Tracking The Industry . . .

August - September 2001 Issue

CONTENTS

SWAMDPA PRESIDENT'S PEN

By now fawning should be finished on most of your farms. I hope it was successful. Interestingly enough most of the producers I have spoken with are telling me that they had far more doe fawns than bucks this year. As far as A.I.'ing goes I've been hearing of success rates varying from 50 to 90% on mature does and 40 to 50% on yearlings, with most of the does producing twins or triplets (even the odd set of quadruplets). This kind of success shows us that A.I.'ing is here to stay.

Buck fever seems to be running rampant amongst our members as everyone tries to guess just how big that monster in their pen is going to be when he's done growing. From what I've heard and seen so far I think next year's antler competition is going to break some more records. But enough about the fun stuff. If any of you are thinking of shipping bucks to the USA, currently they are not allowing antlered animals to cross the border, however the CCC has been in negotiations with the appropriate authorities and all indications are that the restriction will soon be lifted.

The CFIA is still in the process of developing a CWD surveillance program for all cervids. Currently this program would include semen. This could have a severe impact on the value of semen that is already collected, especially if the buck is dead or if the farm he came from is not on a surveillance program. We are trying to have this removed since science does not support the idea that CWD can transfer through semen, and in other species like cattle the CFIA does not consider it an issue. There are other issues that we are also trying to have some influence on, but we support the idea of a national standard because it would help make trade between provinces easier. Meanwhile, I urge everyone to get on the provincial program as soon as possible so that you can protect your ability to trade with other farms.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the field day Saturday August 11. We are trying something new this year by holding it in a park. This should provide plenty of recreational opportunities for your children as well as the chance to spend the weekend camping and talking "deer". This year it is open to non-members as well so bring a friend.

** We have just learned from Serge Buy, Executive Director of the CCC, that semen has been officially removed from the CFIA CWD Surveillance program, largely due to efforts by the Saskatchewan and Alberta Whitetail and Mule Deer Associations.

Ron Friesen

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AWMDA PRESIDENT'S PEN

It has been 3 months since our AGM. The new board and committee structure were formed at our May 15, 2001 meeting. Since that time we have moved forward on a number of administrative and strategic initiatives that should have a material positive impact to all members of the Association for many years to come.

First and foremost is the progress made in moving the CHP agenda forward to the point that we now anticipate being able to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion, if we are lucky, as early as this fall. There are, of course, a number of important and critical steps that need to be successfully completed before this joint cervid industry initiative becomes a reality. The future economic potential to all Albertans flowing from the successful implementation of this project is substantial and provides a foundation upon which we can launch the development of other market opportunities for our agricultural production. We all owe an enormous amount of gratitude to everyone who has worked on this initiative over many long years. I cannot unfortunately list everyone that has served on the CHPs Committee but I would be remiss if I did not at least acknowledge the tireless effort and contribution of Judy Cabay relative to this and other important initiatives. Other members of the present CHP Committee are James Sheret, Norm Hanson, Brent Romanchuck. Also special thanks to Brett Oliver-Lyons whose contribution has gone well above and beyond the call of duty.

Second has been the successful establishment of our new Association Office in Leduc. The directors are confident that our presence in this location along with the Elk and Bison Centers of Excellence, the Elk Breeders of Canada and the Fruit Grower Society of Alberta will serve our interests well for many years. Special thanks to Alberta Elk Association and Bill Buchta and his staff along with the help and support of Doug Bienert and the Bison Center of Excellence in getting us setup and operating. Also I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our Administration Committee ( Alan Wearmouth and Norm Hanson) and especially the contribution of Brett Oliver-Lyons, Julia Beck, and Tracy Hagedorn in making this happen.

The third most significant undertaking has been the work by the board as a whole but primarily by Jason Marsland in addressing a number of new and/or revised legislative and regulatory matters. Most of Jason's hard work has been directed towards negotiating through Canada Cervid Council (CCC) the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's proposed federal CWD surveillance program. A number of important changes have resulted from Jason's effort but many more need be accomplished before this program would be acceptable to AWMDA. This program along with a new proposed mandatory CWD surveillance program developed by the Alberta Government will have a long-term critical impact on the industry and individual producers. A very narrow and strict interpretation of provisions in the present drafts of both of these proposals could result directly or indirectly in the loss of your farm for reasons outside of your reasonable control. On the other hand, failure to come up with programs, which are acceptable to our existing or future trading partners or consumers of our products, could materially damage existing or future markets for our products. Other industry stakeholders also have an interest in our disease recognition and management programs. I find this is an extremely complex issue with far reaching implications and we desperately need your involvement and input throughout this process. Please, please read the proposals and communicate with your zone executive and board representative or any of the other board members or myself. Don t leave your farming future to chance or some-one-else's interpretation. Read the actual verbiage yourself including the potential ramifications of non-compliance, make-up your own mind and then take action. We need to bring some bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreement and reason to this topic. We are attempting to monitor a rare disease that based upon extensive monitoring and testing under existing programs does not presently exist in Alberta. If it ever did present itself in this Province it will no doubt be from natural sources, known or unknown, which exist or may exist in the wild. Maybe the simplest resolution in all jurisdictions to this monitoring issue is to ensure that the ramifications to an individual farmer of non-compliance will vary inversely with the probability of occurrence of an incidence of non-compliance. As that probability approaches 1 then the ramifications or enforcement impact on an individual farm would approach zero and visa versa.

