From North Carolina to Kentucky: Where Family and Deer Farming Grow Together
KALA’S SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
Connecting, Educating, and Growing the Industry
Blackjack
E H D ? emorrhagic Disease (EHD) is a viral infection y attacks the circulatory system, targeting s with a particular focus on the liver. In the es, three main strains have been identified: HDV-2, and EHDV-6. Infected deer often ever and swelling, leading to rapid n and, often results in death within days ad by tiny biting midges (flies, no-see-ums, re smaller than a grain of salt), which are rive in warm, damp conditions, making late d early fall prime time for outbreaks. This eak has been particularly severe due to the infall early in the season followed by an rought. The resulting pockets of stagnant ed an abundance of ideal breeding grounds allowing their populations to surge and the ad more widely than usual.
E H D S P R E A D ? e midges transmit EHD, as they re to develop their eggs, unlike the males res. They will feed on the underbel the hair is sparse, at night As the m ter sunset and only 30% of them will be
Inside This Issue:
37
65
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KENTUCKY ALTERNATIVE
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Becker
PRESIDENT Campbellsville, KY jasonbecker757@gmail.com 757-692-5820
Jake Anderson
VICE PRESIDENT
925 Guston Rd Guston KY 40142
janderson@theluskgroup.com 270-547-8432
DIRECTORS
Daniel Stallard
Copper Creek Whitetails 500 Copper Creek Rd Dawson Springs, KY 42408 214-897-1958
Patrick Stanley
Twisted Tines Ranch / Crooked Creek Whitetails P.O. Box 130 Williamstown, KY 41097
David Miller
1873 Forestville Rd Mumfordville KY 42765
270-537-5357
Henry Woodard
CHAIRMAN
9776 Roseville Rd
Glasgow KY 42141 woodardpropertiestn@gmail.com 423-595-8898
4195 Penchem Rd Guthrie KY 42234 jmgreenlandsod@safecom.link 270-483-2140
Message from Magazine Chairman: Grayson Steele
FALL 2025
This summer was a full and busy one for KALA, with highlights like our Summer Showcase and our presence at the Kentucky State Fair. Both events gave us valuable opportunities to connect with the public, promote our industry, and strengthen relationships within our community. While these were successful, we are always in need of more participation from our members. Your involvement is what keeps our association strong, and every helping hand makes a difference. Be sure to see our events article in this issue for more details on these highlights.
As we turn the page into fall, there’s a renewed sense of energy across our farms. Cooler mornings, shorter days, and the shifting colors of the season all signal one thing for deer farmers—breeding season is upon us.
For many of us, this time of year means preparing for artificial insemination, fine-tuning breeding plans, and setting the stage for the rut. It’s the culmination of months of careful planning, herd management, and attention to detail. The decisions we make now—whether through AI or natural breeding—shape the genetics, health, and success of our herds for years to come.
Another priority this season is reconnecting with our legislators. It’s critical that we keep them informed about the work being done on our farms—not just in raising quality animals, but in the groundbreaking role our community is playing in breeding for CWD resistance. These efforts are shaping the future of the deer industry, and we need to make sure our leaders, especially our local legislators, understand the progress and responsibility we carry.
I also want to remind everyone of our final quarterly KALA meeting on December 6 at noon EST at the Shelbyville Extension Office. This is the perfect opportunity to bring up ideas, concerns, or issues you’d like the association to address. It’s your chance to have a voice in the direction of our work together. The more input we share, the stronger we become as a group.
I look forward to a successful breeding season for each of you. See y’all in December, Lord willing.
Grayson Steele (K.A.L.A. Magazine Chairman)
Magazine
Committee
Sarah Sears
Maryann Hall
KALA FARM FEATURE
FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO KENTUCKY: WHERE FAMILY AND DEER FARMING GROW TOGETHER
By Grayson Steele
Tucked away in the hills of East Bernstadt, Kentucky, Buck Creek Whitetails took root as a family-run deer farm that began its journey in April 2022. What started with a spark from watching a few videos about deer farming quickly turned into a life-changing move from North Carolina. Michael Jr. and Michelle, along with their son Mike Connelly III and his family— Alex, Felicity, Lennox, and now little Ridley—decided to turn curiosity into commitment by finding land in the Bluegrass state and step into the world of deer farming together.
