Deer Tracking Magazine Deer Tracking Editor - Randy Barks Box 59 - Cut Knife, SK. - S0M 0N0 - Phone / Fax (306) 398-2293 - Email: ohdeer@sk.sympatico.ca Deer Tracking values your input! Click here to find out how to contact us! Next deadline is January 1, 2002 Print version available by subscription! All articles and advertising in this issue are copyright © of Deer Tracking Magazine. . . and may not be used in any form without express written permission from the editor.

December 2002 - January 2003 Issue

CONTENTS:

I sit here, basking in the brilliance of my seven year old’s observation and wisdom. A child's perspective can be so profound!

My 8 year old son Dale, my 7 year old son Shane, and I just finished a week long marathon mulie hunt. Oh, we’d also muzzleloaded for mulies through October as well, with my 2 year old son Kole along, and had quite the set of adventures. We’d spotted, stalked and had a big ol’ boy figured out for the rifle opener. My excitement took a nose dive, however, when we discovered, the night before the big day, that grazing cattle would deny us access to the “jackpot.” Other than quitting, our only option close to home, was some brand new territory. Up long before dawn, we covered about 10 miles a day, slowly narrowing down the possibilities and fine-tuning our strategies. We returned home each day, weary, worn and in most eyes, entirely unsuccessful. By day five, an ideal set-up was ruined by another less than strategic hunter and disappointments along with fuel bills were adding up. By now fighting colds as well, day six found us up earlier than ever in a determined effort to reach our goal. It had to be a buck, it had to be a memorable hunt, and all three members of our party must be able to see everything as it transpired. Early that morning, it seemed to come together, but careful inspection following the shot offered no hope. As we still-hunted the same ridge late that afternoon, a distant coyote ran off followed by some circling ravens. We had got that buck and now we’d found our buck! Elation literally filled the air as three very good hunt’n buddies raced for the prize.

The antlers would not command “bragging rights” according to common Canadian standards, the buck was only partially salvageable, and WOW, was it a long haul out of there! Much later that night, I overheard Shane highlighting the hunt with Mom. “We did our best and got the buck,” he explained, “but we couldn’t find him. So God sent the coyote and ravens to show us and they ate part of the buck, but that’s kind of fair. Then, He gave us Big Red (our ATV) to help get the buck.” Turning to me about that time, Shane gave me a big hug and concluded, “That was a great hunt, Dad!”

How often do we as deer farmers miss out on the experience? We plan, invest time, effort, and finances, lose sleep and pour ourselves into the achievement of a goal. The goal, however, is often defined by others as only the biggest and best buck. Anything less is an embarrassment. Unhealthy competition arises and “the hunt” is often spoiled. We fail to recognize that although others may achieve greater “bragging rights,” “predators” may threaten and even steal from our accomplishments, and disappointments, hardships and exhaustion may be overwhelming at times, we need to find the good that exists in both good and bad times and in the end be able to say, “that was a great hunt.” Enjoy your deer farming experience, define success for yourselves, and don’t miss out on what really matters!

-Randy Barks

Photo Contest Sponsors 2002:

Stay tuned to www.deertracking.com in January for contest results...

Frontenac Whitetails – Ron and Diane Junop
Prize: Deer belt buckle

Forever Wild Ranch- Trent and Wanda Derkatz
Prize: Inspirational Calendar (artist Greg Beecham)

Double G Whitetails- Brad Guidinger
Prize: Book- “Whitetail the Ultimate Challenge” (Alsheimer)

Droptine Farms- Brad and Wendy Nielsen
Prize: Deer belt buckle

Majestic Pine Whitetails- Dan and Donna Tourand
Prize: Deer belt buckle

Canadian Camo (www.canadiancamo.com) – Greg Black, owner
Prizes: 1-10 kg bag forage mix, 2 –20 lb bags “Deer Chum” deer treats

Alberta Trophy Mulies- Tharen and Denise Soroka
Prizes: 1 complete set of GE two way radios (3 km range, 3 channels)

Silverstream Whitetails- Curtis and Sharon Lloyd
Prizes: 3 engraved wood handled skinning knives/cases

Please be sure to thank and support these sponsors as they are supporting our industry.

The fawns are weaned and the rut is on. Watching my calendar, the rut is a bit later this year. So much for those big May fawns.

