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CONTENTS:

Clark slammed the folder shut, back-handed me in the shoulder and stared at me incredulously, "What's he supposed to score?," he asked through a strange mix of excitement and disbelief. "313 is what we've advertised him. That's what we were told. Why? What'd we get?" I responded knowing a sudden conclusion to an eventful evening was at hand. Clark carefully opened the folder, covering the bottom corner of the page, and with deliberate slowness revealed the total of my scoring session with Bucky!

It all began innocently, much like a certain scene in a garden a few years back. There we were, a small group of deer crazies in an otherwise deserted trade show room late at night, and Bucky wouldn't stop staring at us! Oh, we ignored him for awhile. We talked about markets and antlers, rations and bucks, North Dakota and big bucks, dreams and giant bucks and Bucky called
to us incessantly the whole time! Mere humans can only take so much (some of us a lot less) and finally in the middle of a perfectly distracting discussion about hooves or something, Shawn (I won¹t say what character in the garden he resembled!) blurted out, "So what d'ya think about Bucky?"

Well, that's all it took! Now I've resisted temptations galore through life. I've witnessed the trouble others have gotten themselves into and there, but for the grace of Gene, go I!
"I'd like him on my farm! He's big," I replied.
"How big?" responded Shawn.
"Really big," I answered.
"Think he's 313?" he pressed.
"Awfully close," I said.
"How long are his tines?"
"Not sure."
"What about his circumferences?"
"Don't know."
"Beams?"
And somehow a tape and cable appeared in my hands. "Wouldn¹t hurt to check," I offered, sort of joking! As an official SCI scorer, I¹ve had the pleasure of taping out some real trophies, but truthfully, Bucky had been something between a dream and a nightmare to me since I first gazed at photos of his 2002 rack. Beams, circumferences, tines, they all have a way of adding up to
a total scoring somehow! It was agreed that a low score could be a result of shrinkage. After all, though very high quality, brittle and low-shrinkage replicas, they were still replicas and susceptible to such intrinsic qualities. In such a case, no one outside the present group of kids, I mean deer farmers, would know and no one would ever rumour exaggerated scores on Flees' part.
Clark was enjoying the moment! Dwayne leaned across the table; Shawn was silent (believe it or not) and waited for that hand to move.
"313 exact!"
Clark almost sang it out as he displayed the 313 0/8" tally to the gang.
Handshakes all around made it seem like that record shattering score came from our own stock. The truth is, we were rooting for the buck and for Eugene Flees, and for each of us around that table, a degree of our own dreams had been fulfilled! I approached Gene the next day (technically the same day) wanting to come clean with what we'd done and also curious about
his response. He knew nothing of our early morning escapades so I asked him.
"Hey, Gene! What would you think of a guy putting a tape to Bucky?" Eugene had every right and reason to turn down this brazen lad of the north. Bucky had been scored in the U.S. already and the Flees reputation for honesty is excellent! He didn't know if I was qualified to legitimately score a whitetail or whether I would clumsily damage the fragile replicas.

Eugene chose to trust. He trusted that his reputation would prevail and he trusted me with the antlers. Eugene decreed, "Sure, I guess that'd be all right. You've got to remember, though, that these are just replicas.
That¹s all."

I told Gene the whole story and voiced my sincere admiration of his honesty and openness. "Well," he said, "we actually did say he was 313 2/8" based on the U.S. scoring." Hats off to a producer whose character and integrity are matched in size only by a buck like Bucky!

The whole adventure culminated in a life lesson for me- an excellent reminder that when I'm 100% honest I¹ll never have to worry about being caught in a lie. When I set myself up or find myself in a position of influence and spotlight, I'd better be prepared for scepticism and controversy, while facing it with credibility and accountability. Between my farm and clients and between my industry and public sceptics, I need to be
above reproach, respectfully establish a reputation, and then find a balance between humble and bold in my declarations.

Yes, the word "I" is used lots here. I have much to learn!

