develop a parasite control program that matches the appropriate dewormer with the parasites present. The goal is to treat the parasites strategically. The goal of strategic parasite control is to treat deer that show symptoms but not treat more than necessary causing the parasites to become resistant to the medication.

Assessing your animal’s nutritional status is one more suggested nutritional management tip. The goal of evaluating the nutritional status of the herd could be collecting blood samples to conduct a complete blood count, blood chemistry, and serum minerals and vitamins and compare the values to reference ranges. It could also mean sending off body tissues for mineral and vitamin concentrations. The ideal animal to use for body tissue analysis would be a healthy animal that would need to be euthanized for nondisease reasons, such as a broken leg. Many of the state’s veterinary diagnostic labs provide this testing service.

Meeting the nutrient requirements is the first step in the nutritional management of the penned deer herd, but not the last. Following these eight action steps below will help meet your deer’s nutritional needs.

• Provide a balanced diet that meets the deer’s stage of production.

• Offer clean, fresh water always.

• Analyze hay and water routinely.

• Change diets slowly over 7 to 10 days

• Feed consistently with adequate feeder space.

• Utilize body condition scoring.

• Practice strategic deworming.

• Assess nutritional status. u

Michael L. Schlegel joined Purina Animal Nutrition in 2015, where he leverages his expertise to advance animal health and well-being. Michael’s career is expansive. He completed a joint post-doctoral research program with the University of Florida’s Department of Animal Science and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Animal Programs in exotic animal nutrition. Additionally, he taught animal science as an assistant professor at Delaware Valley University and served ten years as the Director of Nutritional Services at San Diego Zoo Global.

REFERENCES

Audige, L., P.R. Wilson, R.S. Morris. 2001. Risk factors for dystocia in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Australian Veterinary Journal. 79:352-357.

Purina Animal Nutrition. Body condition score for deer. Available at https://www.purinamills.com/deerfeed/education/detail/body-condition-score-for-deer.

Tollefson, T.N., L.A. Shipley, W.L. Myers, D.H. Keisler, N. Dasgupta. 2010. Influence of summer and autumn nutrition on body condition and reproduction in lactating mule deer. Journal of Wildlife Management. 74:974-986.

Verme, L.J. 1963. Effect of nutrition on growth of white-tailed deer fawns. Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. 28:431-443.

Does the sound of antlers clashing make you cringe each fall?

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Rut and reduced feed intakes can bring out the worst in bucks and irritable behavior can rear it’s ugly head!

PeaceMaker is scientifically formulated to provide optimal support levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to help maintain a normal and relaxed disposition in cervids

Use PeaceMaker ™ to help “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation and other key times during the year

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SEMEN CLUB

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Another Vector Your Herd Wants You to Care About

By Ashley Petersen, M.S. ISPRIME Director, Senior Scientist

TICKS

Ticks are one of the most prevalent ectoparasites that feed on humans and livestock and transmit zoonotic diseases, causing human health concerns and significant economic losses for livestock producers. It is estimated that nearly 23% of infectious diseases affecting humans are transmitted by tick vectors [1]. There are six main tick species that are responsible for transmission of most of these zoonotic diseases: Lone star tick, Gulf Coast tick, American dog tick, Blacklegged tick, Brown dog tick, and Asian longhorned tick. Figure 1 shows the distribution and infectious diseases

transmitted by five ticks of human and veterinary importance in the U.S. Figure 2 depicts the distribution of Asian longhorned tick, a tick species responsible for transmission of Theileria orientalis Ikeda to cattle.

TICK IMPACT ON CERVIDS

Ticks not only cause a general burden on an animal’s health through loss of hair, blood, and weight, but can also transmit potentially deadly diseases. Cervids are at risk of anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and most notable theileriosis. Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by intracellular bacteria that infect red blood cells, causing fever, anemia, rapid breathing

and sometimes foaming at the mouth. Death can occur suddenly with no prior symptoms. Babesiosis is a protozoan infection that may cause loss of appetite, depression, high fever, increased respiratory and heart rates, emaciation, edema, and sometimes death in severe cases. Theileriosis is a disease caused by a protozoan infection of species Theileria cervi. Infections have been reported in white-tailed deer and mule deer. The lone star tick is the definitive vector of T. cervi and deer are a major host of the lone star tick. Clinical symptoms include anemia, weight loss, fever, jaundice, and even death [2]. In southeastern regions of the U.S., up to 50% of deer may be infected, though clinical cases are rare due to continuous exposure throughout life. In areas with naïve populations, there is a high risk of morbidity and mortality when exposed to T. cervi [3]. As tick species continue to expand in abundance and range throughout the U.S., more herds will be at risk of these tick-borne diseases. It is also important to note that because of the similarity in clinical signs of these diseases to each other and other diseases (EHDV, BTV), diagnostic testing is crucial to determine the cause of illness and/or death.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TO CONTROL TICKS

Currently, use of chemicals is the main practice for controlling tick infestations in livestock and companion animals. More than 98% mortality of ticks can be achieved when the chemical used has proven efficacy against the specific tick species. However, factors such as repeated intense use of a given chemical, and/or misapplication of the chemical can select for ticks that are resistant to that particular chemical, making it necessary to change to another substance for continued management of tick infestations in animals. Another strategy for management of ticks was introduced in the 1970s by researchers Allen and Humphrey. Their revolutionary work involved the concept of selecting “concealed” antigens of the tick that could be used to stimulate an effective anti-tick response through vaccination. The theory was to use an antigen or antigens not presented to the host during tick feeding, but instead, are exposed to the tick’s effector elements through blood meal. This meant inducing an immune response to internal organs/proteins of the tick, ultimately reducing tick populations by reducing female engorgement weight and egg laying ability [4].

Subunit vaccines against tick antigens have shown great success since the 1980s and are licensed as efficacious vaccines in Australia and Cuba (TickGARD® and Gavac®, respectively) [5]. Unfortunately, there is a lack of regulatory pathway to license these vaccines in the U.S as they do not follow the classic concept of targeting a specific virus or bacteria. Medgene’s prescription platform technology has allowed for generation of anti-tick vaccines that are now available for use in herds across the country, under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. The pioneering work from the 1970s/80s is being harnessed by Medgene to select the appropriate antigens needed for a successful anti-tick vaccine.

Currently, Medgene’s tick vaccine is against five different species: Black legged tick, Lone star tick, Gulf coast tick, American dog tick, and Asian longhorned tick. We also just began work on the winter tick, a species known to kill moose, elk and white-tailed deer. Infestation of winter ticks on a single animal can reach over 100,000 in a single season. These ticks are known to exsanguinate otherwise healthy cervids, as shown in Image 1

Innovative vaccine technology not only allows for reduction of tick populations but also allows for decreased use of chemicals, thereby helping avoid resistance to these

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Figure 1

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substances. Incorporation of vaccination and chemical use for overall tick control will provide a synergistic effect for optimal herd health management.

A Friendly and Important Reminder - Vaccination Recommendations

For any vaccine to perform optimally, the following should be practiced.

n Only vaccinate healthy animals.

• Sick deer will likely not response to vaccination, and it could cause sickness to become worse due to more stress on an already active immune system.

n Banamine, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be used to help reduce adverse

reactions related to vaccine administration.

• Do NOT use corticosteroids (Dexamethasone) at the time of vaccination as they have been shown to reduce the immune response to vaccines.

n Follow label instructions.

• Ensure initial vaccination scheme (typically two doses given 2-3 weeks apart) occurs and follow up boosters are administered when necessary (every 6-12 months).

n Don’t mix products into a single injection.

• Multiple vaccines can be given on the same day but keep injections separate and at different locations.

n Vaccinate fawns by 4 months of age.

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Figure 2

1

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• Maternal antibodies obtained from colostrum are gone by 4 months of age.

• Vaccinating fawns prior to 2 weeks of age is not recommended due to an immature immune system and maternal antibody interference.

n Fawns that receive sufficient quality colostrum from fully vaccinated does will have a robust immune system from maternal antibodies. There is no need to vaccinate them within the first few weeks of life.

• Data in other ruminant species shows very young animals do not response well, or at all, to vaccines.

MEDGENE’S DEDICATION TO THE DEER INDUSTRY

As always, Medgene is willing to assist any producer that needs help with disease concerns. Whether it’s an EHDV concern, unknown disease threat, bacterial concern, or questions about our vaccine offerings in other species, we will do what we can to offer a solution. Our goal is to provide products, advice, and support that drive herd health to the next level. u

Any questions or comments can be sent to Ashley at ashley.petersen@medgenelabs.com, 605-697-2608 or 605-6902316. To order EHD vaccine, please contact orders@medgenelabs.com or 605-697-2600. Please allow at least two weeks from vaccine order to shipping.

References

1. Abbas, M.N.; Jmel, M.A.; Mekki, I.; Dijkgraaf, I.; Kotsyfakis, M. Recent Advances in Tick Antigen Discovery and Anti-Tick Vaccine Development. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 4969. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijms24054969

2. Aldo J. Pavón-Rocha, Alma Cárdenas-Flores, Jaime L. Rábago-Castro, Carlos A. Barrón-Vargas, Juan Mosqueda, First molecular ev idence of Theileria cervi infection in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Mexico, Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, Volume 22, 2020, 100482, ISSN 2405-9390, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100482.

