AL SU 2026 Full Book by DandKDesign

johnbiddle@thelegacyranch.com

darrellc@dcequipmentinc.com

Rodney@theswampwhitetails.com

President’s Message

What an exciting time of year! Fawning season is upon us and definitely in full swing. Seeing everyone’s babies on social media this time of year is so good for the heart. Everyone’s careful planning, strategy for the future, and the hopes and dreams for their farms all coming to fruition with every fawn being born. God’s handywork on full display. From fawn paste and iodine, to tissue samples and ear tags, the lull of our “slow” season is over and it’s time to get back busy again. And now is when we see if all of our planning actually worked watching our bucks grow out. Between the finding of new additions and the bucks daily changes, I usually can’t wait to get to the pens every day.

We did find time this spring for a social gathering and crawfish boil at Five Bridges Whitetails on April 25th. It was an awesome event, loaded with great food and fellowship, enjoyed by all who were able to attend. The team at Five Bridges did an awesome job and we can’t thank them enough for hosting for us. This was an inaugural event but I can easily see this turning into a regular occurrence. We were also able to scratch together an impromptu fundraiser while we were there. A big thanks goes out to everyone who donated and participated in it. Your contributions and continued support of the ADA are greatly appreciated. The board of directors are in discussions right now as to having future events and fundraising opportunities, so be on the lookout for more information to come.

We were also so fortunate to have been represented in Washington D.C. at this year’s annual NADeFA Fly In. Our VicePresident Jack Crosby went on our behalf and was accompanied by the Associate Executive Director of NADeFA and fellow ADA Executive Board Member Troy Zacchinni. Jack and Troy were able to spend a few days at our nation’s capitol meeting with legislators and other representatives in efforts to secure funding for our industry through the USDA. USDA APHIS has since approved approximately $12 million to support projects that support the control and prevention of CWD in farmed and wild cervids across the nation. Our portion of this money is what provides the necessary funding for the co-operative agreement between the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and licensed game breeders here in Alabama. This grant money pays for the parentage and GEBV testing through NADR that helps us to breed and build animals that are more resistant to CWD. Alabama was granted approximately $174K in 2024 and $50K in 2025. The application process is currently underway right now for state agencies to

apply for the 2026 grants. Thank you to Jack, Troy, and all the other NADeFA representatives that made the trip to D.C. and represented our industry at the national level. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. The approval of this funding are the fruits of your labor and it shows just how vital our industry is when it comes to providing a solution to CWD.

The venue has been booked for the 2027 ADA Annual Convention and Auction. We will be back at Cotton Creek in Cullman on February 26-27th. We are busy planning already in hopes of making this the best event it can possibly be. Fundraising Committee Chairperson Cade White is spearheading the effort and collaborating with all available resources to make this a great event. There are already a lot of great ideas and conversations happening for what all will be taking place so start making plans to attend now, you don’t want to miss this one!

Thank you all for your continued support of the Alabama Deer Association. I hope you all have a very healthy and prosperous fawning season. The future is bright in the great state of Alabama!

If you need any assistance, please reach out to myself or another board member. We are here to serve.

God Bless,

Upcoming Whitetail and Cervid Events

Alabama Deer Association Magazine Deadlines 2026

Spring: March 3rd

Summer: June 2nd

Fall: September 15th

Winter: December 8th

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

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers Association - July 31-Aug 1st - Nappanee IN

KALA Summer Showcase - Aug 8, 2026

Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Convention - Aug 13-14, 2026

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association PA Eastern Fall Stocker Auction - Aug 29th - State College, PA

Southern Top 30 - Aug 20-21, 2026 - Louisiana

Whitetails of Louisiana - Aug 21-22, 2026 - Marksville, LA

TDA Annual Convention - Aug 28-29, 2026 - San Antonio, TX

Iowa Whitetail Deer Farmers Winter Meeting - Feb 27, 2027 - Waterloo, IA

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Winter Benefit Auction - Feb 26-27

