OH SP 26 Full Book by DandKDesign

FOX VALLEY ANIMAL NUTRITION, INC. COVERING EVERY NEONATAL NEED MEET TROY ZACCHINI The Future NADeFA Executive Director Sponsored by ADA RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACHIEVING AN OPTIMUM WHITETAIL FEEDING PROGRAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TREASURER

Gary Maxwell (2026) Double G Whitetails 2021 West Sterling Rd Burbank, OH 44214 330-201-1798

SECRETARY

Emanuel Weaver (2027) 5373 Kansas Rd Apple Creek Ohio 44606 330-698-5504

BOARD MEMBER

Dan E Miller (2026) Outback Whitetails 13250 Clay St Middlefield, OH 44062 440-636 3781

BOARD MEMBER

Jacob Hostetler (2025) 2345 Arbor Rd. Ne Carrollton, OH 44615 740-543-4274

AUCTION COMMITTEE:

BOARD MEMBER

Joe Johnson (2028) Whiskey River Whitetails 5428 Briggle Ave SW East Sparta, OH 44626 269-209-5835

BOARD MEMBER

Delvy Workman (2027) 1079 CR 2075 Ashland Ohio 44805 419-651-2559

BOARD MEMBER

Caleb Miller (2027) Stone Ridge Whitetails 25963 Township Road 111 Warsaw, OH 43844 740-485-1295

BOARD MEETING INFO

WDFO board meetings are normally held on the third Monday evening of every other month. Past board members are encouraged to attend when possible and serve in an advisory position. Any WDFO member is welcome to attend board meetings. If you would like to attend a meeting please contact any board member.

NEWSLETTER INFO

Any WDFO member is welcome to submit articles or stories they would like to see published. Articles will be screened by the WDFO board before printing. If you are interested in advertising refer to the Magazine Advertising rates sheet included in this issue.

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President’s Message

Spring Is Here: Fawning Season and Forward Progress

Hello everyone,

It looks like spring is finally here after a long winter, although it’s still cold and rainy as I write this. Fawning season is almost here and again I’m not quite ready. It seems like every year life gets busier, but I’m excited for it as always. I hope everybody has a good fawning season and lots of buck fawns.

Levi, Sam Holly and I just got back from the Washington D.C. fly-in. Also joining us there were Luke Davidson and his dad Brian Moorzynski. It was a great learning experience for me to see first hand how our government operates, and to be part of it. We had three busy days with lots of meetings with senators and state representatives. There were probably about 35 people total, representing at least ten different states. I think we would all agree that it was a successful trip, and definitely worth doing. It looks promising that we will get the funding to continue the genetic testing program. Hopefully we will also get funding for CWD research.

Good luck with your fawns, enjoy the summer, and enjoy watching the bucks antlers grow. God bless.

Ben Henico

Schedule

* Schedule Subject to Change

Wednesday August 12

12:00 Event Center Opens for Booth Setup

Thursday August 13th

7:00 Doors Open

9:00 Buck Auction Starts

11:30 Free Noon Meal

2:00 Gun Blitz Opens

4:30 Annual WDFO Membership Meeting

5:00 Dinner

6:00 Entertainment

7:00 Breeder Auction

Friday August 14th

7:00 Doors Open

9:00 Buck Auction Starts

11:30 Free Noon Meal

2:00 Gun Blitz Opens

5:30 Dinner

6:30 Last Man Standing

7:00 WDFO Benefit Auction

* All raffles to be drawn immediately after benefit auction ends.

Individual Seats

Can be purchased for gun tables for $175 per seat. There will also be plenty of free seats available if you do not wish to purchase a table.

10 x 10 Booths

$250 each. Booth space will be very limited.

Lots of Raffle Prizes

Main Raffle

Kawasaki Mule 4010 4x4

Stihl HT 135 Pole Saw

Blackstone Griddle

St. Croix Rod & Reel

Solo Stove ‘Bonfire’

Women’s Raffle

Sewing Machine

$500 Cash Mixer

Huge Basket Raffle

Johnny Blind Raffle Gun Blitz

Draw subject to availability.

8 Person Tables

$1200 Table purchase includes all meals for event. Each table wins a winchester 400 Legend and gets 8 UTV tickets. 8 cards of basket raffle tickets and other free gifts.