3. Jacob M. Haus, Jolie A. Demchur, Justin R. Dion, Perry L. Habecker, Jacob L. Bowman; Theileriosis in Multiple Neonatal White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Delaware, USA. J Wildl Dis 1 October 2018; 54 (4): 885–888. doi: https://doi.org/10.7589/2018-02-044

4. Rodríguez-Mallon, A. The Bm86 Discovery: A Revolution in the Development of Anti-Tick Vaccines. Pathogens 2023, 12, 231. https:// doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020231

5. Abbas, M.N.; Jmel, M.A.; Mekki, I.; Dijkgraaf, I.; Kotsyfakis, M. Recent Advances in Tick Antigen Discovery and Anti-Tick Vaccine Development. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 4969. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijms24054969

A deer found dead and covered in engorged winter ticks.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease in deer is in full swing across the United States currently. There are significant outbreaks in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Indiana, and Ohio currently.

The virus was thought to be viremic and in the animal’s blood for 24 to 36 days. We now believe that the virus may be in some animals for over five months and that some animals become “carriers” of the virus, which allows it to over winter in a population of animals. In the spring and summer of the following year, a biting midge takes a blood meal from an infected animal and then bites another animal and transmits the virus to a new animal.

At the onset of the disease, deer start out with fever, edema and swelling in their face, excessive salivation, and hemorrhages in the heart, GI tract, and mucous membranes, with bleeding from the mouth, nose, ears, rectum, and urinary tract. Dehydration can be severe. Bloody diarrhea can also be seen.

Viral infection leads to bleeding of the animal into the lungs, nose, skin, and deep organs. This results in vascular leakage, edema, and hemorrhage, particularly in mucous membranes, skin, and internal organs. Ulcers of the mouth and sloughing of the top layers of the tongue can occur, as well as the top of the mouth and the GI tract contributing to bleeding.

The virus infects the cells that line the blood vessels (arteries and veins). This infection leads to significant inflammation of these cells. Eventually these cells start to fall apart from each other allowing red blood cells and the serum (water) fraction of the blood to leak out of the blood vessel and into other spaces such as the lung, nose, ears, rectum, and urethra. The animal dies of anemia, blood loss and the inability to carry enough oxygen to the tissues.

The key to controlling the disease is to limit total viral load in the animals and to control the biting midges that play a role in the transmission of the disease from one animal to another.

Until recently controlling total viral load in animals and wildlife was not achievable with current medications in veterinary medicine. However, recent work and field evidence shows that high doses of zinc fed to animals in feed or water can limit total viral load just as it has in controlling flu and Covid in humans. The levels of zinc that it takes in animals are twice what we typically feed for productivity in cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.

Once the virus enters the cells lining the blood vessels and enzyme that the virus naturally brings with it into the cell starts to turn on and tells the virus it is time to start to replicate and multiply. This enzyme is RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase. This is the enzyme that most anti-viral drugs work on to stop viral infections in many human viral infections.

Zinc plays a significant role in taking this enzyme and making it “rigid” so that it cannot change shapes and can no longer get into the virus. This occurs when the level of zinc in the cells is high enough in concentration. This can be difficult to do because not all zinc is the same and different zinc molecules are absorbed differently by the intestinal cell. There are two types of mineral compounds, organic and inorganic trace minerals. Inorganic trace minerals most used would-be zinc sulphate, where zinc will dissociate and fall apart from the sulphate while going through the acid of the abomasum of the deer.

The other type of mineral is an organic trace mineral where the zinc is tied to a carbon and specifically with Zinpro

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Recent work and field evidence shows that high doses of zinc fed to animals in feed or water can limit total viral load just as it has in controlling flu and Covid in humans. “ “

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is tied to a single amino acid. This amino acid zinc is absorbed differently by the intestinal cells as the intestine is looking to absorb amino acids at a higher rate than inorganic zinc. This allows us to get a higher level of zinc into the blood.

With EHD, since the infection is actually in the wall of the blood vessel, when you have a high enough level of zinc in blood, the zinc only has to get across one cell into the cell of the wall of the blood vessel to reach a high enough level to start working on the enzyme of the virus, to stop the virus from replicating.

Zinc sources vary and all zinc is not the same. There is one zinc that is soluble in water used in the poultry and swine industries, which is zinc lysine and zinc glutamic acid. This source of zinc is water soluble and can be added to a water source. This is easy and quick to do in an emergency. If you have an EHD outbreak, water treatment is the quickest to treat and prevent further infections, while waiting to get new feed with a higher level of zinc amino acid complex.

In my experience a level of 2.2 mg of zinc per pound of body weight of the animal will stop further progression of the disease and stop further spread. If animals are so sick they are off feed and water, this disease will continue in that animal.

The use of zinc in feed long term during the EHD season will be needed until the biting midges are killed by freezing temperatures. Animals in the north part of the US may need to be on a higher level of zinc from June until December, while deer in the southern US will need to be on a higher level of zinc year-round.

Zinpro zinc is available as an ingredient to all feed mills in the US through their current suppliers.

Zinc is a mineral that is not toxic to mammals, poultry, or humans at this level of inclusion in feed or water.

Methods of absorption are different among different zinc sources with zinc amino acid complexes having the highest rate of absorption.

Just as with flu and Covid in humans, zinc can be very antiviral and stop viral replication if using the correct form of zinc and at the correct concentration in water or feed. u

Chris Ashworth, DVM, is a Research and Development Veterinarian at Zinpro Performance Minerals, specializing in research and development for cattle. He has 38 years of experience in large animal medicine, with a special interest in virology and immunology. He can be contacted at cashworth@zinpro.com.

«

BIOCHAR & BETTER PASTURES

New Frontiers in CWD Management

by Josh Newton

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is currently conducting research on the effects of biochar on prions. The first question you might ask is, “What is biochar?”

Biochar—aptly named—is a type of charcoal produced when organic material such as wood chips, crop waste, or manure is heated in a low-oxygen environment. This process is called pyrolysis.

Charred organic matter—also known as pyrogenic carbonaceous geoabsorbents (PCGs)—has been used since ancient times to fertilize fields. However, the term “biochar” wasn’t widely adopted until the early 2000s, when interest in regenerative agriculture was renewed.

Researchers at institutions like Creighton University and Michigan State University have studied how prions interact with soil and water, particularly focusing on prion mobility.

Because prions are absorbed into soil slowly, there is concern that their potential for transport across a landscape remains high, particularly when bound to soil particles.

Due to increasing concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and the need for effective environmental control strategies, the USDA is investigating the feasibility of using biochar to reduce the spread of CWD in contaminated areas.

The objectives of the research are to first identify if Biochar will bind to the causative agent of CWD, basically will it bind to the misfolded disease-causing prion. The misfolded disease-causing prion is referred to as “PrPSc”.

Second, they are evaluating the ability to inhibit the misfolding of the prion into what causes the disease. The normal prion protein is referred to as “PrPC”. It is thought that PrPSc acts as a template and causes PrPC molecules to

misfold into the PrPSc form. They speculate the process can happen spontaneously or begin by exposure to misfolded prions from another animal. The USDA is working to determine if Biochar inhibits or possibly enhances the conversion of PrPC to PrPSc. Lastly, they are evaluating the overall effects Biochar has on the infectivity of CWD prions which includes the ability of prions to cause disease under environmental conditions.

WHY THIS RESEARCH MATTERS

How could this research help in the fight against CWD on your ranch?

If biochar proves effective in inhibiting prion misfolding, it could become a valuable preventative and proactive measure—something that could be used in pens, enclosures, and on pasture ground to reduce environmental contamination.

As we’ve discussed previously, genetic selection— particularly breeding for animals with low susceptibility GEBVs (Genomic Estimated Breeding Values)—has been a major step the cervid industry has taken toward CWD resistance. If biochar also proves successful in preventing the formation or spread of PrPSc in the environment, the combined power of genetic resistance and environmental control could represent a turning point for the industry.

While the USDA study is projected to take several years, the outcomes could have a lasting impact—and we’re eager to see what the research reveals.

References:

•USDA ARS Biochar Research Overview

•ARS Collaborations Related to Biochar and Prions

•USDA Project: Biochar Applications for Prion Management

PART TWO: BIOCHAR AND BEYOND –ENHANCING PASTURE SOIL HEALTH FOR LIVESTOCK

In addition to its potential for reducing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) prions, biochar— is a powerful tool for improving pasture soils. But biochar is just one piece of the puzzle. USDA research and other studies highlight a range of soil amendments and management practices that can boost soil health, reduce harmful bacteria, and increase

organic matter, creating sustainable and productive pastures for livestock. Below, we explore biochar alongside other strategies to help ranchers build resilient grazing systems.

