DEER TRACKING
". . . the many dimensions of the Canadian deer industry"

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 July 2, 2002 Print version available by subscription! Click here. 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.

June - July 2002 Issue

CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR

I love auctions! At a recent one I bought some Bantam chickens "real cheap", picked up some bunnies at an "OK deal", but couldn't afford the pheasants. I sold some baby goats, too. One week, lots of the "right buyers" were in the crowd and we did well. The next week we basically gave them away. Someone wanted some more though and paid the higher price after the sale.

I went to a farm dispersal auction on one of our refreshingly cold, snowy spring days as well. I couldn't believe the deal I got that day. We bought a rototiller for $90.00! That same machine sells for at least $600.00 at Peavey Mart. Yup, I was smiling! I was thinking of going to Peavey Mart, telling them I just bought a rototiller for $90.00, that I know they're overstocked- with more arriving this spring, and that I would like them to match that price.

Auctions and low prices are not a new thing. In fact, don't we all go to auctions to get a deal? But as deer farmers, we lose all perspective when we get that "deal." Auctions CAN indicate a market, but they certainly DO NOT determine the market. At a Saskatchewan spring video auction in April, I bought three bred does and I was only one of a few dozen deer farmers kicking himself after the sale for not buying more- or everything for that matter.

At home that night, I could hardly wipe the grin off my face. My conscience made me sympathize with the sellers and experience told me we'd be flooded with "panic-button pushers", but I had to smile. I had made the best buy of my deer-farming career. This was the "surest thing" I'd ever done in the world of economics. Buck fawns alone would make me money on those animals, but I'll probably maximize a good thing, grow them out, and enjoy the venture fully.

The two weeks following the sale were our busiest two weeks of the winter and not one inquirer (though informed of the sale) expected to pay less than before the sale. Sellers were not quite so stable and needed reminding of the real value to be gained in simply growing another group of buck fawns rather than getting scared, "bailing out", and thrusting below average, low priced stock into the market. We've all been told and most have seen how genetics factor into stock demand and price as well. Stick to your "game plan"!

To all our friends, in all the provinces and U.S., enjoy the richness of this season and industry with which we've been oh-so-blessed!

Now... I wonder what that same rototiller would have sold for in a video auction? Hmmm.....

Randy Barks

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AWMDA PRESIDENTS PEN

As this is my first report as President of the A.W.M.D.A, I would like to introduce the board of directors and their committees. These people have generously donated their time to make this industry strong. I'm fortunate enough to have a very skilled group on the new Board of Directors each with a strong desire to make this industry grow - this will definitely make my job easier!

First I would like to thank all those who helped and participated in this year's successful convention. The Convention was in Red Deer AB, with close to 250 people attending the various events. I would also like to thank all those people from Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and even the United States that helped to make our convention the success that it was. It is national and international support like this that makes our industry so strong.

With convention over, the A. W. M. D. A. Board of Directors is back to the business at hand. It is a big job dealing with government process, but we're confident that with the new committee structure we have the tools and the people to make it happen.

The Export Market Committee, headed by Lance Schneider, will continue to meet with government to complete an import protocol for this year. Border issues will be a priority for the Association.

The CHPs Committee continues its targeted communications with government and key stakeholders. Tom Johansson, Chair, will be working closely with this group of committed volunteers to keep on course to get CHPs approved for Alberta.

John Boyko, Vice President of the A. W. M. D. A. and Chair of the Industry Development Committee, along with his committee members are making significant headway into the huge task of getting the AB venison industry up and running. They will be seeking additional government funding for marketing, feed programs and meat research. A survey will be coming out to members shortly to create an industry listing of producers who are ready to commit animals to the venison market.

Gilbert Lowe, chair of the Herd Health Committee, and Garry Schneidmiller as co-chair, are hopeful that by the time you read this the C. W. D. mandatory surveillance program for AB will have been reviewed by the Alberta producers and signed. This has been an extremely long process, but we feel that this program will help not only with trade inside AB but with our exports as well.

Helene Klassen, Chair of the Convention Committee, with the help of the committee will complete a convention post-mortem looking for ways to improve it for next year. It is a big job and if you're interested in helping for next year's convention, give her a call.

