President's Message Summer / Fall 2015
The days are getting shorter and it will not be long until we turn the corner on another brutal EHD season. I have received calls from all areas of the state with producers experiencing problems with the deadly disease. Research is currently being conducted at Kansas State University, Texas Tech, and the University of Florida.
I am proud to announce WOO’s favorite son Tim Condict has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Deer Breeders Corporation in Texas. Unless you have been hiding under a rock, then you know the Texas deer breeders are experiencing Gestapo-like tactics that are being administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife after CWD was reported on a farm in Medina County, in the San Antonio area.
With a knee-jerk reaction, Texas producers were forced to test 4.5% of their entire herd, whether affiliated with the index herd or not, to be able to continue conducting business. Many innocent animals are being destroyed unnecessarily while pleas to use the live rectal biopsy fall on deaf ears. WOO support DBC and TDA in calling for live testing. With Tim on the job, I’m certain they will come to an agreement that they all can live with.
It was a busy summer as I attended the Missouri summer conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. Everyone was upbeat and confident that the issues with the conservation department would swing their way. A few days after, news came out that a judge had ruled Missouri deer farmers owned their deer, not the state of Missouri. I’m sure there will be an appeal, so if you wish to buy or sell Missouri deer, you would be well advised to do so in a timely manner in case the ruling is changed.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife will be conducting its annual outdoor expo Friday, September 25th through Sunday, September 27th. It’s a great time, especially if you have kids. It’s a must attend; your kids will have the time of their lives. I will have pictures and a story in our next publication. Rumor has it that we might receive a visit from Tonto himself, we will see. Later in October I will be attending the 119th annual United States Animal Health Association in Providence, Rhode Island. The USAHA is where resolutions are submitted by committee to the USDA for consideration for new and old regulation on agricultural laws that affect us all as cervid producers. It is the most important of all the meetings that WOO, NADeFA, and other state organizations attend.
In closing, I want to express concern bringing stocker deer from the north. So many CWD positives have been discovered the previous months that it’s been difficult to keep up with. So if you are purchasing and moving deer to Oklahoma, do your homework and make sure the producer has not been involved in a trace back or has directly had positives on their farm. I know the prices can be enticing, but I do not want to have to deal with a positive animal in Oklahoma. It only starts a chain reaction that is not pleasant and something we do not want on our plate. So do the math and take into account the added expense and risk, and compare to buying right here at home.
I am proud to announce WOO’s favorite son Tim Condict has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Deer Breeders Corporation in Texas. Unless you have been hiding under a rock, then you know the Texas deer breeders are experiencing Gestapo-like tactics that are being administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife after CWD was reported on a farm in Medina County, in the San Antonio area.
With a knee-jerk reaction, Texas producers were forced to test 4.5% of their entire herd, whether affiliated with the index herd or not, to be able to continue conducting business. Many innocent animals are being destroyed unnecessarily while pleas to use the live rectal biopsy fall on deaf ears. WOO support DBC and TDA in calling for live testing. With Tim on the job, I’m certain they will come to an agreement that they all can live with.
It was a busy summer as I attended the Missouri summer conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. Everyone was upbeat and confident that the issues with the conservation department would swing their way. A few days after, news came out that a judge had ruled Missouri deer farmers owned their deer, not the state of Missouri. I’m sure there will be an appeal, so if you wish to buy or sell Missouri deer, you would be well advised to do so in a timely manner in case the ruling is changed.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife will be conducting its annual outdoor expo Friday, September 25th through Sunday, September 27th. It’s a great time, especially if you have kids. It’s a must attend; your kids will have the time of their lives. I will have pictures and a story in our next publication. Rumor has it that we might receive a visit from Tonto himself, we will see. Later in October I will be attending the 119th annual United States Animal Health Association in Providence, Rhode Island. The USAHA is where resolutions are submitted by committee to the USDA for consideration for new and old regulation on agricultural laws that affect us all as cervid producers. It is the most important of all the meetings that WOO, NADeFA, and other state organizations attend.
In closing, I want to express concern bringing stocker deer from the north. So many CWD positives have been discovered the previous months that it’s been difficult to keep up with. So if you are purchasing and moving deer to Oklahoma, do your homework and make sure the producer has not been involved in a trace back or has directly had positives on their farm. I know the prices can be enticing, but I do not want to have to deal with a positive animal in Oklahoma. It only starts a chain reaction that is not pleasant and something we do not want on our plate. So do the math and take into account the added expense and risk, and compare to buying right here at home.
Treasurer's Message Summer / Fall 2015
Hello Everyone,
Summer is almost over Thank God! I hope all of you and your family and deer are doing well. I wanted to share a couple of weird deer experiences with everyone, as we’ve had several this year.
First, we had a fawn born and when I picked it up to see if it was a buck or doe fawn, there was nothing there, I mean nothing!! “I’m really not sure what to do with this situation”, were my first thoughts, but the fawn was sickly so we started it on the bottle. A couple of days went by and the fawn’s defecation had created a hole through the skin. We then took a scalpel and removed a flap of skin which had been created. Apparently the fawn was born with an external layer of skin covering everything else. Well, it turned out it was a buck fawn but now his whole back side had turned into an open wound. We kept applying diaper rash cream on the area and finally got it all healed up. Shortly after the healing, the fawn started having a severe case of diarrhea that was so bad it would hose down the rest of the fawns at 20 feet! So we did the normal stuff to get him cleared up and then later noticed he was using extreme effort to defecate. We looked him over closely and discovered that his rectum had shrunk to the size of a pin hole. We then had to take him to the vet for rectum reconstruction surgery.
Our next round we had a doe fawn that had what we thought was lumpy jaw on the side of her face. We gave her Draxxin and it just wouldn’t go away! I brought her to the vet and he located a grub within her jaw. It was a very discomforting sight! The grub was huge, almost the size of my thumb! However, she was all fine once the grub had been removed.
The last experience occurred last year. I came out to do my regular health checks and noticed a buck fawn with blood all over his back side. He had a prolapsed rectum. Not cool! So we put him to sleep, cleaned things up and put everything back where it was supposed to be. You basically have to push all the portion of the large intestine back in. A very pleasant experience I assure you.
That’s it for me.
If anyone needs anything give me a call.
Ben Pogany
Summer is almost over Thank God! I hope all of you and your family and deer are doing well. I wanted to share a couple of weird deer experiences with everyone, as we’ve had several this year.
First, we had a fawn born and when I picked it up to see if it was a buck or doe fawn, there was nothing there, I mean nothing!! “I’m really not sure what to do with this situation”, were my first thoughts, but the fawn was sickly so we started it on the bottle. A couple of days went by and the fawn’s defecation had created a hole through the skin. We then took a scalpel and removed a flap of skin which had been created. Apparently the fawn was born with an external layer of skin covering everything else. Well, it turned out it was a buck fawn but now his whole back side had turned into an open wound. We kept applying diaper rash cream on the area and finally got it all healed up. Shortly after the healing, the fawn started having a severe case of diarrhea that was so bad it would hose down the rest of the fawns at 20 feet! So we did the normal stuff to get him cleared up and then later noticed he was using extreme effort to defecate. We looked him over closely and discovered that his rectum had shrunk to the size of a pin hole. We then had to take him to the vet for rectum reconstruction surgery.
Our next round we had a doe fawn that had what we thought was lumpy jaw on the side of her face. We gave her Draxxin and it just wouldn’t go away! I brought her to the vet and he located a grub within her jaw. It was a very discomforting sight! The grub was huge, almost the size of my thumb! However, she was all fine once the grub had been removed.
The last experience occurred last year. I came out to do my regular health checks and noticed a buck fawn with blood all over his back side. He had a prolapsed rectum. Not cool! So we put him to sleep, cleaned things up and put everything back where it was supposed to be. You basically have to push all the portion of the large intestine back in. A very pleasant experience I assure you.
That’s it for me.
If anyone needs anything give me a call.
Ben Pogany
Secretary's Message Summer / Fall 2015
Hello Fellow Dear Farmers,
I hope you and your families are doing well. It is my favorite time of the year...fall! It’s time to start cutting antlers off the young bucks and breeder bucks, weaning and sorting the fawns, and getting all of mine and my friend’s stocker bucks sold and delivered safely. Now is the time to make the big decisions all over again. What sire to breed to what doe? Which doe are you going to sell and which deer auction are you going to put her in? What genetics are you going to buy to improve your herd? So many decisions to make and I love every bit of it. With prices going up and down all across the nation.