Like many new farmers, the Connellys have faced their fair
share of challenges. “There’s no handbook for raising deer,” the Connellys explain. “You end up wearing several hats—as farmer, veterinarian, carpenter, and everything in between—without always knowing which role you’ll play that day.” That unpredictability, though difficult at times, has forged a resilience that continues to drive their work.
What the family values most, however, reaches far beyond the fences of their farm. For the family, one of the greatest rewards has been the relationships built through the industry. They’ve connected with fellow farmers across Kentucky
and the nation, forming friendships that have provided both support and encouragement. “We’ve met incredible farmers here in Kentucky and across the country. The friendships and support within this industry have truly been a blessing” they share.
Looking ahead, Buck Creek Whitetails has set industry focused goals. Their focus is on breeding high-end pedigrees with CWD resistance, specifically targeting for SS and GEBV values at -0.05 or lower. It’s an approach rooted in science, while also supporting the long-term health of their own herd and contributing to
the sustainability and broader advancement of the deer farming industry.
The Connellys are quick to share lessons learned along the way. Reflecting on their early days, the family admits they wish they had started with hardier, more consistent deer, rather than basic does that left them with too many unknowns. That lesson now shapes the advice they pass on: visit as many farms as possible, ask questions, and take time to research pedigrees that align with your goals—whether that’s appearance, CWD resistance, or both.
At its heart, Buck Creek Whitetails is more than a business. Deer farming for them is about family. The farm gives them the opportunity to work side by side and share in a business that ties together multiple generations. Buck Creek Whitetails is a family endeavor built on shared
effort, generational involvement, and a commitment to community. And they extend an open hand to their fellow KALA members, “We’re an open book and just a phone call away if anyone ever needs advice or encouragement. At the end of the day, we want to support this industry in any way we can and help keep it growing.”
Breeder Buck 2025 Showcase Magazine is
here!
We created this magazine in order for 2025 Breeder and Hunting Preserve advertisers to showcase their most recent photos of their bucks close to the last days of antler growth. We realize establishing a collective deadline for all states Fall magazines to publish on the same date to obtain last-minute photos would be impossible to achieve. With this magazine, advertisers have one more chance to showcase their bucks.
Just in time for semen sales, getting ready for breeding season! Scan QR Code to View the 2025 Magazine!
~ Thank you to all that participated!
Upcoming Whitetail and Cervid Events
Northern Top 30 - Jan 14-16, 2026 - Shipshewanna, IN
Alabama Deer Association Spring Auction - Feb 21, 2026 - Cullman, AL
Kansas Deer & Elk Association Convention - Feb 28, 2026
Southeast Trophy Deer Association Spring Fling - March 6-7, 2026 - Orlando, FL
NADeFA Spring Open - March 20, 2026 - Sandusky, OH
KALA Summer Showcase - Aug 8, 2026
Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Convention - Aug 13-14, 2026
Southern Top 30 - Aug 20-21, 2026 - Louisiana
TDA Annual Convention - Aug 28-29, 2026 - San Antonio, TX
KALA’s Summer Highlights:
Connecting, Educating, and Growing the Industry
The Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association (KALA) had an exciting and packed summer- full of opportunities to engage with the public and strengthen the deer farming community. Between our annual Summer Showcase, the Kentucky State Fair, and the Bluegrass Buck Auction, this season has been a standout season for KALA.
Annual Summer Showcase
Our Summer Showcase, held August 9th at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, KY, once again proved to be the highlight of the season. As KALA’s annual fundraising event, the Showcase brought together farmers, breeders, sponsors, and supporters from across the state and beyond. Attendees enjoyed networking opportunities, a competitive antler contest, and a fun dart gun competition—all while celebrating the strength and future of our industry.
