IN SP 26 Full Book by DandKDesign

The IDEFA Journal

2026 IDEFA Board of Directors

President

Heath Alexander

Forgotten Mile Whitetails

6675 W 500 N

Pennville, IN 47369

Cell: (260) 341-7296

Email: thaeh80@gmail.com

Vice president

Lester Eicher

Springfield Whitetails

14905 Springfield Ct Rd

Grabill, IN 46741

Cell: (260) 341-3614

Email: springfieldwts@gmail.com

Secretary/Treasurer

Earl Hershberger

Clear Creek Whitetails

6960 W 200 N

Shipshewana, IN 46565

Cell: (260) 350-3506

Fax: (260) 768-4761

Email: earl@clearviewplasticsandglass.com

Director

Gary Bontrager

Pitside Whitetails

6445 S 700 W

Topeka, IN 46571

Phone: (260) 593-0943

Director

Derek Borkholder

Pine Creek Deer Farm

2877 Birch Rd

Bremen, IN 46506

Cell: (574) 248-0322

Email: tagouttech@gmail.com

Director

John Stoltzfus

5 Star Genetics

5835 N 1000 W

Shipshewana, IN 46565

Phone: (574) 596-2347

Email: jdwhitetails@gmails.com

Director

Dr. Darryl Ragland, DVM, Phd

625 Harrison St

West Lafayette, IN 47907

Home: (765) 494-3234

Cell: (765) 418-5673

Email: raglandd@purdue.edu

Director

Dave Schwartz

Shallow Pond Whitetails

3990 N 675 W

Shipshewana, IN 46565

Cell: (260) 336-1687

Email: shallowpondwts@gmail.com

Director

Jerry Schwartz Countryside Whitetails

10852 W 900 N

Bourbon, IN 46504

Cell: (574) 907-9457

Fax: (574) 546-0390

**Erica Bratton (574) 220-5652 ~ indianadeer@gmail.com

Hunting Preserve/Legislative

Chair: Dr. Ragland

I. Heath Alexander

II. Tom Kellems

Public Relations

Chair: Lester Eicher

I. Quincy Cunningam

Audit/Ethics & Bylaws

Chair: Robert Yoder

Co-Chair: Derek Borkholder

Budget Committee

Chair: Earl Hershberger

I. John Stoltzfus

II. Robert Yoder

Director

Cletus Bontrager

Twin Maple Deer Farm

8820 W 050 N

Shipshewana, IN 46565

Phone: (260) 768-4284

Director

Tom Kellems

Whitetail Ridge, LLC

6273 Saint Joe Cemetery Rd

Tell City, IN 47986

Cell: (812) 686-6055

Email: whitetailridge21@gmail.com

Director

Rober Yoder

Cedar Road Deer Farm

6664 Cedar Rd

Bremen, IN 46506

Phone: (574) 646-2504

Email: byoder@hardwoodinterior.com

IDAC

Chair: Dr. Ragland

I. Shelly Chavis

II. Shawn Shafer

Fundraisers/Summer Picnic

Chair: Derek Borkholder

Co-Chair: Lester Eicher

Co-Chair: Earl Hershberger

Co-Chair: Dave Scwhartz

Member Relations: Erica Bratton

Food: Jerry Schwartz

I. Tom Kellems

II. Gary Bontrager

III. Brian Bratton

IV. John Stoltzfus

V. Robert Yoder

VI. Heath Alexander

VII. Cletus Bontrager

VII. Heath Alexander

Inside This Issue:

President’s Message

Spring 2026

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Hello Members!

Looking outside this morning at the frozen trees, white ground and the neighbor’s horses playing in the snow, I can’t believe we are already planning for the Spring journal. Spring seems so far away at this moment. It is a quiet morning here in the country, a perfect time to take in all that we are blessed with.

Each year the Board works hard on our annual event to bring you the best event possible. This year, we will continue at Sammlung Platz in Nappanee. They have been so welcoming to us. Due to scheduling conflicts, the event has been moved to July 31 – August 1st. Get your hotel reservations reserved. Don’t forget about the golf outing, this has grown each year. Saturday’s farm tours are also a highlight and are sure to not disappoint. As always, we’d love to hear your feedback!

Would you like to be a member of the Board? Each year we elect four people for a 3-year term. Reach out to a Board member or email me at indianadeer@gmail.com for more information.

Membership Renewal is in full swing, don’t miss out on your journal and for Members in the state of Indiana to take advantage of the necropsy reimbursement program. Get a hold of any Board member or myself for more information.