-Randy Barks

********
Sorry, Gene, if our scoring session seemed underhanded. Bucky will remain the "apple of our eyes" and your graciousness is much appreciated.

Convention 2003, a resounding success!
It takes two things to make a convention work. Planning: Ron and your crew,
thank-you for putting an excellent package together. People: Hats off to
you, the members, for coming to convention and supporting your organization.
As we continue to grow, this support will show Saskatchewan what deer
farmers are all about.

We have a new look to our Board of Directors. First to those that have left the board: Ron, Harvey, Mark, and Roger -thank-you for all the work you've done for SWAMDPA, but don't get the idea that you can quit answering the phone! To the newly elected directors: Tara, Dean, Mike, and Larry -welcome aboard. I look forward to working with the new board and the fresh ideas that will be brought to the table.

The coup of the whole convention this year was Ron's ability to attract Gene Flees to come and share his vast knowledge of raising whitetail deer with us. Gene's talk was encouraging and, I feel, had a lot to do with the price of semen at the auction.

Last, thanks to all those that donated time and items for the auctions, This fundraiser is extremely important to our survival. Lisa has already crunched the numbers and they look good. Thanks, Lisa, for your efforts.

We now have a list of members willing to help on committees and, yes, you will get a call in the future. The new board will be meeting soon and putting together a plan for the year ahead.

Thanks for now,
Stan

"Environmentally Friendly"
Brings Positive Response

On March 19th Saskatchewan Conservation and Development Assoc. held its 37th annual convention at the Travel Lodge in Saskatoon. SWAMDPA was invited to attend with our display. With over 100 delegates from the various
conservation districts in Saskatchewan and 40 Government (SaskWater, SAF, SERM, Environment Canada, etc.) and private organizations (Ducks Unlimited, Dairy Farmers of Canada etc. ) in attendance it was our opportunity to explain our "environmentally friendly" industry. It would appear we
succeeded. A delegate survey compiled after the convention revealed 20 comments, all positive, to our industry.

-Murray Pulvermacher

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bioterrorism Act of 2002:

The draft of FDA¹s proposed regulations would require (a) prior notice of shipments entering the US and (b) registration of domestic and foreign food facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States with the agency. The FDA is asking for comments by government and other agencies within 60 days. The regulations, otherwise are to take effect on Dec 12,2003.

The US FDA has officially published online, two proposed regulations in relation to the Registration of Food Facilities (Section 305 of the Act)
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00865.html and Prior Notice of Imported Food (Section 307 of the Act)
http://fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00866.html .General information on the Bioterrorism Act is available on the FDA website at
http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

In our discussions with SAFRR and CFIA, these proposed changes may have implications for our Trophy Ranch industry, but as yet details are still unknown. Basically it may affect the way processed meat is able to cross the border into the US. The proposed changes may also affect the meat processing
plants that serve Trophy Ranchers and their US clientele. Stay tuned for further updated information as it becomes available.

- Tara-Lynn Barks

Hello Producers,

Wow, a lot has happened in the past few months. The AWMDA has been working on several major projects. The Livestock Industry Diversification Act (LIDA) review is now complete and it is time to get the LIDA regulations that we need. This entire process started out very frustrating and one sided, but after the AWMDA LIDA Committee put its foot down, demanding that
the Government listen to our concerns, along with the help of Tony Abbott (Drayton Valley MLA ) and Denis Ducharme ( Bonneyville MLA ), we were successful in getting the changes needed to move us one step closer to domestication. Once the LIDA regulations are complete (note: most have already been agreed to in principal), we will push on to the needed changes
in the Wildlife Act. The work starts immediately. We obviously have a lot of issues to address in the Wildlife Act and we will no doubt have the usual resistance from SRD, but we must get these changes.

The critical activity for the AWMDA is to help our member-producers export animals. Several grant applications have been submitted, totaling over $ 200,000. Some of these are matching grants and our industry needs to come up with a share of the project budget. This in part comes from membership
dues, fundraising and more. I can't express to you all how important it is to the future of this great industry in our province that you each do your part and support the AWMDA, by being a member, coming to convention and participating in fundraising activities.