The antler competition highlighted some of the best genetics in Kentucky. ACE Whitetails took home Best Yearling, Woodard Whitetails earned Best 2-Year-Old Buck with their buck Louisville Slugger, and J&L Whitetails won Best Mature Buck with Triplane.
The Showcase also provided a valuable opportunity to discuss legislative matters with attendees from the Alabama Deer Association, fostering cross-state collaboration and sharing insights on policy and industry developments.
The Showcase is where friendships grow, ideas are shared, and our shared passion for alternative livestock shines brighter than ever. KALA also thanks this year’s sponsor, Dynamic Concept Services, that helped make this event happen this year.
We’re already counting down the days until next year!
Kentucky State Fair
Just days later, August 14th through the 24th, KALA was proud to represent the cervid farming industry at the Kentucky State Fair. We were all in for 11 FULL days—sharing our passion and commitment to the industry. The Fair has proven to be an incredible educational opportunity, giving us a platform to connect with the public. We were able to explain what deer farming is all about, answer questions directly, and share the real science behind CWD. It’s been a chance to replace misconceptions with facts, confront the myths head-on, and show people the truth about this industry we care so deeply about.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was a hot topic this year, fueled in part by the government scare tactics and widespread misinformation. Many attendees came to our booth with concerns and uncertainty about the disease. Once we were able to explain the science-based reality of CWD, including our proactive solution-focused approach, visitors left feeling less fearful and more confident in the deer farming industry. Even those who approached us with preconceived ideas left our booth thanking us for what we do. Throughout the fair, the public has been extremely receptive to learning about our industry, demonstrating genuine interest in our work and the steps we take to ensure we fulfill our responsibilities as breeders regarding herd health, genetics, and disease prevention. KALA was able to build trust and foster stronger support from the public.
The Fair has continually been a place to connect with both familiar and unfamiliar faces, making it an invaluable setting for outreach. Several legislators remembered KALA from last year’s Fair when we were at the Capitol in Frankfort battling HB700, demonstrating how these connections can extend far beyond the event itself. The relationships we build at the Fair have proven to be incredibly valuable, fostering ongoing conversations and collaborations. In fact, these engagements have directly contributed to some major breakthroughs for the deer farming industry within the state, highlighting the Fair’s vital role in promoting growth, understanding, and support for our work. This outreach effort was a rewarding way to connect with families, farmers, and future generations of deer enthusiasts.
Bluegrass Buck Auction
On September 4th, many KALA members attended the Bluegrass Buck Auction. This event provided another great opportunity to showcase quality breeding and strengthen connections within the deer farming community. Auctions like this have continued to support both the growth of the industry and the bonds among farmers, breeders, and buyers across Kentucky and neighboring states.
Looking Ahead
This summer was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our members and supporters. From fundraising and education to outreach and community-building, KALA remains committed to promoting a strong, sustainable, and truthful vision of deer farming in Kentucky. With such a standout season behind us, we look forward to carrying this momentum into the months following and the year ahead.
Read more about the Summer Showcase on Page 22...
KALA State Fair at the
Read more about KALA at the State Fair on Page 22...
“
E.H.D.
EHD is back, and this year’s deer season is shadowed by one of the state’s most aggressive outbreaks The unpredictable disease is spreading fast and no herd is safe – farmed or wild, young or old The impact can be swift and devastating, turning healthy animals into losses almost overnight. For deer farmers, it’s a stark reminder that awareness, vigilance, and proactive management are not just important – they’re crucial. Sometimes it’s a race against time spotting symptoms early and taking action to protect herds and livelihoods in the face of a volatile threat.
W H A T I S E H D ?