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LIFETIME MEMBERS

JEFF

STEPHEN FRED BECK

SCOTTIE KELLEY Albertville,

KENNETH WALKER Baileyton, AL

TONIO SWORDS Horton, AL

BRIAN

JEFF BEAVER Albertville, AL

JOE HEADLEY Clanton, AL

BO PIERCE Camden, AL

BRETT DAVIS Brent, AL

DAVID DIVINE Glencoe, AL

WATTS Centerville, AL

CHAD TANNER Davisboro, GA

KENNETH WALKER Baileyton, AL

TERRY KENNEDY Toney,

Albertville, AL JOE HEADLEY Clanton,

DUSTIN REID Piedmont, AL DAVID DIVINE Glencoe, AL

SCOTTIE KELLEY Albertville, AL

SCOTT BOUTWELL Phenix City

TIMOTHY SPILLER Ariton, AL

RUSTY WEAVER Vestavia, AL

MAT WATTS Centerville, AL

CHAD TANNER Davisboro, GA

KENNETH WALKER Baileyton, AL

TERRY KENNEDY Toney, AL

TONIO SWORDS Horton, AL

BRIAN WARD Mobile, AL

CAMERON ODOM Citronelle, AL

J.J. MEEKS Montgomery, AL

SCOTTY HOOPER Cullman, AL

LEE HULSEY Fruithurst, AL

JOHNNY PARRIS Fyffe, AL

VINCE MCCOY

Camden, AL

DAVIS Brent, AL

SPILLER Ariton, AL

SWORDS Horton, AL

DUSTIN

Piedmont, AL

PILGER Mobile, AL

Clanton, AL

Urich, MO

EDDY Odenville, AL

GEORGE CAGLE Millbrook, AL

JEFF MCCALLISTER Gordon, AL

Tuscaloosa, AL

MURPHREE JASON CARVER Salem, AL

DARRELL CHAMPION

LEE HARKINS Pelham, AL

TROY ZACCHINI Forest Home, AL

MARK CLARK Tibbie, AL JUSTIN BUTTS AL

RICKY CLEVELAND Oneonta, AL

CHIP BURKES Brent,

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DAVID STRASSBURG Bay Minette, AL

STAN PARKER Morris, AL

WES HOLLINGSWORTH Letohatchee, AL

DARRELL CHAMPION

LEE HARKINS Pelham, AL

RICKY SPRATLIN Tuskegee, AL AMY NOLD

JOE HEADLEY

BRETT

JASON

CHRIS WIGLEY Horton,

SCOTT BOUTWELL Phenix City

TIMOTHY

TONIO

RYAN CHAMPION Boaz,

Boaz, AL

JOSEPH MARTIN Cullman, AL

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TKIDZ OUTDOORS SAYS “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JAD”

his past spring, Kidz Outdoors was invited to bring a couple of our Kidz to Craig Kimbrell’s lodge located in central Tennessee. Naturally, it was for turkey! We have brought young hunters to Craig’s place for several years now, and always successfully. It truly is Turkey Heaven! Jad’s Mom, Chelsea, mentioned that he was turning 11 on the opening day of turkey season. Carol, my wife, jumped on the chance for a surprise birthday party. So, we smuggled a cake and a backpack of hunting goodies for this young hunter into the lodge.

We all arrived on Friday afternoon for a Fish Fry at the lodge. Then, it was early to bed and early to rise! And no one mentioned a word about a birthday. An hour before sunrise, we were sitting in a turkey blind and heard gobbling hens talking. We were fired up! Jad’s Dad, Chad, was ready to help his son with the gun and tripod. I was the caller and Ian Tabor was doing the video filming. I don’t like to call to a “Tom” on the roost. So, when we heard the closest bird fly down, I made a call and was answered by a “gobble” even before I was finished.

I looked at Jad and gave Chad the nod. Chad told him to get ready. “He’s coming,” he enthusiastically whispered. And come he did, lead by four jakes straight to our decoy. They put on one heck of a show for us! At 30 yards I started cutting at him to make him break strut for the shot, but he refused to break. During

a quiet conference with Jad, we told him where to shoot the bird, so he won’t also hit a jake. Chad and I told him to shoot numerous times, but ultimately, Jad was the one aiming the gun. Jad did exactly what he should have done, and he shot when the time was right. He pole-axed him, causing the mature and substantial 27.5 pound “Tom,” (complete with a great beard and spurs) to back flip. I think the whole blind was shaking from the adrenaline, nevertheless, Ian got good video. We were lucky that Craig was able to be there for the celebration and birthday party afterwards. Jad was still on “Cloud Nine” yet was very surprised when Craig walked into the room. Complete with a cake and singing “Happy Birthday” to our ecstatic 11-year-old hunter.

