Board of Directors
Scott Fier President
Buffalo Ridge Whitetails 3788 260th Ave Porter, MN 56280
507-829-3151 fierscott@gmail.com
Porter Whitetails 1828 350th Ave Lake Bronson, MN 56734 218-526-0180 porterwhitetail@gmail.com
Mark Volk
Treasurer Volk Whitetails 9095 160th Ave Royalton, MN 56373
320-232-3352 volkwhitetails@outlook.com
Steph Buchner
B&B Trophy Whitetails 716 N Central St Warren, MN 56762 218-686-9863
Gary Olson
Olson Whitetails
34526 State Hwy 30 Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-269-9791 garypolson2005@yahoo.com
DeerMomma Embroidery Volk Whitetails 9095 160th Ave Royalton, MN 56373
320-232-7493
deermomma@outlook.com
Lien 1071 165th Ave. NW New London, MN 56273
320-905-2896
Ken Williams
Williams Whitetails
30567 440TH ST Melrose, MN 56352 320-291-3385
kwilliams7777@outlook.com
Mike Elsberry
President Dakota Muleys
701-340-4445
Grand Forks, ND
Lani Schafer Secretary/Treasurer 1223 18th Ave NW
Turtle Lake, ND 58575
Board of Directors
Chris Ryckman
Missouri Valley Muleys 6160 Hiway 1804
Bismarck, ND 58504
Bob Miller
Evolution Whitetails 10801 52nd St NE Bismarck, ND 58503
Butch Dick 6379 123rd Ave SE Lisbon, ND 58054
Mike Ryckman
Ryckman Whitetails PO Box 565 Linton, ND 58552
Jamie Feist
Imperial Whitetails Baldwin, ND 701-471-1481 mount4u@hotmail.com
Adam Helgeland
President
Trophy Whitetail Deer 15425 450th St. Leland, IA 50453 641-590-3410 adamhelgeland@gmail.com
Jake Lahr
Treasurer
Double "O" Whitetails 2608 325th St Hopkinton, IA 52237 319-975-0005 jlahr.w@gmail.com
Mike Hine
Timberghost Ranch PO Box 545 Mediapolis, IA 52639 319-394-9876 mike@timberghost.com
Matt Nebel
River Bottom Game Farm 2717 275th Ave Dewitt, IA 52742 563-580-4149
Adam Laubenthal
Luby’s Custom Whitetails 715 11th Ave SW Spencer, IA 51301 712-240-2818
Fred Huebner
Vice President
Circle H Ranch 2575 Iowa Keokuk Rd. North English, IA 52316 319-530-7824 circleh@netins.net
Zach Hayden
Secretary 1204 450th st Northwood, IA 50459
Roger Strunk
Strunk's Whitetail Haven 508 Franklin 3rd St West Point, IA 52656 319-470-2413
rlstrunk@yahoo.com
Mick Tonderum
GMT Farms Inc. 2008 5th St. Emmetsburg, IA 50536 712-260-7310
gmtfarms74@hotmail.com
Chad Machart
Prairie Antler Ranch 24424 180th St Anamosa, IA 52205 319-540-9311
Event Overview
A Word of Appreciation from Board of Director’s Member Adam Laubenthal
Among Iowa deer farmers, there are no real worries, and we feel our futures are very bright. At our recent annual event February 21st, 2026 at Isle Casino in Water Loo, Iowa, close to 30 people gathered to enjoy a great comfort food meal and to reconnect. We were especially glad to welcome new deer farmers into our group, some of whom are only in their 20’s. Those who have been in the industry for a while are paving the way for newcomers to truly succeed and we should all feel very good about that. We had a very well-supported live auction thanks to Fred Huebner, and our on-line McClung auction also went very well. We are thankful to all who supported it. We had nearly 70 auction lots.
Special thanks also goes out to our lobbyist and the representatives from the USDA, who
came and shared their time and expertise. Iowa deer farmers have been very blessed by the opportunity to test our herds for genetic markers and plan great strategies for each breeding season that unfolds. We are finding a lot of “SS” among our deer.
Adam Helgeland and I are in agreement, as with many others, that we would like to see this event get bigger and better every year. If anyone is interested in having a booth next year, we feel our venue would really support that. Please let us know. Thank you and please mark your calendars for 2027! Here in Iowa, it just keeps getting better!
Mark your Calenders! The 2027 Winter Meeting will be held at the Isle Casino in Waterloo on February 20th, 2027.