Your Executive recently met with Sask Ag & Food along with Industry Reps from Elk Breeders and Reindeer producers. We spent the day reviewing our Surveillence Program and making recommendations to S.A.F. regarding a more user friendly program while retaining the high standards we have established in Saskatchewan.We also talked about changes to the C.F.I.A.program and the possibility of meshing our program with the Federal initiative. S.A.F. has met with C.C.C. & C.F.I.A.on this topic; to date I have not heard any results.

The lack of good quality feed is on a lot of people's minds these days. If you're buying a total ration I guess $/TN will be
your concern. We use a supplement and add our own oats.
The weight of oats has gone from 42 lbs/ bushel last year down to
30 lbs. this year. This relates directly to a loss of energy in the ration. We will be adding other grain to bring the energy level back up and this is where a word of caution must be made. Please talk to a feed rep. when increasing your energy level. It must be done VERY slowly to keep from getting acidosis in your herd and having deer tip over.

We are in the process of buying a new display for trade shows. If you have a show close by and want to spread the word, give our office a call.

Thanks for now,
Merry Christmas,

Stan Hall

This has been a very busy few months and now Alberta has its first case of CWD in a whitetail deer. This has only added to an already stressful time in the industry for all producers; trying to pay for feed and finding markets for animals and their products.
Although this first case of CWD is unwelcome, it clearly demonstrates that Alberta’s mandatory CWD surveillance program works: if you make the effort to look for a disease –you will find it. In the long run Alberta will be able to show all trading partners that we are diligently looking for CWD and are working actively to manage, and ultimately eradicate it. The AWMDA and CFIA are working closely together to make sure that any and all opportunities to help advance science and find a live test or even a rapid test are being taken.
The AWMDA has also been working with legal council on a number of key issues e.g.: how do we develop markets for our antlered animals within the current environment and what do we need to do with the Livestock Industry Diversification Act to allow producers to finally get back to farming? The issues are complex and the answers are not always forthcoming, however a number of producers are in the midst of testing several options along with legal council. We don’t have CHP’s yet but the AWMDA has not and will not give up on making this a reality. As Ralph Kline stated so eloquently in Lethbridge in early November (to a group of protestors supporting grain farmers): “Farmers shouldn’t be treated like criminals just for trying to get the best prices for their crops”. Finally Mr. Kline is making sense! This is a statement that the AWMDA will not allow him to forget!
We have some new faces on the board since last time. I would like to welcome, Lisa Mueller as a Director at Large and Donna Hessler as the new Zone Director for Zone 9. We look forward to your contributions and thank you for stepping forward to volunteer your time and expertise.
Also, by the time you read this, the AWMDA should have a full-time Executive Director in place. This position will be pivotal to our future success in the industry as the key areas of responsibility include market development, media and government relations and grant programs.
Planning for this year’s AWMDA convention is underway. While the event will be a scaled-down version, we are working to make this function extra fun, more social time, more practical information to help market animals in a stressed market, and at less cost to the producer than ever before! We welcome helpers, ideas and workers to pull it off. This will only work with the help of our member-producers. Now’s the time to get involved!
Until next time…..

Jason Marsland
President, AWMDA

Those velvet antlers have turned hard, the leaves have fallen off the trees, the day light hours are shorter, much shorter, and the nights get cold. The rut is in full force. We as farmers understand the seasons, the change in time.

Our September participation as an association in the International Plowing Match and Rural Exposition was a great opportunity to educate the general public and make contact with individuals who are looking for something different in farming. The day I was in the booth I found it most enjoyable. It continues to challenge me to get our story out, what our industry is about. Over the winter we are planning to have our web information updated. Also, remember coming up in March is the Ontario convention, plan on participating.

As one wise guy once said “for everything there is a season….., a time to plant and a time to harvest….., a time to weep and a time to laugh…., a time to keep and a time to throw away….., a time to keep silent and a time to speak……. “ As we head towards the end of another year the industry has seen many changes. But as farmers we are hopeful as we typically are resourceful and plan for success. So may your breeding program used this fall serve you well. May your plans for your herd this coming year give you enjoyment and reward you.