If anyone knows of a child in need, please call Carol at 205-410-3779. Thank you and God Bless!!

– Rick Clark

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Alabama Deer Farmers Enjoyed a Great Event

A Word of Thanks from ADA Secretary Cade White

Close to 250 deer farmers gathered February 21st at the Cotton Creek Venue in Cullman, Alabama for the annual Alabama Deer Association event and fundraiser. Both our online and DVAuction went very well. Our auctions lots, including deer, semen straws, guns, feed and much more, were very well received. Funds raised are used to help pay our very appreciated lobbyist and to help support Kidz Outdoors, an awesome organization that provides incredible experiences for kids enduring medical challenges.

We also enjoyed a great meal and welcomed deer farmers from other states as well as a few new deer farmers, the latter of whom are eager to participate in this great industry where 190 Alabama deer farms are thriving. The passage of House Bill 509 in 2025 paved the way for a much brighter future for all of us. We are grateful for that and for every deer farmer and deer business

that had a booth during our event. Our plan going forward is to work towards having a two-day event, expanding our booth space capacity along with the number of attendees to make our event bigger and better each year!

Here in Alabama, the feeling is very upbeat. We see a very positive future now and on the horizon. Thank you to everyone who helped make our event so successful. See you next year!!

Alabama First State to Move Deer Outside of CWD Management Zones

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Alabama Deer Association

Apositive case of CWD is not causing quite the angst it used to for Alabama deer farmers. In March (2026) options officially became available for allowing Alabama deer farmers to continue selling and moving deer, should a CWD positive case be found nearby in the wild or another farm. Through the passage of House Bill 509, and the work of the Alabama Board of Director’s, Alabama has become the first state to allow for the movement of deer outside of CWD Management Zones. Management zones, decided upon by The Alabama Department of Conservation, are placed around areas where CWD is found. Every deer farm located within a designated zone, the duration for which lasts five years, is affected. To date, there is currently one CWD Management Zone in Alabama, located in the northwest corner of the state and encompassing 2.5 counties. About 15 to 16 deer farms are located within this zone. However, these farms can still do “business as usual” if they follow the protocols of one of three options available to them. The first option is to live test 50% of their herd every three years. The second option is to place a double fence 10 feet away from where breeding pens are located, and live test 25% of their herd every three years. The third option is to breed towards resistance and to quantify the GEBV’s found within a herd. Any deer that falls below the accepted -.056 value can be moved without further

restrictions, as long as it is live tested within six months.

“Option three provides incentive because it would turn out to be less costly and give you much more marketable deer,” said ADA Member Troy Zacchini. “I’d like to personally thank everyone who sat down and took the time in February to make these options a realty. It was a great team effort.” These individuals include Representative Jeff Sorrels, Dr. Misty Edmundson, Associate State Veterinarian for the Alabama Department of Agriculture, Charlanna Skaggs, Deputy Commissioner for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Chris Lewis, Director of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Moving forward “most farms are going with the third option,” said ADA President Cameron Odom. “And some have already put up a double fence. But it’s really too soon to tell what everyone is

ultimately going to do. We are grateful for everyone who saw this through.” Before HB 509 was passed in 2025, Alabama deer farmers were required to kill and test 10% of their herd if a CWD positive case was found at their farm or within close proximity to their farm. Farms affected by trace backs were also included, leading Odom in 2016, owner of Five O’s Whitetail Ranch in Citronella, Alabama, to ahis own closed herd. “Now, the entire industry is moving towards breeding for resistance,” Odom said. “The Alabama Department of Conservation does quite a bit of CWD testing during hunting season, and a whole new group of deer farms could fall under a management zone if a positive case is found. We’ve wanted to make it easier to raise and sell deer. Dr. Seabury’s science was considered and embraced in developing the options that now pave the way for us to do that. Alabama deer farmers are very grateful.”

STAYING AHEAD IN THE QUEST TO MEET MARKET DEMANDS

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

Understanding your end market and determining hunting ranch demand is perhaps the most important factor in your longevity as a deer farmer, offers Dave Vanderzee, President of The New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association. “I think whenever there is a learning curve, the most successful people can see things three plays ahead,” he said. “If you can determine or predict the trends in what hunters are demanding, you can be more ready to meet those demands.”