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is a viral infection that primarily attacks the circulatory system, targeting major organs with a particular focus on the liver In the United States, three main strains have been identified: EHDV-1, EHDV-2, and EHDV-6 Infected deer often develop fever and swelling, leading to rapid deterioration and, often results in death within days. EHD is spread by tiny biting midges (flies, no-see-ums, gnats that are smaller than a grain of salt), which are known to thrive in warm, damp conditions, making late summer and early fall prime time for outbreaks. This year’s outbreak has been particularly severe due to the continual rainfall early in the season followed by an extended drought The resulting pockets of stagnant water created an abundance of ideal breeding grounds for midges, allowing their populations to surge and the virus to spread more widely than usual.
H O W I S E H D S P R E A D ?
Only female midges transmit EHD, as they require blood meals to develop their eggs, unlike the males who are herbivores. They will feed on the underbelly of deer, where the hair is sparse, at night. As the midges come out after sunset and only 30% of them will be out
at sunrise. They use their fleshly sheath mouthparts containing four tiny cutting blades to lacerate the skin and absorb the blood During these feedings, the viruses are picked up from infected deer Then, when the female midge bites the next host, she pierces the skin and injects saliva, which contains the EHD virus, transmitting it to the deer. After feeding, females lay their eggs in moist, organic-rich soil, where larvae have abundant food supply and will mature into adults within just a couple of weeks in warm conditions. Wet spring seasons boost midge populations, while late summer droughts concentrate deer at limited water sources These watering holes become midge “feeding stations” where infected midges and deer are concentrated, resulting in increased contact with infected midges, driving a rapid spread of the virus, leading to large-scale EHD outbreaks in localized areas.
EHD has been reported in over 80% of the 120 counties in the state as of September 2025. With over 1,000 sick/dead deer reported and many more expected during and after the peak season, some sources are saying this might be the worst year for EHD since the biggest outbreak in 2012.
When it comes to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), prevention remains the most powerful tool in a farmer’s arsenal. Once the virus reaches a herd, options are limited so proactive management is key “Even if you live in an area that has never seen EHD before, it doesn’t mean you’ll never end up seeing it,” said Ashley Peterson, Senior Scientist and ISPRIME Director at Medgene. “You need to be prepared and establish management practices that reduce your herd’s risk of being infected.” Many farmers in Kentucky who have dealt with EHD stress the importance of using every resource available, combining vaccination with vector control, nutritional support, and habitat management to reduce the overall risk and strengthen herd resilience
A strong prevention plan begins with consistency and attention to habitat Farmers are encouraged to reduce midge breeding sites by removing standing water in pens, managing muddy areas, and changing waterers daily. Effective terrain management can significantly reduce the threat of EHD. Midges are instinctively drawn to low-lying, damp areas where their life cycle begins and ends. One GPS-collar study on a high-fence ranch found that deer avoiding these low spots survived EHD outbreaks, while those frequenting them did not Female midges typically travel a three-mile circumference in search of a blood meal, rarely venturing far from where they hatch, meaning even small habitat changes can have a big impact on disease exposure and herd survival. Several Kentucky farmers, when asked about EHD, strongly advised keeping pens free of standing water and avoiding low spots. One of those farmers believes having a standing water issue is why his herd has been hit every year
For many producers, vaccination has proven to be a practical and worthwhile addition to their EHD prevention efforts. While no vaccine is 100% effective and individual animals may respond differently, many farmers have reported successfully surviving EHD through vaccination. Several options are available including those from Medgene, which are offered under special permission from the USDA.