LUBY’S CUSTOM WHITETAILS
HOME TO HARDY, TYPICAL DEER
By: Gail Veley
The dark predawn prepares to shift on the horizon, as Adam Laubenthal puts on a pot of hot, welcomed coffee. At the first sign of daylight, he stands at his kitchen counter pointing binoculars out the window, unobtrusively checking on his beloved deer herd. “Besides my family, they are the biggest thing in my life,” he said. “I never thought in a million years I’d ever have something like this.”
Laubenthal’s farm, Luby’s Custom Whitetails in Spencer, Iowa, is a place where typical deer frolic among beautiful and lush grasslands, forests and savannahs that Iowa is well known for. Cold winters, humid summers and reasonable rules and regulations might just make it the perfect place to raise whitetails. “I went to school for taxidermy and thought it would be cool if I had a couple of tame bucks to help me make my mounts look more expressive and realistic,” Laubenthal, 36, explained. “So, I built one pen and bought a couple of bucks from Greg Leenderts. Throughout the process of acquiring deer, I met a lot of people, and I helped out on other farms and then I realized that I could
sell them and turn a profit. That’s how it all began.”
Started six years ago, the farm was initially located in Ayrshire, Iowa and later moved to Spencer in 2024. Today, six breeding pens are home to 15 bred does and 12 bucks, half of whom are “SS.” Genetics running through the farm’s pedigrees include Excell, Adonis, Atticuss, Triumph 27, Boss and more. However, out of all of their deer, Laubenthal is perhaps most happy with his homegrown buck Surpass, a big hardy typical “SS” three-year-old buck and son of Excell. At two years old, Surpass sported a 6 x 5 mainframe and scored 185 typical inches that also included a split brow tine. “I’ve had other bucks that I’ve really liked, but this one has surpassed them all,” he said.
If breeding decisions continue to line up, Laubenthal anticipates having an entire fawn crop of “SS” after this upcoming and fifth fawning season. He is very grateful for the support of his wife, Carly, and for the enthusiasm that their three-year-old son, Hayes, has for the deer. He is also grateful to all the mentors he’s had along the way such as Iowa board
members Adam Helgeland and Mick Tonderum. Laubenthal, who also works full-time as a UPS driver, dedicates every available hour outside of that to his family and his deer.
“If you’re thinking of starting a deer business, set up what you can afford and keep a good perspective,” Laubenthal said. “My love for deer started as a young kid hunting with my Dad. Now it’s a never-ending lifelong passion and I’m very thankful that my family and I are part of such a gratifying and supportive industry.”
DEER & ELK PHOTOS WANTED!
Greg Leenderts Chairman Whitetail Farms 48474 257th St Garretson, SD 57030 507-227-6328 gleenderts@alliancecom.net
Brandon Walker Secretary/Treasurer
Cedar Breaks Mule Deer Ranch 19145 Robbs Flat Road Midland, SD 57552 608-695-0796 brandon@cedarbreaksranch.com
Mark Hollenbeck Sunrise Ranch 277772 Elbow Canyon Road Edgemont, SD 57735 605-685-3376 markholl@gwtc.net
Shane Zylstra Vice-Chairman 28863 471st Ave, Beresford, SD 57004
605-777-2731 shane.zylstra1@gmail.com
Cody Warne Stone Meadow Ranch 3520 LAMBETH PL Pierre, SD 57501
605-222-7407 codybuckwarne@msn.com
Rob Curtis
605-840-1079 rclandd@hotmail.com
Liz Vogelsong 605-310-2703 lizblain21@gmail.com
If any members of SDDEBA or other breeders/ranches of South Dakota have pictures of their deer and or elk please email to Brandon Walker. We are looking for South Dakota deer and elk producer pictures that we can post on our website. We do not need to share your farm/ranch information unless you want us to.