Wednesday Evening Activities

At Double H Whitetails

3:00 PM Till Dark

Farm Tours:

3:00pm till dark

Food:

Enjoy free Byler’s BBQ from 4:00-8:30pm

Entertainment:

County Line Band - 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Update on CWD & Breeding For Resistance to CWD: 7:00pm by Keith Warren

The cost of the event is free. Consider booking a room and spending a night or two.

This event is open to the public. Everyone is welcome!

Location:

Mt Hope Event Center 8076 St Rt 241 Millersburg OH 44654

Lodging:

Sleep Inn - Mt Hope 330-294-9977

Ask for WDFO group rate

August 13th & 14th

Executive Director’s Message

Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Preparing for the “Busy Season”

A Note of Encouragement from Executive Director Levi Miller

We all know quite well that every deer farming season is busy. However, we also know that fawning season may be the busiest season of all. I thank the Good Lord that spring is on the horizon, after a very long and cold winter, and that we have fawning season to look forward to. I hope that everyone has a very successful fawn crop this year. Remember to walk your pens and to take very good care of these magnificent creatures that we are so fortunate to raise.

WDFO President Ben Henico and I recently returned from Washington, D.C., where it appears very promising that Ohio will receive funding this fall for genetic testing. I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity if it comes to fruition. I also strongly encourage everyone to mark your calendars for August 13th and 14th, when our annual convention takes place. We still have tables available, so if you’re interested, please let us know as soon as possible. To receive a hotel discount at the Sleep Inn in Mt. Hope, Ohio, please use the code Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio. In addition, I’m pretty sure no one wants to miss August 12th at Ivin and Ruby Hochstetler’s, where we all gather together for a good time before our most anticipated event of the year.

In closing, let me just say how great it was to be at NADeFA in Sandusky, and to make so many new friends. Thank you and God Bless! We have so much to be grateful for.

Previously purchased Value Added Memberships will expire after the Summer magazine.

Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Magazine Deadlines 2026

Spring: April 14th

Summer: July 14th

Fall: October 20th

Winter: January 19th, ‘27

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

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

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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.”

MEET TROY ZACCHINI

THE FUTURE NADEFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Alabama Deer Association

Troy Zacchini, the current Associate Executive Director of NADeFA, is prepared to fill some big shoes as NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer moves towards retiring from a job he’s dearly loved and served with great pride. This fall, Zacchini will officially step into his new role. “I’m just very grateful the board thinks I’m up to the task.” Zacchini, 48, said. “I would like to think a lot of people would like the opportunity to be the executive director of NADeFA. I’m humbled that the board thinks I’m capable, and they feel optimistic that they found who they’ve been looking for.”

It was a little luck combined with fate that brought Zacchini, owner since 2000 of Troy Hunt’s Club in Forest Home Alabama, and Schafer together. After flying to Washington D.C. on deer farming legislative matters in the spring of 2025, the two discovered their gates to catch a flight home were right next to each other. “Shawn started sharing with me what his job was, and that he was thinking about retiring,” Zacchini said. “I asked him if he thought it was something I could do.”

Shortly after that time, Schafer has been steadfastly preparing Zacchini to take on the monumental role of executive director. Zacchini is very comfortable with public speaking, having worked with legislatures, led bible studies and also worked as a hunting guide before starting his own breeding and hunting operation. He understands what being in the spotlight is all about, being a descendant of the famous Italian “Zacchini Brothers” circus performers from the 1930’s and 1940’s, who spent time with both the

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circuses. Edmundo and Hugo Zacchini were the daring performers behind their flying human cannon ball act, deemed the most dangerous profession one would possibly have, having only a thin landing net between them and certain death. The Zacchini’s, who resided in Tampa, Florida, also walked high wires, performed trapeze acts, rode horses and dazzled audiences from all over the world.

Troy Zacchini plans to bring the same passion and energy his ancestors brought to their daring circus acts, to his role as Executive Director for NADeFA. His wife Angela and their two sons, Tavio, 17, and Teovanni, 15, are excited for their father to take

this next step. Zacchini received a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2000, from Stetson University in Deland, Florida. He has spent the better part of his life living in Alabama, where he has enjoyed being a lifelong bow and gun hunter.

“NADeFA feels confident that Troy will do a great job,” Schafer said. “He has the experience and intestinal fortitude needed to carry the torch as we in the deer industry navigate the ever-changing trends and regulations. We welcome him fully and look forward to everyone else doing the same.”