Chris Ezell
Secretary Whitetails of Oklahoma
I hope you and your families are doing well. It is my favorite time of the year...fall! It’s time to start cutting antlers off the young bucks and breeder bucks, weaning and sorting the fawns, and getting all of mine and my friend’s stocker bucks sold and delivered safely. Now is the time to make the big decisions all over again. What sire to breed to what doe? Which doe are you going to sell and which deer auction are you going to put her in? What genetics are you going to buy to improve your herd? So many decisions to make and I love every bit of it. With prices going up and down all across the nation.
Chris Ezell
Secretary Whitetails of Oklahoma
Director's Message Summer / Fall 2015
Hello to All,
This is always the time of year I feel is the hardest to address everyone. You never really know how mild or bad the EHD/BT season has been on each deer farmer & preserve owner to where condolences are due or if you just jump straight into the exciting adventure of all the bucks grown out this year & getting ready for breeding. With that said I’ll just pass along my best to everyone & hope you are having a good year.
I guess everyone is starting to plan & lay out that breeding program. Which bucks to which doe’s to what semen to which live cover is going through the minds. You might also be eyeing that certain deer in a certain catalog that may be approaching in a sale with the auction season in swing as well. I’ll be honest, I like trying to make the best of my breeding program each year & letting the imagination run wild as to what will come of my efforts. It’s an exciting game & games are meant to be fun. Don’t forget the fun!
In addition to breeding this time of year, we get the hunting season. We all get to go & throw on the old camo, sling a few practice arrows & hang the stands for what plans to be a successful hunt. I know the preserve owners in our state are gearing up for a good year & I hope you each get a full booking for a successful year.
Good luck to everyone in all your deer farming efforts, hunting efforts, sales & bookings as we advance though the Fall season.
Larry Armstrong
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
This is always the time of year I feel is the hardest to address everyone. You never really know how mild or bad the EHD/BT season has been on each deer farmer & preserve owner to where condolences are due or if you just jump straight into the exciting adventure of all the bucks grown out this year & getting ready for breeding. With that said I’ll just pass along my best to everyone & hope you are having a good year.
I guess everyone is starting to plan & lay out that breeding program. Which bucks to which doe’s to what semen to which live cover is going through the minds. You might also be eyeing that certain deer in a certain catalog that may be approaching in a sale with the auction season in swing as well. I’ll be honest, I like trying to make the best of my breeding program each year & letting the imagination run wild as to what will come of my efforts. It’s an exciting game & games are meant to be fun. Don’t forget the fun!
In addition to breeding this time of year, we get the hunting season. We all get to go & throw on the old camo, sling a few practice arrows & hang the stands for what plans to be a successful hunt. I know the preserve owners in our state are gearing up for a good year & I hope you each get a full booking for a successful year.
Good luck to everyone in all your deer farming efforts, hunting efforts, sales & bookings as we advance though the Fall season.
Larry Armstrong
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
Director's Message Summer / Fall 2015
Greetings fellow members,
Hoping you all made it through the record setting floods this spring. The 60+ days of rain and mud sent a new challenge to our fawns.
As most of you surely know by now, Texas had its first CWD positive case in a captive herd earlier this year and now a second case came out in the trace back process. Hopefully the governing bodies will use logic in the days ahead. I know Shawn Schaffer has worked tirelessly on this issue to help keep things in a positive direction for us all.
As breeders, we are very blessed to have Shawn on the front lines representing us with NADeFA. I have witnessed him at work many times at Washington D.C., and our state convention, along with other state conventions. He KNOWS what he’s talking about and doesn’t stutter or
stammer about the facts, as he presents them in a logical manner. Thanks Shawn for all you do!!!
Also a big “Thank You” to Skip West, he gives Oklahoma a good name across the country as he takes time away from his family and job.
In closing, be sure and open your Department of Ag letters and check the new dates for your annual reports. They have changed and for me it will help.
Hope to see everyone soon, and be thinking about what we can do to prepare for NADeFA coming to Tulsa in a few months.
Wishing you all a great year,
Joel Trammell
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
Hoping you all made it through the record setting floods this spring. The 60+ days of rain and mud sent a new challenge to our fawns.
As most of you surely know by now, Texas had its first CWD positive case in a captive herd earlier this year and now a second case came out in the trace back process. Hopefully the governing bodies will use logic in the days ahead. I know Shawn Schaffer has worked tirelessly on this issue to help keep things in a positive direction for us all.
As breeders, we are very blessed to have Shawn on the front lines representing us with NADeFA. I have witnessed him at work many times at Washington D.C., and our state convention, along with other state conventions. He KNOWS what he’s talking about and doesn’t stutter or
stammer about the facts, as he presents them in a logical manner. Thanks Shawn for all you do!!!
Also a big “Thank You” to Skip West, he gives Oklahoma a good name across the country as he takes time away from his family and job.
In closing, be sure and open your Department of Ag letters and check the new dates for your annual reports. They have changed and for me it will help.
Hope to see everyone soon, and be thinking about what we can do to prepare for NADeFA coming to Tulsa in a few months.
Wishing you all a great year,
Joel Trammell
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
President's Message Spring 2015
Well the calendar reads that it is spring, though we all know being from Oklahoma that can be subjective. I have written many times in our magazine, but this is the first time to write the President’s message. In doing so, I must bid farewell to my dearest friend Tim Condict. I cannot even begin to tell all the beneficial things Tim has done for WOO and the nation’s deer farmers as well. There aren’t words to thank him for what he has accomplished that benefit us all. Thank you, Tim. Your hard work and effort will live on every time someone new enters the industry and every animal harvested on a hunting preserve. I have to admit those are big shoes to fill, but I will diligently strive to do just that. In doing so, we will continue to make Oklahoma the deer friendliest state that we have been recognized for.
Since our last publication, WOO has been busy with our annual events. Our state convention was in February. I want to thank everyone that attended and who donated to our fund raiser. The money that is raised at the convention goes towards the funds we operate on each year. Donating to the Wildlife Dept., the D.C. Fly-In, National lobbyist fees to NADeFA, the FFA Convention, USAHA meetings, and the summertime picnic are a few of the events the money raised at the convention help power. Granted we don’t have as big of a war chest as some state organizations, but we also do not have the legal issues that others do. So I would rather have good rules and less governmental intrusion than a big war chest that is constantly being used to defend our main goal, and that is to raise deer with less regulation.
The NADeFA conference was in March in French Lick, Indiana and several Oklahoma deer farmers attended. While talking about the NADeFA conference, I am proud to announce that it will be held in Tulsa in 2016. We want to show the nation all the awesome things about Oklahoma that Tim and I are always bragging about, so we will need help from all of our members to make it an event they will all remember and make them want to return to this great state we call home.
Tim, Kevin Wallace, and I attended the Oklahoma Wildlife Management Association legislative dinner that was co-sponsored by WOO. It was a beautiful evening and many legislators and Dept. of Wildlife executives attended. By sponsoring this event it is another way of making deer farming mainstream and in the minds of legislators and wildlife officials that are instrumental in making Oklahoma the most deer farming friendly state in the U.S. I’m not just saying that, that’s the way it is.
By the time you receive this edition, the summer picnic will have come and gone but I want to thank all the board members for all the effort they put in to make this a successful event.
Finally, I will be talking more about this in my CLF report, but there is a lot of CWD research in the pipeline. With that being said, conservationists can no longer make lackadaisical comments that are not true. They will have to be more careful with their comments than in the past. There is CWD vaccine research, live testing, and many others that will in the near future curb the lies and half the truths. I already see some softening with some DNR’s and expect more in the future.
Once again I want to thank all the members of WOO for all they do to make Oklahoma not only the home of the free and the brave, but a great place to be a deer farmer. ~ Skip West
Since our last publication, WOO has been busy with our annual events. Our state convention was in February. I want to thank everyone that attended and who donated to our fund raiser. The money that is raised at the convention goes towards the funds we operate on each year. Donating to the Wildlife Dept., the D.C. Fly-In, National lobbyist fees to NADeFA, the FFA Convention, USAHA meetings, and the summertime picnic are a few of the events the money raised at the convention help power. Granted we don’t have as big of a war chest as some state organizations, but we also do not have the legal issues that others do. So I would rather have good rules and less governmental intrusion than a big war chest that is constantly being used to defend our main goal, and that is to raise deer with less regulation.
The NADeFA conference was in March in French Lick, Indiana and several Oklahoma deer farmers attended. While talking about the NADeFA conference, I am proud to announce that it will be held in Tulsa in 2016. We want to show the nation all the awesome things about Oklahoma that Tim and I are always bragging about, so we will need help from all of our members to make it an event they will all remember and make them want to return to this great state we call home.