Travis Phelps - 2023-2026
Interim President & Vice President
Moultrie County Monsters 1535 CB 750 E. Sullivan, IL 61951 217-246-1319 mocomonsters@gmail.com
Dr Ray FaveroWhitetail Genetics
700 E Main St
Braidwood, IL 60408 815-341-4109 drfavero@hotmail.com
Board of Directors
Rick Davidson - 2023-2026
Illinois Dominant Bucks 12035 N Fox Rd Marshall, IL 62441 217- 260-2825 illinoisdominantbucks@gmail.com
Rusty Karr - 2022-2025
Dominant Genetics PO Box 138 Wapella, IL 61777 309- 275-9567 rusty_k2000@yahoo.com
Larry Hackethal - 2021-2024 PO Box 655 Cobden, IL 62920 618- 893-2252 pro1ab@frontier.com
Ryan Sauls - 2024-2027
Flatland Whitetails 1279 Co. Rd. 500 East Enfield, IL 62835 618-380-3073 chanda_1221@hotmail.com
Kevin WilliamsWilliams Bison & Elk Farm Williamson Ln Canton, IL 61520 309-224-7733 williamselkfarm@gmail.com
Sarah Hamm Secretary Hamm's Whitetail Farm 702 W Liberty St. Vermont, IL 61484 309-401-5738 hammswhitetailfarm@gmail.com
Mark Voss - 2024-2027 Treasurer Voss Whitetails 12430 SLANT RD Carlyle, IL62231 618-343-5653 vosswhitetails@gmail.com
Billie Rix - 2023-2026
Red Wire Ranch 7350 Old Stage Rd Morris, IL 60450 630-816-8977 billierix@yahoo.com
David Fields Fields Whitetail 21722 Keyesport Rd Keyesport, IL 62253 618-973-3654 davidducks77@hotmail.com
Mark Mann Red Wire Ranch 7350 Old Stage Rd Morris, IL 60450 815-955-1083 markamann62@gmail.com
Jeff Williamson J & S Scents PO Box 102 Dongola, IL 62926 618-614-4051 deerpeeman3@yahoo.com
Vice President’s Message
Spring 2026
The future of deer farming in Illinois has never looked better. We had a very successful annual meeting and a big thank you to McClung Sales for the best online auction to date. We are very thankful to the donors and supporters of the Illinois Deer Farmers. It is because of those efforts Illinois Deer Farmers are available to promote and protect the cervid industry. Illinois continues to be a very farmerfriendly state. At our annual meeting, several new board members were elected. The group has already displayed great teamwork and are very open to making decisions that are needed to make deer farming in Illinois available to anyone.
Several new deer farmers and potential farmers attended the meeting this year, making the future growth look promising. The next event will be a fall picnic/farm tour at the Voss Whitetails Farm in Carlyle on August 15th. We welcome members and anyone interested in deer farming to attend. The future looks very exciting and promising in Illinois.
Travis Phelps
Vice President, IL Deer Farmers Association
Event Overview
A Word of Appreciation from Mark Voss, Treasurer
Illinois deer farmers proved resilient and steadfast as we all came together for our Annual Meeting on February 21st, 2026 in Altamont, Illinois. Close to 100 people gathered to celebrate our unity as an association and to enjoy great catered food, games, raffles, prizes and a well-supported fundraiser. Our annual online auction, which happened the week before, brought in the most revenue ever, and we are very grateful for that.
As an association we feel our best days are yet to come, and we really appreciated guest speakers Shawn Schafer, Dr. Ray Favero and a representative from our association’s lobbyists group for their insightful presentations. While we keep a watchful eye on the latest news about CWD, here in Illinois we are more concerned about EHD as that seems to affect us in a much larger way.
However, the vibe and energy in Illinois remains positive, and we were excited to meet and welcome new deer farmers into our fold and wish them every success on their new
adventure. We hope to make our event even bigger and better next year and add to those loyal companies and deer farms who set up booths to enhance business relationships and network with all of us. We also hope to have a lot more association meetings so stay tuned!! Thank you!
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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
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.
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• 24/7 Technical Advice & Support
• Formula for other Exotics and Wildlife Available
2025 Membership Drive, Featuring 4 Grand Prize Winners!
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.
“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!
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.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/
South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders Association
Message from Brandon Walker:
Memberships for 2026 are due, $100 for owners $50 for associate/non-animal owners.
Thank you,
Brandon Walker
Manager, Cedar Breaks Mule Deer Ranch
Secretary/Treasurer South Dakota Deer and Elk Breeders Association
Cell:(608)695-0796
Office:(605)567-3563
Upcoming Whitetail and Cervid Events
UpperMidwest Magazine Deadlines 2026
Spring: April 21st
Summer: July 21st
Fall: October 27th
Winter: January 26th, ‘27
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
Illinois Deer Farmers Fall Picnic and Farm Tour - Aug 15 - Carlyle, IL
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
Use this QR Code or go online to DeerSites.com for more deadlines and up to date event information!