Erica Bratton

Administrative

Secretary

Cell: 574-220-5652

Fax: 952-955-6022

indianadeer@gmail.com

2026 IDEFA Board of Directors Meeting Schedule

Meetings are open to all current members. Members, please contact one of your Board of Directors for call in codes and/or locations

Monday, March 9th, 2026 @ 7 PM – Phone Conference

Monday, May 11th, 2026 @ 6 PM – Face to Face @ Lester’s Monday, June 15th, 2026 @ 6 PM – Face to Face @ Lester’s Friday, August 7th, 2026 @ TBD – Face to Face @ Annual Meeting/Fundraiser & Picnic

Monday, August 24th, 2026 @ 6 PM – Face to Face @ Lester’s Monday, October 12th, 2026 @ 6 PM – Phone Conference

Address: Lester Eicher 14659 Springfield Center Rd Grabill, IN 46741

Conference Call: 1-605-475-4700 Ext. #386360

IDEFAHotelInformation

Reserve your hotel for this year’s IDEFA Annual Event!

CountrySide Inn

866-246-0043

2004 W Market St Nappanee, IN 46550

A special IDEFA room rate is available; please call the hotel directly to make your reservation. Be sure to mention IDEFA when booking to receive the discounted pricing. We encourage you to reserve your room as soon as possible to ensure availability.

Please note that this year’s event has been moved to July 31 – August 1. Be sure to mark your calendars!

We look forward to seeing you in Nappanee!

44 Front COVERs SELLING at Auctions THIS YEAR

From Deer to Here

“Secure Your Spot on the 2026’s

Most

Coveted

Front Covers!”

BONUS: Showcase your Buck or Product across the ENTIRE COVER. Our new art template seamlessly integrates what you’re selling into a stunning full-page display + it comes with a FULL PAGE AD INSIDE.

+ 44 BACK COVER OFFERS

BONUS: YOUR AD + THEIR NAME Unforgettable back cover impact “Personalization meets prime real estate”

A veriety of other prime advertising spots available:

- 2 page Center Spreads - Inside back covers - Inside front covers

DFEATURED

COPPER CREEK WHITETAILS – FOCUSED ON WIDTH, PEDIGREE AND TYPICAL FRAMES

By: Gail Veley

aniel Stallard was 13 years old the first time he focused his rifle on an eight-point buck. From high up in his tree stand, he aimed. Fired. Triumphantly. His Dad was close to 120 yards away when the blast abruptly caught his attention. Catching up to his son, he told him, “I could hear you coming down from that stand in three moves.” An excited Daniel Stallard was elated at the treasure now lying at his feet.

Today, 25 years later, his treasure and passion are found at his deer farm, Copper Creek Whitetails in West Union, Ohio. After initially starting his deer farm in 2017 in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, Stallard felt Ohio

was a good place to enhance his operation of selling stockers and breeders and moved in October of 2025. Now, his herd of 75 and counting thrives among 18 acres of lush Ohio landscape. Stallard’s focus is on raising wide, typical deer produced primarily with genetics from Springfield Whitetails and Pine Creek Whitetails. “While markers are important, I also breed for pedigree,” he said. “Our main focus is on marketable production. This year will be our fourth fawning season.”

In playing his cards right, Copper Creek Whitetails has been a mainstay at Top 30 North since their first year in business. In addition

to buying high quality bred does from Springfield Whitetails and Pine Creek Deer Farm, Stallard also bought out another farm, CNL Whitetails, that had raised really hearty stock. “We went from seven deer to 30 in the first year,” Stallard said, reflecting on how creating his farm unfolded. “In the early 70’s, my Dad and I went on an elk hunt at a high fence ranch in West Virginia. I started picking the owner’s brain about how he got his animals, and he explained the industry to me. I started doing some research.”

Stallard’s dream of raising his own deer would then come after he and his wife Ashley spent several years

FARM STORY

owning the television show “Within Range Outdoors,” where they would spend 30 to 40 days in one location hunting. During that time, they traveled all over the world hunting, until finally deciding it was time to start their own deer farm. Through it all, Stallard found certain things to be very important. “Don’t forget who helped you get to where you are,” he said. “Our mentors like Chris Ezell, Jacob Yoder, Josh Kaplan and others taught us that customer service is the number one priority. We also learned to buy from farms who have our back and will make a sale right if there’s an issue.”