BIOCHAR’S ROLE IN PASTURE IMPROVEMENT

Biochar’s porous structure, high cation exchange capacity, and stable carbon content make it an exceptional soil amendment. USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Forest Service studies show that biochar enhances soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity, supporting robust pasture growth. Key benefits include:

•Increasing Soil Organic Matter (SOM): Biochar’s recalcitrant carbon persists in soils for centuries, boosting soil organic carbon (SOC). Biochar amendments improve soil structure, nutrient cycling, and water infiltration, fostering higher forage yields.

•Enhancing Nutrient Retention: Biochar reduces nutrient leaching, retaining nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

•Improving Water Holding Capacity: Biochar’s sponge-like structure increases soil water retention, critical for pastures in dry regions. Application rates of 2–8 tons per acre can reduce drought stress, ensuring consistent forage for livestock.

•Promoting Microbial Diversity: Biochar provides a habitat for beneficial microbes, enhancing nutrient cycling and suppressing pathogens

REDUCING HARMFUL BACTERIA

Biochar’s ability to reduce pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, is another key focus of USDA research. Its high surface area adsorbs pathogens, while its alkaline nature raises soil pH, creating less favorable conditions for acid-tolerant bacteria.

ADDITIONAL SOIL AMENDMENTS AND PRACTICES FOR PASTURE IMPROVEMENT

Beyond biochar, ranchers can implement a variety of amendments and practices to enhance soil conditions, reduce bacteria, and support livestock health. Below are research-backed options, with descriptions of their benefits and applications.

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•Compost and Manure

•Compost and well-aged manure are rich in organic matter and nutrients, improving soil fertility and structure. USDA NRCS guidelines emphasize composting to kill pathogens and stabilize nutrients before application.

•Compost increases Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), enhances microbial activity, and improves water retention. A USDA ARS study found that composted manure reduced E. coli levels in soil by 99% compared to raw manure, minimizing health risks for livestock. Applications at 2–4 tons per acre boost forage growth and nutrient availability.

•Apply compost or manure in spring or fall, incorporating it into the top 6–12 inches of soil. Pair with rotational grazing to prevent nutrient overload and runoff.

•Cover Crops

•Cover crops, such as clover, rye, or radish, are planted between grazing cycles to protect and enrich soil.

•Cover crops add organic matter, suppress weeds, and reduce soil erosion. Leguminous cover crops like clover fix

nitrogen, enriching soils naturally. Deep-rooted radishes break up compacted soils, improving water infiltration. A USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) study showed cover crops reduced Salmonella prevalence in soils by enhancing microbial competition.

•Application: Seed cover crops in late summer or early fall, allowing establishment before grazing. Terminate by mowing or grazing, leaving residues to decompose and enrich soil.

•Lime (Calcium Carbonate)

•Lime is applied to acidic soils to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

•Lime corrects soil acidity, enhancing microbial activity and nutrient uptake by pasture grasses. A USDA ARS study found that liming reduced pathogen survival in acidic soils by creating less favorable conditions for bacteria like Clostridium. Lime also improves calcium availability, strengthening forage quality for livestock.

•Application: Apply 0.4–1.2 tons per acre of

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agricultural lime every 2–3 years, based on soil tests. Spread evenly and incorporate lightly to avoid runoff.

•Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate)

•Gypsum is a mineral amendment that improves soil structure and reduces salinity.

•Gypsum enhances soil aggregation, improving water infiltration and root growth. It supplies calcium and sulfur, supporting grass vigor without altering soil pH. A Frontiers study noted gypsum reduced E. coli mobility in clay soils by improving drainage, limiting bacterial spread.

•Application: Apply 0.4–2 tons per acre, depending on soil sodium levels. Broadcast on the surface and allow rainfall or irrigation to incorporate it.

•Rotational Grazing or AMP Grazing

•Rotational grazing, sometimes called Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing (AMP), involves moving livestock between pens to prevent overgrazing and promote soil recovery. We talk about this quite often and it is one of our “4 pillars of success” described thoroughly within our Life Cycles Dashboard at cervidsolutions.com.

•Rotational grazing reduces soil compaction, enhances organic matter through manure distribution, and promotes grass regrowth. A USDA ARS study found that rotational grazing decreased E. coli persistence in soils by limiting manure buildup and encouraging microbial decomposition.

•Application: Move animals and reduce the overall number of animals if needed to ensure you can allow pastures to rest. The long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges. For cervid, we recommend resting your fawning pens from October to April. Take that time to have the soil tested and work on implementing the soil amendments discussed in this article.

PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION AND PRODUCTS

To maximize soil health benefits, farmers should tailor amendments and practices to their soil type, climate, and grazing goals. Resources, such as, like the Pacific Northwest Biochar Atlas and NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants, offer guidance on selecting biochar and other products.

Key considerations include:

•Biochar Products: Wood-based biochars (e.g., from forestry residues) are ideal for carbon sequestration, while manure-based biochars boost nutrients. Apply at 2–4 tons per acre initially, monitoring soil responses.

•Compost and Manure Sources: Use locally sourced, certified compost to ensure pathogen-free material.

•Cover Crop Mixes: Seed blends like clover-ryegrass or radish-oat mixes, available through agricultural suppliers, enhance diversity and soil benefits.

•Lime and Gypsum: Purchase agricultural-grade products from local co-ops, following soil test recommendations.

BENEFITS FOR LIVESTOCK AND SUSTAINABILITY

These practices create healthier pastures, directly benefiting livestock and the environment:

•Improved Forage Quality: Enhanced nutrient and water availability lead to nutritious grasses, reducing feed costs. Biochar and cover crops can increase yields by 14–41%.

•Reduced Pathogen Risks: Compost, lime, and rotational grazing minimize bacterial contamination, ensuring safer grazing environments.

•Water Quality Protection: Gypsum and biochar reduce nutrient runoff, safeguarding nearby water sources.

CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

Biochar’s cost can be high, though long-term benefits offset expenses. Compost and manure require careful management to avoid pathogen risks. Cover crops need timely planting, and lime or gypsum applications must match soil needs to avoid over-correction. USDA advises soil testing before applying amendments and integrating practices like rotational grazing to maximize benefits.

LOOKING AHEAD

USDA’s ongoing research, including ARS field trials and Forest Service biochar studies, continues to refine these strategies. Programs like Waste to Wisdom are developing cost-effective biochar production, while NRCS supports cover crop and grazing initiatives. By combining biochar with compost, cover crops, lime, gypsum, and rotational grazing, cervid farmers can build resilient pastures that support livestock, reduce bacteria, and enhance soil health.

CONVERSION NOTES

•Biochar application: 5–20 tons per hectare converted to 2–8 tons per acre (1 ton/ha = 0.405 tons/acre).

•Compost/manure: 5–10 tons per hectare converted to 2–4 tons per acre.

•Lime: 1–3 tons per hectare converted to 0.4–1.2 tons per acre.

•Gypsum: 1–5 tons per hectare converted to 0.4–2 tons per acre. u

the Real

TROPHY

By Randy Barks (Deer Tracking Magazine)

Uncle Alvin gets his brown bear!

“OH,

NO!”

The hunter had been at full draw for awhile, but the big boar just wasn’t giving the perfect shot. It was “no hurry – no stress” though as, undisturbed, the mass of black below was already settled on the bait and, slowly… EVER SO SSSLLLOOOWWWLLLYYY… Darin Witmer let off his draw. A sudden, strange feeling in-hand, the clatter of a falling arrow, and a bolting bear were the surreal prelude to a realization of what had just happened – the compound bow had come unstrung! A sinking feeling was made worse as the boar relaxed within seconds and now offered “the perfect shot”… over and over again! The hunt that had been years in planning and days on the road was seemingly ruined!

“IT’S

ALL ABOUT UNCLE ALVIN!”

My phone had rung two years earlier when long-time deerfarmer friend, Darin (Coldspring Whitetails in PA), had inquired about an outfitted bear hunt with my family in northern Saskatchewan. Darin is a planner and very much a leader in an easy-to-follow, quiet kind of way, but while he spear-headed and detailed the 6-person hunt, it was made repeatedly clear that it was “all about Uncle Alvin!” I got the idea that this Uncle Alvin must be an extra special kind of guy and I looked forward to meeting him from the first time I ever heard of him. Uncle Alvin would be 74 years old, was Darin’s uncle, father to two of the hunters, and grandfather to two of them. Of course everyone wanted a good bear and a great hunt… but it was “all about Uncle Alvin!” He’d been on bear hunts before but had yet to see a bear, so the family mission was to remedy that for the man who meant so much to all of them. And through two wonderful years of planning together, I got the message – if at any point there was an advantage to be had, give it to Uncle Alvin!

THE MISSION… IF YOU COULD HAVE IT ALL??

It seems that every organization and business today has an official “mission statement.” I suppose our hunting camp’s “mission” is to make a heavenly difference while doing some earthly good. While we weren’t sure what “heavenly difference” we could make with six guys who set that bar beautifully high as our example, I did know that my “earthly good” involved serving this family group to the utmost of my ability, starting with Uncle Alvin!