The AWMDA 6th Annual Convention and Trade Show this year is in Fort Saskatchewan May 2nd ­ 4th. This convention, though scaled down to save money, looks to be a great resource for information and networking opportunities for all producers. It will also include our Annual General Meeting (AGM) for member-producers. So make sure you are there to generate
discussion, ask questions and get the answers you need.

As you may have heard by now, Murray Greer our Executive director, has taken a position with Government and will be leaving us April 17th. The AWMDA Board of Directors and members wish him well in his new position. His skills and energy will be sorely missed. Having had an Executive Director, even
for a short time, has only served to reinforce the need for this full-time paid position. We will look to re-establish this position once we receive notice of success in our grant submissions.

Last but not least, my term as President is almost complete and this will be my last "President's Pen" for Deer Tracking. I would like to thank the AWMDA Board of Directors who have worked so hard and made the huge personal and financial sacrifices necessary to work through the most challenging industry issues to-date and to keep the AWMDA together. I look forward to
working with the Board and member-producers again this next year as Past President to help realize the completion of so many important projects we have started.

Thanks again for the opportunity of representing you over the past year. I look forward to seeing you all at convention.

Sincerely,
Jason Marsland

Over the past year the Alberta Whitetail and Mule Deer Association (AWMDA) has worked hard with the Alberta Elk Commission and the Alberta Provincial Government making changes to legislation governing our industry, LIDA.
While this process consumed an immense amount of energy and was painstakingly slow, it was passed in the Spring Sitting of the Legislature. Overall, we accomplished some positive changes for our industry but more are needed. A revised LIDA is step one towards separation from the Wildlife Act and full domestication.

Changes

Some positive changes were as follows:
· There were a several name changes; Game Animal Production farm to Domestic Cervid Production Farm and game animal to Domestic Cervid. These changes are a subtle move toward domestication of our industry ­ an important step.
· The conditions under which the animals are "in a domesticated condition" was expanded to include a temporary holding facility like a vet clinic. Under the old legislation, the producer could be breaking the law by dropping deer off at the vet.
· Fines for breaking the law more accurately reflect the severity of the crime.
· A major gain to the producers is that we now have the ability to do on-farm slaughter. The owner/operator will be able to slaughter their own animals on the farm for their own consumption in accordance with the Meat Inspection Act. If the meat is to be sold, it must still be slaughtered at an abattoir. The new changes still do not allow for an owner of the deer, who does not actively operate the farm, to do any on-farm slaughter (we are still working on this issue).
· Other than meat, all other parts of the animal can be harvested by the owner/operator and sold.
· The owner/operator can do on-farm killing for humane reasons.


This is just a brief overview of the changes. Once a final copy of LIDA is available, it will be sent out to all producers.


Goals

The AWMDA has resolved to continue working toward improving our regulatory environment. This process begins immediately as we work face-to-face with government and directly contribute towards developing new regulations that better reflect the current and future needs of our industry. We look towards achieving full domestication, with rights and freedoms comparable to
other livestock, with subsequent removal from the Wildlife Act.

Accomplishing these goals is difficult and time consuming. Furthermore, it takes financial resources. We need membership support to make a difference.

Sincerely
Jason Marsland
President, AWMDA

How, despite devastating drought and the aftermath of CWD, does a Saskatchewan deer farmers convention remain such a hit? Obviously, the year-round efforts of the SWAMDPA board and convention committee, some key choices regarding speakers, and healthy pride in some huge "horns" were major contributing factors, but there was more! The convention met, head-on, the challenges of today, prepared for those of the future, and contributed toward the continued success of individual and industry alike. While economic returns remain encouragingly intact, stability is obviously being built into deer farming through information and experience. It was neat to
note, however, that the excitement and anticipation inherent in raising deer never diminishes and if anything, increases as big antler pedigrees collide. There is clearly no culmination in deer farming, but rather the dreaming of one more combination of giants!