Stallard feels very grateful to be part of a texting Group Chat, where other deer farmers offer opinions, share joys or express sorrows. “We lean on each other,” Stallard said. “Deer farming is a rollercoaster, and you need a group that will pick you up when you really need it. Ashley and I feel blessed to raise our son, Hunter, 18, and daughter, Remi, 5, on a deer farm and teach them this way of life. Our blessings are more than we could have ever hoped for.”

thestallards@yahoo.com

IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED PNEU-DART’S RDDS, YOU’RE MISSING MORE THAN YOUR TARGET

Did you know impact trauma can negatively influence medical treatment? We do. Which is why we’ve spent 55+ years perfecting the ideal remote delivery device. Shorter in length and lightest on the market, our disposable RDDs, with patented Slo-Inject ® technology, provide ultimate accuracy while reducing the potential for problematic hematomas. Pneu-Dart. When you can’t afford to miss.®

Member Message

Spring 2026

Hello and greetings to all from the Gary & Sara Bontrager Family at Pitside Whitetails. Hopefully, everyone is doing well, as we are just around the corner of having fawns and growing horns. This is always the fun part of raising deer when you go to do the chores and you find newborn fawns; you are always anxious to find out what they are. Here at Pitside Whitetails, we do some bottle feeding but we don’t bottle feed the buck fawns, unless the mother doesn’t take care of them. This is a very good chore for the kids when they are home from school on summer break. We bottle feeding as a family and sometimes it can get stressful, but it will calm down a herd.

This year in the week of the Top 30, Nelson Yoder and I went to the Farm Convention in Fort Wayne. We took the IDEFA booth to try and get new people started with raising deer or elk. There were a lot of people that stopped at the booth and got this little grin, and they asked a lot of questions. We took literature along to pass out, and I think it was a great event to get involved with.

Wishing you blessings in the next year, Gary

Buck Photo Contest

In State Winners

Awards 2025 Out of State Winners

IDEFA Buck Award

1st Place Yearling

Voted

IDEFA Buck Award

1st Place 2 Yr. Old

Greetings to all,

I’d like to take a moment to share details about our IDEFA Buck Contest. First and foremost, congratulations to our 2025 winners!

Here’s how the contest works. We offer both In-State and Out-of-State categories, with divisions for Yearlings, 2-Year-Olds and Mature. The entry fee is $20 per buck. To enter, simply provide a photo of your buck, (preferred size 8 x 10) up until 4PM day of fundraiser.

If you have a buck you’d like to enter but are unable to attend the event, please contact me at 260768- 4284. I’ll do my best to get you entered however all entries need to be prepaid. Please note that all photos

IDEFA Buck Award

1st Place Mature

Voted

must be taken during the current year to be eligible.

Each winner receives a plaque and 100% of the entry fee cash for their category. In addition, all winners will be featured in the journal along with a photo of their winning buck.

The more participation we have, the bigger the cash prize, so spread the word! As you’re eyeing that special buck in your pen this summer, don’t forget to snap a photo so you can enter. Out-of-state participation has been a bit sluggish, so HEY out-of-staters, bring it on!

Hope to see you at NADEFA, Cletus Bontager

Ivan Hostetler

of State at 2025 IDEFA Picnic

Voted

of State at 2025 IDEFA Picnic

Blackjack

AI SIRE

Blackjack

Gunslinger

Silver King

DOE GENETICS

Major League/ Express/ Miss Patrick

Supreme/ Horsepower/ GXL/ Miss Patrick

Bambi Express/ American Express/ 20-28/ Hardcore

Quick Silver/ Horsepower/ Hardcore/ P.A. Geronimo/ Flip/ Shadow’s Dam

Triple Digit/ Excell/ Freightliner/ Triple Crown/ Blue 1

Bambi Express/ Reno/ Lonewood

Bambi Express/ Storm Express/ Silver King’s Sister

Silver King

The One

Silver Bill

Tomahawk

Blazer

Thermal Image

Maxbo Ranger/ Bambi Express/ Storm Express/ Silver King’s Siste r

Bambi Express/ Storm Express/ King Express/ X Factor/ Silver Hawk/ Thunder Storm

Storm Express/ Express/ Miss Patrick

Thermal Image/ Storm Express/ King Express/ X Factor/ Silver Hawk/ Thunder Storm

Bambi Express/ Quick Silver/ Silver Hawk/ Sheena

Real World/ Storm Express/ Express/ Miss Patrick

Storm Express/ King Express/ X Factor/ Silver Hawk/ Thunder Storm

Quicksand/ Arty/ Quick Silver/ Silver King

The One/ Bambi Express/ Storm Express/ King Express/X Factor/ Silver Hawk/ Thunder Storm