As the group travelled north, I stayed in phone and “messenger” contact with Darin, the unofficial contact for the long-awaited adventure. Uncle Alvin hoped to see a bear… and dared to hope that he’d even get one. That made me smile since, through all our years, every hunter has had opportunity to take a bear. “But if you could have it all, what else would Uncle Alvin like,” I asked. Uncle Alvin, humble and already grateful, hesitantly relayed through Darin… “Well, a brown bear would be really neat!” I laughed and replied, “I can’t make it all happen, but it’s

possible and I’ll work at making it happen!” Darin had emphasized all along how Uncle Alvin would simply and thoroughly enjoy the family aspect of this big adventure… and this made my mission clear! If I “could have it all”, Uncle Alvin would see multiple bears, have multiple opportunities, tag a brown-phase bruin, and have maximum family time while the others also took bears!

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Whether it’s deer-farming or bear hunting, it’s quite a privilege (and responsibility) that we get to play a part in what we’re not ultimately in control of. We do our part and sometimes it turns out how we want … and sometimes it doesn’t! My part in guiding a bear hunt is to “think like a bear.” You might hear me say this a few times as we’re talking stand set-up, location, bait, timing and strategy – but you’ll hopefully also hear me acknowledge God as

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The whole family celebrates with Darin! (The guide was happy to have the help with this one!)

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“The Ultimate Guide.” And WOW… The Ultimate Guide certainly got involved in Uncle Alvin’s great adventure!

UNCLE ALVIN’S GREAT ADVENTURE

Day 1: Uncle Alvin (with son, Floyd, sharing the experience and running video) sees multiple bears, passes on a couple, and takes an especially neat, coffee-coloured brown bear!

Day 2: Uncle Alvin sits with son, Jeff, as they see multiple bears and Jeff arrows a big, black boar!

Day 3: Uncle Alvin joins son, Floyd, as they see multiple bears and Floyd arrows a big, brown boar!

Day 4: Uncle Alvin joins in the family retrieval and celebration of grandson Merlin’s black boar (that climbed a tree in its death run before falling to the ground)!

Day 5: Uncle Alvin joins in the family retrieval and celebration of grandson Scott’s archery-killed black boar (that also climbed a tree in its death run before falling to the ground)!

Day 5 Finale: Uncle Alvin joins the entire family in a successful after-dark search for, retrieval and celebration of nephew Darin’s BIG bow-killed boar!

Could it possibly have gone any better than this?... six bears for six guys in five days, with Uncle Alvin in on every one of them! Humility tells me to simply and gratefully acknowledge The Ultimate Guide!

THE REST OF THE STORY!

I’ve mentioned our bear camp mission – to do some heavenly good through earthly service – but this was a week in which all the “heavenly good” seemed to be coming our way. This family group

of bear hunters were an absolutely amazing encouragement and example of selflessness to my whole family. After a week of exhausting effort, somehow we actually felt refreshed! And the unofficial leader of the group led the way. Darin, on the phone while planning and in private while in camp, repeatedly and quietly reminded me to always favour someone else… and so I did. But consider the big picture!

Darin’s hunt wasn’t over with that untimely and statistically unlikely event early on. Darin wanted and hunted hard for a big bear, but he’d always choose someone else over himself. The boar that was almost his that afternoon, wandered two miles to the north and was arrowed by Jeff (with Uncle Alvin getting in on the adrenaline rush, too!). That is exactly what Darin would’ve chosen had he been able to see the big picture! Days of conceding the “best” sites resulted in everyone else getting their bears before him. And on that last day, while Scott got the “better site” and got a good boar, a REALLY BIG BOAR eluded him… and finished the day in front of Darin!!! That cagey, old boar had slipped through Scott’s site, somehow sensing something not quite right and, true to the history of that deadly 3-site “Bear-muda Triangle,” headed to where Darin patiently waited.

No hunter has done better than Darin in being ready for “the moment!” Standing, no matter for how long, would improve his chances… so Darin stood with bow in-hand. Having heard tales of boots scuffling at just the wrong time, Darin removed his boots and waited in sock-feet. Considering how boots might be bumped at just the wrong time, Darin tied one to each side of the doubleladder stand. For hour after hour, the hunter was ready… and that on-the-edge readiness was exactly what “the moment” required.

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Floyd with the big brown that Dad got to share in!

Jeff and the big one that his Dad got to see go down!

Merlin and Grandpa share the experience!

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The old boar did not settle in and was a breath away from eluding one more hunter… but Darin was ready and that arrow flew true! The biggest boar in the woods that week was tagged by a guy exemplary in selflessness. In those fading minutes of the final evening, true to the nature of a selfless group of guys, they roared in celebration when Darin’s radio call came through… “Bear down!”

THE REAL TROPHY

Whether bear hunter or anti-hunter… government or girl scout… diplomat or deer-farmer… most lessons in life apply to everyone. The hunt described was spectacular, but some points to ponder prove to be the true trophies!

1.It’s good to have a “mission.” It is foundational!

2.Can we ever be too idealistic in our mission?

3.It’s not a competition when other people are our priority.

4.Life is better together, with everyone cheering for everyone!

5.It’s better to be humble.

6.The “big picture” becomes clearer in hindsight.

7.The best leader looks to others first.

8.Enjoy life, but be ready for “the moment that matters most!”

9.Experience, strategy, and hard work matter… but “The Ultimate Guide” matters more!

To enjoy a full-length video of Uncle Alvin’s family bear hunt adventure, go to Bear Essential Wilderness Adventures facebook page. The video is titled, “The Real Trophy.” Thank you, Floyd and family, for sharing this with us! You’re a loveable bunch! u

Sincerely grateful, Randy Barks

Randy Barks (B.Ed., B.A.) taught school for 8 years, edited and authored Deer Tracking Magazine for 26 years, farmed whitetail deer since 1996, lost the herd to CWD in 2007, has represented deerfarmers federally for 20+ years, raised 3 deerfarmer sons in Saskatchewan’s wilderness, runs a remote northern trap-line, outfits whitetail and black bear hunts, enjoys wildlife research and talk’n with deerfarmers… and after 34 years is still wild about the bride of his youth!

Darin... 3 days after it seemed like it was all over!

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The Arthropod Borne Disease Research Unit (ABADRU) is a research group with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) dedicated primarily to reducing the negative impacts of house fly and biting midge transmitted pathogens on livestock and other animal commodity groups. This unit has a team of specialize scientist, support staff, technicians, and even students all working to improve the overall health of animals in U.S. agriculture. This is done by gaining knowledge about specific interactions between the hosts and vectors, vectors and pathogens, and finally, pathogens and hosts (Figure 1). ABADRU investigates each interaction at both the micro (in cells and genes) and macro scales (in the environment and landscape). The goal is to then leverage this information to pursue strategies that reduce disease transmission for our stakeholders.

Background: ABADRU is a part of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) which is the principal scientific inhouse research agency of the USDA. Deer farmers and other livestock commodity groups let their representatives know the most important issues facing their industries, and as a result, congress allocates funds specifically geared towards trying to mitigate these problems. The job of an ARS

scientist is to investigate avenues that might lead to solutions for the commodity groups they support. Specifically, ABADRU focuses on endemic disease pathogens of livestock that are transmitted or disseminated by arthropod vectors. This includes the hemorrhagic disease viruses, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and cache valley fever virus, while some of our sister units tackle prion and bacterial diseases. ABADRU’s mission is to use cutting-edge approaches to understand the ecology and biology of arthropod pests and pathogens to develop innovative and biologically relevant solutions for arthropod-borne disease problems. To accomplish this, ABADRU has assembled a new team of scientists with a diverse set of complementary skills that will enable our unit to explore these pathogens utilizing the most current tools available. Before introducing the team, we wanted to give a brief history of the unit and highlight some of the past accomplishments that we are still building upon today.

While ABADRU in its current form is poised to provide support to various arthropod-borne pathogens, its original

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Figure 1. The arthropod vector transmission cycle. Interactions between a vector, host, and pathogen are needed for a disease to occur. However, this also provides multiple routes that can be targeted to reduce transmission.

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inception is rooted in something infamously known to many deer farmers, bluetongue virus (BTV). Bluetongue was first characterized in South Africa from domestic sheep in the early part of the 1900s, though some reports go back to 1876 [1, 2]. The name comes from the Afrikans word “Blaauwtong” and farmers would often refer to it as “Bekziekte” meaning “mouth sickness”. By the early 1940’s, scientists and veterinarians had a relatively good idea of the virus’s pathogenicity, clinical signs, as well as identified that Culicoides biting midges were responsible for transmission (cite, du Toit (1944) [3]. Clinical cases of a disease comparable to BT were reported in Texas around 1950, but the first confirmed U.S. case was in California in 1952 [4]. The introduction of BTV to the U.S. spurred the USDA to designate a laboratory dedicated to studying this virus, and in the early 1960’s, the Arthropod-borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory (ABADRL) was established in Denver, Colorado. Over the years, this group found key discoveries identifying the North American vectors, investigating infections in both the host and vector, and aiding in the development of diagnostic testing. As new pathogens affecting livestock emerged (i.e., Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) in the 1970s) [5], this laboratory was also tasked with exploring solutions for these as well. The lab was moved to Larime, Wyoming in 1985 and then to its current location of Manhattan, Kansas in 2010. The move to Kansas also brought the name change to what it is today, ABADRU. Despite the various changes over the years, this unit’s and the USDA’s commitment to mitigating hemorrhagic and other animal diseases has not waned.