As for the Communications Committee, Michele Gaumont has taken the lead on this one. Michele and her team will be working closely with the new media person being hired through CCC to help promote positive and accurate messages re: our industry. Our website and a number of other PR materials will be overhauled, all in effort to "get the good word out" about deer farming and our markets. Stay tuned.

Well until next time, good luck, and have fun in the fawning season ahead. If you have questions please don't hesitate to contact any of the directors, or myself. Remember it is only with your help that the association and this industry will prosper.

Jason Marsland

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SWAMDPA PRESIDENTS PEN

Well, Here it is May 1. I should be seeding but the ground is frozen, the water bowls still have the heaters on and I'm feeding alfalfa because the pastures think it's February. Looking ahead, fawning, bottle feeding and Summer Meeting will be right on top of us.

The long-awaited Import Protocol is being drafted and we will be seeing a working copy by the end of May. I hope everyone is on our mandatory CWD surveillance program and your inventories are done. We are now approaching 18 months into our program which is half way to a 3 year requirement on a mandatory program to be considered CWD free for trade purposes.

We have struck some new committees to lighten the director workload and will be looking for people from the membership to help out on these committees:

Fundraising/Grants/Legal ...... Brad Guidinger
Convention/Summer Meeting ...... Ron Friesen
Media Rep/C.O.H.A ...... Mark Bencze
CCC/Research ...... Al Morhart
Government Relations ...... Harvey Granatier
Tradeshows ...... Roger Boucher

We are wanting to reach more people in Saskatchewan so are asking everyone to check out your local activities and if possible run our booth at your local trade shows. I still encounter people that just aren't aware that we are raising deer as a viable industry in this province.

I hope you have all been contacted for a donation to our legal fund and you can see fit to send a cheque to Lisa. These monies will be held in a separate bank account for future use protecting and developing YOUR industry.

Thanks for now,
Stan Hall

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OWTDPA PRESIDENTS PEN

As I sit down this evening to type this update I have just spent the day finishing off our herd testing and have had the forms completed for the Canadian Chronic Wasting Disease Voluntary Herd Certification Program. As we see the borders closing for some of our market areas, due to this disease being found in other areas of North America, I encourage each producer to complete the required detail and become involved in the program. Being part of the program should give you better market access in the future. This program is voluntary, but every year that you are in it can make a difference in your ability to promote sales to a larger segment of the available market.

A number of the Ontario Producers have been exporting animals into the U.S. this spring and they can be thankful that they shipped their deer before additional borders closed due to the CWD find in Wisconsin. Now is a good time to make sure your plan is solid, build your herd and be ready when the tide shifts once again to more fruitful times.

Following our Annual General Meeting on March 9, the first meeting for the association's new year was held March 23 at which time we had the following positions filled. Ken Sloetjes is Secretary and will also assure our web information is accurate and enhanced. Wayne Vanderwoude is Treasurer and will be active in recruiting new members. Mabel Dougherty, who serves as our Ontario Deer and Elk Farmers Association Representative, will also help us in updating our constitution. John Kerkvliet and Lloyd Lee will serve as Canadian Cervid Council Representatives and Joe Medeiros along with Lloyd Lee will be involved with the Committee for Alternative Livestock Marketing (CALM). Harm Spangenberg, our Vice President, has always been active in making sure the Ontario Whitetail deer farmer voice is heard in print. He will make sure we are aware and involved in the media information and political positions that impact our farming business. As the new president of the Ontario Association I am pleased to work with a fine group of producers who have been supportive of each other and I am grateful for those who have willingly taken on responsibilities in the association.

Stephen Yantzi

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ALBERTA CONVENTION 2002

"Head'n for Red Deer?" It seemed like a silly question but, leaning that way myself, I obligingly replied to one of the most commonly asked questions of the winter. "You bet! Wouldn't miss it!" And truthfully we wouldn't. Friendships formed over the last year drew us back as much as the convention itself. We also looked forward to meeting many of the "voices" we've come to know and appreciate. Combine deerfarmer friends with a class-act convention and enormous antlers and you'd have trouble keeping us away! Indeed, we were head'n for Red Deer, anticipating AWMDA's 5th Annual Convention and Trade Show (April 5-7).