Thermal Image/ Bambi Express/ Reno

DC Express/ Storm Express/ Rolex/ Tomahawk ess

lver/ Silver Hawk/ Sheena Hawk

lver/ Silver Hawk/ Sheena Rolex/ Tomahawk

DOE FAWN GENETICS 2025

Quick Silver/ Storm Express/ Express/ Miss Patrick

Thunder Storm/ Bambi Express/ Dirtball

Thunder Storm/ Quick Sand/ Arty/ Quick Silver/ Silver King

Silver King/ Thermal Image/ Bambi Express/ Dirtball

Silver King/ Bambi Express/ Quick Silver/ Silver Hawk/ Sheena

The One/ Storm Express/ King Express/ Thermal Image Dam

Quick Draw/ St. Patrick/ Texas Tea/ Miss Typical

Pine Creek’ s Silver Bill

Tomahawk

Silver King

Indiana Deer and Elk Farmers Association 2026 Annual Benefit Auction

Name:

Farm Name:

Address:

Phone: Fax:

E-mail:

Description of Donated Items

**If donating Semen, please include your signed release form**

Live Animal Rule: Buck or Doe, limit 1 animal per farm. Minimum 50% donation per doe, 25% donation per buck, There is a minimum donation of $1250, no matter the winning bid.

Special Instructions for Donation:

Authorized Donor Signature Date

The Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers Association would like to thank you for your generosity in helping to make this years’ benefit auction a success. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Erica Bratton 574-220-5652.

Please mail this completed form to:

Erica Bratton

1050 N 600 W, LaGrange, IN 46761

Fax 952-955-6022

indianadeer@gmail.com

DAY ONE FORMULA

FEEDING DIRECTIONS: WHITE-TAILED DEER

• Fawns up to 1 week of age: Feed 16 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 – 6 feeding.

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

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

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

For oral use only. These feeding directions are guidelines. As each animal is an individual, the feeding rate may be increased or decreased according to the needs of the neonate.

Feeding directions for other species can be found on our website.

• All-Milk Protein from Premium Food-Grade Milk Ingredients

• Essential Vitamins and Complex Minerals

• Balanced Fatty Acids

• Improves Digestion

• Promotes Growth and Performance

• No Refrigeration Needed

• Easily Palatable

• 18 Month Shelf Life

• Available in 20# & 8# pails

• 24/7 Technical Advice & Support

• Formula for other Exotics and Wildlife Available

FOX VALLEY ANIMAL NUTRITION, INC. COVERING EVERY NEONATAL NEED

By: Gail Veley

It wasn’t just belief in his products that prompted Nick Vlamis to start his company, Fox Valley Nutrition, Inc., in 1995. It was because the need for his products weren’t being filled anywhere else. Since the very beginning Nick has valued every customer, particularly the four-legged ones, by producing milk replacers, supplements and feeding supplies for young wildlife, domestic and exotic animals. Since founding his company, Nick has been helping orphaned neonates maximize their health, growth and performance potential through species-specific milk replacers and supplements. “It’s a blessing for all the animals that we save,” Nick said. “It makes it much less about making money and more about gratification. My customers are not just an invoice. And the quality of our products has never been compromised.”

Fox Valley, headquartered in Huntley, Illinois, sells their products in the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Costa Rica, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain and also in the United Kingdom. They specialize in species-specific milk replacers, made with the finest raw ingredients available, to create the same composition found in natural milk. To date, more than 60 different types of milk replacers are offered to various species ranging from whitetail deer fawns, elk, moose, kittens, puppies, goats, cows, llamas, wallabies, raccoon, shrew and baby humpback whales among many others. In starting Fox Valley, Nick knew he’d be successful because “no one else had anything species-specific. Back then a raccoon would fall under feline. Everyone was taking existing puppy or kitten formulas and trying to make it work for other animals,” he said. “However, if you have a formula as close as possible to the actual animal you have, it can cause better health and greater

performance. Anything less can result in feeding problems and other issues.”