ADayintheLife
of a Deer Farmer’s Wife
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers Association
There was a distinct spring in the step of Verlin Yoder and an urgency to his walk early one May morning several years ago, as he entered the kitchen of the home he’s shared with his wife Nadine since 2002. “There’s another fawn on the ground,” he announced with an expectant smile, seemingly oblivious to the fact that Nadine was right in the middle of bottle feeding their very own baby as well as tending to their 18-month-old daughter. As his smile was met with a stern gaze, raised eyebrows, heavy sigh and the unspoken question “are you kidding?” Verlin’s face turned perplexed. After all, Nadine had been gladly bottle feeding all their fawns at their deer farm, Clay Kuntry Whitetails, in Millersburg, Indiana. What was one more? “I guess I wasn’t quite into it right then and there,” Nadine, 41, reflected. “We started off bottle feeding our fawns. We did it four to five times a day. I’ll never forget those nights. It was overwhelming. We eventually resolved it by not bottle feeding and instead imprinting them by walking through the pens to make our presence ‘second nature’ to them.”
Assisting with her husband’s dream to raise deer is something Nadine is still happy to do during breeding season and other times of the year, however, she also appreciates a schedule more conducive to other life responsibil-
ities. Like Nadine, when Etta Stoltzfus’ husband John wanted to start his deer farm, Five Star Genetics in Shipshewana, Indiana in 2008, she supported his idea yet, honestly, wanted little if nothing to do with it personally. “That’s where I was at,” shared Etta, John’s devoted wife of 25 years and counting. “I had my three kids and school and my massage therapy job, and helping with the deer was the furthest thing from my mind. But over time I slowly got sucked in.”
One spring afternoon, John brought home a fawn in a storage bin. “It had a broken leg and needed to be bottle fed,” Etta said, recalling what would be the beginning of her lovehate relationship with deer. “I had done my fair share of bottle-feeding calves and didn’t want to start something like that again. But now it was my first fawn, my baby, to take care of. We would let this fawn play outside and didn’t realize the leg might swell in the bandage. So, I had to take the fawn to the vet who was an hour away. I put it inside the bin and took his work pickup. I get there and I have to carry it inside and there’s this massive curious barking dog in there and everybody is looking at me strangely. The fawn starts panicking and kicking and I had to go wait outside for like 10 minutes. I thought ‘oh no Bambi is going to die!’ but they rewrapped the leg, and everything turned out fine.
Now, I’m all in and love the fawns. There are many similarities with children and fawns. They are both so needy. But there’s something so different in the way these little fawns think ‘here comes Mama!!’ They are now my girls.”
Etta and Nadine both agree that behind every successful man is a woman who wants to help him out. “I get a little emotional talking about this,” Etta said. “John pours his heart into it and it’s what I love about him. And he never complains and to have deer at our house, it’s beautiful and has so much meaning for him and me along with joy.
Even the hard work.” Deer farming “has definitely made our marriage stronger,” Nadine added. “Verlin runs everything by me. We like to go out to the deer pens and just enjoy the serenity, just the two of us. That’s our time together.” Given the chance to do it all over again, perhaps neither Nadine nor Etta would change a thing. “If there are times when I feel I’m competing for his attention, John makes sure everyone is ok. There have been times he’s working hours and hours and days and days, and I go work alongside him. When you ask if it’s ‘taken him away from me’ I’d say no. It’s very fulfilling to realize a dream together and to know you’re a part of it.”
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 Last
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.”
If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to the email address below.
This gives Upper Midwest members a way to reach out to one another for services and to buy or sell deer! There will be limited pages for these card spreads, first come first serve. The overflow would be placed in the next issue and cards will be rotated each quarter.
ILDFA: Lisa_shepard83@yahoo.com
IWDA: adamhelgeland@gmail.com
MDFA: fierscott@gmail.com
NDDRA: ryckman219@gmail.com
SDDEBA: jamesfam13@outlook.com
If you have any questions please contact: Kathy Giesen: 435-817-0150
THE MOST RECOMMENDED FIREARMS FOR HUNTING
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Whitetails of Oklahoma
Choosing a firearm for hunting comes down to a few important considerations. These include how rapidly you may need to shoot, the desired ballistics or projection and flight distance of your ammunition, recoil and ease of handling. While there are just as many gun variations as there are opinions as to the best one, perhaps the best firearm for hunting whitetail is a .30-30 Winchester rifle, offers Chris Ezell, owner of Dangerous Whitetails of Oklahoma in Chelsea, Oklahoma. As a teenager, Ezell inherited his grandfather’s .30-30. He still remembers the thrill of being handed a deeply treasured rifle that to this day, he faithfully uses for whitetail hunting.