While the industry from its inception has always catered to producing clean and classical typical whitetails, nontypical whitetails began to take center stage in the early 2,000’s when ranches adopted Safari Club International scoring methods. “The farmer learned they were going to get paid by the inch,” Vanderzee explained. “And farmers wanted to add more mass based on SCI scores. They added lots of drop tines and started this quest to stray away from the typical frame. The buck Free Agent, a very large nontypical, was one of the first ‘blow up’ deer. You could breed pretty much anything to him and those deer would grow substantial mass. We were all encouraged to do this.”

Consequently, there was a massive production of ‘Christmas tree’ looking whitetails. “The farmers and hunters were quite happy with these

very unique and different looking deer,” Vanderzee said. “Different from what they would ever see in the woods. Until, that is, the marketplace got saturated. All of a sudden, a deer magazine called ‘Typical’ was getting published alongside magazines about nontypicals. The average hunter came to realize this was the style that was coming off of hunting ranches. And a traditional hunting ranch patron may like one or two of them, but not a whole wall.”

As close to two decades of breeding nontypicals continued on, Vanderzee believes those deer farmers who actually never deviated from raising typical deer, actually came out ahead. “Like with any fashion or trend, it goes back to basics at some point,” he said. “The deer farmer was a victim of his own success. Everybody was producing bigger deer and even though they should get extra money for them, everybody had them. Additionally, bucks can really fight at that size and do a lot of damage. If you don’t sell them off by November 5th you’ve got a big problem.” As issues such as these became more at the forefront of production, the trend began to shift back to the look of a clean typical, Vanderzee added. However, several end market venues still exist for deer of all shapes and sizes including disabled veteran’s hunts, children’s hunts or firsttimers. “As things have changed the people that are still in it, are really in

it, and have increased their herd size in response to catering to market trends. Having closed borders here is New York as well as in other states, we, like other farmers, have to export or grow our own making it a little more challenging.”

Nonetheless, adapting to changing trends while making a profit could come down to avoiding the Law of Diminishing Returns (which states that increasing a single factor of production while holding all other factors constant will eventually lead to a decrease in output) as well as practicing a few simple rules. “At a bare minimum join your state deer association and be known,” Vanderzee said. “Don’t be a secret. And form an alliance or relationship with local farmers or preserves where transport would be cheaper when it comes time to sell and ship deer. Pool resources with trailers. Rent or buy a timeshare or trade it for fencing or barter in some manner. These may be ways to increase your profit line or provide a financial cushion while you determine where your next steps lie with production.”

INCREASE CHANCES OF HUNTING SUCCESS WITH PROPERLY PLACED TRAIL CAMERAS, DEER STANDS

AND SCENT HIDING

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the United Deer Farmers of Michigan

It was the early 1980’s, and students at Missouri State University were deep in the woods, thoughtfully stretching a thin line of string, low and across a well-traveled deer path. They had just invented, so to speak, the first active infrared device to study deer behavior. One trip of the string by an unknowing cervid would capture one brief moment, until the string was reset. This unique device later led to the creation of the first trail camera, which caught images using a 35-millimeter camera triggered by infrared signals.

“When trail cameras first started gaining real popularity, in the early 2,000’s, they were only a novelty item,” explained Tom Nelson of Grand Ledge, Michigan. “In about 2005 more and more people were using them. But they were in their infancy stage and hard to install.” Using these cameras involved putting

a camera card in a reader, physically retrieving the card, checking the photos and potentially leaving a lot of human scent behind. Today, trail cameras include GPS and wireless tracking abilities, making the ability to check them remotely much easier, but perhaps a time-consuming or addictive 24/7 activity. Trail cameras changed everything for hunters and for those who don’t want to merely hunt “old school” and be surprised at what they encounter.

Placing a trail camera to track trophy treasures is a bit of an art. “You need to use trees that are at least close to 12 inches in diameter to put the attachment strap around, and then off the trail a bit so they are harder to notice,” Nelson said. “About waist high is pretty good with very few obstacles around so you get a good look at the landscape.” Wearing rubber gloves to install

cameras will also help hide your scent and detract from educating deer as to where humans may have been. And whether you are checking one camera or 10, careful camera placement might also ensure it doesn’t get stolen, as good ones can cost as much as $300.