Tim, Kevin Wallace, and I attended the Oklahoma Wildlife Management Association legislative dinner that was co-sponsored by WOO. It was a beautiful evening and many legislators and Dept. of Wildlife executives attended. By sponsoring this event it is another way of making deer farming mainstream and in the minds of legislators and wildlife officials that are instrumental in making Oklahoma the most deer farming friendly state in the U.S. I’m not just saying that, that’s the way it is.
By the time you receive this edition, the summer picnic will have come and gone but I want to thank all the board members for all the effort they put in to make this a successful event.
Finally, I will be talking more about this in my CLF report, but there is a lot of CWD research in the pipeline. With that being said, conservationists can no longer make lackadaisical comments that are not true. They will have to be more careful with their comments than in the past. There is CWD vaccine research, live testing, and many others that will in the near future curb the lies and half the truths. I already see some softening with some DNR’s and expect more in the future.
Once again I want to thank all the members of WOO for all they do to make Oklahoma not only the home of the free and the brave, but a great place to be a deer farmer. ~ Skip West
Director's Message Spring 2015
Hello Everyone,
Well I guess this note will find most every deer farmer either getting ready for fawns or already taking care of fawns. I hope that everyone ends up with a great success from their breeding. The “off season” is pretty much over and everything kicks into high gear once again with the wee ones hitting the ground. We also get the pleasure and excitement of watching our bucks as their new set of antlers continue to grow. I am always wondering what each buck will do or become, but only time will tell.
We had another great Convention this year in Broken Arrow, OK. It was very nice to get to see all you folks again and many of you that I had missed over the last year or two. Thank you all for the support, donations and contributions. Your continued efforts to keep Whitetails of Oklahoma strong have been steadfast and in turn have kept our industry strong in Oklahoma. Not only for deer farmers and breeders, but preserve owners and operators of all types as well as all other species of deer and exotics and other. Together we keep our industry strong and continue to increase the economic contributions across the board for many other Oklahomans. I’m sure everyone has another family member or friend that also benefits down the line as an employee to something tied to our industry and what we do. It is very much appreciated.
Many of you probably know and others not, but Whitetails of Oklahoma has both a web page at www.whitetailsofoklahoma.com as well as a Facebook page. Please feel free to visit and use these sites. They are yours and for the strength and expansion of our membership and industry here in Oklahoma. We always welcome your feedback and look forward to your activity on our Facebook page.
I’m sure by the time this reaches you I will have seen many of you at the Spring Picnic. I’m looking forward to it and if I miss you I will catch you soon or at our 2016 Convention hopefully. Take care and God Bless!
Best,
Larry Armstrong
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
Well I guess this note will find most every deer farmer either getting ready for fawns or already taking care of fawns. I hope that everyone ends up with a great success from their breeding. The “off season” is pretty much over and everything kicks into high gear once again with the wee ones hitting the ground. We also get the pleasure and excitement of watching our bucks as their new set of antlers continue to grow. I am always wondering what each buck will do or become, but only time will tell.
We had another great Convention this year in Broken Arrow, OK. It was very nice to get to see all you folks again and many of you that I had missed over the last year or two. Thank you all for the support, donations and contributions. Your continued efforts to keep Whitetails of Oklahoma strong have been steadfast and in turn have kept our industry strong in Oklahoma. Not only for deer farmers and breeders, but preserve owners and operators of all types as well as all other species of deer and exotics and other. Together we keep our industry strong and continue to increase the economic contributions across the board for many other Oklahomans. I’m sure everyone has another family member or friend that also benefits down the line as an employee to something tied to our industry and what we do. It is very much appreciated.
Many of you probably know and others not, but Whitetails of Oklahoma has both a web page at www.whitetailsofoklahoma.com as well as a Facebook page. Please feel free to visit and use these sites. They are yours and for the strength and expansion of our membership and industry here in Oklahoma. We always welcome your feedback and look forward to your activity on our Facebook page.
I’m sure by the time this reaches you I will have seen many of you at the Spring Picnic. I’m looking forward to it and if I miss you I will catch you soon or at our 2016 Convention hopefully. Take care and God Bless!
Best,
Larry Armstrong
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
Director's Message Spring 2015
As I write this letter our bucks have started growing out and our fawns are almost here, mushrooms are coming to an end and the pollen is falling. The leaves are filling the trees and the grass needs cut. I realize how good God really is. Nature always has a way of producing what we need and replenishing what we use. Hunting and fishing is our way of life and hopefully always will be for generations to come. I am blessed to be a full time deer farmer, husband, and a father of four. I moved here from Louisiana three years ago with just my wife and kids. The deer industry has taken us in and made us feel like we were born in Oklahoma. If anyone has ever thought about being a deer farmer or even thinks it could be a possibility, Oklahoma would be the state to do it in. I’m pretty sure if they let this crazy Cajun in you could too. (LOL) I would like to thank Whitetails of Oklahoma for fighting for our rights and beliefs and I am proud to be on their team to continue that fight. I am grateful to be able to sit on the board of Whitetails of Oklahoma next to some of the finest deer farmers in the country. Our spring picnic is going to happen May 2nd and I hope to see everyone and their families there.
Sincerely,
Donnie Rivers | Bent Pine Ranch
Sincerely,
Donnie Rivers | Bent Pine Ranch
Treasurer's Message Spring 2015
Hello Everyone,
I hope your families and your deer are doing well. I enjoyed seeing everyone at the 2015 WOO convention and hope to see all of you at our upcoming picnic. As most of you know we have had some board member changes and our new president is Mr. Skip West. Skip has done an amazing amount of work for Whitetails of Oklahoma. I am excited to have him and our other knew board members on the board.
We’re getting real close to fawning season. It’s an exciting time of year for all of us. We have 38 bred does this year so it’s going to be a little crazy! The other exciting news is that the NADEFA Convention is going to be held in Tulsa this year.
I hope to have a record breaking attendance at this year’s picnic.
Thanks,
Ben Pogany
I hope your families and your deer are doing well. I enjoyed seeing everyone at the 2015 WOO convention and hope to see all of you at our upcoming picnic. As most of you know we have had some board member changes and our new president is Mr. Skip West. Skip has done an amazing amount of work for Whitetails of Oklahoma. I am excited to have him and our other knew board members on the board.
We’re getting real close to fawning season. It’s an exciting time of year for all of us. We have 38 bred does this year so it’s going to be a little crazy! The other exciting news is that the NADEFA Convention is going to be held in Tulsa this year.
I hope to have a record breaking attendance at this year’s picnic.
Thanks,
Ben Pogany
Director's Message Spring 2015
Hello Deer Farmers,
First off, thank you much to those of you who voted for me this past winter for the opportunity to be part of the WOO board, representing the greatest state -Oklahoma! With that said, it is important for all to be involved with WOO and encourage others as well. Reasoning - WOO is very involved lobbying and campaigning for our state, fighting for what’s right so we can continue raising the animal we all love. Furthermore, WOO helps us all on the federal level as well. I have learned, there is a lot that happens that cervidae license holders are unaware of. So these are the main reasons ...in my opinion...why it is important to support and be involved with our organization.
On the other hand, here at B&K whitetails we are excited for the upcoming 2015 fawning season going into our 3rd summer. Our whitetail herd has grown in the direction genetically and nutritionally we have strived for and we have learned a lot what to do and what not to do along the way.
In conclusion, thanks to all again. If I can help anyone of you with anything, than please call anytime. With that said, if I don’t know or haven’t experienced your situation, then I will not blow smoke, but will point ya in the right direction!
Thank You All & Happy Fawning!
Regards,
Bryce Scalf | B&K Whitetails, LLC | (405)-312-8741
First off, thank you much to those of you who voted for me this past winter for the opportunity to be part of the WOO board, representing the greatest state -Oklahoma! With that said, it is important for all to be involved with WOO and encourage others as well. Reasoning - WOO is very involved lobbying and campaigning for our state, fighting for what’s right so we can continue raising the animal we all love. Furthermore, WOO helps us all on the federal level as well. I have learned, there is a lot that happens that cervidae license holders are unaware of. So these are the main reasons ...in my opinion...why it is important to support and be involved with our organization.
On the other hand, here at B&K whitetails we are excited for the upcoming 2015 fawning season going into our 3rd summer. Our whitetail herd has grown in the direction genetically and nutritionally we have strived for and we have learned a lot what to do and what not to do along the way.