Things were different this year. A lone pair of geese were the only sign of spring along the way, but we hoped they symbolized a similar spirit of optimism and ambition in the world of Alberta deer farming. The geese, finding a foot of snow on the ground and more falling from unseasonably cool skies, had enterprisingly found a nesting site on top of a pole. Were Albertans seeing grey skies only or weathering the storm and looking beyond to the promise of a fresh and vibrant season of deer farming ahead? The CWD issue was a very recent reality in this province, though still contained to elk only. Albertans are renowned for creativity and market shrewdness and we suspected all would be well.

It was obvious from the "get-go" that deer farming is faring well in Alberta. Arriving at the Capri Convention Centre early, I stepped into the dauntingly spacious trade show hall and exclaimed, "How are they ever going to fill this place?" Shortly thereafter it was filled! I love the hustle and bustle of a well-run deer convention trade show. It's like a shopping mall except that I really like being there! Various associations and producers, the latest in technology, equipment and supplies, ornaments and craft items, and taxidermy galore were only some of the drawing features of the show. Crowd favourites included the family focussed "kids-corner" and a venison cooking demonstration. Both were entertaining with occasional pushing and shoving among participants. An attractive "Producer Wall" brought plenty of browsing and a well stocked silent auction brought traffic and bids. Spirits were high and could not be dampened, even by the cold waters of the dunk tank. A lot of laughs and funds were generated as producers were actually encouraged to take "pot shots" at various good sport AWMDA "celebrities." Involving a pleasant blend of business and pleasure, the trade show was the "hang-out hub" of the convention.

Carefully chosen topics and speakers ensured maximum value and attendance (156 registrants) of the wide range of sessions. AWMDA is certainly doing its job in assisting members with the provision of marketing and management information. Agri-tourism, CHP's update, disease control, artificial insemination and highlights of meat market progress and potential were some of the sessions from which producers benefited. I found it fascinating that given the conservative economics of the most modest of markets, deer farming still looks better than most modern investments.

An outstanding antler competition was one to remember, literally one for the books. So many records were set in typical and non-typical categories by various ages of whitetail and mule deer that a careful compilation of records (provincial and Canadian) is in order for another issue. Suffice it to say, Alberta stacks up very competitively in an international market of genetics. I'm struck with awe at the growth of any antler, but I could handle those big "horns" for hours in pure wonder. Now new growth brings anticipation already for next year's competition.

Another rather competitive event that Albertans really excel at is the "Who's Last to Leave," held nightly in a rather noisy part of the hotel. Hospitality rooms were sponsored by the Cabay families and the Schneidmiller family who may still be trying to catch up on sleep!

A fantastic feast Saturday evening included, of course, generously donated venison, topped off with a healthy helping of deer farmer chatter. A social eater myself, I enjoyed full servings of both, as did the other 236 banquet attendees! A fundraising auction followed with an incredible array of items up for sale. The efforts of the fundraiser team really paid off! Semen and 2002 fawns were also auctioned with steady to high prices indicating the health and future mindedness of the industry. The live auction raised $21,107 and the silent auction brought in $3685! Many "thanks" go out to all supporters - those who gave sale items and those who gave bids!

Sunday morning breakfast was also an anticipated event. Somehow, I doubt that it was the 8:00 schedule nor the food, but rather the antler competition results and awards that secured producer attendance and attention. Congratulations to all those who managed to wake up in the first place and to all those who took home an award. Westrock Game Farm must be commended as the 2001 Premier Muledeer Breeder. Competition in anything is wrought with emotions, both positive and negative, and antler competitions are no different. A smile and a handshake between tied Premier Whitetail Breeders, brothers Dean and Jason Busat (different farms), was a good reminder to all of how all competitiveness in our industry should conclude.