The Board with the primary involvement of Jason Marsland and Terry Osko are continuing their work on the Livestock Industry Diversification Act. The necessary revisions should be available for Board approval early this fall. Once again this legislation is important to all of us. Please attend your Zone meetings so that you continue to stay informed and that your issues are communicated and considered in the revision process.

While there were many more issues dealt with by your Board of Directors and our support staff over the past three months, the forth and last area, which I will address here, is our strategic planning initiative. You will recall that a strategic and business plan were developed a couple of years ago following an extensive membership survey. Portions of this plan were implemented, but by in large we collectively were only able to move forward on a few of the action steps necessary to fully develop our industry potential albeit in some important areas. We scheduled and completed, as part of our 2001 Convention, a further consultative process with the membership at large, around the primary strategic goals and objectives of the organization as we move forward over the next five to ten years. At that meeting Len Jubinville presented his vision for the industry involving the total animal and he has since had the opportunity to travel to each of the zones in order to further assist the Association in moving forward on a number of critically important initiatives. We all owe Len a great deal of thanks for his huge effort and success in helping us move forward. Also since the convention, Terry Osko, Brent Romanchuk and Michele Gaumont have spent many hours in the design of an approach and template for the development and implementation of our strategic plan for the next five years. This plan now incorporates elements of our existing plan and programs, the vision and concepts developed and communicated by Len and those contributed by you during the focus group exercise undertaken at the Convention. It will be further refined and developed as we move forward.

As part of the Strategic Plan Proposal, the Board has refined its committee structure in order to more closely align itself with the structure outlined in this proposal. The Sales and Marketing Committee and the Industry Development Committee have been reconstituted into one standing committee charged with researching and developing the venison market, and for the time being byproduct markets as well, by determining and developing the value chains for venison and byproducts. John Boyko with Lance Schneider and Marvin Gill serving as Vice-Chairs will chair this key committee. Terry, Brent and Michele and Len will remain available as expert resource people in order to assist this Committee and the others in moving forward with the development of specific work plans. Call John or your board representative to get a copy of this Committees mandate, objectives and structure. Find out what you can do.

Other Standing Committees will remain as presently formed:

• Cervid Harvest Preserves (CHPs) - Chair - James Sheret
• Herd Health & Disease Management- Chair - Gary Schneidmiller
• Industry Communications- Chair - Jason Marsland
• Convention Planning- Chair - Jason Marsland

Ad Hoc Committees:

• Export Markets Committee - Lance Schneider - Includes Alta./Sask. Border sub-committee.

Board Infrastructure Committees:

• Finance and Administration
  • Bryan Taitinger - Finance
  • Norm Hanson - Administration
  • Alan Wearmouth - Administration
• Strategic Planning
  • Terry Osko
  • Michele Gaumont
  • Brett Romanchuck

Be sure to attend your next zone meeting. Find out more about these committees and about their goals and objectives.

Thank you to everyone for his or her strong support and contribution toward a very successful first quarter.

Bryan G. Taitinger, cma,cfp

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CCC REPORT - WHITETAIL AND MULE DEER

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Certification Program

The national CWD certification program is being developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with the Canadian Cervid Council, with input from the provincial governments.

This policy will be used as a standard by the provincial governments in order to have a basic program that should be acceptable to our trading partners and recognized in other provinces.

Clearly, this program will not be easy to put in place in the whitetail and mule deer industry as some of the requirements will be difficult to follow. Representations have been made by your different representatives on the CCC Board (Jason Marsland, Al Morhart and Lloyd Lee) and changes were made to reflect the uniqueness of the whitetail and mule deer industry.

Clearly, the whitetail and mule deer representative on the Canadian Cervid Council CWD Committee (Jason Marsland) should be commended for his efforts on your behalf to change some parts of the proposed program. Meetings with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, internal meetings, telephone conversations, written submissions: Jason has certainly been busy. Negotiations often started with "This is a breaking point: either it changes or we won't be able to participate!", usually we would be able to find a compromise.

While in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the provincial governments have their own programs, most will reflect the basic elements of the national program. Your provincial governments have probably already approached your association to discuss possible changes to their own program. In Ontario, the CCC will administer the CWD Certification Program (using exactly the same program as the national program).

Now, the program is close to being finalized, and I suggest that all concerned members should call the CCC office and obtain the program in order to get the latest version.

The On-Farm Food Safety Program

With numbers growing, the whitetail and mule deer industry is turning its sights towards a venison market. The different market reports are telling us that there is a demand for venison but that supplies are not getting to the consumers due to a disorganized supply chain.

The On-Farm Food Safety Program is a process that most other livestock groups in Canada went through (bison, hogs, cattle, etc...). The goal of the program is to get the livestock groups to adopt the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) model on the farm setting.

This sounds worse than it actually is. The program is designed to provide consumers with an assurance that the food they are buying is safe and that the products used in the farming of the animal are of no danger to humans.

The main thing that will need to change on the farm is record keeping. As farmers, you will be requested to keep detailed records of what you do with the animals, the type of feed and the pharmaceutical products used.

More details will be made available to you in the near future.

Hard Antlers and the United States

At the end of the month of July or at the beginning of the month of August, we should know if and how we will be able to send animals to the United States with hard antlers.

On Thursday, June 28th 2001, the Canadian Embassy in Washington and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency met with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the US Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Trade Representative in Washington. The meeting had been requested by the Canadian Embassy at the request of the Canadian Cervid Council to discuss the Fish & Wildlife regulation regarding the transportation of cervids with hard antlers to the US.

The CCC had prepared a document provided to the Canadian Embassy and had gathered support letters from US individuals and US organizations (however not from NADeFA and NAEBA).