In conclusion, thanks to all again. If I can help anyone of you with anything, than please call anytime. With that said, if I don’t know or haven’t experienced your situation, then I will not blow smoke, but will point ya in the right direction!
Thank You All & Happy Fawning!
Regards,
Bryce Scalf | B&K Whitetails, LLC | (405)-312-8741
President's Message Winter 2014/2015
This will be my last President’s Message. It kind of makes me sad and happy at the same time. My memories of travel and accomplishments for Whitetails of Oklahoma are many. I have literally travelled the nation promoting our state and industry. I have worked tirelessly in Oklahoma to make us a great state to be involved in the deer industry. What a journey.
I remember getting the call from, then state vet, Burke Healy explaining the advantages of starting an association. He explained that just having the numbers and the title would help when I was working with lawmakers. I called David McQuaig and we worked on putting together a meeting and getting all the breeders we knew to attend. I don’t think any of us realized the road ahead. I became a board member that day and David became President. I never dreamed of how many hours and roads the two of us would spend over the next several years going to meetings and fighting for our state. Those were some of the best times of my life. Thank you to David and Holly, as well, who stepped in and helped when needed it. I want to thank all of the good board members and members that have ever worked, donated or helped in any way.
Oklahoma has become recognized across this nation as a leader in our industry by having sensible regulations. We must never go backwards! Part of the reason we have great rules lies at the feet of Dr. Justin Roach and State Vet Dr. Rod Hall. These two guys exemplify the mission statement of our great Department of Agriculture. Not only are they great to work with but I think the world of both guys and call them friends. A lot of you saw the rocky start Dr. Roach and I had, but he really has his heart in the right place and I am very proud of him and Nichole for the speed in which our needs are handled. Please thank them when the opportunity arises.
I could write a book about the next guy, Skip West. I already have tears after one line. Of all the people I have ever met in my life I have never met a more giving person who will stand with me through hell and back. Skip, I truly do appreciate you and love you. You are the greatest man I have ever known outside of family. If I ever had to pick one person to have my back it would be Skip because I never had to wonder where he stands. I am proud you are my friend. Skip also is a somebody that you guys need to thank because you have no idea how many miles and how many days away from home and work has been given to you for free. He also has become a national leader as well and I truly can’t find words to say to show my appreciation. Thank you Skip, you will forever be my brother and I think the world of your wife and kids!
Larry Armstrong has worked endless hours as well and continues to do so. Larry is a stickler for detail, which is handy around me. He has covered for me many times and I appreciate what he has done. A lot of these things are not noticed by members and sometimes not even seen by the board. Please thank Larry when you see him. Larry, I appreciate all you have done not only for Whitetails of Oklahoma but on a personal level as well. You are a great friend. Thank you. I love you and your family!
Aaron Pace, awe the innocent guy from over by Sallisaw. Some of my best memories of the deer business were spent with you in my deer pens. A young man with a passion, we spent many hours sitting up there on that hill talking and planning the dream you had. What a decent person you are and such a great friend. I think the world of you and I am glad to see the dream has become a reality. Aaron never will forget these words, don’t deviate! I love your whole family Aaron. You know you are my little brother and I love you!!
James Hail has travelled the country with me. We have almost died together at the hands of a terrorist flying to Chicago. We have laughed a million miles together and served at the national level as well. I can still remember the first convention James attended and sold a cow to give me a $500.00 donation for expenses I had incurred at the federal level. That said a lot about the man. I watched him find his way to God and the release of struggles he had faced. James, you have stood strong with your belief and I am most proud of you for that. A strong family man with convictions that have mellowed when needed. He has been a great friend. You never realize how much time you have spent with someone until you stop to think about it. Thank you James for being my friend and I love you brother and all of your family!
Jim Belk, a man of integrity with a great sense of purpose. I just think the world of Jim and can’t think of one time he hasn’t handled every situation with the most loving and caring manner possible. Always eager to help and he just has goodness running off of him. Another guy who has always had my back and a person that I never question his motives or where he stands. Simply put, Jim is a person who wants the best for others. I appreciate you, Jim, and I love you and your wife. What great people!!!
Chris Ezell, hasn’t been around long but he reminds me a little of myself. Chris just works his butt off in the deer business because he can’t afford to fail. I believe he will be successful and around forever. He works hard for our association as well and does a great job. Chris can’t stand for someone not to like him and if you see him please tell him how much you appreciate his work and at least act like you like him. I have really enjoyed getting to know you Chris and I appreciate everything you do. I hope you are successful as I believe you will be. I love you and your wife and enjoy hanging out with you guys.
Ben Pogany, has hit the ground running in the deer business and has learned his way around. He has been working at any job he can volunteer for or get handed to him. His wife is extraordinary and just jumps in to help. You guys are future great leaders of our state and I hope everyone tells them thank you. I love your entire family for what you are doing and appreciate the values you are raising your kids with. Thank you!!
Joe Trammel, well I could go all night again. We have been everywhere from Washington to Austin together. I knew Joe when we didn’t have deer. I have witnessed Joe be taken to the bottom with unimaginable tragedy that broke all of our hearts. I can’t imagine the struggles you faced. He may have been taken down but he got up and came back stronger than ever. It is great to see your happiness and the love of family that you have. I am happy for you and proud of you! I love you guys and look forward to more new memories. Thanks for your dedication to our association and the industry.
Kevin Wallace, Travis Barker, Craig Crystal, Rob Bunch, Bob Moore, David King, John Battles and Jerry Shelton are all past board members and great friends. I have spent so much time with these guys, they truly are family. Congratulations to Kevin Wallace for winning his race for the Oklahoma Legislature. I love you guys as well and I think you already know that.
I also want to thank Kathy Giesen for the work she has done for us with the magazine and everything else under the sun. You have been so great to work with Kathy and I know we hold a special place in your heart as well. I love you and you will always be a great friend.
I am not riding off into the sunset but I need a breather. Life can be tough sometimes and every now and then we have to get it all in line. Thank you to all my friends in this great business for having faith in me and allowing me to represent you. I think together we have been great!!!! I have so many friends and memories from our work together that I wonder how it was all possible in such a short time. I hope you guys never forget where we come from and how far we came because we can NEVER go back.
Thanks,
Tim Condict signing off
I remember getting the call from, then state vet, Burke Healy explaining the advantages of starting an association. He explained that just having the numbers and the title would help when I was working with lawmakers. I called David McQuaig and we worked on putting together a meeting and getting all the breeders we knew to attend. I don’t think any of us realized the road ahead. I became a board member that day and David became President. I never dreamed of how many hours and roads the two of us would spend over the next several years going to meetings and fighting for our state. Those were some of the best times of my life. Thank you to David and Holly, as well, who stepped in and helped when needed it. I want to thank all of the good board members and members that have ever worked, donated or helped in any way.
Oklahoma has become recognized across this nation as a leader in our industry by having sensible regulations. We must never go backwards! Part of the reason we have great rules lies at the feet of Dr. Justin Roach and State Vet Dr. Rod Hall. These two guys exemplify the mission statement of our great Department of Agriculture. Not only are they great to work with but I think the world of both guys and call them friends. A lot of you saw the rocky start Dr. Roach and I had, but he really has his heart in the right place and I am very proud of him and Nichole for the speed in which our needs are handled. Please thank them when the opportunity arises.
I could write a book about the next guy, Skip West. I already have tears after one line. Of all the people I have ever met in my life I have never met a more giving person who will stand with me through hell and back. Skip, I truly do appreciate you and love you. You are the greatest man I have ever known outside of family. If I ever had to pick one person to have my back it would be Skip because I never had to wonder where he stands. I am proud you are my friend. Skip also is a somebody that you guys need to thank because you have no idea how many miles and how many days away from home and work has been given to you for free. He also has become a national leader as well and I truly can’t find words to say to show my appreciation. Thank you Skip, you will forever be my brother and I think the world of your wife and kids!
Larry Armstrong has worked endless hours as well and continues to do so. Larry is a stickler for detail, which is handy around me. He has covered for me many times and I appreciate what he has done. A lot of these things are not noticed by members and sometimes not even seen by the board. Please thank Larry when you see him. Larry, I appreciate all you have done not only for Whitetails of Oklahoma but on a personal level as well. You are a great friend. Thank you. I love you and your family!
Aaron Pace, awe the innocent guy from over by Sallisaw. Some of my best memories of the deer business were spent with you in my deer pens. A young man with a passion, we spent many hours sitting up there on that hill talking and planning the dream you had. What a decent person you are and such a great friend. I think the world of you and I am glad to see the dream has become a reality. Aaron never will forget these words, don’t deviate! I love your whole family Aaron. You know you are my little brother and I love you!!
