Southeast Trophy Deer Association News

President's Message - Spring 2026

Samantha Uchytil — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:11:25 GMT

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

President's Message, Winter 2025, From Dr Bill Leffler

Samantha Uchytil — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:28:52 GMT

It’s that time of year once again, where we see the fruits of our labor. Our fawns are weaned and does are ready for breeding. Our bucks are big, beautiful, hard horned, and now dangerous to each other and ourselves. Those that have not already been sold as stockers should have their temperament greatly improved or their antlers removed. In this issue you will read an article, To Cut or Not To Cut, and make your own opinion.

It’s also that time of year when deer farmers’ plans for the future are put into action. You can’t change or improve the genetics standing on your farm unless you buy different deer, embryos, or semen. Regardless if you intend to Al or live breed, try to relax, take a deep breath, and remember it’s in God’s hands.

In part 7 of the series, The Truth About CWD, you will read about the second case of CWD being confirmed in Florida and part of my discussion with Steve Padgett who owns a preserve in the “quarantine zone”. I was only too happy to send him all the information I could about CWD so that he was fully prepared for a meeting with FWC.

This year’s Summer Picnic held at the Austin Carey Learning Center was again a huge success. SETDA’s primary goal for the event as always was to help educate deer farmers., and boy did we. Thanks to the help of Dr. Diane Kitchens with FDACS, Ken Holmes with FWC, and the incredible team from CHeRI. The great folks at CHeRI were kind and allowed me to use their data and slides for a presentation that I gave at Pennsylvania’s Deer Fundraising Auction in September. I was asked to be a speaker and help educate our northern friends about hemorrhagic diseases. The timing was unfortunately a few months too late as many states were being ravished by EHD and BTV with heartbreaking losses.

Our Spring Fling Fundraising Auction will once again be held at the Double Tree Hilton by the Orlando airport. You will find information about it, including room discounts, and how you and others can market your deer and products. Members from SETDA’s board of directors will be reaching out to assist you with this and ask for your support. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Let me introduce you to the newest members of SETDA’s BOD:

Michael “Andrew” Owens, with Whitetail Country Plantation in Live Oak, Florida

Blaine Flynn, with Flynn Farms in Milton, Florida

As always, myself, and your board are here to serve you. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. We will be having announcing the date of the annual meeting to be held prior to January 15th to elect new board members whose term is expiring. Voting members should look forward to receiving a ballot to either be sent by mail or electronically after January 1st. Those interested in being on the board of directors, will find the application form inside, which must be turned in before the ballots are sent out.

I want to wish everyone in advance, a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

As always, stay Florida Strong and Safe,

Sincerely,

Dr. Bill Leffler

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission UPDATE

Samantha Uchytil — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:29:58 GMT

President's Message

Samantha Uchytil — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:58:34 GMT

The Southeast Trophy Deer Association recently held our annual Spring Fling Fundraiser. The two-day event provided an opportunity to meet, and ask questions of, and

learn from other deer farmers across the state and country. We welcomed speakers from Texas, Missouri, and Pennsylvania share their success stories of raising deer and

concerns. All agreed that breeding CWD resistance into their herds is critical for the future of deer farming. The free educational seminars provided vital information on

how to become better stewards for our animals. The doctors and staff at UF CHeRI shared the newest breakthrough in combating hemorrhagic disease. Ashley Petersen,

traveled from South Dakota to update us on Medgene's progress with vaccines. While Mike Russin from Mixlab, covered various meds for deer immobilization.

This year we presented two Scholarship awards, one to Miranda Imeri and the other to Presli Busby. We also offered new Florida deer farmers an opportunity to WIN A FREE

DEER, thanks to the generosity of the following sponsors: Dr. Bill Leffler from 2 Base Down Whitetails, Sam Petersheim from Cresent Ranch, and Mike Vizcaino Deer Farm. The biggest winners were our audience, those attending in person and online.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, vendors, lecturers, and all those who placed ads, consignments, and donations for helping to make 2025 SETDA's Spring Fling a huge success.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bill Leffler

SETDA Pres.

FWC Officers Can No Longer Enter Private Property Without Warrant

Samantha Uchytil — Wed, 07 May 2025 15:03:17 GMT

This bill has been a long time coming and makes the FWC Board more representative of the entire state. It further protects all private landowners rights from FWC coming onto their property without a warrant. Unanimously passed 116 to 0 on April 16th.