While cameras can reveal a lot about native and transient deer activity, “I’ve heard hunters say that they’re not going hunting because they had nothing on their camera,” Nelson shared. “But a couple years ago I shot a prize buck on my property, and I never had a picture of him. So, I say you should go hunting regardless of what you find.”

Cameras, in addition to tracking game, can also help determine the best location for a morning versus an evening deer stand. Ideally, choosing a deer stand location preseason

could allow you pick an adequate cover tree such as an older or mature oak or pine, with ample branches or leaves that stay on longer in the fall to help provide camouflage. With this type of cover “deer will walk right by you.” Nelson said. While the first tree stands amounted to a wooden seat affixed to a wooden ladder, the idea of hiding from your prey can be attributed to Native Americans, who used to dig holes in the ground to hide from and ambush their next meal. Yet, the idea of being on higher ground for hunting eventually took precedence, hence the invention of the first commercial tree stand by Andy Anders. Initially produced in the 1940’s, Anders modeled his tree stand based on stands used by Japanese snipers in World War II. Today, rather than wood, tree stands are made primarily out of metal for longer durability. Often incorporated into deer stands are deer blinds. Instead of merely being used on the ground, they are frequently used as an additional component of the tree stand. They can be elevated eight, 10 or 20 feet high for more efficient vantage points and protection, replacing exposed platforms used to sight deer and with it, the necessity to wear a safety harness.

“In choosing an ideal tree stand location you also always want to look for travel corridors and ridge lines in determining where your stand or blind will be,” Nelson said. “Deer tend to want to stay in cover and utilize narrower passages going

to food plots. Wind direction is an important factor, too, where your scent won’t be easily discovered. Having more than one tree stand could work in your favor especially if you have limited time. For the average hunter a tree stand or blind will pay off and better the chances that you will harvest something.”

Nelson still remembers sitting stone quiet in a tree stand with a young, first-time hunter, when the hydraulic crack of his now opened soda can abruptly broke through the forest serenity. “I was not expecting that,” Nelson said. “I just about jumped out of my skin. He still remembers that, and he’s never done it since.” Thus, Nelson also recommends carrying hand snippers to clear anything you might brush up against while entering or exiting a tree stand or blind, adding to the ability to be as silent and undetected as possible. Eliminating unnecessary noise and disguising your personal scent can further ensure greater hunting

success. In knocking your scent down, deer may never detect your presence or might think you trekked through an area hours ago, or even the day before rather than recently. “The goal is to be as 100 percent as scent-free as you can,” Nelson said. “Shower with unscented soap and use unscented detergent for laundry. Hang your clothes outside to dry and keep them sealed in a plastic bag until you have arrived at your hunting destination to change. Wear rubber boots because they will not soak in scent.” Charcoal liners, found inside camouflage clothing, also absorb human scent. Ozone machines screwed into the tree of your stand location can help create an ozone layer knocking down human scent. In addition, using doe or buck urine can both attract deer and cover human scent.

Lastly, Nelson strongly suggests carrying a few important items with you on every hunt. These include a knife, flashlight, toilet paper, a snack such as granola bars, water in a nonplastic bottle and a cord-of-rope. “Remember that while they are ways to make hunting easier, hunting really isn’t supposed to be easy,” Nelson emphasized. “I had a friend who would wear a flannel shirt and never camouflage and hunted the old-fashioned way walking through the woods. He wasn’t always successful, but he had a great time. Sometimes it’s more about the adventure, and being out in nature, that’s most important.”

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NADEFA 2026 FLY-IN

In April, NADeFA members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 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, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, and West Virginia met with their respective lawmakers to underscore the urgent need for federal support. NADeFA members had a total of 85 meetings, including with House and Senate offices from both Democratic and Republican offices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and industry partners. These meetings allowed members to educate Congressional members on CWD and reinforce the importance of NADeFA’s FY-27 appropriations requests.