James Hail has travelled the country with me. We have almost died together at the hands of a terrorist flying to Chicago. We have laughed a million miles together and served at the national level as well. I can still remember the first convention James attended and sold a cow to give me a $500.00 donation for expenses I had incurred at the federal level. That said a lot about the man. I watched him find his way to God and the release of struggles he had faced. James, you have stood strong with your belief and I am most proud of you for that. A strong family man with convictions that have mellowed when needed. He has been a great friend. You never realize how much time you have spent with someone until you stop to think about it. Thank you James for being my friend and I love you brother and all of your family!
Jim Belk, a man of integrity with a great sense of purpose. I just think the world of Jim and can’t think of one time he hasn’t handled every situation with the most loving and caring manner possible. Always eager to help and he just has goodness running off of him. Another guy who has always had my back and a person that I never question his motives or where he stands. Simply put, Jim is a person who wants the best for others. I appreciate you, Jim, and I love you and your wife. What great people!!!
Chris Ezell, hasn’t been around long but he reminds me a little of myself. Chris just works his butt off in the deer business because he can’t afford to fail. I believe he will be successful and around forever. He works hard for our association as well and does a great job. Chris can’t stand for someone not to like him and if you see him please tell him how much you appreciate his work and at least act like you like him. I have really enjoyed getting to know you Chris and I appreciate everything you do. I hope you are successful as I believe you will be. I love you and your wife and enjoy hanging out with you guys.
Ben Pogany, has hit the ground running in the deer business and has learned his way around. He has been working at any job he can volunteer for or get handed to him. His wife is extraordinary and just jumps in to help. You guys are future great leaders of our state and I hope everyone tells them thank you. I love your entire family for what you are doing and appreciate the values you are raising your kids with. Thank you!!
Joe Trammel, well I could go all night again. We have been everywhere from Washington to Austin together. I knew Joe when we didn’t have deer. I have witnessed Joe be taken to the bottom with unimaginable tragedy that broke all of our hearts. I can’t imagine the struggles you faced. He may have been taken down but he got up and came back stronger than ever. It is great to see your happiness and the love of family that you have. I am happy for you and proud of you! I love you guys and look forward to more new memories. Thanks for your dedication to our association and the industry.
Kevin Wallace, Travis Barker, Craig Crystal, Rob Bunch, Bob Moore, David King, John Battles and Jerry Shelton are all past board members and great friends. I have spent so much time with these guys, they truly are family. Congratulations to Kevin Wallace for winning his race for the Oklahoma Legislature. I love you guys as well and I think you already know that.
I also want to thank Kathy Giesen for the work she has done for us with the magazine and everything else under the sun. You have been so great to work with Kathy and I know we hold a special place in your heart as well. I love you and you will always be a great friend.
I am not riding off into the sunset but I need a breather. Life can be tough sometimes and every now and then we have to get it all in line. Thank you to all my friends in this great business for having faith in me and allowing me to represent you. I think together we have been great!!!! I have so many friends and memories from our work together that I wonder how it was all possible in such a short time. I hope you guys never forget where we come from and how far we came because we can NEVER go back.
Thanks,
Tim Condict signing off
Vice President's Message Winter 2014/2015
The calendar is now all but gone, and the winter solstice has come and passed. Though it doesn’t seem like it, each day is getting longer. Before you know it, the leaves on the trees will begin to reappear. The same holds true for the life of a deer farmer; the does have all been bred and the circle of life will reset itself just as the trees and all the creatures of the earth that the Lord has blessed us with.
The last time we reported to the members, we were starting the annual ritual of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Expo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. This event truly is an awesome Expo that gives kids and adults alike a chance to experience almost any outdoor activity you can think of, and a handful you didn’t even know existed!
Inside the arena, attendees will be able to kayak in the waste deep lake they construct and visit the falconers who typically have a bald eagle and other birds of prey on display. The WOO booth will be inside the arena as well, along with hundreds of other exhibitors offering an insight to their unique outdoor endeavor. Outside the arena on the adjacent grounds attendees can learn to become a bowyer, that is make their own bow. The group that represents traditional bow makers in the state will be working bois d’ arc staves down with draw knives trying to make the perfect bow. Other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed are shotgun shooting, goose-knocking, flint knapping, birdhouse making, basket weaving, rope making, pellet gun shooting and of course fishing. Don’t forget to see the Texas horned lizard corral as well. If it smells good when you are walking around outside, that is because they also do Dutch oven cooking as well!
The best part of the entire Expo is that it’s free. That’s right, all the outdoor fun you and your kids could possibly handle and it doesn’t cost a dime. The 2014 attendance was just over 45,000; that shows you that this outdoor expo is no joke. Some of the nearby schools even bus kids out one day to enjoy all the fun the event has to offer.
I would like to give a special thanks to Joe Smith, AKA Tonto. Joe showed up everyday and entertained the masses. I mean that literally. He was the most photographed person at the expo hands down. Thanks Joe. Your passion and love of deer farming far exceeds that of most people I know.
In November, I met with the deer farmers of North Carolina representing NADeFA and explained to them how NADeFA supported them 100 percent. Two weeks later I went to Raleigh, North Carolina and testified before their legislature. There were several deer farmers in attendance that testified about the atrocities that the North Carolina Wildlife Commission (NCWC) had performed against them, some appalling. When I testified I had no horror stories, just the economic impact of deer farming statistics in Oklahoma and let them know of our solid relationship with our Department of wildlife and work with them in several avenues. I have to admit that it got a little uncomfortable and there was animosity on both sides. Just another reason we should give thanks that we live and farm in Oklahoma!
There have been a lot of bucks shipped from the North to fill our hunting preserve needs, but I would like to stress to check with your northern suppliers and make sure they are not in the middle of a CWD trace-back. Not only will it affect you and your ranch but the state as well. I know we still aren’t able to supply enough but be careful.
There is a lot going on in the North and we are somewhat sheltered from it because of where we live, but our adversaries are already using the number of positive animals in the Iowa herd against us.
The convention is right around the corner and we must encourage everyone to attend. This is where we acquire the funds to operate for the year. Having successful conventions allow us to keep on the forefront of important issues pertaining to deer farming. It will be good to socialize with everyone again; the convention seems to get better every year with the emergence of old faces as well as the new!
The last time we reported to the members, we were starting the annual ritual of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Expo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. This event truly is an awesome Expo that gives kids and adults alike a chance to experience almost any outdoor activity you can think of, and a handful you didn’t even know existed!
Inside the arena, attendees will be able to kayak in the waste deep lake they construct and visit the falconers who typically have a bald eagle and other birds of prey on display. The WOO booth will be inside the arena as well, along with hundreds of other exhibitors offering an insight to their unique outdoor endeavor. Outside the arena on the adjacent grounds attendees can learn to become a bowyer, that is make their own bow. The group that represents traditional bow makers in the state will be working bois d’ arc staves down with draw knives trying to make the perfect bow. Other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed are shotgun shooting, goose-knocking, flint knapping, birdhouse making, basket weaving, rope making, pellet gun shooting and of course fishing. Don’t forget to see the Texas horned lizard corral as well. If it smells good when you are walking around outside, that is because they also do Dutch oven cooking as well!
The best part of the entire Expo is that it’s free. That’s right, all the outdoor fun you and your kids could possibly handle and it doesn’t cost a dime. The 2014 attendance was just over 45,000; that shows you that this outdoor expo is no joke. Some of the nearby schools even bus kids out one day to enjoy all the fun the event has to offer.
I would like to give a special thanks to Joe Smith, AKA Tonto. Joe showed up everyday and entertained the masses. I mean that literally. He was the most photographed person at the expo hands down. Thanks Joe. Your passion and love of deer farming far exceeds that of most people I know.
In November, I met with the deer farmers of North Carolina representing NADeFA and explained to them how NADeFA supported them 100 percent. Two weeks later I went to Raleigh, North Carolina and testified before their legislature. There were several deer farmers in attendance that testified about the atrocities that the North Carolina Wildlife Commission (NCWC) had performed against them, some appalling. When I testified I had no horror stories, just the economic impact of deer farming statistics in Oklahoma and let them know of our solid relationship with our Department of wildlife and work with them in several avenues. I have to admit that it got a little uncomfortable and there was animosity on both sides. Just another reason we should give thanks that we live and farm in Oklahoma!