Not only do Fox Valley’s milk replacers aid in the overall health of each neonate, but their supplements do also, as they are formulated to combat dehydration, diarrhea and disturbed intestinal flora. “I got my start at a National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association conference,” Nick explained. “We were always finding orphaned fawns. I let them have free field trails of my formulas. They saw it worked and had great trust in it, making me believe I was on the right track.” Customers also trust that should they call Nick with questions, he will make every effort to speak to them directly. He has spent immense time promoting his products to veterinarians, colleges, conferences, trade shows and other venues. He knows the results speak for themselves, yet finds great joy when customers write or call to express their gratitude. Nick also feels great gratitude for his employees Walter Amador, Chris and Heather Vlamis as well as Tyler Eldrup and Jonathan Cielo. Amador’s scientific background is key to carefully blending all product nutritional ingredients

to “spec.” Nick’s son Chris manages key components in the development and distribution of products, while Heather’s (Nick’s daughter-in-law) computer knowledge and synergistic personality greatly assists in customer service through phone orders and in creating an effective website. Nick is also very grateful to Tyler Eldrup and Jonathan Cielo who oversee the packing and shipping of products.

“We have the best wildlife milk replacer available,” Nick said. “The products are easy to mix and have an 18-month shelf life. They also come in convenient sizes in sturdy, reusable plastic buckets and have been thoroughly field-tested by rehabilitators.” Should product prices ever increase, Nick will always explain the reason to his customers. “I will not substitute a cheaper product to make a buck,” he said. “I will always offer the same high-quality products I have stood behind since day one. I believe Fox Valley Nutrition is the Cadillac of neonatal formulations. We strive to be a growing world-class manufacturing organization that responds to customer-driven demands while consistently exceeding expectations.”

Dependable Sedation Starts Here

(Medetomidine/Ketamine 10/200 mg/mL + 2X Atipamezole 20mg/mL)

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

contains

ingredients than the

Kit

concentrations of

(Medetomidine/Ketamine/Butorphanol 10/50/25 mg/mL + Atipamezole 20mg/mL + Naltrexone 25mg/mL)

is kit builds on our MKB™ formulation by adding midazolam for superior muscle relaxation and more reliable sedation. Recommended for immobilizing large exotic hoofstock species, including bongo, kudu, gazelle, eland, other African hoofstock and certain domestic wildlife species. MK2™ Kit

Contains higher concentrations of active ingredients than the MKB Kit, allowing for lower dose volumes and a smaller dart to improve accuracy during capture. Recommended for super exotics and large cervids that may be more diﬃ cult to sedate.

Kit

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

Ingredients

• 6 medium yellow onions

• ¼ cup butter

IDEFA Recipe

FRENCH ONION SOUP WITH WILD GAME STOCK

French onion soup is an absolute classic soup that is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. You might think there’s not much that can make this soup better. But, what if you caramelized the onions in rendered wild game fat and used homemade wild game stock for the base? OH. MY. GOODNESS. Let me tell you, the flavor and texture are absolutely outstanding. This soup is full of homemade love and you can feel it in every delicious bite! Try these elk French onion meatballs next!

• ¼ cup rendered fat from stock (or butter)

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• 3 sprigs thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup dry sherry

• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 8 cups wild game stock (or beef stock)

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ¾ teaspoon black pepper

• 20 slices sourdough baguette

• 10 oz gruyere cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Cut ends off of onions. Set onion up on one of the flat ends and cut in half. Remove core, skin, and tough outer layer. Cut into ½” strips, cutting from root to tip (julienne). Repeat with all onions.

2. Heat stock pot over medium-low heat. Melt butter and rendered fat from stock. If your stock has a layer of fat that has floated to the top, this is the fat you use. If you don’t have any, you can use all butter instead.

3. Add onions, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme to pot. Stir to coat in butter/fat. Cook for approximately 1 hour, stirring every 3-5 minutes or until onions are soft and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them or they will burn.

4. Add sherry to pot and bring to a simmer. Simmer until onions have absorbed most of the liquid, about 10 minutes.

5. Sprinkle flour over onions. Stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

6. Add stock to pot. Bring to a boil. Taste the soup once it is heated and add salt and pepper as needed. I used ¾ teaspoon each but the amount you need will depend largely on the flavor of your stock. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.

7. Preheat oven broiler on low. Arrange sliced sourdough baguette on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan. Sprinkle approximately ½ oz cheese over each piece. Broil for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown. Alternatively, if you have oven safe bowls, you can put the whole bowl of soup in the oven with the bread and cheese.