The result of the meeting was a consensus that the regulation would be changed and that in the meantime, both sides would work together to propose an "administrative decision" to disregard the regulation in place (changing the regulation could take up to two years). This would possibly allow the border to be opened this Season.

Our US friends and partners should be pleased with this development as the regulation if kept would prohibit the transportation of cervids with hard antlers within the United States and not only at the borders. Please remember that under the North American Free Trade Agreement, a member country cannot impose on another member country a regulation that it does not apply within its own country.

So we look forward to trailers of animals going to the US this season. Although there are more live animals going to the US presently, there is lots of semen and embryos purchased in the US by Canadians. Trade is a two-way concept.

Also, the CCC has moved to request that the CFIA review the import protocol regarding US cervids (specifically the TB issue, and the possible removal of the quarantine). We have been assured that this will be done quickly. A review process is being put in place that will look at the TB situation in the US. We are confident that this process will bring a new and fair trading situation in the cervid industry while ensuring the health of our herds.

The CCC will have to communicate better with our US counterparts to explain what we are doing and that our efforts are important to create better networks and cooperation between Canada and the United States.

Government Assistance

The CCC is negotiating with the federal government some relief package for cervid farmers whose markets were affected by the chronic wasting disease situation.

Although most farms have not been directly touched by CWD, some markets became unsure and farmers are faced with dwindling revenues.

Lately, we met with Minister Clay Serby from Saskatchewan with representatives from SWAMDPA and SEBA to discuss an assistance program for farmers. We believe the meeting went well and hopefully we will have good news to announce in the near future.

Serge Buy

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OWTDPA PRESIDENT'S PEN

The lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us and the lack of precipitation is crucial. While some areas have had an abundance of rain, Southern Ontario is exceptionally dry.

Fawning season is complete and hopefully for everyone, was a success. I like to take a few minutes in the evening to relax and enjoy the benefits as fawns play in the cooler evening hours. The fruits of our labour are rewarding.

The humid, polluted air could cause some concern with pneumonia in the fawns, so keep a close eye on the fawn yards.

According to an article written by Jim Romahn in the Ontario Farmer, the best news for our industry is a discovery by an Israeli scientist that urine tests can identify transmissible spongiform encephalapathies which include mad cow's disease, scrapies in sheep, chronic wasting disease in deer and elk; also Creutzfeld-Jacob disease in humans. Deer/elk may soon no longer require slaughter to detect the disease. These tests will allow early detection and culling of animals infected with CWD, certainly a bonus for our industry.

OWTDPA members, please read the meeting minutes of July 11/01. We are endeavouring to bring our annual meeting to coincide with the annual meeting of ODEFA in March to enhance time and resources. If you have any concerns, please call me immediately. Thanks a million.

Hope all members enjoyed TRACKING and benefited from the resource information in several articles.

Remember: ODEFA Annual Bar B Q Aug 12, 2001 at 2:00- ?? Bring your favourite salad or dessert, your lawn chairs and your stories. Please register with Barbara Moore, 1332 Con 7, RR # 4 Waterford, Ontario. N0E 1Y0 - Bar BQ at Dan McNiven & Bonnie Walker - PO Box 143, Ballinafad, Ontario.

Mabel Dougherty

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FROM THE EDITOR

Our mission, self-imposed and readily accepted, seemed simple. Find some model farms, future- minded deer farmers and some really big bucks while creating some fond family memories along the way. That s my kind of mission! Packed with junk food, children, road maps and tent trailer, we were on our wondering and sometimes wandering way.

Deer farms have come a long way in the last five years and model farms were easily located. With markets far exceeding those of domestic livestock regardless of province, future- minded deer farmers were also found. These types shared certain traits. They had realistic returns in mind, several years mapped out, and a strong breeding program, which often has or will include AI. I expected to find prime products of such programs, but I found that and so much more. There were farms where complete age groups exceeded others' best! The really big brutes are not common, but they're out there, too. I found myself gawking at a few splendid specimens that will surely topple records. My expectations were high, but had been exceeded...

Ahhh, I like this job!

Family involvement is an alluring part of deer farming. A week of back roads (and for that matter, main roads) in Saskatchewan had us ready for an Alberta road trip. Only 20 minutes across the Alberta border and about 2 minutes after a Saskatchewan roads joke, a family memory was found. Actually, one of the two rocks littering Alberta highways was found, and shattering glass from the rear van window won't soon be forgotten. As we laughed our chilled 2 1/2 hours along, we counted our blessings. No one was hurt and in an oil rich province like Alberta, an all-the-options (privacy tint, heat, wiper) expensive window would be easy to find. It was! And so was the second! That's right. The helpful "glass man" had said, "Oh yeah. We see about four of these a year." How ‘bout two in two days, from the same van? Again we smiled pleasantly and counted our blessings. Dean Busat generously granted us 2 rolls of duct tape so we could return home where windows were not so easy to find nor so "affordable." Seizing those teachable moments, we reminded the boys, "at least we are leaving Alberta a little neater than when we found it. Those two rocks won't be bothering others now!"

Welcome aboard Alberta! Our industry can only grow stronger as we all work together in some capacity. "Tracking..." reflects a spirit of cooperative strength and growth. We truly enjoyed our road trips so far and will include a "Producer Portrait" per issue (at least for the western provinces). Hopefully, we can round up more Ontario writings, too. This is an industry news magazine, so please use it. Keep Tara and I informed of events and feel free to offer your written services. Now covering Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, we need eyes, ears and ideas Canada-wide and would truly appreciate your written input as well.