NADeFA members advocated for two comple-mentary federal funding efforts to combat CWD. First, they supported providing $15 million under the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act to fund competitive grants for states, Tribes, universities, and researchers to study disease transmission, develop vaccines and live diagnostic tests, identify genetic resistance, and expand management and education efforts. Second, they called for $17.5 million for the Cervid Health Appropriations Program, including $12.5 million for the CWD Herd Certification Program and surveillance activities, and $5 million for timely indemnity payments to remove infected animals.

As next steps, Capitol Hill Consulting Group will follow up with House and Senate Appropriations staff, the USDA, Senator John Hoeven, and House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson on behalf of NADeFA to further support the FY-27 appropriations requests.

Appropriations Update

After receiving the President’s budget request, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees started to draft their 12 annual appropriations bills. The House Appropriations Committee has released the schedule for FY27 appropriations bill markups, where each Subcommittee will review its bill. The first markup was held on April 17, with the last one scheduled for June 24. The Senate has yet to release its markup schedule, as they are still holding hearings with agencies to discuss the President’s budget request.

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. 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.

Trophy Breeder Bucks Showcase Book 2026 Application

Reservation for space and buck info will be due no later than August 12th, 2025. If you have an existing picture ready to go, that will also be due at that time. If you would like to send in a last minute photo of your buck, the cutoff date is September 1st by 8am CST. Placement will be in order of first come first serve. Printing and mailing will start September 4th and be in hand between September 16th20th. Just in time for semen sales getting ready for Breeding Season. These will be mailed to Breeders and Ranch members of the 19 state associations we service.

More information will be mailed out to all current advertisers closer to the date. Pre-register and we will contact you for further information

PRIME SPOTS WILL BE AUCTIONED ONLINE AT MCCLUNG SALES: JULY 2026

If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to: aldeerassoc@gmail.com

MakingThingsBetter fortheWholeDeerIndustry Trips to Washington, D.C.

When representatives from the deer industry travel to Washington, D.C. each spring to address legislative matters, they are usually known and readily recognized by those they meet with. “The group that goes to Washington, D.C. every year and represents us are vital to our industry,” said Chris Ezell, President of Whitetails of Oklahoma and Vice President of NADeFA. “We accomplish a lot with deregulation and awareness of our industry, to those who matter in making decisions for our future.”

The relationships formed with legislators is vital “in fostering an understanding of the scale and impact of the deer industry,” said NADeFA President Ryan Halfman. “Having that recognition also helps with creating awareness with those that may not yet fully understand our industry.” The most recent trip to Washington, D.C. included NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer, Associate Executive Director Troy Zacchini, Halfman, Ezell and representatives from other states such as North Carolina, Louisiana, New York, Texas, West Virginia,

By: Gail Veley • Whitetails of Oklahoma

Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota as well as quite a few from Ohio. In all, 25 representatives were there.

While the deer industry is regulated at the federal level by the USDA, state by state regulations for deer farming can vary greatly, However, the CWD Herd Certification Program, overseen by the USDA, offers priority and indemnity to those farms that are part of it, no matter what state you are located in. Keeping this protection ongoing is one goal or component of going to Washington, D.C. During their meeting with the USDA, “I think we got their attention by pointing at long time issues with TB testing and the CWD Herd Certification Program, in the hopes it can be updated to what today’s science and ongoing research is suggesting,” Halfman said. “I, among many others, don’t want this to be a 20-year battle. I want the recognition of Dr. Seabury’s work to be a part of the options that we discuss.”

Often times while in Washington, other meetings include very basic entry level conversations as to what the issues are with those who are already familiar with the deer

industry, who are willing “to walk through the mud with you,” Halfman explained. Meeting schedules also typically include the Congressional Sportsman Foundation, Safari Club International and various congressman and senators. Through it all “we feel very optimistic about our future,” Halfman said. “The tide is definitely turning much more in favor of the deer industry.”

Halfman would also like to personally thank every spouse, employee or family member who steps in to take care of each deer farm and additional businesses, so that the representatives who wish to travel to D.C. can get away to do so. “It was great to have so many people willing to take time out of their busy lives and come. It places extra efforts on families and lots of sacrifices are made behind the scenes to make it all possible. We all appreciate that support,” he said.

Summer Sausage Hash

Summer sausage crisped with golden potatoes and onions, lifted by a sharp mustard seed vinaigrette. Cozy, rustic, and elevated enough for a weekend brunch.