8. To each bowl, scoop 1 cup soup and top with 2 slices of bread. Enjoy!

SPREADING A POSITIVE DEER FARMING MESSAGE:

ADDITIONAL PERSPECTIVES FROM FELLOW DEER FARMERS

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the North Dakota Deer Rancher’s Association

The sense of responsibility that Mike Elsberry of Dakota Muleys in Grand Forks, North Dakota takes on in the raising of his mule deer includes more than just his farm, or his potential profits. “There are so few mule deer being raised, that if I stopped raising them their genetic pool would be damaged,” Elsberry, 42, said. “There is so much more on the line here than just me. There are so few mule deer in the wild, the numbers are down, and if their habitat won’t come back, they won’t come back. Sage grouse are right behind that. I’ve taken land not good for other types of farming and have found ways to restore these areas and build this ecosystem.”

Through Elsberry’s dedication and efforts, he also works to broaden and improve public perception of deer farming. “The fact that we raise them to harvest them should never even be in a conversation,” explained Elsberry, in regards to speaking with the general public. “Caring for my deer ranks right up there with caring for my own family. I can’t go to bed at night without knowing if they are okay. Making sure their water is working and that they have ample

food to eat. A deer can’t knock on the door to ask for something. They are completely dependent on you.”

At Crooked Tines Ranch in Bitely, Michigan, the long-range goal is not to just raise and sell deer, but to help get the community involved by offering field trips for school groups, hunts to disabled veterans and other activities, shared owners Ryan and Bob Randolph. “If you don’t know what’s happening behind a fence your curiosity gets the best of you,” Bob said. “Therefore, we want to educate people and invite them in to see and learn about what we do.”

In addition to the ecological, educational and conservational aspects of deer farming, perhaps the best contribution deer farmers have made in this regard is the effort to eradicate CWD. “Thanks to Dr. Christopher Seabury, deer breeders have a science-based answer to CWD,” said Daniel Thomas of Daniel Thomas Whitetails in Springhill, Louisiana. “CWD has been putting a lot of people out of business. In the meantime, we are working hard to breed the most resistant animals we can possibly have.” Understanding

the scientific perspective of raising deer is just as important as knowing that some farmers simply really enjoy raising deer. “Traditional livestock farmers might enjoy raising cattle,” said Kyle Techel of Far North Whitetails in Gaylord, Michigan. “Likewise, vegetarians grow plants with the intention of eating them. We are so used to eating cattle or chicken and think nothing of it. Deer farming is based on the same principles. It’s the fastest growing alternative livestock agricultural industry. For some deer farmers it’s a business and for others, deer are like treasured pets. For some it’s a little of both.”

In conclusion “if you’re a deer farmer merely for the money, then it’s probably not for you,” Elsberry emphasized. “While transparency and making a profit are understandable goals, we need to continue to embrace our bigger role in this bigger picture that we find ourselves in.”

Science that delivers the health & productivity you require

G FORC E™

SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED NATURAL SUPPLEMENT TO HELP GROW LARGE, HEALTHY DEER AND BIG ANTLERS!

Nutrient rich formula contains highly bioavailable ingredients, including our proprietary calcium/phosphorous complex with Antler D TM, that are required to support body and bone growth, especially for fast growing bucks

Contains probiotics and targeted enzymes to support gut health and proper digestion

Available in pellet or powder that can be top dressed or mixed in feed. Great for antler growing season and young bucks, too

PeaceMaker

PRECISELY FORMULATED TO HELP MAINTAIN A NORMAL AND RELAXED DISPOSITION IN ALL CERVIDS

Provides optimal levels of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and inositol to promote calmness and provide help for restless animals

Contains no herbals, tryptophan or chemicals, eliminating concerns of unwanted side effects

Use PeaceMaker to “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation, weaning and anytime destructive behavior may occur

ENTERIC HEALTH FORMULA

POWERFUL SOLUTION FOR HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY

Helps maintain digestive health and productivity

Contains micro-encapsulated probiotics, targeted enzymes and a novel fiber complex

Use in does before fawning, during lactation and all cervids during times of environmental stress

FAWN ARRIVAL™ POWDER & PASTE

HELPS PRODUCE HEALTHY, FAST GROWING FAWNS

Helps maintain normal digestive health

Supports a healthy immune system

Feed powder for 14 days to bottle fed fawns

Paste is ideal for fawns left on does

FAWN & DEER XTR™

ROBUST FAST RESPONSE FOR FAWNS & OLDER DEER

Innovative formula delivers max digestive support, especially in newborns

Rapidly delivers help for GI health and a functioning immune system

May also be used post-tranquilization to support healthy recovery

Upcoming Whitetail and Cervid Events

Spring: February 10th

Summer: May 12th

Fall: August 11th

Winter: November 10th

Minnesota Deer Farmers Association Online Fundraiser Auction - March 10-12, 2026 - McClungSales.w2auctions