Nutritional supplement support in the deer’s water and feed can also make a difference. The North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA) has shared insights on the benefits of zinc supplementation as a companion tool during EHD or Bluetongue outbreaks. Adding zinc to water sources provides a fast way to boost immune support until it can be incorporated into feed However, as NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer cautions, “no amount of protection can withstand nightly bombardment of midges with high loads of viremia for days on end Vector control is still a major part of EHD and Bluetongue management ” Garlic in the deer’s feed has also been used by some producers as a natural repellent and immune support additive. Other farmers report success using Cydectin in water a product more commonly used for parasite control and antler infections to help overall herd health during outbreaks Still, these measures work best as part of a broader management plan, not in isolation
Many producers also incorporate routine fogging or spraying programs to help control midge populations Michael Cooney, CEO of Whitetail Supplies, who worked at the deer farm along side Dr. Lee Cohnstaedt, emphasizes the importance of early and precise action: “A single male and female fly can become one quadrillion flies in just six months. If you wait until late spring to fog, you’ll never get ahead of the larvae cycle. You’ll end up fogging every day and still struggle to make progress The best thing you can do is kill the first few you see in early spring You’ll fog much less often and save both time and money in the long run ” He strongly advises “using a London ULV fogger at night with the appropriate and very specific fogging chemical (4-4).” to ensure effective micron particle application and fully targeting the areas where midges breed. For those wanting to explore fogging and barrier spraying in greater detail, I have additional articles that several farmers suggested reading to help unpack and explain in detail these management practices
Finally, it’s essential to work closely with veterinarians to develop an EHD protocol specific to your herd. Commonly used medications can help manage symptoms and secondary infections, but early intervention and expert guidance are key. Talking with seasoned farmers who have weathered outbreaks can also provide invaluable insight and practical strategies. One KY deer farmer I talked to said, “It pays to keep some of the basics on hand, ready to use ” No single approach will completely eliminate the risk of EHD but being prepared, proactive, and persistent greatly increases a herd’s odds of survival.
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E.H.D.
Once infected, EHD has devastating effects on whitetail deer, attacking their circulatory system and causing widespread internal bleeding The virus damages the lining of blood vessels, making them fragile and leaky. As a result, fluid builds up in tissues and organs, leading to severe swelling, especially in the tongue, throat, and lungs.
Infected deer develop extremely high fevers, which causes them to become weak, disoriented, and lose interest in food This disorientation is seen in uncoordinated movements -- limping (can be due to inflammation or hoof abnormalities), falling over, and most commonly known, circling. A Kentucky deer farmer said a common sign for their farm has been the deer staying away from othe greet them when treats ar typically would.
anresult in respiratory distress, hem to breathe or swallow. are not uncommon either In severe cases, there may be dental pad erosion or tongue ulcers as well as bloody discharge from the nasal cavity One deer farmer even said he has noticed the deer’s nose changing color due to the high fever, inflammation, and the blood vessels being attacked.
Because of the fever and internal bleeding, affected deer may appear lethargic and dehydrated as the disease progresses. They are often seen walking around drooling and their tongue hanging out This is also why they are found near water as they try to cool off and stay hydrated
Unfortunately, once symptoms appear, the disease advances quickly. Whitetail deer are individualistic, so the disease will affect each deer slightly different, sometimes not even showing signs at all. Overall EHD is ravaging and merciless resulting in most deer dying within just a few days. In severe outbreaks, EHD can kill 50–90% of deer in localized areas, making it one of the deadliest diseases affecting whitetails
When the virus reaches your farm, the focus shifts from prevention to management For deer affected by EHD, taking quick action is essential as you are combating a ticking clock. Careful husbandry and supportive care can help improve outcomes. Many producers use medications from Mixlab/Nextgen such as compounded dexamethasone and ivermectin, paired with cephalosporins like Excede, antibiotics like Nuflor or Draxxin, and anti-inflammatories like Banamine under veterinary guidance One KY farmer said they iced the deer down, trying to keep her cool to minimize the fever, which in turned reduced the swelling and overall internal stress, successfully saving her Other farmers mentioned cold water enemas, administering IV’s, and general ways to boost the animal’s immune system and gut health. It’s important to consult your veterinarian and experienced deer farmers to develop a treatment protocol tailored to your farm and herd.