There have been a lot of bucks shipped from the North to fill our hunting preserve needs, but I would like to stress to check with your northern suppliers and make sure they are not in the middle of a CWD trace-back. Not only will it affect you and your ranch but the state as well. I know we still aren’t able to supply enough but be careful.
There is a lot going on in the North and we are somewhat sheltered from it because of where we live, but our adversaries are already using the number of positive animals in the Iowa herd against us.
The convention is right around the corner and we must encourage everyone to attend. This is where we acquire the funds to operate for the year. Having successful conventions allow us to keep on the forefront of important issues pertaining to deer farming. It will be good to socialize with everyone again; the convention seems to get better every year with the emergence of old faces as well as the new!
Director's Message Winter 2014/2015
Hello fellow deer farmers,
I hope everyone is doing good and staying warm this winter. Here at Tulsa View we are doing great. We have had a good year with all the deer staying healthy and selling all that we needed to and a couple we didn’t want to let go. We are very excited about the purchase of the old Cougar Ridge farm in Adair Oklahoma where we will be moving all our deer and family this winter. Everyone that I know sold out of their stocker bucks fast this year and I anticipate it will even be better next year due to all the new preserves that have been built here in Oklahoma. I have spent a lot of time on the road this year from Texas to all over the north meeting deer farmers and can tell you they all wish they could be raising deer in Oklahoma. Please remember to support this great state by participating in our annual convention that will be held Feb. 6-7 We all need to stick together to continue to be strong in the industry. Thank you and God bless
Chris Ezell | Secretary, Whitetails of Oklahoma
I hope everyone is doing good and staying warm this winter. Here at Tulsa View we are doing great. We have had a good year with all the deer staying healthy and selling all that we needed to and a couple we didn’t want to let go. We are very excited about the purchase of the old Cougar Ridge farm in Adair Oklahoma where we will be moving all our deer and family this winter. Everyone that I know sold out of their stocker bucks fast this year and I anticipate it will even be better next year due to all the new preserves that have been built here in Oklahoma. I have spent a lot of time on the road this year from Texas to all over the north meeting deer farmers and can tell you they all wish they could be raising deer in Oklahoma. Please remember to support this great state by participating in our annual convention that will be held Feb. 6-7 We all need to stick together to continue to be strong in the industry. Thank you and God bless
Chris Ezell | Secretary, Whitetails of Oklahoma
Director's Message Winter 2014/2015
Oklahoma! The “Largest Welcome Mat” in the deer industry!
I would like to take a moment to explain what this title means. Whitetails of Oklahoma (WOO) has always been on the side of open borders. Myself, Tim Condict, Skip West and others have all served on the NADeFA board, the WOO board and traveled to the D.C. fly in and the United States Animal Health Association for over a decade now.
WOO has always;
• Stood on the side of less regulation
• Free market system (open borders)
• Less testing
• Less government intrusion
The above-mentioned board members and present board members have always been outspoken on these issues. WOO has always went above and beyond to maintain a great working relationship with our legislators. Which has led to a strong market in Oklahoma!
However, many other state associations have had a passive approach to these same issues, which has led to;
• Border closings
• Unable to open new hunt ranches
• Testing deer in terminal facilities
• Overall unfriendly environment for deer farming
Which consequently, has caused the market to soften in the north.
Now, fast forward to present time! Prices are soft in the north! Why? Passive behavior. Where are they taking their deer? To the Largest Welcome Mat in the deer industry, Oklahoma! I for one believe in the industry so much that I have donated to WOO, NaDefa and other state associations for the past eleven years with my time and hard earned money. But, I must say it is upsetting (to say the least) when another load of stockers comes in from the north (where passiveness reigns), and deer are sold to Oklahoma hunt ranches. In my opinion WOO has accidently created Obamacare for the North!
In closing, I don’t think that there should be a WOO member at the end of hunting season left with one single stocker buck. Also, these WOO members should also be paid a premium for their deer! That’s what this association is working for right? Now, I am starting to question myself a little, was I right by always wanting borders open???
Respectfully,
James Hail
I would like to take a moment to explain what this title means. Whitetails of Oklahoma (WOO) has always been on the side of open borders. Myself, Tim Condict, Skip West and others have all served on the NADeFA board, the WOO board and traveled to the D.C. fly in and the United States Animal Health Association for over a decade now.
WOO has always;
• Stood on the side of less regulation
• Free market system (open borders)
• Less testing
• Less government intrusion
The above-mentioned board members and present board members have always been outspoken on these issues. WOO has always went above and beyond to maintain a great working relationship with our legislators. Which has led to a strong market in Oklahoma!
However, many other state associations have had a passive approach to these same issues, which has led to;
• Border closings
• Unable to open new hunt ranches
• Testing deer in terminal facilities
• Overall unfriendly environment for deer farming
Which consequently, has caused the market to soften in the north.
Now, fast forward to present time! Prices are soft in the north! Why? Passive behavior. Where are they taking their deer? To the Largest Welcome Mat in the deer industry, Oklahoma! I for one believe in the industry so much that I have donated to WOO, NaDefa and other state associations for the past eleven years with my time and hard earned money. But, I must say it is upsetting (to say the least) when another load of stockers comes in from the north (where passiveness reigns), and deer are sold to Oklahoma hunt ranches. In my opinion WOO has accidently created Obamacare for the North!
In closing, I don’t think that there should be a WOO member at the end of hunting season left with one single stocker buck. Also, these WOO members should also be paid a premium for their deer! That’s what this association is working for right? Now, I am starting to question myself a little, was I right by always wanting borders open???
Respectfully,
James Hail
Director's Message Winter 2014/2015
Hello to all. I hope this finds everyone having had a great end of the year in deer farming, hunting and across the holidays. As we wrap up one year, so begins another full of activities and things to do. I expect and hope that most of you are gearing up and planning for the 2015 Convention. We should be within about 2 weeks of the event once this newsletter reaches your door. I’m anxious to attend as last year was an awesome time and I’m excited to see all of our members and guests again. It’s always the best people of our industry and the ones that make Oklahoma a great deer farming and hunting state. I hope each of you, your family and guests can make it and have a fun time and get to know everyone possible. These people, supporters and members of Whitetails of Oklahoma are the ones that keep our state industry working for everyone.
We had several nominations for the Board of Directors this year. You should have received a ballot with a summary from each nominee through the mail. If you have not made your votes and mailed in your ballot using the included addressed envelope, be sure to bring your ballot with you to the Convention or send it with someone you know will be attending.
As we move on to the next year, I don’t want to get too far into it without thinking back on 2014 and all the good people and things that occurred without expressing my appreciation. Thank you to all my fellow Whitetails of Oklahoma members and Board of Directors! I enjoy the opportunity to help serve Oklahoma’s finest deer farmers and preserve owners and look forward to 2015. See you all soon at the Convention.
Best Regards,
Larry Armstrong
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
We had several nominations for the Board of Directors this year. You should have received a ballot with a summary from each nominee through the mail. If you have not made your votes and mailed in your ballot using the included addressed envelope, be sure to bring your ballot with you to the Convention or send it with someone you know will be attending.
As we move on to the next year, I don’t want to get too far into it without thinking back on 2014 and all the good people and things that occurred without expressing my appreciation. Thank you to all my fellow Whitetails of Oklahoma members and Board of Directors! I enjoy the opportunity to help serve Oklahoma’s finest deer farmers and preserve owners and look forward to 2015. See you all soon at the Convention.
Best Regards,
Larry Armstrong
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
Treasurer's Message Winter 2014/2015
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well with your families and your deer. As breeding season is over and were starting to get ready for fawns to hit the ground I would like to talk to you about two different things.
First this was our first year with our own hunting preserve and we had the privilege of doing a hunt with the Folds of Honor. The Folds is an organization that is like the Wounded Warriors but they help the families of fallen soldiers. I was able to take a 14 year old boy Greyson on a hunt his father was a fighter pilot and lost his life saving several other military and civilian lives. My wife Cathy and I our both veterans and this was something we had to be a part of. Greyson was able to get a 178” buck which is hanging in his bedroom as we speak. The look on his face when he got his hands on that buck was priceless I’m sure he will remember that day for the rest of his life. I would like to thank Folds of Honor for the opportunity to try and bring some good memories to this young man’s life and we look forward to doing more in the future. That’s what we all do as deer farmers we create memories and stories people will tell for the rest of their lives.