Whitetails of Wisconsin Annual Banquet & Fundraiser - March 13-14, 2026 - Wisconsin Dells, WI

NADeFA Spring Open - March 20, 2026 - Sandusky, OH

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

KALA Summer Showcase - Aug 8, 2026

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

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

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

TDA Annual Convention - Aug 28-29, 2026 - San Antonio, TX IDEFA Journal Magazine Deadlines 2026

WHAT TO EXPECT IN CONGRESS IN 2026

This year, Congress and the administration will face several major deadlines and policy decisions that are expected to shape the legislative agenda. Lawmakers will work to avoid another government shutdown while attempting to advance unfinished priorities, including full-year appropriations and reauthorization of the farm bill. At the same time, trade policy, court rulings, and the upcoming midterm elections are expected to influence both congressional activity and the broader political environment.

Appropriations

Congress must pass full-year spending bills or a short-term funding extension before January 30 in order to prevent another government shutdown. Neither the Democrats or Republicans are understood to want a repeat of last year’s shutdown, which was the longest in history. As of the week of January 5th, the Agriculture-FDA, Legislative Branch, Military ConstructionVeterans Affairs appropriations packages have been enacted through the Continuing Resolution which brought an end to last year’s shutdown. Congress has introduced appropriations bills for Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior-Environment which are expected to be passed by Congress before the January 30 deadline. No agreement has been reached on other appropriations measures.

Farm Bill

Agriculture Committees in both the House and the Senate will attempt to pass a five-year farm bill after the 2018 bill expired in 2023. While many policies that the farm bill provides have been continued through short-term extensions and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, lasting updates to conservation, forestry, rural development, and the farm safety net were not extended. Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman (R-AK) is committed to advancing a bill which includes increasing the limits on federally backed farm loans. However, there are concerns about staffing shortages at the Department of Agriculture after their workforce was cut by several thousand people last year.

In July, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review. President Trump has indicated that he may pull out of the $1.5 trillion trade agreement rather than extend it for another 16 years. However, the agreement has been credited with protecting consumers from rising prices amid the President’s tariff regime, meaning the administration may choose to maintain the U.S.’ participation in the pact.

Tariffs

The Supreme Court will also issue a ruling on President Trump’s tariff policies by June at the latest. The court will issue a ruling on President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to set 10-50 percent tariffs on most imports as well as duties on Mexico, Canada, and China to address fentanyl trafficking.

Midterm Elections

In November, Republicans will seek to maintain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterms. Democrats are unlikely to win the 4 seats they need to take control of the Senate. However, Republicans have a very thin majority in the House, so Democrats are widely expected to win control of that chamber. As a result, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is anticipated to become the House Speaker after the elections. In order to secure this victory, Democrats are expected to continue to campaign on affordability, how tariffs affect affordability, and the release of the Epstein Files.

Congressional Maps

The congressional map may be reshaped before the November midterm elections. After Texas began a redistricting effort to secure 5 extra Republican seats, states across the country have redrawn their maps. Republicans in Florida and Kansas as well as Democrats in Virginia, Illinois, and Maryland will continue the redistricting effort this year ahead of the elections.

Overall, the year ahead is expected to be defined by shortterm legislative solutions, election-year politics, and movement around trade and economic policy. While Congress is likely to move forward on must-pass items such as appropriations, progress on longer-term priorities may take a back seat. With the midterm elections approaching and potential changes to congressional maps, political considerations are expected to play a significant role in shaping outcomes across policy areas.

Carolina Herrera

Resources:

• https://www.axios.com/2026/01/05/ congress-government-funding-package

• https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/03/ trump-shutdown-january-00700940

• https://www.eenews.net/articles/ spending-permitting-highway-bill-congress-2026-to-do-list/

• https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/14/why-inflation-angstmay-temper-trumps-trade-threats-to-mexico-canada-00689322

• https://www.bgov.com/news/T8GC6LKK3NYE

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

NECROPSY SUBMISSION FORM

Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories

ADDL at Purdue University HEEKE ADDL - SIPAC 406 S University St 11367 E Purdue Farm Road West Lafayette, IN 47907-2065 Dubois, IN 47527-9666 P: 765-494-7440 F: 765-494-9181 P: 812-678-3401 F: 812-678-3412