It was another super show and value-packed convention; organizers deserve much credit and many thanks for their efforts. There was much to discuss on the road home: would that foot of snow I'd lazily left on the hood of the van ever blow off? Did the deserts of Saskatchewan receive any snow at all? Would we one day see deer of Alberta magnitude on our farm? Did the winner of the "Last to Leave" contest ever leave? And wasn't it encouraging to get together with the progressive producers of Alberta? As skies cleared, the sun peeked out. More and more eager and hardy geese were spotted settling in for the long, but rewarding haul ahead. Conversation continued and we concluded, those Albertans were not only good friends, but they sure know how to initiate progress and proceed with a goal. Deer farming was definitely faring well in Alberta.

Randy Barks

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2001 - 2002 AWMDA ANTLER COMPETITION
ALBERTA OPEN

The 2002 Mule Deer Trophies have been sponsored by the following farms: (a special thank you to you!)
Westrock Game Farm: Ken & Kathy Jaffray, T'nT' Wildlife Ranch: Todd Lowen, Alberta Trophy Mulies: Tharen & Denise Soroka

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2001 - 2002 AWMDA ANTLER COMPETITION
NORTH AMERICAN OPEN

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ALBERTA WHITETAIL AND MULE DEER ASSOCIATION 2002 PREMIER BREEDER AWARDS

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ANTLERS: PART II

• Control of antler growth
  • Prolactin, Thyroid hormone and Testosterone
  • Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) and Growth Hormone
  • Others - T3, T4, Prolactin
• Control of Antler cycle
  • Testosterone
  • GnRH
  • Melatonin and Photoperiod

This article is available in full, in the print version of Deer Tracking.
To subscribe to this glossy magazine, please click here for a subscription form.

Next in Series

• ANTLER HARVEST
  • Restraint Methods
  • Correct Anesthesia
• ANTLER COMPOSITION AND QUALITY

Murray R. Woodbury DVM, MSc
Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Saskatoon, Canada

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BOTTLE FEEDING
THE ROMANUIK'S WHITETAILS WAY

At this time of year, the questions in the minds of many deer farmers revolve around the aspect of bottle-feeding those spotted babies. Last summer, (2001) we had the wonderful opportunity to spend a day visiting and learning from Len and Suzanne Romanuik of Candle Lake, Saskatchewan. Feeding time was fascinating. As we watched and asked many questions, we learned a lot. We were truly amazed with the efficiency and philosophy of their bottle feeding program. Thank you to Len and Suzanne for sharing their experiences with us and allowing us to share them in print.

This article is available in full, in the print version of Deer Tracking.
To subscribe to this glossy magazine, please click here for a subscription form.

Randy & Tara-Lynn Barks

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IS YOUR DESKTOP DISAPPEARING?

Is your desktop covered with paper piles, files, and pieces of paper that contain important notes or messages? Do you have any space left on your desk so you can carry out the work that needs to get done?

Your desk. This is where you expect to accomplish great things, or at least, be able to find things, such as those important papers at a moment's notice! Your desk can be a major key to reducing stress and improving productivity.

Your desk is important because it should be a place where you like to be and where you can function efficiently. Your desk is your control central!

It is where:

• You perform work involving papers and files.
• You access your telephone and computer.
• You receive, disburse, and manage mail and information.

With these various activities taking place in one central area, your desk is especially vulnerable to disorganization and clutter. The challenge you face is coping with the paper that pours onto your desk while keeping track of projects, managing your telephone calls, and dealing with interruptions.

A messy desk wastes time. It is a documented fact that a person spends an average of 22 minutes a day looking for things on or around their desk!

One time waster is revisiting those same piles of paper again and again as you look for a particular document. Those piles reduce your effectiveness and increase your frustration level!

Make files not piles. When information is in file folders and vertical, retrieval is faster. Take control by getting organized and maintaining order. If you develop a smooth paper flow system to keep paper moving off your desktop, you will always have a functional work area.

Take the "Desktop Clearing Mini-Workshop"

1. Divide and conquer your paperwork.

• Step back and ask yourself: "What is going on here? What work is taking place?"
• Quickly sort the papers on your desk into categories.

2. Create files not piles.

• Gather some file folders and a sheet of labels.
• Use meaningful titles for each category of information.
• Make two labels. Put on the file tab and one on the front cover. When the file is laying on your desk, the label on the cover will jump out at you!

3. Develop a desktop filing system.

• Purchase a simple desktop file unit to store your action files and work in progress.
• A file unit keeps files vertical, giving you instant access to valuable information.

