Winter has been brutal this year across the nation with many struggling with ice, deep snow, and bitter cold temperatures. Even Florida saw the white stuff this year, but compared to our Northern friends, our animals and us were truly blessed.
For many, Spring will not come soon enough. Simply ask any teenager or college student where they plan on heading for spring break, and Florida will be at the top of the list. Remember the old saying, “ HAPPY WIFE, HAPPY LIFE”. So why not make your kids and wife happy and join us at one of Florida’s biggest events, the Southeast Trophy Deer Association’s Spring Fling Fundraising Auction this March 6-7, in Orlando. (Please see our website for details)
As the deer industry continues to change, the board of directors and I, have been dedicated to keeping you informed and up to date, so that you may be best prepared for any challenges that may arise. In this issue, you will find articles from two doctors, Dr. Joe Ables and Dr. Chris Ashworth, which will do just that. Their topics cover the latest advancements in caring for your animals. By the way, you will be able to meet and hear both speaking this March at our upcoming Spring Fling.
In Part 8 of the series, The Truth About CWD, you will discover why THE NUMBERS DON’T ADD UP, and how the greatest change and advancement to man’s processing of information and problem solving with the help of AI, is something that Federal and State agencies will come to fear. They can no longer hide the truth with lies......just ask AI !
The 2025 Annual Meeting of Members to elect board members was held Saturday January 10, 2026 at the Tucker Hill Pavillion off Croom Road in Brooksville, Florida. I want to thank all those who voted. Three board of directors were elected who’s term will begin March 7th at the conclusion of the 2026 Spring Fling. Benny Wilkison and Tim Cromwell were both re-elected for another 3 year term, while Les Simon, was elected to serve the remaining two years of my term.
It has been my great honor to serve on this board and to ensure that ALL Florida deer farmers, from the smallest to the largest, were represented. To the best of my abilities, I have tried to promote and market Florida’s deer and to assist others in doing the same. As well as, to help educate, and keep all those who were interested, informed of the latest advancements in caring for deer, regardless if they were deer farmers or not, and to ensure that our members were kept abreast of any plans and changes that FWC and the Florida Dept. of AG were proposing which could affect them, and to make sure that they heard our concerns, and to be the best steward of your trust and funds as possible. Every member should be proud that what once was a dream has become a reality, and for the 3rd year in a row, we will be awarding a Scholarship recipient at the Spring Fling.
Always remember, myself and your board are here to serve you. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. We all may not always see eye to eye, but your input is valued, and your voice will always be respectfully listened to.
A good friend of mine once said, “It’s not the path we walk, but those we meet along the way that make the journey oh so rewarding”.
As always, stay Safe and Florida Strong,
Sincerely,
Dr. Bill Leffler