Key Contributions over the Years: Science is constantly building upon the discoveries of past research. Here are just a few important discoveries ABADRU/ABADRL has contributed that are aiding the current work being done in support of the deer farming industry.

•Confirmation of BTV and EHDV transmission by Culicoides sonorensis [6-8] – this information is vital to control and surveillance. There are over 150 species of biting midges in the U.S., but only a handful play a role in virus transmission. Much of the current efforts are focused on this important species.

•Established and maintained colonies of Culicoides sonorensis [9, 10] – this is covered more in our resources section, but researchers around the world have tried to start colonies of biting midges with only a small number being successful. Even then, fewer have had the resources and

dedication to maintaining colonies for over 60 years.

•Determined laboratory and field infection rates of various biting midge species across the US [11, 12] – this showed how complex this disease system really is. The inconsistency of infection rates in different biting midge populations stems from a countless number of variables (the genes of the midges, the genes of host, the different serotypes of the virus, environmental factors, etc.) that we are still trying to unravel today.

•Provided some of the first molecular work in biting midges [13, 14] – early genetic work helped refine the species involved in virus transmission. It also started to identify genes within the vector that are important for the acquisition, replication, and transmission of viruses. ABADRU is starting to test the functionality of these genes as well as continuing to screen for more candidates.

Current ABADRU Resources: The facility houses four different colonies of Culicoides sonorensis and is one of only two places in the world with the capabilities and expertise to maintain large colonies of midges. Last year alone, the staff raised over 2 million individuals that were utilized in laboratory trials (don’t worry, we keep them all inside). Having these colonies allows ABADRU to quickly test things like vector competence and pesticide susceptibility in a controlled laboratory setting. Much of the work done on Culicoides both within and outside of the USDA would not be possible without this invaluable resource.

To work with pathogens, there are certain biosafety requirements that need to be upheld, but as we sometimes work with these in combination with live insects, ABADRU has several laboratories that are retrofitted to be Arthropod Containment Laboratories (ACL). These spaces have allowed scientists and researchers to work safely with both insects and pathogens. Recent renovations have increased our ACL space by fivefold, allowing for more efficiency and capacity in our work. The lab is now able to run multiple experiments simultaneously and decrease the processing time of samples.

Increasingly, genetics is becoming commonly used to further our understanding of biology. ABADRU is equipped with several laboratories dedicated to molecular work and is equipped with state-of-the-art machines that allow us to perform this type of research in-house. This includes instruments that are automated to extract DNA/RNA from hundreds of samples, equipment that can measure specific genes of interest, and several sequencing machines for producing genomic and transcriptomic data. Access to this

type of equipment facilitates research into some of the most novel control efforts currently being investigated. Producing large genetic or ecological datasets is one thing, but analyzing this type of data would be too much for a normal computer. For this reason, ABADRU utilizes a high-performance computing cluster or “supercomputer.” With this tool, we can transfer, process, and analyze terabytes of data in a matter of hours compared to the weeks it would take on a local computer. Some analyses are only possible because of the computational power afforded to us by this computer cluster.

MEET THE TEAM: THE SCIENTIST WORKING AT THE UNIT TO SUPPORT THE DEER FARMING INDUSTRY AND A DESCRIPTION OF THEIR WORK

Dana Nayduch, Research Leader

midges we want to target for tracking viruses in the field and staying one step ahead of outbreaks, which has significant impacts on disease surveillance. Essentially, by using the current trap design, we may be underestimating disease prevalence because infected midges will not be attracted to the UV light used to draw them in. ABADRU will now focus on determining what stimuli midges DO respond to and hopes to leverage these findings to develop better traps that specifically target infected midges. [15-17]

Barbra Drolet

Dr. Nayduch has been with ABADRU for almost 14 years, where she was a Molecular Biologist (2011-2020) and since October 2020 has been the Research Leader. She is a broadly trained biologist specializing in insect vectors (mainly house flies and biting midges), microbiology and molecular biology. She addresses entomological problems by integrating science from these fields, in diverse projects such as studying the microbiome of biting midges and their larval habitats, unravelling the molecular mechanisms that determine how and why midges carry and transmit viruses, and developing molecular based resources for studying midges like transcriptomes, genomes, and RNA-interference – all of which facilitate the discovery of novel targets for mitigating midges and the damage they cause to livestock and deer.

Most recently she and her students have looked at how virus infection (BTV or EHDV) affects how midges respond to UV light; a key attractant present in traps and critical to disease surveillance. Her team found that as viruses disseminate throughout the body of the midge after being ingested in the blood of infected animals the viruses infect the midge’s eyes. As a result, both BTV and EHDV infected midges have a significantly decreased attraction to UV light. This finding indicates that traps may not be capturing the

Dr. Barbra Drolet is a former ARS Virologist who retired this year after over 25 years of service to ARS at ABADRU. Her work was instrumental in our understanding of the role of biting midge saliva in enhancing virus infections in animals as well as the complex interaction between arthropods and viruses. [18-20]

Amy Hudson, Research Ecologist

Dr. Hudson joined the unit in February of 2023 and has expertise in identifying drivers of disease outbreaks at the macro scale. Her lab integrates large data sets like satellite images and weather products with information from lab experiments and site-level observations to better understand how BTV and EHDV spread regionally. Changes in disease drivers may change which locations are at risk of disease and when (Figure 2, from Hudson, McGregor, Shults et al. 2023). Amy and her team are working to use these environment-disease relationships to inform early warning systems and provide deer managers with time to minimize the negative effects of these diseases. [21]

Bethany McGregor, Research Entomologist

Dr. McGregor joined ABADRU as a Research Entomologist in May 2020. Her expertise is in vector field

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» CERVID RESEARCH

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ecology, biology, and surveillance, with a specialty in biting midges. Bethany’s PhD research was conducted on deer farms in Florida, where she led numerous field-based studies to understand the ecology of EHDV as part of the Cervidae Health Research Initiative. Her research uncovered which biting midge species were feeding on deer and consequently could be important for disease spread, that biting midges were mainly residing in tree canopies outside of the reach of frequently used control strategies, and identified which species were likely spreading EHDV during a 2017 multi-farm outbreak in Florida. Her expertise in this field led her to coauthor a review article that summarizes the evidence for vector competence in all North American Culicoides species to help narrow down the species that need further investigation (Figure 3, from McGregor, Mcdermot). In her current role, Bethany continues to respond to outbreaks of midge-borne viruses and conducts studies on the distribution of both larval and adult biting midges in the field, the efficacy of spatial repellents against midges, and ecological interactions of midges with their food sources, including blood and sugar. A current focus in the lab is identifying which sugar resources midges are using in nature and why they are using them. The future goal of this effort is to develop a novel attractive toxic sugar bait (ATSB) trap targeted towards specific midge ecological attributes. [22-24]

Jimmy Pitzer, Research Entomologist

Dr. Jimmy has been with ABADRU since August 2023. He has been conducting research regarding insecticide resistance management of pest flies associated with livestock and other animals since 2002. During his PhD program, Jimmy conducted several investigations of biting fly ecology and physiology to reveal previously unrecognized factors affecting insecticide use failures observed by livestock producers. In the laboratory, Jimmy demonstrated that resistance development could occur in biting fly populations

long thought to be susceptible to traditionally used insecticides. More importantly, he verified that resistance was prevalent among biting fly populations in the field and identified the genetic mechanism likely causing those insecticide use failures. Additionally, he determined that short-term biting fly dispersal between livestock facilities was the cause of treatment failures at sites where insecticides were not used. Currently, Jimmy continues his work in resistance management to identify factors impacting insecticide use as part of an integrated program to manage biting midge populations. Ultimately, Jimmy seeks to identify and exploit ecological, physiological, and behavioral biting midge characteristics to determine more targeted insecticide use tactics, as well as develop complementary and easily adoptable control tools for livestock producers against these pests. [25]

Travis Rusch, Research Biologist

Dr. Rusch joined ABADRU initially as a postdoctoral fellow in 2022 and then was hired as a scientist in 2023. He has a diverse background working with a number of different organisms with a specialty in thermal ecology. Travis got his start in thermal ecology during his PhD work, where he studied how the thermal landscape affected organismal movement patterns and interactions. He cont inued work in thermal ecology through three postdoctoral research positions spanning the fields of forensic entomology, conservation biology, and vector ecology. In his current role at the USDA-ARS Travis continues to study how temperature influences organismal performances, but with a focus on livestock pest species, including both house flies and biting midges. Some of his recent work has revealed the upper and lower thermal limits, as well as the thermal performances (e.g., egg production and survival across different temperatures) of biting midges and house flies. The future goal of these efforts is to develop predictive models, based on the thermal limits and performances, that will describe when and where these arthropod pests will be active. Such information can further be used to predict potential outbreaks of these pest species and their associated vector competences (i.e., when and where they are likely to spread pathogens leading to livestock