Stephen Yantzi

The Canadian Cervid Council was invited to attend the meeting of the International Association of Fish and wildlife Agencies Animal Use Issues Committee on September 19, 2002 by Bob Carmichael, Chairman. Dr. Terry Church and Ray Sharp traveled to Big Sky Resort, represent the CCC. The IAFWA is composed of all 50 State and 10 Provincial Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Most of the 500 to 600 attendees were Directors, Chiefs or senior officials in Fish and Wildlife and Federal Agencies. The Animal Use Issues Committee meeting was attended by about 60 people, including many State Directors of Fish and Wildlife.
Dr. Terry church presented " Why I Support Game Ranching" to the Committee. This presentation included 5 main arguments in favor of game ranching - economic benefits, environmental enhancements, health benefits to animals and people and wildlife benefits.
The opposing view was presented by Jim Posewitz, former Conservation Officer in Montana and founder of Orion - The Hunter's Institute. His presentation and handout material was almost totally focused on "penned hunting" and the privatization of wildlife which he and many others claim will be " the end of wildlife" as we know it today. A question and comment session followed the two presentations.
the discussions revealed that Fish and Wildlife Agencies had three main concerns with game ranching :
- Captive or penned hunting;
- CWD in both captive and wild cervids; and
- Illegal movements of farmed or captive cervids and the enforcement actions required.
During the discussions, Dr. Terry church also made the following points:
- People rob banks, but does this mean that we should do away with all banks ?,
- Hunters have created the demand for trophy animal hunts on game ranches, not game ranchers!,
- Why is outfitting and the sale of hunts of wild animals on either private or public lands not considered to be privatization or placing a value on wildlife?.
There were also comments made that " the legitimate game ranch / farm activities of producing animals, game meats, antler, agri-tourism and other by-products really do not concern us, but the illegal movement of cervids between States does". Also, if the game ranching industry was able to help us with stopping the illegal movement of animals, we would really appreciate it !
In summary, the efforts and cost to attend the meeting and present our position was productive and worthwhile. As an industry, we should follow-up with a well written and researched position paper on game ranching/farming. Apparently, the Animal Use Issues Committee will develop a position paper on game ranching by the next annual meeting of the IAFWA.
Dr. Terry Church and Ray Sharp also attended the Fish and Wildlife Health Task Force meeting on Sept. 20 to deal with CWD. Dr. Glen Zebarth also attended representing NAEBA.

Game Ranching -- the raising of native and non-native animals such as deer, elk, caribou, moose, bison, ostriches, emu,wild boar, llamas, alpaca, etc. for a variety of products, including meat, hides (leather) , feathers, and antlers.
The animals we raise are no longer wildlife.

1. ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES OVER TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE
a) New Market Opportunities
b) Efficiency of Production
c) Enhancement of Local and Provincial/ State Economies
2. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
3. HEALTH BENEFITS FOR HUMANS
4. HERD HEALTH BENEFITS
5. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE
6. WILDLIFE BENEFITS
CONCLUSION
Game ranching has prospered in the past and will continue to prosper in the future.
Yes, the past few months have been difficult and we are facing a number of challenges .
We are a young industry.
Our future is bright.

-Dr. Terry Church

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

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Editor's Note: Here's an emailed "Pass-it-on" that seems
relevant to any walk of life. Let's keep the common sense
in deer farming......

"Today we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense. Common Sense lived a long life but died from heart failure early in the new millennium. Nobody really knows how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, homes, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.

For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out of the rain, the early bird gets the worm, and life isn't always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids), and it's okay to come in second (or even last), as long as your best efforts were given.

A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including body piercing, whole language and "New math". But his health declined when he became infected with the "If-it-only-helps-one-person-it's-worth-it" virus.

His health rapidly deteriorated when school senselessly implemented zero-tolerance policies, reports of six-year-old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, a teen suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student.

It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but cannot inform the parent when the female student is pregnant.

Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports. And the Grand-Daddy of them all was when a woman who was stupid enough not to realize that coffee is hot, and was awarded a huge pay-out for her stupidity, caused Common Sense to finally throw in the towel.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers: My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. "

QUESTION:
Does anyone have an explanation for the small black lumps that appear on whitetail deer? They are usually no larger than a quarter and often fall off by autumn.

What are they and do they have any negative affect on deer? Do other
species of deer get these as well?

QUESTION:
Do these papillomas have any genetic connection? It has seemed to me that they occur generally in one particular genetic line. How would this then tie in with viral transmission?