DUTCH CREEK DEER FARM

PRODUCING TOP-QUALITY TYPICAL DEER

By: Gail Veley

It’s 5 a.m. and James Weaver doesn’t really need an alarm clock. His internal sense of responsibility awakens him and he’s up and ready to go do what he loves the most, taking care of the deer at his farm, Dutch Creek Deer Farm in Fredericksburg, Ohio. Close to 50 typical deer thrive at Dutch Creek, located on 47 acres with approximately 8 acres fenced in, gentle rolling hills, large oak trees and abundant fresh green grass are found inside each pen.

“Great care is taken to maintain and fertilize the pens,” said Weaver. “Our deer don’t really ever see a lot of mud and feel very much at home there.” Each morning, Weaver fills the feeders, checks on each deer and then heads off to his cabinet shop, leaving his two sons, Larry and Merlin, to pick up where he left off. Started in 2012, Dutch Creek raises mainly typical deer, catering more to the stocking end of the industry, however top-quality breeding stock comprises a large part of their herd. One such homegrown breeding buck, Triple Threat, is out of Triple Ought over a daughter of Voodoo’s Magic. Now five, he recently measured 38 inches wide and 241 typical inches. “We have a lot of promising sons out of him,” Weaver said.

“Right now, we have quite a few nice two-year-olds.”

While moving towards SS, Dutch Creek relies on genetics from Triple Threat, Top Gun, Megastar, Gladiator, GXL, Navigator, and Missile for producing their deer herd. Missile, with whom they share a partnership with owner John Ervin Stoltzfus, is a key component in Dutch Creek’s long-range plan to have a complete SS herd. Come this spring, Weaver is looking forward to fawning season and what each of their 16 bred does will produce.

Inspiration to start Dutch Creek was based on a love of hunting, nature and a deep love of whitetails. “We are all hunters and like being out in nature,” Weaver said. “I first took my sons hunting when they turned 12 on our farm.” While today their focus also includes raising the best typical deer they possibly can, they are grateful to their mentors, Ivan Hostetler & Curt Waldvogel, for helping them to get started.

Reflecting back on their earlier days, Weaver holds a special affinity towards breeding buck Expressway,

out of Express over a 2 Wide doe, who lived to be almost 12 years old. Other favorite deer include Grey 5, a Maxbo Danger doe and Hawaii, the dam to Expressway. “My favorite thing overall about deer farming is springtime when fawns arrive and the bucks are growing out,” Weaver said. “I would love to be a fulltime deer farmer at some point. We are hoping to be in the industry for a lot of years to come, and transition to producing more breeding stock with really good markers.”

james@dutchcreekdesign.com 330-466-8712

2025 Membership Drive, Featuring

4 Grand Prize Winners!

A Word of Reflection with State Association Magazine Editor, Kathy Geisen

As most of you know, D&K Design has been at the forefront of overseeing a membership drive for many state deer associations for the past years. As part of servicing 19 states with quarterly publications, we were proud to also offer this service. 2025 we included in our grand prize drawing, donations from each state association. Many of their members stepped up to donate a product or service.

Memberships are collected throughout the year and at events such as NADeFA and Top 30. Each participant that spent over a certain amount on memberships was included in our end of year drawing.

Meryle Frey’s Winnings ~

• $250 Shock Effect Certificate

• 50 Custom Ear Tags

• $350 C&E Solutions certificate

• Legends binocular harness

• Ohio Gun Raffle Calendar

• 10 Personalized calendars

• 1 Straw of Mohican

• $250 Gift Certificate from Pneu-Dart

2025 winners included Shane and Jennifer Horrocks of C&E Bio Solutions and Max Rax feed company, Amber Boldt, a loyal D & K Design supporter, James Weaver of Dutch Creek Whitetails in Fredericksburg, Ohio and Meryle Frey from Fish Lake Whitetails in Indiana.

Winners received gifts, valued at over $1,800. which also included certificates for deer industry goods and services.

James Weaver~ Dutch Creek Whitetails

1 Straw Semen ~ Cruiser

“I found the semen straw of Cruiser from Rocky Ridge Whitetails to be very worthwhile and appealing,” James Weaver said. “I say YIPPEE! I hope I win again!”