When losses occur, farmers are encouraged to collect samples from affected deer to confirm the presence of EHD and identify which viral strain is involved Diagnostic testing is especially important to determine whether it’s Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) or Bluetongue, as these are separate viruses from the same Orbivirus family that cause nearly identical hemorrhagic disease-like symptoms. Ashley Peterson further emphasized, “without testing, it is impossible to know which virus, and definitely not the strain, that is responsible for an outbreak ” Confirming the strain not only helps track how the disease is spreading across the state, but also guides future vaccine development and management decisions Ongoing testing helps companies like Medgene, who has an approved cervid EHD vaccine, monitor mutations that could impact the vaccine effectiveness.
For farms that suffer major losses, proper documentation and laboratory confirmation are key steps in qualifying for any available compensation or relief programs Testing must be done to prove an EHD case to apply for indemnity money in Kentucky through USDA Medgene also offers testing and cost assistance
for farmers who use their vaccines Accurate reporting ensures that both the farm and the wider industry can respond with the right tools and support moving forward.
Many government agencies emphasize the importance of distinguishing between Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), often noting that EHD can sometimes be survived while CWD cannot. CWD is often portrayed as the greater long-term threat to deer populations but EHD remains a very real, recurring disease that kills thousands of deer and other ruminants across the country each year Some years are worse than others, but reports of EHD appear somewhere in the U S almost annually
Unlike CWD, which has grown into more of a political issue than a practical one, EHD is a naturally occurring viral disease that requires on-the-ground management, not fear. It isn’t going away, and producers know this reality better than anyone. For that reason, education and preparedness are critical not just within the industry, but among the public
Too often, people see a sick or dead deer and assume it’s the result of CWD, simply because that’s the message they’ve heard. Misinformation and limited outreach have created confusion about the true nature of these diseases and how they affect both farmed and wild herds. Kentucky deer farmers are in a unique position to help correct that narrative.
By sharing accurate information, firsthand experience, and responsible management practices, producers can build public trust and promote a better understanding of EHD That education benefits everyone farmers, hunters, and wildlife alike Awareness starts on the farm, but its impact reaches far beyond the fence.
Prevention and preparedness remain critical A deer can appear perfectly healthy during a morning check and be gone by evening without ever showing a clear symptom. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan, use a variety of preventive measures, and stay alert for even subtle changes in behavior or condition. EHD may be unpredictable, but it is not unbeatable.
If the disease does reach your farm, act quickly and use every resource available to minimize losses and protect the rest of your herd From vaccination and vector control to nutritional support and habitat management, no single approach will solve it all but together, these efforts can make a real difference.
Stay informed. Stay connected. The Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association (KALA) is here to help whether it’s connecting you with experienced farmers, sharing the latest research and updates, or helping you find the resources you need Through awareness, collaboration, and persistence, EHD can be managed and the future of healthy herds preserved
More information and additional articles on EHD prevention, control methods, and industry awareness, are available by reaching out to KALA.
KALA’S Kitchen
If you are a KALA Member and would like to share one of your game recipes to KALA’s Kitchen and be featured in one of our upcoming KALA Magazine issues please contact Maryann Hall at solidrockwhitetails@ yahoo.com or call 859-556-7262. All you have to do is be a KALA member to participate!
PePPered Venison steak
By solid rock Whitetails
INGREDIENTS
• 2-3 Pounds Venison Steaks
• 2 tablespoons shortening or oil
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 large onion sliced
• 1 large bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup water
• Salt & Pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Brown venison in cast iron skillet in shortening.
2. Sauté onion and pepper in the left-over drippings.
3. Add the flour to the drippings and stir well, then add soup and water.
4. In a crockpot, add the venison, sautéed pepper and onion, and the gravy.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours until tender.
6. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!!!
Hope You Enjoy!!!
Maryann Hall, Solid Rock Whitetails
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this advertisement is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medications shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular medication. You should consult with your veterinarian about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has the FDA approved the medications to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Medications compounded by Mixlab are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Mixlab compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals. Mixlab does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific dosing, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, veterinary care providers, or other information that may be contained in this advertisement. Mixlab is not responsible nor liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this advertisement.