Randy Barks

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TRACKING AND TRACKER

As of late, we have had many inquiries about how The Tracker magazine (Tracker Publications) is connected to us, so we felt it was a good time to provide a brief explanation. The Tracker magazine was originally owned by Moore's auction in Alder Flats. From our understanding it has changed hands and is now being published by the executive director of SEBA (Elk) Brenda McLash. The Tracker has had some good deer articles in the past, however it has mainly been devoted to the Bison and Elk industries. The Tracker is a smaller handheld magazine but able to publish a few more color pages.

Now Tracking... has been and often continues to be called "Tracking the Industry...", however, soon people seemed to find it easier to informally shorten it to "Tracking...

I believe from what I have been able to dig up, our publications began at close to the same time. So just to clarify: Tracker = Mainly elk and bison; Tracking = Only whitetail and mule deer.

So if you find yourself being harassed for advertising for The Tracker - That's not us. If you are being harassed for advertising for Tracking...that's us!

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DEER AND TANNINS

Tannins are a family of polyphenolic chemicals found in bark, leaves, fruits, nuts and seeds of many broad-leafed plants. There are two broad categories termed hydrolysable and condensed tannins which differ in their chemistry and nutritional effects.

For domestic animals, tannins usually are considered to be toxins or, at least, antinutritive substances. Dietary levels exceeding 6% on a dry matter basis will kill pigs and poultry and impair the performance of cattle and sheep. On the other hand, small amounts of tannin (several percent) sometimes are beneficial, improving performance of ruminant livestock. For humans, tannins seem to account for the healthful effects of tea and red wine (taken in moderation!). A comprehensive internet site on tannins and other plant chemicals is maintained by Cornell University (http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/ plants/toxicagents/tannin/tannin.htm).

In evolutionary time, deer and other browsing ruminants have adapted to tannin-rich diets and even prefer the astringent bitter taste associated with high tannin content. Odocoileine deer (mule deer, white-tailed deer) have proline-rich saliva which binds tannin allowing them to thrive on diets that contain over 20% condensed tannin.

Recent practical experience and scientific research suggests that not only do deer tolerate tannin, they may do better on tannin-rich diets. In Korea, deer often are fed oak leaves or forest by-products, obstensibly to simulate natural diets. In Britain, deer farmers report that deer seem to be healthier on pastures comprised of sainfoin and other tanniferous legumes.

Scientific support for these husbandry practices comes from studies at Massey University, New Zealand, where the benefits have been clearly shown for red deer grazing chicory, lotus or sulla pastures. Their studies suggest a number of reasons for these positive effects. One of the most obvious is improved nitrogen utilization by protecting feed protein from ruminal degradation. Tannins bind forage protein at neutral pH (the rumen) and release it in the acidic environment of the abomasum. This so-called by-pass protein can increase the efficiency of nitrogen utilization. Tannins also modulate the microflora of the digestive tract and this may improve feed utilization. An interesting additional benefit is reduced dependence on anthelminthics to control gastrointestinal parasites.

Preliminary studies using purified bark tannins at the University of Alberta's Ministik Wildlife Research Station suggest that these natural chemicals are particularly important for odocoileine deer, especially mule deer. A further outcome of the study was that mule deer did not adjust well to diet change and probably would do best on pasture supplements that do not keep changing throughout the year. A completion report submitted to project funders, the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute and the Alberta Deer Association, is available on the internet (http://www.deer.rr. ualberta.ca/library/tannin/ ).

Elk and red deer are mixed feeders and have adapted quite well to seeded pastures. Farmed white-tailed and mule deer are obliged to adapt to pastures that do not mimic natural habitats. Odocoileine deer do not digest grasses efficiently and broad-leafed plants and grains are digestible, but differ greatly in chemical composition from natural diets. Alfalfa is high in protein and rapidly digested. However, alfalfa is low in tannins and high in saponins that seem to impair rumen motility. This is not to say that alfalfa is not a good pasture legume. My deer prefer it and quickly converted a mixed pasture to a pure stand of grass. However, we probably can do better. Research on tanniferous legumes such as sainfoin for light soils and bird's foot trefoil for northern areas is urgently needed.

Pasture supplements also require attention. If natural browse is available, a pelleted alfalfa-barley supplement is a suitable choice. However, if browse is limited, some attention probably should be given to tannins. Peas, lentils and sorghum are rich in protein and tannins and may be appropriate feed ingredients. However, we also need to take a closer look at alternatives such as commercial extracts from yucca, quebracho and forest by-products such as bark.

A great deal remains to be learned but the rewards may be significant and even critical for sensitive species such as mule deer.

Robert Hudson
Professor of Wildlife Productivity and Management
University of Alberta
robert.hudson@ualberta.ca

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LIGHTEN UP, EH!

Three bucks are in a mountain meadow complaining. They've heard a rumor that a huge buck has entered their area, and they aren't happy about sharing any of their does. The Alpha buck says, "You know, since we settled our differences and split up the does, I've been pretty happy with MY 30 does. I am not about to share any of MY does with this new buck."

The second toughest buck says, "Yeah, well I ended up with only 20 does, so I can't afford to share any of MY does."

The youngest buck says, "I may only be half as big as you guys, but I'm not going to give up any of My 10 does."

Suddenly the biggest, baddest buck they had ever seen appeared at the edge of the meadow. He must have weighed close to 375 pounds and with huge sweeping antlers. As the huge buck trotted towards the three other bucks the ground seemed to shake.

Suddenly the former Alpha buck is a bit more flexible, "Well, maybe I could spare a FEW does."

The second toughest buck says, "Maybe if I hide in the bushes, he'll leave me alone."