The .30-30, ideal for hunting medium sized game such as deer and bear from 150 to 200 yards away, uses a lever-action round and was first available in 1895. Known for its smokeless powder, it is today a popular “go-to” choice for vast numbers of hunters. In addition to the .30-30, variations of Winchester rifles such as the .270, introduced in 1925, and the .243, introduced in 1955, may offer flatter bullet trajectories and longerrange accuracy in open country for bigger sized game like elk. While the .270 can be ideal for adults, the .243 is more often recommended for youth hunters. Other rifles, such as a 410-shotgun, are more light weight with almost no recoil, and used primarily for home defense, small game hunting, pigeon hunting and wildlife management. “You want to be comfortable using various types of firearms because of the all the different scenarios you can find when you’re out hunting,” Ezell, 48, said. “Whether it’s heavy brush areas or areas without long shots, or wide-open areas where a shot needs to fly longer and flatter, you want to be set up to aim for the neck rather than shoulder to not damage the meat.”
The invention of the gun can be traced back to 10th Century China, when gunpowder projectiles were mounted on spears for portable fire lances. By the 15th Century rudimentary firearms were instrumental in the demise of the Byzantine Empire, leading to
the establishment of Europe and the colonization of America, Africa and Oceania. The 19th Century saw a clear acceleration in the development of what today is the modern gun. For the modern-day hunter, ease of handling any firearm accurately also includes an ideal shooting technique, said Jason Stefanowicz of Awesome Whitetails in Middlebury, Pennsylvania. Having learned to shoot at age 22 from a former Marine sniper who at that time was in his 40’s, Stefanowicz remembers one important take-away. “It’s all about the breathing,” he said. “Most people tend to hold their breath when they shoot. If you exhale as you’re shooting, you won’t move around as much.” Stefanowicz, 52, also strongly believes in investing in the best scope you can afford. “That seems to be the Number One thing people cheap out on,” he said. “When it’s morning and evening and generally darker, you can see through a higher quality scope so much better. It can make all the difference.”
In terms of providing or lending the most straight forward firearm to his hunting clients, Brandon Bollinger of 2 Brothers Whitetail in Loranger, Louisiana, prefers the .270 or the .308. “Most folks can handle them fairly easily and they work well in lots of different scenarios,” he said.
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Iowa Whitetail Deer Association College Scholarship
Mission Statement:
● Promote Iowa’s private whitetail deer industry
● Protect Iowa’s natural resources
● Research to advance the testing and knowledge of whitetail deer health issues.
● Be a collective voice in government issues that affect Iowa’s whitetail deer producers
● Gather and disseminate the latest information on the care of management of whitetail deer.
Scholarship Details: $1000 scholarship, Paid Directly to the recipients’ college
Application Criteria:
1 Parent/Legal guardian or grandparent must be an active member of the Iowa Whitetail Deer Association (and in good standing) -or- Iowa Resident High School Graduate seeking a career in the Whitetail Deer Industry
2 Iowa High school graduates, current college students, and prior recipients with a 3 0 or better cumulative GPA are encouraged to apply
3 Letter of Recommendation (non-family member; please include with application submission)
4 Personal Statement (Must be typed or written in legible ink and included with application submission). Please tell us about yourself. Bullets below are provided for thought starters and not required to be answered in your personal statement
○ Outline your background/work experience in your “field of study”; please emphasize experience related to your future career goals.
○ Describe your involvement in high school/collegiate community organizations, years active and leadership roles that you obtained.
○ Where do you see yourself in future years and how do you feel you will make an impact in your “field of study”?
○ How will the Iowa Whitetail Deer Association scholarship impact you and your financial obligations during your collegiate studies?
Link to scholarship application: Iowa Whitetail Deer Association College Scholarship https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Ld8F4Qmp2p1jw8K6SO3Hzk0ohW 7ngJEdyhy3a0kVU/edit?usp=sharing Also found on Facebook: Iowa Whitetail Deer Association
APPLICATION FORM
You can print this out and attach it with your personal statement and recommendation letter or you can include the following information in your personal statement in one document.