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diseases), which will ultimately help focus the timing of mitigation strategies. [26]

Stacey Scroggs, Research Microbiologist

Dr. Scroggs joined ABADRU in August 2022. Her expertise is in virology, virus evolution, and antiviral development, with a focus on viruses transmitted by arthropods like biting midges, mosquitoes, and ticks. Stacey’s

Ph.D. research focused on repurposing FDA-approved drugs as antivirals to suppress dengue and Zika, two mosquito-transmitted viruses. While a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health, Stacey developed an animal model to study chronic Powassan infection, a long-term condition caused by ticktransmitted Powassan virus. In her current position, Stacey works with all the major biting midge transmitted viruses such as BTV, EHDV, and VSV. Her research seeks to identify the factors that support reassortment of BTV and EHDV and the emergence of new serotypes. To better understand which vector species are involved in virus transmission, she conducts vector competency studies by experimentally infecting midges in the lab. Additionally, Stacey tests field samples collected during active virus outbreaks for viral RNA to identify potential new vector species. Ultimately, Stacey’s research seeks to decrease transmission of vector-

borne diseases and reduce disease burden to improve animal health. [27-29]

Phillip Shults, Research Entomologist

Dr. Shults joined the USDA in July of 2021 as a molecular biologist before joining ABADRU in December of 2022. His lab focuses on the mechanisms controlling traits like vector competency, pesticide susceptibility, and behavior at the genetic level. The goal is to then leverage this information to enhance or develop biting midge management and surveillance tools. During his graduate studies, Phillip was able to do extensive sampling at deer farms across Texas which led to a much larger study of the population genetics of biting midges throughout the U.S. He found far more species diversity than expected, supporting the theory that there are more vector species than previously thought. Phillip then went on to design a genetic tool for identifying vector species from non-vector species. Currently, Phillip is leading a project to assemble the genome of Culicoides sonorensis as well as identify candidate genes for targeted genetic control, creating better attractants/repellants, and stopping viral infections. This type of work is still relatively new even in well-studied systems like mosquitoes. However, by building up these foundational genetic resources, he hopes to position the unit to be able to utilize novel genetic methods of mitigating disease spread. [30-32] u

Figure 2. This figure is from a review article authored by Amy Hudson highlighting some of the challenges we may face in combating arthropod borne viruses under more variable environmental conditions.

Figure 3. This figure is from a review article authored by Bethany McGregor showing the distribution of several major midge transmitted viruses as well as the distribution of the known of suspected biting midge vector species in the U.S.

References

1.Maclachlan, N.J., Bluetongue: history, global epidemiology, and pathogenesis. Preventive veterinary medicine, 2011. 102(2): p. 107-111.

2.Henning, M.W., Animal diseases in South Africa. 1949.

3.Du Toit, R., The transmission of blue-tongue and horse-sickness by Culicoides. 1944.

4.Price, D. and W. Hardy, Isolation of the bluetongue virus from Texas sheep-Culicoides shown to be a vector. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1954. 124(925).

5.Jones, R., et al., Culicoides, the vector of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer in Kentucky in 1971. Journal of wildlife diseases, 1977. 13(1): p. 2-8.

6.Foster, N., et al., Transmission of two strains of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in deer by Culicoides variipennis. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 1977. 13(1): p. 9-16.

7.Foster, N., R. Jones, and B. McCrory, Preliminary investigations on insect transmission of bluetongue virus in sheep. 1963.

8.Luedke, A., R. Jones, and M. Jochim, Transmission of bluetongue between sheep and cattle by Culicoides variipennis. American journal of veterinary research, 1967. 28(123).

9.Jones, R.H., The Laboratory Colonization of Culicoides variipennis (Coq.). 1957.

10.Jones, R., Mass production methods in rearing Culicoides variipennis (Coquillett). Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 1964. 31(4): p. 571.

11.Foster, N., et al., Bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus isolations from vertebrate and invertebrate hosts at a common geographic site. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1980. 176(2): p. 126-129.

12.Tabachnick, W.J., Culicoides variipennis and Bluetongue Virus Epidemiology in the United States. Vol. 41. 1996. 23-43.

13.Holbrook, F.R., et al., Sympatry in the Culicoides variipennis Complex (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae): a Taxonomic Reassessment. Journal of Medical Entomology, 2000. 37(1): p. 65-76.

14.Tabachnick, W.J., Genetic control of oral susceptibility to infection of Culicoides variipennis with bluetongue virus. The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 1991. 45(6): p. 666-671.

15.Mills, M.K., et al., Culicoides-virus interactions: infection barriers and possible factors underlying vector competence. Curr Opin Insect Sci, 2017. 22: p. 7-15.

16.Nayduch, D., et al., Studying Culicoides vectors of BTV in the post-genomic era: Resources, bottlenecks to progress and future directions. Virus Research, 2014. 182: p. 43-49.

17.Nayduch, D., M.B. Lee, and C.A. Saski, The reference transcriptome of the adult female biting midge (Culicoides sonorensis) and differential gene expression profiling during teneral, blood, and sucrose feeding conditions. PLoS One, 2014. 9(5).

18.Drolet, B.S., et al., Vector competence of Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for vesicular stomatitis virus. Journal of medical entomology, 2005. 42(3): p. 409-418.

19.Drolet, B.S., et al., Effect of Culicoides sonorensis salivary proteins on clinical disease outcome in experimental bluetongue virus serotype 8 infection of Dorset sheep. Vet Ital, 2015. 51(4): p. 379-84.

20.Rozo-Lopez, P., B. Londono-Renteria, and B.S. Drolet, Venereal Transmission of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus by Culicoides sonorensis Midges. Pathogens, 2020. 9(4): p. 316.

21.Hudson, A.R., et al., Culicoides-borne Orbivirus epidemiology in a changing climate. Journal of Medical Entomology, 2023. 60(6): p. 12211229.

22.McGregor, B.L., et al., Vertical stratification of Culicoides biting midges at a Florida big game preserve. Parasites & Vectors, 2018. 11(1): p. 505.

23.McGregor, B.L., P.T. Shults, and E.G. McDermott, A Review of the Vector Status of North American Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for Bluetongue Virus, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, and Other Arboviruses of Concern. Current Tropical Medicine Reports, 2022: p. 1-10.

24.McGregor, B.L., et al., Host use patterns of Culicoides spp. biting midges at a big game preserve in Florida, U.S.A., and implications for the transmission of orbiviruses. Med Vet Entomol, 2019. 33(1): p. 110-120.

25.Pitzer, J.B., P.E. Kaufman, and S.H. Tenbroeck, Assessing permethrin resistance in the stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) in Florida by using laboratory selections and field evaluations. Journal of Economic Entomology, 2010. 103(6): p. 2258-2263.

26.Rusch, T.W., et al., The upper thermal tolerance of the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria Fabricius (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Journal of Thermal Biology, 2019. 85: p. 102405.

27.Scroggs, S.L., et al., Vesicular stomatitis virus elicits early transcriptome response in Culicoides sonorensis cells. Viruses, 2023. 15(10): p. 2108.

28.Scroggs, S.L., et al., Enhanced infection and transmission of the 2022–2024 Oropouche virus strain in the North American biting midge Culicoides sonorensis. Scientific Reports, 2025. 15(1): p. 27368.

29.Scroggs, S.L., et al., Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Detected in Biting Midges and Black Flies during the 2023 Outbreak in Southern California. Viruses, 2024. 16(9): p. 1428.

30.Shults, P., et al., Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission. Parasites & Vectors, 2021. 14(1): p. 1-13.

31.Shults, P., et al., Species delimitation and mitonuclear discordance within a species complex of biting midges. Scientific Reports, 2021.

32.Shults, P., et al., Rapid Differentiation of Vector Species: Development of Microsatellite Markers for Population Genetics of Biting Midges and a Potential Tool for Species Identification of Culicoides Sonorensis. 2021.

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KALA’s Summer Highlights: Connecting, Educating,

and

Growing the Industry

The Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association (KALA) has had an exciting and packed summer- full of opportunities to engage with the public and strengthen the deer farming community. Between our annual Summer Showcase, the Kentucky State Fair, and the upcoming Bluegrass Buck Auction, this season has been a standout season for KALA.

Summer Showcase – August 9 Our Summer Showcase, held August 9th at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, KY, once again proved to be the highlight of the season. As KALA’s annual fundraising event, the Showcase brought together farmers, breeders, sponsors, and supporters from across the state and beyond. Attendees enjoyed networking opportunities, a competitive antler contest, and a fun dart gun competition—all while celebrating the strength and future of our industry.

The antler competition highlighted some of the best genetics in Kentucky. ACE Whitetails took home Best Yearling, Woodard Whitetails earned Best 2-Year-Old Buck with their buck Louisville Slugger, and J&L Whitetails won Best Mature Buck with Triplane.

The Showcase also provided a valuable opportunity to discuss legislative matters with attendees from the Alabama Deer Association, fostering cross-state collaboration and sharing insights on policy and industry developments.

The Showcase is where friendships grow, ideas are shared, and our shared passion for alternative livestock shines brighter than ever. We’re already counting down the days until next year!