But the small, young buck is snorting, raking the brush and shaking his fledgling antlers in an extremely confrontational way.

Worried about the reckless youngster, the two older bucks trot over to the young buck and say, "Listen, son. It's not worth dying for. Just give the new buck your 10 does."

"He can HAVE my 10 does," replies the young buck, raking the brush and shaking his fledgling antlers again. "I'm just making sure he knows I'm a BUCK!"

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BUCK SURVEY (SASKATCHEWAN)

A survey requesting information regarding available trophy bucks was curculated to our members. Our best attempt was made to circulate the surveys by mai, fax, email and phone. Our thanks to those members who took the time to fill out the surveys!

Once again thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our survey. The following producers have indicated that they have bucks for sale and would allow their names to be released.

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I WILL BE A GUN USER VISITING CANADA . . .
WHAT NOW?

well, the season is soon to be here. This season affects a number of our people in the deer industry, be it through outfitting or Trophy Ranching. Hunting season is a major Canadian tourist attraction. In North America, an approximate $71 billion is generated by the hunting industry. In all, hunting creates an average of $140 million per year in indirect expenditures in Saskatchewan alone. In Saskatchewan last year, 19,871 non-resident hunting licences were issued, almost 2 million ($1,987,117) in revenue from those licence sales alone. The quest for that trophy animal is in the blood of an estimated 17 million hunters (North American wide) every year; (1 in 15 people over the age of 16 hunt). Many of these are American hunters who return to Canada annually. Some will be first timers coming to Canada to fulfill their dream of taking a Canadian trophy class deer. A great number of these hunters will be heading for the Trophy Ranches of our industry, each bringing new dollars into our province's lagging economy. Deer farmers strive to produce those "dream" bucks, thus supporting not only our Trophy Ranches but also our tourism trade by supplying a necessary part of the hunt- the buck. Another necessary part of this hunting experience is the gun. So what effect does our new Canadian gun registration laws have on the continuance of this multimillion dollar tourism trade?

There are numerous regulations set out by the federal government, but I will try to briefly summarize most based on the fact sheet found at www. cfc.gc.ca (Canadian Firearms Centre).

There are 3 classes of firearms:
- Non-restricted (most ordinary shotguns and rifles)
- Restricted (mainly handguns)
- Prohibited (full automatics, converted automatics, etc)

Obviously, the main topic will be non-restricted firearms. (However, Americans still have the right to bear arms and many still carry guns for protection, so you might need to mention that it is illegal to bring handguns cross-border.)

To bring a non-restricted firearm into Canada:
(1) you must be at least 18 years old (minors may use hunting firearms for the approved purpose under the direct supervision of a licensed adult).
(2) You must declare your firearms at your first point of entry.

Declaring your Firearms:
The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) is responsible for all customs procedures.
- In most cases, you will have to declare your firearms in writing, using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form JUS 909EF) (as of January 1,2001)
- Your declaration must be confirmed by a customs officer. The confirmed declaration will serve as a temporary licence and registration certificate for up to 60 days
- fill out the declaration form before you arrive to save time at the point of entry. However, note that the form must be signed in front of the Customs officer at the point of entry.

Exception:
You will not need a confirmed declaration if you have a Canadian possession and acquisition licence (PAL), or a valid FAC that was issued under the former law. Before applying for a PAL, you must first pass the test for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (you can pass the test without taking the course)

Another option for non-Canadian hunters may be to borrow a firearm in Canada, in which you need to:
(1) be under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed adult (aged 18 or older) or
(2) have a valid PAL or FAC or
(3) have an approved Temporary Firearms Borrowing Licence (for non-residents) (Form JUS 715 EF) (A temporary borrowing license will only allow you to borrow a non-restricted firearm for the purpose of hunting....)

To Buy a Firearm in Canada;
You need either a PAL or FAC

When arriving at the point of entry:
There are additional laws with respect to such matters as the safe transportation, storage, lending, giving and selling of firearms. (Example: unloaded, unable to be fired, locked in a sturdy, secure, container or by using a secure locking device.)

FEES (in Canadian Funds):
- A Non-Resident Firearm Declaration will cost $50. It can be renewed any number of times within a 12-month period at no extra cost.
- A possession and acquisition licence (PAL)costs $60 for non-restricted firearms and is valid for five years
- A Temporary Firearms Borrowing Licence (for non-residents) will cost $30. You may renew it once in a 12 month period at no extra cost.
- The registration fee for imported fireams that you decide to register in Canada is $25 per firearm

Additional Information and Where to Get Application Forms

You can obtain most application forms and additional information on the legal requirements under the Firearms Act by calling 1-800-731-4000 (if you live in the U.S.) or 1-506-624-5380 (if you live in another country).

Application forms for confirmed declarations and temporary borrowing licences may also be obtained from Canadian tourist offices, customs offices, gun clubs and outfitters.

Applications for minor's licences can only be obtained from a provincial or territorial CFO (Chief Firearms Officer). You may contact a CFO by calling either of the above phone numbers.