If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to:
Grayson Steele: grayson@unityridge.com
Business Cards rotate as space allows. If you have any concerns, double check your membership is up to date and feel free to contact us and resend your card.
TOHIO CHRISTIAN AID MINISTRIES SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio
he Whitetail Deer Farmer’s Association of Ohio (WDFO) is well-known for two things, putting on a memorable annual event and choosing a worthy organization each year to receive a donation from event proceeds. In 2024, the ODFA donated $20,400 to Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), a national volunteer search and rescue organization with a team based out of Millersburg, Ohio. “It’s extremely helpful to us to receive this donation,” said Ohio CAM Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator Marcus Miller. “We don’t receive grants and so we rely heavily on donations from churches, individuals and a bit from businesses to keep us going.”
Levi Miller, Executive Director for the WDFO, recommended CAM to receive a donation after a northeast Ohio family recently lost a loved one due to drowning. After everyone else had essentially given up, CAM stepped in and found them, Levi said. CAM’s search and rescue organization has been helping families reunite or recover loved ones since 2016. There mission isn’t only to save individuals who have been physically lost, but to assist them spiritually as well.
The Ohio CAM SAR team, comprised of 30 members many of whom are Amish and Mennonite, were chosen based on their faith and passion to help others. “We don’t take just anyone off the street who’s looking for an adrenaline rush,” said Marcus Miller, who also teaches the CAM Search and Rescue class. “Our volunteers are put through many
rigorous hours of training and make a huge commitment to be available when we need them.” Training courses include, for example, land navigation, boat operation, radio communications, crime scene preservation, wilderness first aid, rope and knot tying and fire starting. Current Ohio CAM SAR team members range in age from 19 to 56. “We wouldn’t turn anyone down who might be older,” Miller shared. “There’s always something we can find for them to do.”
Although while every SAR team member is hopeful for a successful outcome, it doesn’t always turn out that way. “I think we can all relate to how terrifying it is when a child goes missing,” Miller said. “We’ve found the bodies of children who’ve drowned. Consoling the parents is the toughest part and something we make a point of doing. We also seek to bring those we help closer to a spiritual belief as part of their healing.”
Perhaps one of Miller’s favorite rescue stories involved a young man who had run away from home. “We had no location on him, and we were concerned he may have been picked up by someone,” he said. “But we found him sleeping in the woods, got him back to camp and warmed up and counseled him on ways to cope better with life. We really enjoyed our time with him.”
When rescue situations appear to be risky or dangerous, law enforcement officers typically work alongside CAM, since CAM team members do not carry firearms. CAM teams are also located in Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Virginia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Depending on the time of year, teams could receive up to four calls per week asking for help. “Sometimes a whole month goes by and nothing,” Miller said. “Spring through mid-fall are the busiest times. Sometimes calls come in at very inconvenient times like Christmas Day or right in the middle of a family gathering. But this is what we signed up for. This is what we committed to, and we are more than glad to help anyone who needs us.”
• Alabama Deer Association
• Illinois Deer Farmers
• Indiana Deer And Elk Farmers Association
• Iowa Whitetail Deer Association
• Kansas Elk and Deer Association
• Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association
Buckaneer Package:
44 ISSUES FOR 1 YR
Reaching out to over 2500 members
(11 Publications x 4 quarters)
17 State Associations - Approx. 2500 readers
$189 / Issue ($8316. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$107 / Issue ($4708. / Yr.) ~ Half Page
(55-59% Discount off single ad placement)
Yearling Package:
4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR.