Highly effective people work from a clean desk. Stay focussed and organized. Revisit these three steps whenever paper piles and clutter start to appear on your desk!

Improve your effectiveness and productivity by applying these simple organizing solutions. Experiencing organizing success at your desk will help you tackle bigger projects with minimum effort and maximum efficiency.

This article is an excerpt from "The Paper Chase Solutions Handbook".

Getting Organized Is Half Knowledge and Half Action Visit www.paperchasesolutions.com. This site is dedicated to providing organizing solutions and strategies to individuals, small business owners and business professionals. Sign up for your FREE subscription to a monthly newsletter, "Sticky Notes". It provides quick and practical solutions to help you manage your records, files and information.

About the Author: Karen D. Wright is a workshop facilitator and author of Paper Chase Solutions, Solving Your Organizational Dilemmas and Breakout Of The Busy-ness Trap. To order a copy, visit www.paperchasesolutions.com or place a phone order at 306-398-3662.

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ASK THE EXPERTS

This article is available in full, including the answers to the questions,
in the print version of Deer Tracking.
To subscribe to this glossy magazine, please click here for a subscription form.

Question:

What is cryptosporidium? How does it affect fawns? Is it treatable?

Question:

I know of a few deer farmers who have had necropsy reports sent back with Clostridial Perfingens Type A as the culprit. As I understand it, this occurs in New Zealand but is fairly rare in Canada where it usually shows up as Type B, C, D??? Can someone briefly discuss the differences between these types? What particularly causes Type A? And why do the various 8-way vaccines only cover Types B, C, and D? (Check your bottles- Type A is not listed). What can we do to avoid losing deer to Type A Clostridial Perfringens?

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THE MISADVENTURES OF JAKE AND IMA

Utter exhaustion had set in! An atmosphere of fatigue hung heavily over the home by day and by night death itself drew near. Drowsiness had long ago deflated into daytime delirium and, brain-thick with stupefying slumber, a nerve-numbed zombie walked the darkness. Jake could take no more! Fatherly love and deerfarmer devotion ran deep with the man, but those twin sirens wailing away the night and those dozen bleating beasts outside the bedroom window had taken their toll. Summoning the last of his sapped strength however, Jake heroically upheld the duties he'd so diligently and stoically stuck to for the last several weeks. He elbowed Ima and managed to mumble, "Hey Babe, your babies are calling you!" It was bottle-feeding season down on the deer farm!

This article is available in full, in the print version of Deer Tracking.
To subscribe to this glossy magazine, please click here for a subscription form.

L.O.L.

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SASKATCHEWAN PRODUCER PORTRAIT

ROSEWOOD GAME FARM

"Hey, I heard Ace was force-fed, hypnotized and sung to daily by Kathy or he'd never have grown that record rack!" I quipped into the phone.

"Yeah? Well, I heard your bottle fed yearling was never weaned, drinks two gallons of goat's milk a day, and is actually a grandson of Ace or he'd never have grown anything!" came Ron's ready retort.

When rumours run rampant, learn to laugh and then dare to ask a few direct questions. Are Ron and Kathy Friesen and Rosewood Game Farm getting out of deer? Only if maintaining 100 deer at any given time is "getting out"! Meet the veteran family and farm whose excellent reputation has spread literally across North America and learn why panic picked up across the prairies when word spread of a certain farm sale.

This article is available in full, in the print version of Deer Tracking.
To subscribe to this glossy magazine, please click here for a subscription form.

Randy Barks

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ALBERTA PRODUCER PORTRAIT

GLORYVIEW WHITETAILS

There's something spectacular, even glorious about a thunderstorm. The way it descends from the heavens in a splendid display of power and beauty is breath- taking, leaving an impression on everyone in its path. There is a farm and a deer aptly named after this natural phenomenon, capturing attention across Canada. Meet Gloryview Whitetails, proud and appreciative home of Thunderhead.

This article is available in full, in the print version of Deer Tracking.
To subscribe to this glossy magazine, please click here for a subscription form.

Randy Barks

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LEGAL STATEMENT

©2002 DeerTracking.com