For information on the declaration process, please call the CCRA at the following numbers:
Within Canada: 1-800-461-9999.
Outside Canada: (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064

Information

For more information, or to order a copy of the Firearms Act, its regulations, application forms and other CFC publications, contact:
1-800-731-4000 (Toll Free)
e-mail: canadian.firearms@justice.gc.ca

(This fact sheet is intended to provide general information only. For legal references, please refer to the Firearms Act )

TIPS:

In talking with numerous outfitters, trophy ranchers and government officials, here is the summary of the discussions:
- Do the licensing paperwork BEFORE reaching the border. Most in the hunting business are procuring forms from the Canadian Firearms Centre to send to their hunting clients in the States prior to their trip to Canada. These forms can also be obtained online in triplicate at the cfc website (just make sure you have 8x14 paper to print the forms on.)
- DO NOT bring handguns or hollowpoint handgun ammo or you are guaranteed to be stopped.
- Pack firearms where readily accessible.
- Be ready to produce photo ID.
- Use credit card (Visa/Mastercard) to pay $50.00 fee.
- Ensure that you keep your confirmed declaration for subsequent trips.
- Some entry points seem to be better than others such as through Manitoba or Alberta (Edmonton) with Abbotsford, BC considered the worst and Toronto, Ont. running a close second. It may be helpful to avoid some of the more troublesome entry points into Canada while organizing your itinerary.
- Make sure your travel agent has left ample connecting times (at least 2 hours). Or consider that for this year only, the Saskatoon, SK. entry point will allow pre-registration (due to airport construction) which saves a lot of time. For information on this pre-registration contact Jim at TravelCanada.to at 877-608-3500.

Statistics and facts for this article acquired from various federal and provincial tourism departments as well as from Tim Dobson (Safari Club International), Tony Bernardo (registered gun lobbyist with CILA (Canadian Institute for Legislative Action) and Jim Zaiachkowski at "TravelCanada.to" . For some good information on the anti gun registration movement check out www.cila.org.

Tara-Lynn Barks

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DEER URINE COLLECTION

All you ever wanted to know about urine collection? Well, probably not, but this should "wet" your interest and bring on the inquiries.

Paul Carson of West Wind Whitetails & Scents in Pennsylvania has generously offered information and photographs to explain his experiences with urine collection and marketing. Paul Carson is an easy-going, friendly fellow who simply enjoys showing his experiences in a conversational manner and as he begins his talk he states, "This is just the way I do it!"

Paul has been raising deer for 16 years and has collected urine for scents for 15 years. He did not begin with intent to collect "deer pee". Deer farming was to be mainly a hobby while supplying a couple bucks per year to preserves. His first collection sites were rough sheds, but he became more inventive with demand. Construction was through his own ideas rather than borrowed from others.

The whitetail deer is the most highly sought after game animal in the world and each year brings billions of dollars into the U.S. and Canadian economies. Every scientific and technological advancement is quickly seized by hunters, often with huge investments, in order to better one's chances at a wiley whitetail. Deer urine is a natural factor that, through research, recently gained popularity as a hunter's tool. Hunters readily spend money on deer scents (derived from deer urine) and a few dollars spent by many hunters adds up to a profitable market. It's just one more good reason to invest in deer farming! It's also one more market possibility for those deer that are genetically less desirable in the antler department.

What do you need?

Tame Deer: "You gotta have tame deer," declares Mr. Carson. "It's the most important thing!" Paul bottle feeds his fawns, keeping them in his house for the first couple of weeks. More early human contact produces a quieter adult deer. "Plus it s more convenient keeping them in the house," he admits. Bottle fed bucks can be dangerous in the rut, but are necessary for the collection of buck urine.

Facility: Eight foot square pens are used by Paul. They are simply constructed sheds made from pallets and a 2x4 frame, with a sloped roof. The floor is the most complicated part of construction. Construction actually involves two floors. The bottom floor is framed-up, overlaid with corrugated fiberglass (porch roofing) and elevated on one side so as to allow quick drainage. The upper floor is framed-up (no treated lumber) with aluminum bar grating (elevated flooring used in factories etc.) providing the strength and allowing urine to fall through to the flooring below. Two 4'x8' sheets (1/4" thick) of perforated plastic (1/8" holes) lays on top of the grating. It strains the pee , preventing fecal droppings from mixing with the urine. The corrugated floor drains into a slit 4" plastic pipe outside the building and along one edge. The slightly sloped pipe drains into catch containers. Tin leans against the side to keep the plastic pipe clean. Tin strips are also used on outside walls to gradually darken the interior.

Pressure Washer: A pressure washer is used after 12 hours of shed use by 2 does to keep the facility sanitary. Humaneness and health of animals are always important!

When does collection begin?

Paul begins in September. Deer pee more in September and October and this is when manipulation of "heat" can begin.

How do you "collect" urine?

The whole process really begins at birth with the creation of tame animals to work with. The deer then use the collection sheds year round in which to eat and drink. (at a late afternoon feeding) Shutting the door behind them (2 does or 1 buck) for their 12 hour stay becomes a simple, totally stress-free experience for deer and farmer. "Heat" is manipulated by gradually adding tin to outside walls. Increasing darkness triggers light-sensitive glands on the deer which in turn stimulates the doe's estrous cycle. Regular "doe pee" is collected each morning until "heat" begins. "Heat" precedes estrous and can last weeks. A doe in "heat" produces urine that contains pheremones that other deer can easily smell. Bucks easily detect the pheremones and differentiate between "regular" and "doe in-heat pee". The urine is strained (to eliminate hair and sediment), refrigerated, and of course labelled. When bottled, a preservative is also added, but the urine is recommended to be kept for only the season in which it is collected.

How do you tell when a doe is in heat?

A buck must be kept with the does because it is the buck that tells you when the doe is in heat. When does are let out each morning, watch the buck. The doe will urinate upon release. If she is in heat the buck will lick up the urine and then follow and clean the doe as well.

What about bottling and labelling the urine?