Second thing I’d like to talk about is the great state of Oklahoma that we all live and raise our deer in. We have some of the best farmers in the country right here in our state! James Hail and I traded a live breed this year. I think it’s a shame that more of us don’t spend our money breeding with the great bucks that are right here in our own state! Instead we buy semen from states with closed borders like Texas. I believe we should support ourselves not farmers in states that have closed their borders blocking us from selling our deer to them. I believe all of us look at tags that say made in the USA and buy that over other products that are made in other countries how about made in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Proud!!
Thanks,
Ben Pogany
I hope all is well with your families and your deer. As breeding season is over and were starting to get ready for fawns to hit the ground I would like to talk to you about two different things.
First this was our first year with our own hunting preserve and we had the privilege of doing a hunt with the Folds of Honor. The Folds is an organization that is like the Wounded Warriors but they help the families of fallen soldiers. I was able to take a 14 year old boy Greyson on a hunt his father was a fighter pilot and lost his life saving several other military and civilian lives. My wife Cathy and I our both veterans and this was something we had to be a part of. Greyson was able to get a 178” buck which is hanging in his bedroom as we speak. The look on his face when he got his hands on that buck was priceless I’m sure he will remember that day for the rest of his life. I would like to thank Folds of Honor for the opportunity to try and bring some good memories to this young man’s life and we look forward to doing more in the future. That’s what we all do as deer farmers we create memories and stories people will tell for the rest of their lives.
Second thing I’d like to talk about is the great state of Oklahoma that we all live and raise our deer in. We have some of the best farmers in the country right here in our state! James Hail and I traded a live breed this year. I think it’s a shame that more of us don’t spend our money breeding with the great bucks that are right here in our own state! Instead we buy semen from states with closed borders like Texas. I believe we should support ourselves not farmers in states that have closed their borders blocking us from selling our deer to them. I believe all of us look at tags that say made in the USA and buy that over other products that are made in other countries how about made in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Proud!!
Thanks,
Ben Pogany
President’s Message
Whitetails of Oklahoma has been keeping their board and members extremely busy. We had the best convention ever, Skip and Myself traveled to Washington D.C. to lobby, we made public comment and had several meetings concerning the CWD rule and Standards, Skip handled the State FFA convention, Larry set up a Whitetails of Oklahoma Facebook page that you all should be participating in, we are building a new website that is very user friendly, just held the best picnic ever with two of our US Congressmen attending, we set up the chemical contract for gnat spray and are working with Oklahoma Department of Ag to help sponsor the SAHA (Southern Animal Health Association) meeting the first part of June.
Thanks to all of the board and members who helped make all of the events go off without a snag. I would like to name each of you but won’t for fear of missing someone. Thanks to all of the buyers at the convention and the advertisers in our magazine. A special thank you to our Congressman Markwayne Mullin and Congressman Jim Bridenstine for being two of the largest supporters of deer farming in Washington as well as Senator Inhofe. If you live in one of these Congressional districts please vote for and recruit voters for all of these guys. Thanks for attending our picnic and I think it’s pretty impressive to have Congressmen who care enough to attend. Kevin Wallace’s campaign for house district 32 in Oklahoma is going well and we are going to all meet and knock doors for him in the middle of June. It is very important to support and get Kevin elected.
Thanks to Dr. Hall, Secretary Reese, Dr. Roach and all of the Department of Ag --- allowing us to help sponsor the SAHA meeting in Oklahoma City. We also are doing a tour and meal for many attendee’s at Bob Moore’s facility the first part of June. We will be educating many out of state Ag leaders to the great business of Deer farming. Many of these states have closed borders and you never know what can come of a meeting like this.
Thanks to Tommy and Christy Gleason for their hard work in sitting on the board and acting as our Treasure. Due to work constraints Tommy can no longer serve and Ben Pogany has been appointed to replace him. Ben and Kathy are great people and have stood ready to help at any time the need arises. Thanks for taking the job and becoming special members.
Fawning season is here and I hope everyone has great success. Last year I used Superior Milk Replacer to bottle my fawns and it was the best I have used. Kim the milk replacer lady (as she is known in my phone) 618-939-9105 gave great customer service and has an ad in this magazine. She supports us but a product as important as milk replacer must be able to stand up to the test. I highly recommend using her product.
I had a better version of this all typed and lost it from my computer so may I add that I hate computers!!!
Thanks again to everyone,
Tim Condict
Thanks to all of the board and members who helped make all of the events go off without a snag. I would like to name each of you but won’t for fear of missing someone. Thanks to all of the buyers at the convention and the advertisers in our magazine. A special thank you to our Congressman Markwayne Mullin and Congressman Jim Bridenstine for being two of the largest supporters of deer farming in Washington as well as Senator Inhofe. If you live in one of these Congressional districts please vote for and recruit voters for all of these guys. Thanks for attending our picnic and I think it’s pretty impressive to have Congressmen who care enough to attend. Kevin Wallace’s campaign for house district 32 in Oklahoma is going well and we are going to all meet and knock doors for him in the middle of June. It is very important to support and get Kevin elected.
Thanks to Dr. Hall, Secretary Reese, Dr. Roach and all of the Department of Ag --- allowing us to help sponsor the SAHA meeting in Oklahoma City. We also are doing a tour and meal for many attendee’s at Bob Moore’s facility the first part of June. We will be educating many out of state Ag leaders to the great business of Deer farming. Many of these states have closed borders and you never know what can come of a meeting like this.
Thanks to Tommy and Christy Gleason for their hard work in sitting on the board and acting as our Treasure. Due to work constraints Tommy can no longer serve and Ben Pogany has been appointed to replace him. Ben and Kathy are great people and have stood ready to help at any time the need arises. Thanks for taking the job and becoming special members.
Fawning season is here and I hope everyone has great success. Last year I used Superior Milk Replacer to bottle my fawns and it was the best I have used. Kim the milk replacer lady (as she is known in my phone) 618-939-9105 gave great customer service and has an ad in this magazine. She supports us but a product as important as milk replacer must be able to stand up to the test. I highly recommend using her product.
I had a better version of this all typed and lost it from my computer so may I add that I hate computers!!!
Thanks again to everyone,
Tim Condict
Vice President's Message
Well spring is finally here… and I think it is shaping up to be a typical unpredictable Oklahoma spring. Our booth at the state FFA convention was next to the Mesonet Weather Station. I spent several hours visiting with a few of the Mesonet workers and they thought it was shaping up to be another dry summer, but you know how that goes…you just never know.
Well 2014 has been very busy and things are changing daily. We started out the year with the annual conference in February which was the best ever. I want to extend a special thanks to Harry Jacobs and Garland Animal Wellness for attending and speaking about cervid research and issues.
Following the WOO conference was the DC Fly-in which was very fruitful and I will explain with further detail in a separate article.
Tim, Kevin, Karel, my wife Melissa and I attended the legislative dinner that WOO sponsors. Senators and congressman along with legislatures from both sides of the aisle attended and visited about political issues in a relaxed environment. Many valuable political allies to the deer industry were in attendance.
The annual NADeFA conference was in mid-march in Birmingham, Alabama and was heavily attended by deer breeders from across the country. The conference was one of the most successful events in a long time.
As I correct this report at the last minute, I have just returned from the state FFA convention in OKC. Kids from all over the state were in attendance. I have to admit, I had to ask on several occasions, “Where is that?” They understand when I tell them I am from Maramec, because they wonder the same thing.
In closing, many things are changing on the national level, sometimes daily. Where it will all wind up is hard to tell. On the state level, things are still fine as we are fortunate to call Oklahoma home. As members of WOO, you are represented on the state as well as the national level on political issues that affect us not only as deer farmers, but as Oklahoma land owners as well.
-Skip West
Well 2014 has been very busy and things are changing daily. We started out the year with the annual conference in February which was the best ever. I want to extend a special thanks to Harry Jacobs and Garland Animal Wellness for attending and speaking about cervid research and issues.
Following the WOO conference was the DC Fly-in which was very fruitful and I will explain with further detail in a separate article.
Tim, Kevin, Karel, my wife Melissa and I attended the legislative dinner that WOO sponsors. Senators and congressman along with legislatures from both sides of the aisle attended and visited about political issues in a relaxed environment. Many valuable political allies to the deer industry were in attendance.
The annual NADeFA conference was in mid-march in Birmingham, Alabama and was heavily attended by deer breeders from across the country. The conference was one of the most successful events in a long time.
As I correct this report at the last minute, I have just returned from the state FFA convention in OKC. Kids from all over the state were in attendance. I have to admit, I had to ask on several occasions, “Where is that?” They understand when I tell them I am from Maramec, because they wonder the same thing.