QUESTION:
Can anyone explain the toxicity and acceptable levels of zinc in a
whitetail/mule deer diet? How does an over abundance of zinc affect
deer? And what is zinc's purpose in the cervid diet?

The answers to these questions are available in the print version of the Deer Tracking magazine. Click Here to Subscribe.

Christmas greetings from all of us at Deer Tracking...

Christmas is the time to remember that one glorious night, when God's love reached down and touched the earth with the gift of his Son, Jesus. May God's love and peace be with you this Christmas and always.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (RSV)

Merry Christmas and our best wishes for a happy, safe holiday season,
Randy & Tara, Dale, Shane and Kole

Article
O7/11/2002
The Satirical Times
By Field Reporter:
Tara-Lynn Barks, B.Ed., BS.

It is an epidemic of greater proportions than the world could have ever known! (Although most mistakenly call this disease an epidemic, it should really be referred to as endemic.) With one more brain-diseased deer found, this ugly parallel contagion once again rears its ugly head. It has affected the reputation of its unfortunate bearers beyond repair. This disease has no limits, no borders, no cultural biases. It has found a fertile breeding ground in the confined areas of the narrow human mind. It poses a threat to the way of life of a valid and beneficial sector of our rural population. There seems to be no known cure. But a live test situation, where subjects exhibit cyclical nonsense (conversation under the guise of conservation) can help determine the extent of the disease. An outbreak of this magnitude can only mean the forced slaughter of the thinking processes of a few two-legged allied activists. The incidence of this disease occurring “behind wire” is less than 1 %. Whereas, “outside the wire,” it can occur in 1-15% of misinformed media personalities. The loss of those with the disease truly leaves little impact on the informed population. But thankfully it has become a reportable disease with a national eradication plan in place since the fall of 2000.

What it is?

Chronic Whining Disease, is from the same family as Mad-PETA......

The full article is available in the print version of the Deer Tracking magazine. Click Here to Subscribe.

It was high noon just outside a desolate prairie town when the two haggard hombres squared off. They eyed each other with a casual calm that only exaggerated the chill in the air. Oh, they’d met before, and under similar circumstance; one had the scars to prove it, hidden now from eye, but festering in heart and mind. This day, this moment, had arrived as surely as a sunrise, but could a sunset hold them both ever again? Overhead, the light glistened down in glee, revelling in the starkness, the secrets it revealed. A single bead of sweat wet a brow. It was not missed by the weary opponent.

“You’re skeered!” drawled a revitalized voice.
“Am not,” came the automatic reply.
“Are too!”
“Am not!”

It was AI season down on the deer farm and breeding strategies differed between partners....

The full article is available in the print version of the Deer Tracking magazine. Click Here to Subscribe.

“Mister”… When respect is due, I still use the term as taught by my good parents. My dictionary declares it “an informal term for ‘sir’” and “a variation of ‘master.’” The man fits the definition on all accounts, on both personal and professional fronts. Meet the guy who’s good for the industry and good at game farming. Meet Mr. Mike Lynch of Alpine Meadows….and heavy on the “Mister.”

The full article is available in the print version of the Deer Tracking magazine. Click Here to Subscribe.

He’s got his family, his farm, and his deer…and he’s a happy man. He looks for the good in things, finds it, and passes on his discoveries through lively chatter and a good dose of laughter. In fact, it would be mighty difficult to finish a fifteen-minute conversation with this guy and not increase your enthusiasm for deer farming and life in general. His attitude and presentation are simply ‘good for the soul.’ And, he’s got big deer as a bonus. Meet the man and his family from Prairie Haven Whitetails, Rick and Gloria Meier.

The full article is available in the print version of the Deer Tracking magazine. Click Here to Subscribe.

©2002 DeerTracking.com

Content of this newsletter is the views of the writer and not necessarily those of the association in general. Tracking The Industry. . . reserves the right to edit submissions. Deer farming is largely experiential and while striving for accuracy and completeness, neither the editor, nor PRISM Web Design, nor Deertracking.com, nor associations guarantees such in this newsletter, nor do we assume liability which may result from reliance upon any information or opinion provided.

All articles and advertising in this issue are copyright © of Deer Tracking. . . and may not be used in any form without express written permission from the editor.