Name:
Full Mailing Address:
Phone:
High School & Graduation Year:
College Attending:
Age:
Email:
Degree(s) Planned: ______________________________________________________________________
Career Plans:
I am: (check one)
A child/grandchild of a current IDWA Member (member name)
A student seeking a career in the Whitetail Deer Farming Industry
Submission Deadline (no exceptions): June 15, 2026
Award Timing: July 15, 2026 (You will be contacted if you are a recipient of a scholarship)
By electronically submitting, I certify that I have provided complete and accurate responses to the items on this application I authorize the IWDA scholarship committee to share my submission with the entire IWDA board to successfully award the scholarship As well as allowing the IWDA to share my information with IWDA members, hometown media, social media if I am awarded the scholarship. I understand that if awarded as recipient, IWDA will process funds directly to my collegiate financial office
Signature:
Date:
Please return this application, letter of recommendation and your personal statement by the due date to be considered for our scholarship.
EMAIL TO: IowaWDA@gmail.com (preferred) -or-
MAIL TO: Iowa Whitetail Deer Association 15425 450th St Leland, IA 50453
SUDOKU
The rules for sudoku are simple:
A 9x9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.
To challenge you more, there are 3x3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.
Adventure
Backyard
Barbecue
Butterflies
Canoeing
Festivals
Fireworks
Gardening
Hayride
• United Deer Farmers of Michigan
• West Virginia Deer Farmers Association
• Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio
• Whitetails of Louisiana
• Whitetails of Oklahoma
Buckaneer
Package: *
44 ISSUES FOR 1 YR.
Reaching out to over 2500 members (11 Publications x 4 quarters)
19 State Associations - Approx. 2500 readers
$200 / Issue ($8815. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$113 / Issue ($4990. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (55-59% Discount off single ad placement)
Yearling Package:
*
4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR.
(1 Publication x 4 quarters)
$267 / Issue ($1069. / Yr) ~ Full Page
Doe-Re-Mi Package:
16 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (4 Publications of your choice x 4 quarters)
$233 / Issue ($3730. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$128 / Issue ($2052. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (48-54% Discount off single ad placement)
$145 / Issue ($581. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (40-48% Discount off single ad placement)
Magazine ANNUAL
$540 ~ Full Page*
$250 ~ Per Quarter Page
$135 ~ Per Quarter Page
- Current Advertiser in quarterly magazines.
$180 ~ Per Quarter Page
- Current Member of any of the Associations we serve
* Must be a current advertiser, limited space available
2026 Membership Application
(Illinois) ILDFA: Assoc. Member $25 Active Member $50 Lifetime Member $500 (Iowa) IWDA: _____ Assoc. Member $50 _____ Active Member $100 (Minnesota) MDFA: Assoc. Member $50 _____ Active Member $75 (North Dakota) NDDRA: Assoc. Member $50 Active Member $75 (South Dakota) SDEBA: Assoc. Member $25 _____ Animal Owners $50
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a resident of any of these states and required to be an active member, please select the correct level above. If you are not sure of your membership status with a state and you sign up, your payment will cover you for the next year. *** These states allow anyone that lives in their state and not raising deer but have interest to supporting the industry to be at the Associate Membership Level. This level is a non-voting level.
Name: Spouse or Partner:
Farm Name/Company:
Membership Address: City: State: Zip:____________County
Main preferred listing phone: Alternate listing phone: Fax: Email:
WebSite:
Check which apply ___:Own Hunting Preserve ___Own Breeding Operation ___Industry Supplier Species Raised: ___ Whitetail Deer ___Elk ___Mule Deer Other Species Raised:
Products I Offer: __ Meat __Velvet Antler __ Industry Supplies __ Feed __ Nutritional Supplements ___Vaccine ___Graphic Design & or Web Design Other Products or Services:
I hereby make application for membership to these associations, agreeing to conform to the Code of Ethics and Bylaws governing the associations.
Signature:
Date:
I give permission to have my contact information published in the annual directory and on the website Yes No
Please mail applications to:
ILDFA: Mark Voss, 618-343-5653 IWDA: Adam Helgeland, 15425 450th St., Leland, IA 50453 MDFA: Mark Volk, 9095 160th Ave, Royalton, MN 56373 NDDRA: Lani Schafer, 1223 18th Ave NW, Turtle Lake, ND 58575
SDEBA: Brandon Walker, 19145 Robbs Flat Road, Midland, SD 57552
“Hey,
Let Rocky Ridge’s CWD resistant award winning mainframe genetics elevate your herd to the next Level!”