Kentucky State Fair – August 14–24 Just days later, KALA was proud to represent our industry at the Kentucky State Fair. We’ve been all in—sharing our passion and commitment to the industry. The Fair has proven to be an incredible educational opportunity, giving us a platform to connect with the public. We were able to explain what deer farming is all about, answer questions directly, and share the real science behind CWD. It’s been a chance to replace misconceptions with facts, confront the myths head-on, and show people the truth about this industry we care so deeply about.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was a hot topic this year, fueled in part by the government scare tactics and

widespread misinformation. Many attendees came to our booth with concerns and uncertainty about the disease. Once we were able to explain the science-based reality of CWD, including our proactive solution-focused approach, visitors left feeling less fearful and more confident in the deer farming industry. Even those who approached us with preconceived ideas left thanking us for what we do. Throughout the fair, the public has been extremely receptive to learning about our industry, demonstrating genuine interest in our work and the steps we take to ensure we fulfill our responsibilities as breeders regarding herd health, genetics, and disease prevention. KALA was able to build trust and foster stronger support from the public.

The Fair has continually been a place to connect with both familiar and unfamiliar faces, making it an invaluable setting for outreach. Several legislators remembered KALA from last year’s Fair when we were at the Capitol in Frankfort battling HB700, demonstrating how these connections can extend far beyond the event itself. The relationships we build at the Fair have proven to be incredibly valuable, fostering ongoing conversations and collaborations. In fact, these engagements have directly contributed to some major breakthroughs for the deer farming industry within the state, highlighting the Fair’s vital role in promoting growth, understanding, and support for our work. This outreach effort was a rewarding way to connect with families, farmers, and future generations of deer enthusiasts.

Bluegrass Buck Auction – September 4 Looking ahead, many KALA members will be attending the Bluegrass Buck Auction on September 4th. This upcoming event provides another great opportunity to showcase quality breeding and strengthen connections within the deer farming community. Auctions like this continue to support both the growth of the industry and the bonds among farmers, breeders, and buyers across Kentucky and neighboring states.

Looking Ahead This summer was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our members and supporters. From fundraising and education to outreach and community-building, KALA remains committed to promoting a strong, sustainable, and truthful vision of deer farming in Kentucky. With such a standout season behind us, we look forward to carrying this momentum into the months ahead.

Best Regards,

Grayson Steele

KEDA Summer Picnic 2025

A fish fry, a farm tour, some healthy competition and deer friends made for another amazing KEDA Summer Picnic. There were deer farmers from Oklahoma, Missouri and all across Kansas in attendance. AB Whitetails (Karla & Mike Kretschmer) hosted our 2025 KEDA Summer Picnic near Chetopa, KS. Even though it was a hot summer day everyone had a great time. AB Whitetail’s is a beautiful farm full of spectacular whitetails including several eye-catching piebalds and two sweet little bottle babies. A huge thank you to Karla and Mike!

Many tried but there can only be one winner, Dr. Drew Crissler! As the winner of the Pneu-Dart competition. But he wasn't the only one to head home with something special, many door prizes were donated and given away at the end of the day and everyone went home with a KEDA 5 gallon bucket and t-shirt.

We can’t wait to see everyone again at the conference at Acorns Resort in Milford, KS. Mark your calendars for February 28th, 2026. u

Submitted by Karla Kretchmer

MO Deer Association 2025 Annual Picnic

Despite sweltering temperatures in the mid 90’s, MO Deer Association members had a great time at their 2025 annual picnic held on Saturday, August 16 at Knibb Whitetails in Union, MO. We feasted on a spread of smoked pulled pork, fire roasted corn, and black diamond watermelon topped off with homemade ice cream in two flavors. Joseph Lolli gave a brief presentation featuring such products as Shock Effect and Buck Chill. President Amy Green-Nold held a business meeting discussing proposed changes to the wildlife inventory system and updates in the research and development of a CWD blood test. And Dr. Jeff Knibb presented two case studies demonstrating that

antibiotics aren’t always what a sick deer needs. Adults enjoyed conversing and taking farm tours in the side-by-side. While kids set off smoke bombs, took a trailer ride through the woods and fields, waded in the Bourbeuse River, and herded one another through the handling facility tunnels. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and we are looking forward to next year’s picnic at Fawndoebucks Whitetails in Clark, MO where I hope to wrangle a percussion concert out of our highly talented host, Greg Kasner.

Sincerely, Roxanne

Knibb

Community, Knowledge, and Growth NYDEFA Picnic

Hello Deer Farmers,

With the NYDEFA summer picnic behind us I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone that helped make it a success. We had a great event with lot of wonderful people attending! It was held at my farm MountainSide Whitetails and we really appreciate everyone that took the time out of there busy schedule to attend.

After the farm tours in the forenoon we had a scrumptious lunch provided by the deer farmer ladies. After lunch there were some very interesting presentations. Dr Shane-Holser from Ag & Markets talked about the grant to pay for the testing through NADR. She had a very interesting and informative slide on the results of the tests and she covered the process and results of the latest CWD positive case in the red deer farm. We can not be thankful enough for such a wonderful and helpful person to help us out on move permits and testing requirements!

Next up Dan Jennings gave us an update on his travels to DC and our progress on taking NYDEFA to the next level. Thank You Dan for all time and hard work in the deer industry we appreciate it!

Last but far from least was the Deer Wizard himself Josh Newton. Josh shared some of his vast knowledge on the future of CWD resistance and what the industry looks like from a regulatory stand point.

To finish out the day we did a fundraiser to support NYDEFA.

Thank You to all the great people that helped make this years summer picnic a success! I hope to see everyone again next year!

A fellow deer farmer, Dana Hoover MountainSide Whitetails

SETDA Summer Picnic Brings Together Community, Expertise, and Generosity

This year's SETDA Summer Picnic was a huge success thanks to the generosity of CHeRI, Cracker Land & Cattle Co., Tillman Outdoors, Brooksville General Mowers and Tractors, and Deer Doc.

The education program included the following: updates on the latest research being conducted by CHeRI. Dr Kitchens with the USDA discussed a serious new threat, the New World Screw-worm. Ken Holmes with FWC clarified the latest rule changes affecting deer farmers and preserve owners.

The fellowship and information learned may very well save untold numbers of deer in Florida.

As Always, Stay Safe, Well, and Florida Strong.

Dr. Bill Leffler

SETDA President

NADeFA Advocates For CWD Funding In D.C.

NADEFA 2025 FLY-IN

In April, NADeFA members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 Fly-In to advocate for critical funding in the fight against Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Representatives from Oklahoma, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, New York, Ohio, and North Carolina met with their respective lawmakers to underscore the urgent need for federal support. The event was a resounding success, reinforcing the importance of NADeFA’s appropriations requests and strengthening the push for meaningful action to combat CWD nationwide.

APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees are actively advancing their respective funding bills ahead of the October 1 deadline to avoid a government shutdown. As of now, the House has passed 7 of its 12 appropriations bills, while the Senate has passed 3.

House Republicans are aligning their budget with former President Trump’s priorities, while Senate Republicans are focused on spending cuts but differ on specifics. Democrats have voiced concerns about Trump’s influence on GOP funding decisions.

HOUSE AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture released its FY2026 proposal, allocating $25.523 billion in discretionary funding, a decrease from FY2025. The bill prioritizes food and drug safety, rural development, and nutrition programs.

For Cervid Health and CWD, the House bill includes: $17.5 million for APHIS:

• $12.5 million for surveillance, testing, management, and response

• $5 million for indemnity payments and removal of infected/exposed animals

• Continued collaboration with states, tribes, research institutions, and dedicated CWD research facilities

• Maintains FY2025 funding for Wildlife Services Methods Development at the National Wildlife Research Center

SENATE AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved its FY2026 bill with $27.1 billion in discretionary funding. The bill supports agricultural research, biosecurity, food safety, rural development, and nutritional programs such as WIC.

For CWD, the Senate bill provides:

$22.5 million for APHIS activities

• $12.5 million for direct allocations to states, tribes, and research partners for surveillance and management

$5 million for indemnity and removal of infected/exposed animals

• $5 million for CWD work at the National Wildlife Research Center

• Continued collaboration with university research partners on CWD detection and control

NADeFA continues to monitor both chambers' progress and advocate for strong support in the final funding package to ensure the resources necessary to fight CWD are secured.

RECONCILIATION

On Friday (July 4), President Trump signed off on the long-awaited Republican-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). The reconciliation bill includes a massive spending and tax package that incorporates President

Trump’s second term agenda. At the core of the bill is the extension of Trump’s first term 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The bill makes most of those tax cuts permanent while also increasing spending for border security, defense, and energy production. It also cuts funding for healthcare and nutrition programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

According to projections by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the OBBBA is expected to increase agriculture focused spending by approximately $65.6 billion over the next decade (fiscal year 2025-fiscal year 2034). The bill extends Commodity Programs through the 2031 crop year. OBBBA also updates crop insurance policies by increasing premium support for beginning farmers and ranchers, expanding USDA’s definition of a beginning producer from five to ten years of experience, allowing more producers to qualify for assistance over a longer period. The bill further updates several disaster assistance programs for livestock and tree crops, including higher payment rates and more flexible eligibility for drought losses. For livestock producers, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) is revised to provide 100% of market value

compensation for animals lost to predation and 75% compensation for losses due to adverse weather or disease. Other agriculture related provisions include increased funding for agricultural conservation and research, tax relief for farm and ranch families, and an extension of the Clean Fuel Production Credit.