(1 Publication x 4 quarters)
$252/ Issue ($1008. / Yr) ~ Full Page
• Minnesota Deer Association
• Missouri Deer Association
• New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association
• North Dakota Deer Ranchers
• Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association
• South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders
• Southeast Trophy Deer Association
• Texas Deer Association
• United Deer Farmers of Michigan
• West Virginia Deer Farmers Association
• Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio
• Whitetails of Louisiana
• Whitetails of Oklahoma
Doe-Re-Mi Package:
16 ISSUES FOR 1 YR.
(4 Publications of your choice x 4 quarters)
$220 / Issue ($3520. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$121 / Issue ($1936. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (48-54% Discount off single ad placement)
$137 / Issue ($548. / Yr.) ~ Half Page (40-48% Discount off single ad placement)
Single Issue In Any Of Our Eleven Quarterly Publications: Full Page: $420.00 1/2 Page: $263.00
Exotic
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TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION MAGAZINES
4 ISSUES FOR 1 YR. (Can be added to Buckaneer or Doe-Re-Mi package) Reaching out to over 800 TDA members
(3 Tracks Publications & 1 Auction Catalog)
$428 / Issue ($1712. / Yr) ~ Full Page
$267/ Issue ($1068. / Yr.) ~ Half Page
(55-59% Discount off single ad placement)
Single Issue In TDA Publications:
Two Page: $1500. One Page: $950 1/2 Page: $650
MEDGENE LABS
Looks to Unveil Prescription Platform Vaccines for Use in White-tailed Deer in 2026
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by The Missouri Deer Association
Deer farmers can feel optimistic about vaccine advancement by Medgene Labs in Brookings, South Dakota. If all goes according to plan, the prescription platform for whitetailed deer will be available in 2026. This will allow Medgene to offer more than an EHD vaccine to deer farmers, specifically an option to vaccinate against some strains of bluetongue. Bluetongue, an often fatal virus closely associated with EHD, is caused by the same vector, the Culicoides midge fly. Symptoms include fever, swelling of the head, neck and tongue, lameness, a loss of the fear of humans and the desire to be near water. Although Medgene Labs has a vaccine for EHD, they felt the need to expand to a prescription platform in whitetails because a specific bluetongue vaccine was just as necessary, said Medgene Labs Immunological Services (I.S.) Prime Director Ashley Petersen. “While bluetongue is very similar to EHD, having a vaccine specific to both is another part of a toolbox in overseeing the health and well-being of your deer,” she explained.
In order to test the safety of the prescription platform technology, a
vaccine Safety Study was conducted after four farms, one located in South Dakota, one in Oklahoma, one in Missouri and one in Ohio, agreed to allow their herds to participate. The study evaluated how safe the vaccine appeared for the target species (white-tailed deer) and recorded all reaction events that may have happened after an injection such as limping, soreness or not eating. Medgene’s currently available EHDV2&6 vaccine is manufactured differently than the methods used in the prescription platform system. Though the immune response is robust, “it didn’t matter if it was administered IM or SQ, the deer would be lame afterwards,” said Amy Nold of Nold Farms, LLC in Urich, Missouri. “I would say this new vaccine formulation shows great promise. Lameness is much less significant. I think it allows for more confidence while not inhibiting production.”
In addition, Nold felt there wasn’t a difference between how the does or bucks responded to the vaccine. Vaccines were administered starting December 16th, 2024, and followed up with a booster on January 4th, 2025. Every farm that participated
reported their observations back to Medgene Labs, who upon receiving the results, prepared and submitted a report to The Center for Veterinary Biologics, a division of the USDA located in Ames, Iowa. The center, which works to assure that safe and potentially effective veterinary biologics are available for the ultimate treatment of animal diseases, will more than likely need three to four months to review the report, Petersen said. Should the vaccine platform for use in whitetailed deer be given the greenlight, it will join others that subsist under Medgene Lab’s Prescription Platform License and will contain a “label claim” listing potential side effects. “I’m willing to use this vaccine on all of my deer,” said Nold, whose herd numbers exceed 200 head. “I say the risk is worth the reward in seeing our deer grow and in learning about and caring for one of God’s most wonderful creatures. Anytime you have an opportunity to participate in research, it’s always a pleasure and an honor.”