Merle Frey felt that winning for him was a bonus, on top of the fact that he became a member of several state associations. “The items that were in my basket were things I was already using like Shock Effect and products from C & E Bio Solutions,” he said. “I’m also really glad to have gotten a semen straw of Mohican that Woodard Whitetails donated. Being a member of these associations has been worth it even without winning, and I appreciate everyone who donated the items I won.”

Shane and Jennifer Horrocks, huge supporters of each state association, strong advertisers and advocates for state memberships, were equally pleased. “What a great way to have our enthusiasm rewarded by winning a raffle,” Shane said. “Our basket was very thoughtfully hand selected by Kathy and we really appreciated receiving it.”

Amber Boldt, who has gladly pitched in and helped transport D & K Design booth to industry events, was very pleased with her raffle win as well.

This helps keep the momentum going and further fuels my desire to have every state continue to donate items, in an effort to make these raffles one of the most anticipated activities at our events. We sold over $8,000 in memberships total! I appreciate everyone who has donated in the past and plans to donate in the future. Your support will win you recognition throughout the year. Ask me for more details!

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RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACHIEVING AN OPTIMUM WHITETAIL FEEDING PROGRAM

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

In developing an adequate, nutrition dense and highly digestible feeding program for your deer herd, the aim involves a good return on your investment. “Expense wise, bulk feed is better,” explains Dana Hoover of Mountainside Whitetails in Penn Yan, New York. “Feed by far is your biggest expense, and you don’t want to pay for something that doesn’t work.” While common sense dictates feeding for sufficient protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral intake, getting the amount and frequency just right requires quantifying a few things. This could include tracking the amount of grass that grows on your farm naturally during the year, soil nutrient density, weather patterns and the sex and age of the deer you are feeding. For example, bucks may require less protein during the winter as antlers aren’t growing and breeding season isn’t directly in the picture. Does, on the other hand, are carrying fawns through the winter, making dense caloric intake a high priority. And in the spring, fawns gradually transition from milk to solid food and require a highly digestible feed to help avoid diarrhea and other issues. “It’s really not complicated,” Hoover said. “The

from Pennsylvania deer farmers, he believes in very carefully measured supplements as overfeeding them can do more harm than good. “I want the deer to grow to their full genetic potential, but you can’t grow what’s not there,” he said. However, Hoover is sold on the benefits of Calf Manna, a pelleted feed designed to support growth, weight gain, improve digestion and aid animals in distress as it is highly palatable. He also gives spring fawns Nutra-Glo right in their bottle for better overall health and a healthy coat. Although there’s nothing more enticing to any livestock species than fresh spring grass, not all grass is equal and can only be as nutritionally equivalent as the soil it grows from. It also shouldn’t necessarily take the place of a regularly fed regime of grain and alfalfa, as deer will wait expectantly to be fed, giving a deer farmer a chance to take inventory of their herd. As winter approaches, obtaining alfalfa hay through products such as Chaffhaye or silage hay may help ensure that deer are eating a nutrient dense feed that promotes productive gut health.

their feeding program one step further by including Aureo S 700 (AS700) in their winter grain, a medicated veterinary feed directive containing chlortetracycline and sulfamethazine which works as an antibiotic or as a preventive measure for combating pneumonia. They have also found that feeding 18.6 percent protein and fat year-round works well for them. The Connelly’s strive to keep first-cutting alfalfa stocked up yearround and typically feed it the most from November through March. With sustained herd health and longevity of the farm first and foremost, both Hoover and the Connelly’s only buy their hay in-state, to avoid potential problems with CWD. “We also realized we needed barn cats to keep rodents out of our feed,” Michael said. “We started out with three cats. Now we have seven.”

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 20 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

Name: First

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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/

YOUTH HUNTING

FUELING PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by PDFA

“Now whatever you do, don’t blow up Dad’s new decoy,” Glenn Dice affectionately told his young son Archer as they called in turkeys and waited during a spring 2021 hunt in their home state of Pennsylvania. When a big curious, striking gobbler checked out the decoy then stepped a few feet away, Archer, then 10, took his first shot ever as a hunter. Bingo. The victorious turkey hunt was followed by one in Florida this past spring and yet one more a month later back in Pennsylvania with another father and son. As the four eagerly waited in the cool predawn, competitive gobblers soon came running in, yet Archer appeared to hesitate. “Why aren’t you taking a shot?” Glenn whispered. “I don’t want to shoot your decoy,” Archer replied. Glenn quickly responded, “I don’t care about the decoy just shoot the darn turkey!” And with that, Archer’s aim was triumphant. He was the only one in the group to harvest anything that day.