CS/CS/HB 1133: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

View Clip Here

FWC Commissioners approve rule revisions for hunt preserves, game farms

Samantha Uchytil — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:58:14 GMT

At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule changes for hunt preserves and game farms, to enhance public safety, prevent wildlife escapes, align with industry standards, increase accountability and clarify existing regulations.

In 2017, the FWC implemented significant changes to hunt preserve and game farm rules, including enclosure requirements to prevent animal escapes. Over the past seven years, FWC staff and stakeholders have identified areas for further improvement. The revised rules, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, include updates to enclosure requirements, such as water gaps and new gate designs, to better reflect industry needs.

“We appreciate the Commissioners’ recognizing the need for these hunt preserve and game farms rule revisions, said Maj. John Wilke, FWC Captive Wildlife section leader. “These updates will reflect current industry standards, clarify regulations, and improve safety for both wildlife and the public.”

Key changes also include:

A requirement for dissolved facilities to properly dispose of wildlife in their possession.

Increased permit holder accountability for actions taken by their employees.

A prohibition on hunting captive-bred turkeys on hunt preserves.

Key points:

Enclosure requirements – New standards address water gap enclosures and gates, which were not covered in previous rules but are necessary for operation.

Dissolution of facilities – Facilities that lose their permits due to revocation or nonrenewal must legally remove all captive wildlife, ensuring accountability and preventing unlicensed individuals from continuing operations.

Escaped wildlife – Permit holders are required to make reasonable efforts to recapture escaped animals.

Permit holder responsibility – Permit holders are accountable for violations related to their FWC permit committed by employees at the facility.

USDA, APHIS supports genetic breeding against CWD

Samantha Uchytil — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:40:58 GMT

genomically-estimated-breeding-value.pdf

FWC's Notice with Proposed Rule Changes Affecting Game Farms and Hunting Preserves

Samantha Uchytil — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 20:48:20 GMT

68A-12.011 Game Farms DRAFT 10-1-24 (1).doc

68A-12.010 Hunt Preserves DRAFT 10-1-24 (2).doc

Vice President’s Message From Dr Bill Leffler - Fall 2024

Samantha Uchytil — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 19:48:27 GMT

Vice President’s Message:

It’s funny how a day can change everything. This message was finished and ready for print but is today August 4^th being re-written as Florida prepared for its first hurricane of the 2024 season. My prayer and best wishers go out to all.

Florida Strong is not just a motto of The Southeast Trophy Deer Association, nor are they just words. Those two words embrace and describe the deer we grow and our deer farmers in general. We are tough, no wind, or another 12-20 inches of rain stop us.

Yesterday we had our summer Picnic at the Austin Corey Learning Center outside of Gainesville, where 47 people drove out of or into rain to attend. We are fortunate to have the folds for CHeRI provide great education as always. Ashley from Medgene discussed their newest project, a vaccine for Blue Tounge.

Tim and I were happy to discuss and share some of our secrets of fawn care and bottle-feeding techniques.

We had our seasonal annual dart gun competition, with a larger target so that everyone would have a much easier chance to win. Lots of fun and laughs were had by all. Let’s just say that next year the target may be larger for everyone, that is except for Bella Leffler, she graciously withdrew her shooting core form the competition, allowing June Troy to win.

This generosity was stepped up when “Little John” Entry gave back to SETDA the 270 Caliber Rifle he won in the raffle so that it could be raffled off again at the 2025 Spring Fling.

Thanks to the kind and generous support from “Bosten” Wash with Antler Xtreme Deer Feed, Thomas Hardware, Pneu-Dart, Dan-Inject, and Dr. Ray Favero, and all those in attendance, we were able to raise $2,904.25.

Not to let his son outdo him, John Entry pledged to match that amount, as long as SEDA would put 100% of the funds into a PAC. It didn’t take but a moment or so for the entire board of directors to unanimously agree.

The BOD and I all agree, that for any PAC to be effective it must represent ALL deer farmers and preserve owners in the state, regardless of if they were part of SETDA, or any other deer association, now or ever. It is critical that we are all united against a common foe.