CONCLUSION

As Congress continues to shape federal funding and longterm agricultural priorities, NADeFA remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for meaningful support in the fight against CWD. From securing strong appropriations in both the House and Senate bills to monitoring the broader impacts of the newly enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” NADeFA is committed to ensuring the cervid industry has the resources it needs. We’ll continue to work closely with lawmakers, agency partners, and stakeholders to keep CWD at the forefront of federal policy discussions. Thank you for your continued support as we advance this important work. u

By Caroline Herrera Capitol Hill Consulting

Timely Payments Ensure Strong Year-End Financials

Well, we’ve got an undeclared drought going on here in Vermont. We started the spring and early summer with so much rain that we couldn’t get first cut off some fields until July! By then there was and has been no rain and pastures are played out and we’re feeding this winter’s feed already.

This is a treasurer’s report I’m reading, you ask yourself. What’s the connection? Well our finances are a little like Vermont weather, all then nothing. We get a big surge with our annual conference then use that income plus advertising and membership dues to get thru the rest of the year. Cash flow is important, so we ask that you pay promptly what you successfully bid on at the conference. Looking toward September 30th, our fiscal year end, I am confident we will end up in the black, thanks to all of our members.

This fall have successful breeding and great hunts! u

Respectfully submitted,

Hank Dimuzio Treasurer NADeFA

INCOME:

EXPENSES:

What Makes a GREAT DEER FARMER?

By Becky Compton

The Deer Wife / BRC Fallow Deer

What makes a great deer farmer? I have pondered this question more than once. Now…. I am not an expert, but I am going to give it a shot. Deer farming is still fairly new to me so I am going to be pulling on my extensive three years worth of experience. <wink wink> I have had the pleasure of visiting several deer farms, meeting lots of deer farmers at conferences and following multiple deer farms on social media and let me tell ya, I have been awed by what I have witnessed. Glimpses into their lives that showcase how exceptional they are at what they do. It’s hard to put it all into words, but I’ve concluded there are a few common

denominators with folks who have earned the title of a great deer farmer; I hope ya’ll will agree with me.

HEART MAKES A GREAT DEER FARMER

Heart: Deer farmers must have heart; a strong admiration for, and respect for, all of God’s creation. They need a strong hand with a gentle touch that honors the animals under their care. Someone with the drive to cultivate their LOVE for this way of life. Someone that isn’t bothered to put in the extra effort and spend their time in the pens, in the fields, or in the barn; day or night. They have Grit (not

just the dirt that gets everywhere), and grace as they tackle each and every farm project. Someone whose heart grows a size or two with every fawn that drops each season.

LOVE MAKES A GREAT DEER FARMER

Loves animals: I believe this one just goes without saying. There must be a love in protecting and caring for animals because…. Well… that’s the job. But, it’s more than that. Someone that feels a sense of joy from walking in the deer pen each day. They are in awe as the deer come closer and closer, finally building trust with each other. The pride they feel as the fawns age and the antlers grow each year.

A NEED TO BE OUTDOORS MAKES A GREAT DEER FARMER

A need to be outdoors: A deer farmer should have a profound love of the great outdoors. There needs to be a driving force to honor and restore as much of nature as they can. They have the knowledge that conservation is key to holding on to our natural habitats. They strive to have a positive impact on the natural world that will sustain its beauty and grace for generations to come. They know that fresh air and sunshine are the best medicine, even though our society has forgotten the importance of connecting with the natural world around them. While they have a desire to learn about and protect the world, they particularly love their own space; their small slice of heaven. Their deer farm, local hunting spots and fishing holes are their oasis. They connect with nature in a way that fills their soul. On the hottest of hot days

or in the bitter cold winter months, the desire to be outside caring for their herd and being immersed in nature is strong.

A STRONG FAMILY MAKES A GREAT DEER FARMER

Family: A deer farmer values their family and knows it is a precious commodity, and they have built their farm with this focus. They know that involving younger generations in the inner workings of a deer farm will instill an appreciation for all of God’s creatures. They are not afraid to ask for help from siblings, parents, friends, neighbors or farm managers. Everyone works together to keep all things running smoothly. Their herd is also considered part of their family and is just as precious. They have a high attention to detail and keep an eye on everyone and everything. They know that sacrifice is necessary and do not hesitate to do what is right and needed for their family. They have faith that their efforts are fundamental in ensuring the connection of their family. They know that the deer farming industry is unique. It’s more than just a focus on the bottom line and dollars earned. There is a camaraderie that runs deep. It’s an extended family, really. Dedicated to the animals they raise, their fellow deer farmers and preserving this special way of life. They know that attending conferences and connecting with their extended

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deer farming family is fundamental. The relationships created with other deer farmers across the nation are paramount, just like family.

BEING A RISK TA KER MAKES A GREAT DEER FARMER

A risk taker: A deer farmer that is not afraid of high stakes. While others may consider them crazy, they are undeterred and put up their high fence anyway. They can step outside of their comfort zone and learn how to care for wildlife and exotic species. Someone that is dedicated to finding or doing the research necessary to ensure their animals thrive. They know that trying new methods, techniques, or nutrition is crucial. They are the first to propose a new plan or protocol change. They believe in the deer farming industry and only want to keep it moving

forward. They have the firm belief that this is a positive contribution in the agricultural world. They know that alternative livestock is necessary for the diversity of farms, but also for the betterment of our world through conservation.

Greatness comes from the willingness to do extraordinary things and honestly what is more extraordinary than raising wildlife? A great deer farmer, whether they have been in the industry for 1 year or 36 years, has precision in their methods. They consistently continue to reach beyond the norm, and relentlessly chase their dreams.

Have you ever met a great deer farmer? u

Inspiring

Youth in Hopes of Building a NEW GENERATION OF DEER FARMERS

By Lisa Weinsheimer

They say time waits for no one, and I believe that to be true. I also believe that many of our first experiences help shape our values and our dreams. If we look back, most of us can recall someone who, in one way or another, helped guide us—someone whose influence we carry with us to this day.

For the past 15 years, Joe Smith, Whitetails of Oklahoma Board Member, has dedicated himself to being that guiding light for the next generation. Through his outdoors youth hunting & fishing program Joe introduces children to the world of deer farming and the great outdoors—hoping to spark interest, build character, and instill a lasting love for whitetail deer. He calls it a “whitetail journey.”

Sadly, outdoor education and hands-on experiences aren't always available to every child. That’s where Joe steps in. With patience, passion, and purpose, he gives kids—and often adults—the chance to experience many “firsts”: first time shooting a bow, casting a fishing line, walking through woods, or learning about wildlife and deer behavior. His goal? “I hope to create memories and experiences that last a lifetime.”

There’s no mistaking Joe’s excitement when it comes to mentoring kids. He encourages them to “get dirty,” have fun, and dive into learning about nature. His unique ability to connect with people has led to numerous speaking invitations. If you’ve attended past Whitetails of Oklahoma events—or the 2019 NADeFA Conference in Tulsa—you might remember Joe as “Tonto,” when he dressed in native costume, or by the handcrafted antler necklaces he’s known for handing out to anyone who wants one—something special he loves to share with the kids.

As a proud Native American, Joe sees it as a great honor to gift someone their first “trophy”—whether it’s a memory, a story, or a physical keepsake like a set of rattling antlers. But for him, it’s not about the prize, it’s about the passion. “You are not a deer farmer if you don’t love whitetail deer,” Joe

says. And that love shines through in everything he does.

Joe has had a bit of bad luck recently and lost his small herd, but he’s very excited to start rebuilding a herd this fall. He remains committed to the industry and believes his journey includes helping the next generation discover their love for the whitetail deer too. Through mentorship, outdoor activities, and storytelling, he’s creating ripples that will shape the future of deer farming for years to come.

If you’d like to support Joe’s mission—to put free fishing rods, bows and arrows, BB guns, and more into the hands of Oklahoma’s youth—please reach out to him directly at 405-696-3880. As Joe says, “It doesn’t take a lot of money to do things outdoors.” Sometimes, it just takes one person willing to give their time and to make a difference. u

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ADM Alliance Nutrition.......................................145

AI Diversified.......................................................132

Backyard Whitetails/Barnyard Feeders..............137

Blackhawk Whitetails......................................62, 63

Blosser Whitetails ...............................................156

BRC Falliow Deer................................................111

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C & E BioSolutions..............................................114

Callicrate Banders...................................................6

CC Bar Whitetails................................................161

Cedar

Cervid Livestock Foundations.............................160

Cervid Solutions....................................................89

CuddliEZ..............................................................132

Deer Tracking Magazine - Bear Essentials..........124