The three bullet shells responsible for harvesting those three turkeys, each inscribed with Archer’s name, are kept on Glenn’s desk. He’s not only thrilled that his son shares one of his favorite pastimes, he’s also proud of his love of nature and the outdoors. Sharing that pride along with Glenn is Jeff Graham, owner of Custom Pro Friction Calls and

the man who taught Glenn to turkey hunt. After hearing about Archer’s first hunt, he surprised Glenn with a picture of Archer holding his first turkey, along with a personal inscription for Archer. In sharing a love of the outdoors with Archer and his other young son Lincoln, 9, Glenn, 53, feels “it’s paramount to appreciate nature and spend time with them outside. There’s not a better morning than being out in the woods. It’s my favorite time of day.”

Nationally, hunting is a multi-million-dollar industry responsible for substantial annual revenue. In 2021, revenue from hunting licenses was reported at $902,356,898, a $3 million increase from 2020. The top six states for issuing hunting licenses are typically Colorado at approximately $59 million followed by Texas at $47 million, Wisconsin at $41 million, Minnesota at $39 million, Pennsylvania at $37 million and Michigan also at $37 million. Even the tiny state of Rhode Island registered 26,690 hunters in 2021.

The most popular and number one animal to hunt is a whitetail deer followed by turkeys, elk and bear. While the interest in hunting is showing no signs of slowing down, without youth remaining interested in nature, hunting and the outdoors, subsequent decades may tell a different story. Vigilant deer farmers and preserve owners in Pennsylvania and in other states have a responsibility to ensure future generations embrace this same love, Glenn emphasized. “Being involved allows you to share your passion for the outdoors as well as collaborate on regulation development. This enables us to enjoy year-round fam-

ily-centered outdoor activities and to also be deer enthusiasts,” he said. “This involves working together as associations and staying abreast of current regulations and any proposed changes that affect us and standing up for our rights and practices of land ownership, management and stewardship.”

While Archer is poised to perpetuate this philosophy, he has yet to hunt whitetail, partially due to the fact that they are raised on the family farm, Glenn Dice Farms in Chambersburg. However, he has expressed an interest in trying. After they explore whitetail hunting sometime in the near future in Pennsylvania, Glenn and Archer may plan a Utah vacation to hunt mule deer. In the meantime, Glenn is working steadfast to maintain a constant presence in Washington on behalf of deer farmers, and to give back to an industry that has been so good to him and his family.

This gives Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio members a way to reach out to one another for services and to buy or sell deer! There will be limited pages for these card spreads, first come first serve. The overflow would be placed in the next issue and cards will be rotated each quarter according to space availability.

KENTUCKY DEER FARMERS DEFEND THEIR LIVELIHOODS

entucky deer farmers have found a unified voice for opposing legislation through the use of outreach campaigns, social media and face-to-face meet ings with legislatures. As a result, they recently helped defeat pro posed legislation which could have permanently shut down or greatly altered the operations of many Kentucky deer farms. House Bill 700, proposed in 2025 and declared an emergency, intended to create CWD 30-mile radius “zones” around areas where positive CWD cases were found in both wild or captive bred deer populations. As per the bill, any deer farmer located within a positive zone would be quarantined for five years and unable to move or acquire deer, unless they erected double fencing, perhaps ultimately forcing them out of business due to the expense. After spending con siderable time at Kentucky’s state capital, KALA members helped defeat the bill, which could have permanently ended deer farming for many in Kentucky, said KALA Board of Directors Member Micheal Connelly.

Connelly, owner for four years of Buck Creek Whitetails in East Bernstadt, Kentucky, is currently serving his first year with the board. However, in 2025, when the tide began to unfavorably shift in Kentucky towards deer farming, Connelly, KALA Vice President Adam Steele and several other KALA members took action. Steele literally spent weeks up at the capital and took time off work to be there at the most crucial moments and emailed (along with other concerned KALA individuals) every single legislator about the detriment of this bill. “It was the prospect of losing our liveli hoods and everything we’ve worked so hard for that kicked us into gear,” Connelly said. “We appreciate our