The refrigerated urine is poured, manually or mechanically into 2 oz. or 4 oz. bottles. Paul recommends 4 oz. bottles while building a reputation and clientele. There are low, medium, and high density plastic bottles available. Paul emphatically recommends the use of high density plastic bottles with caps. Paul's bottles are labelled "Doe P", "Doe in Heat P", or Dominant Buck P". This label also includes directions, guarantee of freshness (ie. no annual carry over of stock), a warning against applying urine directly to one's person as well as contact information.

Let's talk $!

Paul pays 24 cents /bottle with cap and about 10 cents/label when he buys by the thousand. For "regular", "buck" and "in heat" urine, he charges $6, $7, $8 respectively plus shipping. He cuts shops a break deducting $1.00/bottle. He also wholesales in 5 gal pails to larger distributors. A 2-doe shed yields over a gallon/night. Bottling and selling it yourself, a gallon of "regular", "buck" and "in-heat" urine would bring $192, $224 and $256 US respectively. Ah! We've got your attention now! This is obviously very good money. While not wanting to dampen enthusiasm, there are other factors to consider. Marketing is far from free. Whether personally visiting and delivering, or sending out flyers, running ads in magazines or internetting it, marketing costs something and must be budgeted for. Also, one must remember that this is still basically a 2 month activity. If it still looks lucrative, go for it. Paul Carson collects from 6 does and 3 bucks and has all the business he cares to handle.

What's involved in marketing?

Paul quickly declares, "You gotta have a web site!" The internet really is a cost effective, far reaching form of marketing. Your product will be visually presented to people and businesses that you would/could never have reached and with no active effort on your part.

Personal visits are also highly recommended by Paul. Sports stores (local or those advertising in magazines and at sports shows) are prime locales. Some scents may have to be given away to start with, to prove quality and saleability of the product. Consigned sales are a beginning option as well, but with collection at the end of the season, a dollar should be added to each sale.

Sales should be guaranteed to increase buyer confidence and reduce risk on that end of the market. Credit, rather than refunds, can be given for the next year if some scents are left on the store shelf at the end of the season. Store costs should be $1.00/bottle lower to allow mark up and profit on their end. Paul also wholesales 5 gallon pails to bigger distributors and marketing companies.

Labels become more important as business grows. Different colors, attractive decor and UPC codes for scanning in stores are options, but well-worth considering. Certainly usage directions, guarantee of freshness, buck warning, and contact information should be included on labels.

Consider the variety (young buck, dominant buck, same doe urine, etc) of scents, but also the volume of scents marketed. Start stores with low volume or you'll have to replace too much next year.

Summary:

Most of us have heard about it by now. Many of us have wondered about the "how" and "how much $". Few, though, have seriously considered it. Deer urine collection however, is a very real, viable and profitable business which just happens to coincide with what we are all doing already -------farming deer! Tame bottlefeds of course, are required in order to maintain humane conditions & standards. Facilities are relatively simple, except perhaps for the double floor system. Health of animals and sanitation of facility are also priorities. With such a facility and "trained" deer, the actual collection of urine is not a complicated process. Bottling and labelling will vary among marketers, but the experienced offer helpful hints. When it comes to sales, dollar signs quickly dance in the minds of most. Deer scents sell at a premium price and are a highly sought after commodity by the vast numbers of deer hunters North America-wide. Deer cooperate nicely, by peeing large amounts of this "liquid gold" through the fall collection season. "Dollars in" however, usually means "dollars out" and urine collection is no exception. Realize from the beginning that marketing in its many forms, requires some degree of effort and certainly some incurred costs. Plan on marketing your own product, finding and establishing your own clientele, and securing your business future. Judging by the number of American hunters flying into Canada each fall and the numbers of local hunters, the market is vast, virtually untapped and close to home. The financial potential is significant. Do some homework and talk to someone with experience. Paul Carson is a great resource and an all around good guy to chat with. Remember, when phoning though, that Pennsylvania is 2 hours ahead of Saskatchewan (oops, sorry Paul!). It's time to take a serious look at this lucrative enterprise. It's just one more way of utilizing the animals we love to farm.

Randy Barks

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SASKATCHEWAN PRODUCER PORTRAIT

WILLOW HILL WHITETAILS

"So how's he look'n this year?" I began. "Uh- huh...yeah....sky high 6x6 already huh? Clean too, hey? And near perfect balance?..... Oh a 2 year old as well? 6x6, too? Quite the combination. When can I come? Oh, that's perfect! I'll have to miss Granny's 90th birthday party and our family reunion, but they'll understand. No no. There'll be other occasions. Mom'll be 90 someday, too. Yup, always did think I was a few tines short of a full rack. In fact, I think they'd be disappointed in me if I didn't."

And so with nothing pressing to prevent it, the tour was set. They'd always sounded like "planners" to me and I knew the farm itself would be worth the trip, but their thirst for "deer talk" and now the promise of Prince really had me intrigued. We were on our way to Jim Dawley's and Jean Coates' Willow Hill Whitetails.

A short jaunt from Spruce Home, a neat little deer farm quietly began just three years ago. Two bred does, 4 yearling does and 4 buck fawns started what would soon capture a whole lot of attention. Now 6 pens and a large alley include 20-25 acres and about 50 whitetails. An elevated walkway along the corral system is a nice touch allowing a commanding view of the corrals and pens which feed into the corrals. Slabs, pulp mill belting and road cloth provide safe and secure holding facilities.