The full article is available in the print version of Deer Tracking magazine.

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Woody River Whitetails
Aspen Ridge Deer Ranch
Gary Grant
Donnybrook Deer Farm
Prairie Pride Whitetails
James Verwimp
White Birch Deer Farm
Circle B Bar Ranch
Trophy Tine Ranch
Canadian Seed Coaters
Willow Hill Whitetails Inc.
Lazy E Game Farm
Rosewood Game Farm
Larry Gillis
Double G Whitetail Ranch
Golden Points Game Farm
Prairie Genetics Game Farm
Doug Horner
Randy Junop
Darrell Stead
Hartland Game Farm
SaskTel
Majestic Pine Whitetails
Safe Haven Whitetails
Southwinds Whitetail Deer Ranch

Spring brings added excitement to deer farming. It is the season of fawns and antler growth which has the deer farmer anticipating the genetic potential of every animal on farm. Perhaps an account of the birth process would be in order as an explanation of this strange excitement that flows through the veins of deer farmers come springtime. Much has been written or documented on antler growth, but very little appears in the "textbook" on the birth of whitetailed or mule deer fawns. But the facts truly add an interesting dimension to the understanding of the birth process of deer.

The full article is available in the print version of Deer Tracking magazine.

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1. Why have you bottle-fed fawns?
2.a) When did you first begin bottle-feeding?
2.b) What is the greatest number of fawns you have bottle-fed at one time?
2.c) How many deer (estimate) have you bottle-fed over the years?
3. In preparing to bottle-feed, what equipment/ preparations are needed
before beginning?
4. What replacer do you use?
5. Do you use a colostrum replacer to start fawns?
6. How old are fawns when removed from doe?
7. Where do you bottle-feed?
8. Any special modifications to fawn pens?
9. How often do you bottle-feed? Amount fed? Weaning?
10. Can you overfeed a fawn?
11. Healthy b.m.s?
12. How is fawn defecation a factor in bottle-feeding?
13. How do you get newborns to take the bottle?
14. How important is sterilization? What is your process?
15. When do you introduce water and your pelletted ration? Dirt?
16. Importance of record keeping?
17. Do you see any correlation b/w bottle-feds and smaller size?
18. Danger signs to be aware of?
19. Any other problems encountered with your bottle-feds?
20. Is it necessary for the same person to bottle-feed all the time?
21. Do you think large numbers, bottle-fed together, lessens tameness?
22. What challenges do you face when bottle-feeding greater numbers of
fawns?
23. Most important tip for beginning bottle-feeders?
24. The most difficult part and the best parts of bottle-feeding?
25. Do you bottle-feed buck fawns as well?
26. Would you recommend bottle-feeding to others? Why/why not?
By: Curtis Lloyd (Silver Stream Whitetails)
(questions compiled by Deer Tracking)

The answers are available in the print version of Deer Tracking magazine.

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Could you give a brief update on the progress of the Biorad rapid test?

What is the waiting period on results?

How close are we to having validation on this test making it acceptable for the CFIA Surveillance Program?

(part 2): Can you also describe briefly why the lymphoid tissue test is useful for the
deer industry in Canada? Is there an estimated time frame on validation of
this test?

Dr. Gerald Ollis
Chief Provincial Veterinarian
#915 - O.S. Longman Building
6909-116 Str, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 4P2
Ph: 780-427-6406 Fx: 780-427-1437
http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/chiefvet/chiefvet.html

The answers are available in the print version of Deer Tracking magazine.

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Should fawns be vaccinated at birth or given any vitamin shots? If so, what
should be given and in what doses?

We¹ve lost a few doe-raised fawns due to navel infections and saved a few
bottlefeds that would otherwise have been lost. Is disinfecting navels at
birth a recommended practice? If so, what kind of disinfectants should be
used? Will does abandon these treated fawns?
 

The answers are available in the print version of Deer Tracking magazine.

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©2003 DeerTracking.com

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