VETERINARIAN:

Name

Indiana License #

Dr. Jeff Pyle 24004598

Clinic Address

City, State, ZIP

Phone Fax

Results: Fax Email

Manchester Veterinary Clinic 11798 North State Road 13 North Manchester, IN 46962 (260) 982-6673 (260) 982-8200 jbpyle@fcremc.coop

Additional Results by:

Email Fax

springfieldwts@gmail.com (260)768-9182

OWNER:

Name Address

City, State, ZIP

ANIMAL:

Site/Farm/Unit

Address

City, State, ZIP

Site/Farm/Unit Phone

Premise ID

PREMISE ID

BARCODE

SIGNATURE FOR REGULATORY SUBMISSION:

Veterinarian

Bill to Veterinarian Bill to Owner (Phone) Purdue Fund Bill to Third Party (Name/Phone) RIO/SIO

HISTORY: Clinical Problem: Respiratory Enteric Neurologic Reproductive Other

Age _____ day wk mo yr # On Site _____ # In Affected Group _____ # Sick _____ # Dead _____ Breed ____________

Whitetail Deer

Animal ID Weight ____________ Date & Time of Death _______________________________

Cause of Death: Natural / Euthanasia - If euthanized, method used: ______________________

Were barbiturates used? Yes / No - If chemical euthanasia, chemical(s) used: ________________

I certify that the animal has not been exposed to a level of chlorinated pesticides or PCBs in excess of regulatory limits for animals. As the responsible party, I certify that the above information is accurate and true.

Signature and Date: ___________________________________________

***Testing is approved for Mycoplasma spp. PCR on any respiratory case. If identified, lung tissue is to be forwarded to Newport Labs with the IDEFA Newport submission form on file. ***CWD samples will be collected and tested on all cervidae greater than one (1) year of age.*** Please perform culture and sensitivity on tissue samples submitted or tissues that are visibly diseased at time of necropsy. Also perform parasitology testing.

ATTENTION IDEFA MEMBER: Once results are released to above destinations you will be entitled to your reimbursement from IDEFA

Species:

Aquatic

Avian

Bovine

Camelid

Canine

Caprine

Cervid

Equine

Feline

Ovine

Porcine

Other

Sex:

Male

Female

Male - Neutered

Female - Spayed

Cremation:

Pets Remembered (ADDL-WL Only)

Pet Rest

Individual Cremation

Group Cremation

Ashes Returned To:

ADDL/HEEKE

Owner

Vet Clinic

Differential Diagnosis or Disease(s) Suspected _________________________________________________________________________________________

Legal/Insurance

Suspect (County) _______________________________________

Standard Necropsy Abortion Protocol

animal or any agent acting with the express authorityof the owner agrees that the specimens have been submitted to ADDL and will be handled by ADDL in accordance with ADDL testing procedures, policies, and fees. This handling will include all specified testing and safe disposal of the animal’s remains. Specimens and

federal animal health officials, or 3) when a Foreign Animal Disease is suspected. This form only lists frequently requested tests. For the complete list of tests, consult the ADDL Fee Schedule.

Client of Cremation Service? Yes

Triple Crown

The One

Gunslinger

Maxbo Ranger

Jackpot

Quick Silver

Date: _____________ Membership year is January 1 to December 31

Name:__________________________________________________________________ (first) (last) (Middle)

Spouse:_________________________________________________________________ (first) (last) (Middle)

Farm or Ranch Name:______________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

City:__________________________ State:______ Zip:___________County__________

Do you currently own Cervidae in the state of Indiana?

Membership Categories __________

$ 75 Full Membership plus Spouse with Voting Rights __________ $ 50 Full Membership with Voting Rights __________ $ 50 Supporting Membership without Voting Rights

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION FORM

CREDIT CARD NUMBER:

CARDHOLDER NAME (as shown on card):

EXPIRATION DATE (mm/yy): CVC: ZIP

ONE TIME CHARGE: RECURRING ANNUAL CHARGE:

I authorize IDEFA to charge my credit card above for agreed upon Association Membership purchase(s). I understand that if I choose recurring annual charge my information will be saved to file for future transactions on my account. I may cancel this authorization at any time by contacting IDEFA. Recurring Membership charges will take place on or around January 1st of each year. I further understand it is my responsibility to report any changes in my contact information so that there is no interruption in communications.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

Return Form and payment to:

Bratton 1050 N 600 W LaGrange, IN 46761

Email: IndianaDeer@gmail.com