Ingredients

• 8 oz Venison Summer Sausage, sliced into ¼-inch coins

• 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, diced small

• 1 Yellow onion, diced

• 1 tsp Fresh thyme, chopped

• 3 Tbsp Olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Mustard Seed Vinaigrette

• 1 Tbsp Grainy mustard

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 Tbsp White wine vinegar

• 1 tsp Honey

• 4 Tbsp Olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Directions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together grainy mustard, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and honey.

• Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

1. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to crisp, about 8–10 minutes.

2. Add onion and thyme, cook until softened and lightly caramelized, 5–6 minutes.

3. Push vegetables to the side, add sausage coins, and sear until browned on both sides. Toss everything together and season with salt and black pepper.

4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together grainy mustard, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and honey. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Transfer hash to a platter or individual plates.

6. Drizzle with mustard seed vinaigrette and serve immediately.

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

Dependable Sedation Starts Here

Gentle on the animal and trusted by veterinarians, handlers and owners for every species or procedure

COMPLETE KITS WITH SEDATION AND REVERSAL AGENTS, OR SOLD SEPARATELY.

Medetomidine/Ketamine/ Butorphanol 10/50/25 mg/ml 10ml + Atipamezole 20mg/ml 30ml + Naltrexone 25mg/ml 10ml

Medetomidine/Ketamine 5/150 mg/ml 30ml + Atipamezole 20mg/ml 30ml

Medetomidine/Ketamine/ Butorphanol 20/100/50 mg/ml 10ml + Atipamezole 40mg/ml 30ml + Naltrexone 50mg/ml 10ml

Other Sedation Kits

MKB2™ Kit

MKM™ Kit

MKBM™ Kit

Medetomidine/Ketamine/Butorphanol 20/100/50 mg/mL + Atipamezole 40mg/mL + Naltrexone 50mg/mL

Medetomidine/Ketamine/Midazolam 3.3/150/5 mg/ml 10ml + Atipamezole 20mg/ml 30ml

Medetomidine/Ketamine/Butorphanol/Midazolam 20/100/30/20 mg/mL + Atipamezole 40mg/mL + Naltrexone 50mg/mL

OTHER POPULAR PREPARATIONS

• Medroxyprogesterone

Acetate 200mg/mL

• Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate 24mg/mL

• Atipamezole

Hydrochloride 20mg/mL

• Tolazoline HCl 100mg/mL

The information in this advertisement is general and provided as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medications shown, nor is it intended as medical advice or for evaluating the risks and benefits of any medication. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of health problems. The information and statements here have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the FDA has not approved these medications to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. Medications compounded by Mixlab are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian and are not intended for use in food or food-producing animals. Mixlab does not recommend, endorse, or represent the efficacy, appropriateness, or suitability of any dosing, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, veterinary providers, or other information contained in this advertisement. Mixlab is not responsible or liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or other

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Member

ADA 2023-2024 Board of Directors

Rodney Ragon, Cameron Odom, Billy Norris, Casey Mitchell Troy Zachini, Dane Dorsett, Mat Watts, Chris Wiggly, Jeff Beaver, John Biddle, Chad McMichael, Dustin Reid

CODE

ETHICS

I hereby make application for membership in the ALABAMA DEER ASSOCIATION agreeing to conform to the ALABAMA DEER ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS and BYLAWS governoring this Association.

Signature:

CLASSIFICATIONS (Please check one)

Each Silver Member is understood to provide goods and/or services to the industry. Silver Members shall be entitled to receive quarterly ADA magazine. Silver Memberships renew every year at the Annnual Membership Meeting. NO VOTING RIGHTS.

Each Gold Member shall be entitled to attend all

Each Diamond Member shall be entitled to attend all ADA meetings and receive quarterly ADA magazine. VOTING RIGHTS IN STATE MEMBERS ONLY. DIAMOND MEMBERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED ON THE ADA WEBSITE AND IN ALL MAGAZINES FOR 5 YEARS.

Each Platinum Member shall be entitled to attend all ADA meetings and receive quarterly ADA magazine. VOTING RIGHTS IN STATE MEMBERS ONLY. PLATINUM MEMBERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED ON THE ADA WEBSITE AND IN ALL MAGAZINES AND TRADESHOWS FOR THE LIFE OF THE MEMBER.

The Board may change dues from time to time