Though a relative newcomer, Jim is full of helpful hints, valuable ideas and ongoing plans of improvements. The road cloth is an excellent barrier, but can be tough to keep tight. Light nylon rope, woven through fence and fabric, keeps everything tight (baler twine wears out in a winter). Carpet on the floor of tunnel boxes provides comfort and quiet. A 45 gallon plastic drum, cut in half, placed in a frame and roofed makes a great feeder that is removable for quick and complete cleaning. Plans are extensive, but quite clear. Swinging tunnel box sides will avoid hang-ups. A narrower final section of corral, a roofed stage before the boxes and a tracked wall that can be walked from the elevated walkway will make handling just that much smoother. A holding pen beyond the corrals, completely road clothed, will allow longer, low stress holding of deer for testing and AI ing. A second exterior load-out will allow racked bucks to be easily loaded without sending them through the boxed tunnel. A tower from which to control drop gates may one-day top out the handling system. Certainly a 25 acre, drive through display pen for bucks is on the agenda, but for now the scenic drive around the various pastures gives a good view and the exposure makes the deer increasingly curious and less cautious. The place looks great already and I'd snicker at such "plans" with most people, but these planners are also "doers."

Jim and Jean even planned on growing big bucks. Now planning only goes so far, but one needs to do what is possible. A young buck was purchased from Cabay's "The Deer Ranch" in Alberta, and does from various Saskatchewan farms. The young buck was a beauty named "Prince." The 5x5 (plus extras) Prince is now looking more like a king. Astoundingly even and clean, the big 6x6 has it all...height, width, tines and good mass! I may have drooled as we sat there admiring him. I know I gasped at first sight. That in itself set me up for a year's worth of pleasant dreams, but then out walked a gorgeous 6x6, 2 year old (out of Romanuik's "Ben"). That set me up for an extremely late night of deer chatter back at the ranch house.

I dug for the secret formula! There wasn't any. A 17% ration pellet from the Melfort Co-op (with some corn for the bucks) was simply conservative feeding. No these bucks were products of fine genetics. Excellent records showed average weaning weights of 84 1/2 pounds and pointed to a healthy herd. Things have come together on this farm. Initially "looking for something that would be a home-based business," and jokes Jean, "tired of whipper-snipping the 16000 planted trees every summer," I'd say they're quickly meeting their goal.

Well, I love to talk'n deer and the hours flew by. Alas, with Jean nodding off and Tara elbowing me while pointing rather conspicuously at her watch, the time had come. "Morning is almost here," reminded my socially adept wife, "and you're still going to see your family sometime." I gave in with one thought on my brain. Maybe I could stop by this hospitable farm on the way home...just to see how much those big boys had grown. You should, too! They're so worth the drive!

Randy Barks

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ALBERTA PRODUCER PORTRAIT

WESTROCK GAME FARM

Ahh! What could possibly be better than growing those wonderful whitetails as a means of diversification, economic gain and pure enjoyment of the animal? Well actually, according to a gradually growing number, mule deer production could be better! I've read about it, heard about it, thought about it and now I saw it... "The Mule Deer Advantage!"

But I've also read about, heard about and thought about the difficulties that go along with mule deer farming. What good are quiet disposition, bigger bodies and bigger antlers if you can't raise the critters?

Dispelling such misconceptions is a family that not only raises healthy and huge mule deer but also openly and honestly share their experience and knowledge in a welcoming atmosphere of conversation and cookies. Meet Ken and Kathy Jaffray.

Westrock Game farm, near Bluffton, AB, is not only home to a very friendly family, but also home to some of the biggest and healthiest mule deer found anywhere. In ‘96, 6 bred does were acquired from Doug Surine, and from this initial package was born Rocky, "our break," admits Kathy. At 4 years, Rocky scored 186 3/8 with a big broken flyer. At 5 years, he is breath taking! "Immense" begins to describe this 400+ lb beast as the ground literally "thuds" while he bounces effortlessly along. At his side is Rocky II, an equally impressive son that scored 148 3/8 last year at the age of 2. Rocky is passing it on in a big way! Nearby, big-eared does tend to their spring-loaded youngsters who will now carry the genetic gains to new levels.

The spacious, well-treed 18 acres is rather lowly populated with 30 deer (including fawns). Weaning at about a 100% rate, breeding stock is snatched up in a hurry. Of course! Trophy ranch demand for big mulies is high and breeding stock prices are a bit higher than whitetails. Jaffrays have put the genetic package together and the fat, shiny and sleek animals are positive proof that nutrition has been figured out. The homework's been done and now it's time to copy!

Nutrition has presented problems in the past, but Jaffrays have figured out what works for them. Pastures consist of timothy, fescue, and legumes sainfoin, birds foot trefoil and Cicer milkvetch which are higher in tannins. In winter, 2nd cut alfalfa is fed, but not much is eaten. The mulies are doing well on a mix of steam-rolled (to maximize nutrition) oats, peas, barley and corn along with beet pulp (roughage) pellets, alfalfa pellets, molasses, soy meal, canola oil and Canadian Deer Mineral (Alberta Feeds, Red Deer). The 16% protein ration now makes feeding safe, quick and affordable. Aureomycin crumbles are a non-intrusive, medicated, extra vitamins feed used prior to moving as a precaution, with excellent results.

While running a small oil field maintenance business along with cattle, hay and grain farm, Jaffrays are enjoying their choice of diversification. Their optimism obviously runs high due to such positive experiences and healthy markets. These friendly folks enjoy giving tours and with the naturally mild temperament of mule deer, Kathy adds, "visitors can have a good look." A good look is what Jaffray's farm deserves. Meet the family who are making it happen with mulies and take a good look at "The Mule Deer Advantage." Tap into the Jaffray experience and expertise, and you may find yourself diversifying with mule deer!

Randy Barks

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