In closing, many things are changing on the national level, sometimes daily. Where it will all wind up is hard to tell. On the state level, things are still fine as we are fortunate to call Oklahoma home. As members of WOO, you are represented on the state as well as the national level on political issues that affect us not only as deer farmers, but as Oklahoma land owners as well.
-Skip West
Director's Message
Hello Folks,
By the time this reaches you, we will just recently have finished up our Whitetails of Oklahoma 2014 Spring Picnic. If you made it, I hope you really enjoyed it. I want to say thank you to Jim Belk for making the arrangements to use the Rod & Gun Club facility. I would also like to thank all the rest of the Board and Members for their time & work to set these events up and all the participation.
Also recently was the Oklahoma FFA State Convention. Each year Whitetails of Oklahoma participates in this event. Our industry is brought to the table in front of 25,000 FFA students roaming the floor at the convention. I want to send a major appreciation to Skip West and his family for this year and years past making sure we are well represented. I also thank Joel Trammell for his years of participation at this event. These folks have been there each year over the past years manning the Whitetails of Oklahoma booth and flashing deer mounts, sheds and knowledge to thousands.
We had a great and highly successful Whitetails of Oklahoma 2014 Convention this year. Thank you to all of you for your time to attend. It is always great to have the representations of our state farms, farmers and our supporting suppliers and vendors. I enjoyed visiting with each of you and look forward to it annually. I truly appreciate all the contributions that everyone gave to the event, it was awesome.
In other news we all have heard or know that the latest version of CWD Standards, not the federal rule, but the governing standards were out for comment. I hope that each of you took the time to comment, especially if you are in the program. Since the expiration of the comment period it has been quiet, but I have recently heard the approved rules may be out soon. I hope that the government not only listened, but heard our requests. The majority of the comments I saw were pretty common across the board about what changes would like to be seen and altered in the final set of rules.
It has been a battle going on for some time but lately been a hot topic with the issues our neighbors are having in Missouri. Their conservation department is trying to shut down as much of the deer farming industry as possible in their state. One of my biggest peeves is that per the latest approved regulations from the MDC is that they are telling you and me, yes you and me here in Oklahoma, that we can’t have a business, a partnership or ownership of or about a deer in Missouri if we are a non-resident of the state. I don’t know what politicians or non-American official gave the MDC or gave the inclination to the MDC that they have a right to over step and abolish any American right or federal regulation of free trade and commerce, but I’m ready to ship them out. I have many frustrations with the government officials and entities who continually abuse their empowerment from an election and slide aside “AMERICA, THE LAND OF THE FREE” and trample it like a piece of sidewalk trash. There are way too many cases of this occurring in homeland, but most closely related to our industry is our current Missouri troubles. The good news is they still have a chance with a SB964/HB2031 that is still alive to move the Missouri deer farmers under their Ag Dept. The point being that the government is tricky and we all need to stay sharp about things going on to best protect ourselves and our state. Other states happenings can help us be prepared for things. We have a great state and industry here in Oklahoma. Our departments, relationships and Oklahoma people in general make it that way. I’m proud each day I am from and a part of Oklahoma.
In closing, I hope that I got to see you at the Spring Picnic. If I didn’t I hope to see you at the next event. I have received several calls this year already with various questions about deer, fawning and the industry in general. Feel free to contact me any time. I’m always glad to help.
Best Regards,
Larry Armstrong
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
By the time this reaches you, we will just recently have finished up our Whitetails of Oklahoma 2014 Spring Picnic. If you made it, I hope you really enjoyed it. I want to say thank you to Jim Belk for making the arrangements to use the Rod & Gun Club facility. I would also like to thank all the rest of the Board and Members for their time & work to set these events up and all the participation.
Also recently was the Oklahoma FFA State Convention. Each year Whitetails of Oklahoma participates in this event. Our industry is brought to the table in front of 25,000 FFA students roaming the floor at the convention. I want to send a major appreciation to Skip West and his family for this year and years past making sure we are well represented. I also thank Joel Trammell for his years of participation at this event. These folks have been there each year over the past years manning the Whitetails of Oklahoma booth and flashing deer mounts, sheds and knowledge to thousands.
We had a great and highly successful Whitetails of Oklahoma 2014 Convention this year. Thank you to all of you for your time to attend. It is always great to have the representations of our state farms, farmers and our supporting suppliers and vendors. I enjoyed visiting with each of you and look forward to it annually. I truly appreciate all the contributions that everyone gave to the event, it was awesome.
In other news we all have heard or know that the latest version of CWD Standards, not the federal rule, but the governing standards were out for comment. I hope that each of you took the time to comment, especially if you are in the program. Since the expiration of the comment period it has been quiet, but I have recently heard the approved rules may be out soon. I hope that the government not only listened, but heard our requests. The majority of the comments I saw were pretty common across the board about what changes would like to be seen and altered in the final set of rules.
It has been a battle going on for some time but lately been a hot topic with the issues our neighbors are having in Missouri. Their conservation department is trying to shut down as much of the deer farming industry as possible in their state. One of my biggest peeves is that per the latest approved regulations from the MDC is that they are telling you and me, yes you and me here in Oklahoma, that we can’t have a business, a partnership or ownership of or about a deer in Missouri if we are a non-resident of the state. I don’t know what politicians or non-American official gave the MDC or gave the inclination to the MDC that they have a right to over step and abolish any American right or federal regulation of free trade and commerce, but I’m ready to ship them out. I have many frustrations with the government officials and entities who continually abuse their empowerment from an election and slide aside “AMERICA, THE LAND OF THE FREE” and trample it like a piece of sidewalk trash. There are way too many cases of this occurring in homeland, but most closely related to our industry is our current Missouri troubles. The good news is they still have a chance with a SB964/HB2031 that is still alive to move the Missouri deer farmers under their Ag Dept. The point being that the government is tricky and we all need to stay sharp about things going on to best protect ourselves and our state. Other states happenings can help us be prepared for things. We have a great state and industry here in Oklahoma. Our departments, relationships and Oklahoma people in general make it that way. I’m proud each day I am from and a part of Oklahoma.
In closing, I hope that I got to see you at the Spring Picnic. If I didn’t I hope to see you at the next event. I have received several calls this year already with various questions about deer, fawning and the industry in general. Feel free to contact me any time. I’m always glad to help.
Best Regards,
Larry Armstrong
Director, Whitetails of Oklahoma
Director's Message
Greetings to my whitetail family!! Wishing the best to everyone this spring and summer. It seems it’s always a busy time for deer farmers, whether you are tagging fawns, weaning fawns, being a paramedic for fawns and adults, sawing antlers, breeding, testing, delivering, guiding, meetings, sales, shows and conventions!!!! Whew, oh yeah I nearly forgot, LIFE!!!! March and April are my best times to get to slow down and smell the roses, even though they haven’t bloomed yet!!! Lol. Even though I do clean the pens of fallen limbs, trees, etc. and repair or change whatever needs it, the pressure is not there and I can enjoy the deer and the pretty days!!! Plus feel comfortable to leave for a few days. I hope all of you get to do the same. Most of all enjoy and love your family, friends, deer and this walk on earth called LIFE!!! Hope to see you all at the WOO Picnic!!!
-Joel Trammell
-Joel Trammell
Director's Message
Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well with their farms. Here at Tulsa View I couldn’t ask for much more. All the does are fat and about to start fawning. My daughter is overwhelmed with anticipation. She keeps asking questions like...How many doe fawns do you think we will have? Which one will have fawns first? All the normal questions that run through our minds day after day this time of the year. Myself I am more excited about the bucks. I can’t wait to see how they all grow out. One thing I would like to say with what’s going on in our industry is I feel that all Oklahoma deer farmers should be thankful to live in a state that is deer farmer friendly. I am proud to be a Oklahoma deer farmer. I hope we all have a EHD free season this year and prosper in the business. If anyone needs anything please do not hesitate to call me.
Thank you,
Chris Ezell
I hope everyone is doing well with their farms. Here at Tulsa View I couldn’t ask for much more. All the does are fat and about to start fawning. My daughter is overwhelmed with anticipation. She keeps asking questions like...How many doe fawns do you think we will have? Which one will have fawns first? All the normal questions that run through our minds day after day this time of the year. Myself I am more excited about the bucks. I can’t wait to see how they all grow out. One thing I would like to say with what’s going on in our industry is I feel that all Oklahoma deer farmers should be thankful to live in a state that is deer farmer friendly. I am proud to be a Oklahoma deer farmer. I hope we all have a EHD free season this year and prosper in the business. If anyone needs anything please do not hesitate to call me.
Thank you,
Chris Ezell