In an attempt to do just that, a political action committee is to be formed and called “Florida United Deer Association PAC”, with it’s slogan being SAVE FLORIDA’S DEER. It is not to be under the control of SETDA nor any one group, but rather will be funded and supported by ALL… (More to come in the future).

FWC is planning a 1 ½ day long meeting the week of August 19^th to discuss new rule changes in light of CWD now being discovered in Florida. The exact date is not yet posted. Watch for this news on Facebook, email, and on our website. It is imperative to have a large attendance. By the way, they received over $250,000 to surveil (test) wild deer and over $220,000 to surveil (test) captive deer for the 2023 fiscal year, which runs from 10/1/23 through 9/30/24. Wouldn’t you like to know exactly how those funds, which they received from the Federal Government, are line item budgeted!

In this issue you will find part 3 The Truth About CWD.

A great man once said, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is INSANITY!

SAVE FLORIDA'S DEER - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE From Vice President Bill Leffler: FWC Meeting to Discusses Proposed Rule Changes

Samantha Uchytil — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 19:47:16 GMT

SAVE FLORIDA'S DEER - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

From Vice President Bill Leffler: FWC Meeting to Discusses Proposed Rule Changes

UPDATE

FWC Meeting will be September 2nd and 3rd

The meeting is open to the public but the public will not be permitted to speak. Questions should be given to the TAG team and, time permitting, the TAG team will bring them up on the publics behalf.

This update was made on 8-28-24

Hello everyone,

I was just informed of the date, time, and location for the upcoming meeting between FWC and TAG Team to discuss their proposed rule changes which will affect every deer farmer, preserve owner, land owner, and all Florida citizens.

This meeting, like all of their meetings is open to the public.

It is to be held at the Hilton Ocala on August 20 and 21, from 9 am to 4 pm. It is supposed to be a 1 1/2 day meeting.

As soon as I am informed of the meeting's agenda I will forward it to all. I do not know why FWC waited so long to finalize the meeting, but it gives us such a short time frame to get the word out.

Please help me and post this on your personal social media sites. I hope that Ryan can get it on SETDA'S Facebook page as well. I will get it on our website this morning. We need a big turnout to "Save Florida's Deer".

Hope to see you there.

OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT SIGNS HB3462 INTO LAW

Samantha Uchytil — Wed, 08 May 2024 14:36:42 GMT

CDC Update:

Samantha Uchytil — Thu, 02 May 2024 22:38:13 GMT

CDC UPDATE:

Deer Meat Didn't Cause Hunters' Deaths

Story by Mike Snider, USA TODAY

Concerns about chronic wasting disease have heightened after a case report surfaced of two hunters who developed neurological disorders and died after eating venison from a population of deer that may have been infected with "zombie deer disease."

The report of the two hunters who died in 2022, presented in early April at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, did not prove the transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) from deer to humans, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio researchers wrote.

However, the researchers wrote, the case "emphasizes the need for further investigation into the potential risks of consuming CWD-infected deer and its implications for public health."

There have been no cases of CWD in people reported to date, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But past studies raised concerns that CWD could "pose a risk to people," the CDC has said, suggesting "it is important to prevent human exposures to CWD."

Here's what to know about the hunters' deaths and the CDC's response to the report.

CDC: Deer meat did not lead to hunters' illnesses, death

About the 2022 report, the agency agreed with the researchers "that there is a need for careful investigation of chronic wasting disease (CWD) as a potential risk to people's’ health," CDC epidemiologist Ryan Maddox said in a statement to USA TODAY.

But the CDC reviewed the 2022 cases and considered the two men's deaths as "part of the normal number of cases of CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) we see in the U.S.," he said.

The men died after developing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), which like CWD is a prion disease, a class of fatal neurological disorders, which can affect humans and animals, and usually progress rapidly and are always fatal. In prion diseases, certain proteins in the brain begin to fold abnormally, causing brain damage and other symptoms, the CDC says.

"A history of hunting and/or eating venison does not mean that someone got CJD that way," Maddox said. "Many Americans hunt and even more eat venison. Some will develop sporadic CJD by chance and others will not."

Click Here for Full Article

Vice President's Message - From Dr Bill Leffler - Summer

Samantha Uchytil — Thu, 02 May 2024 21:35:58 GMT

Vice President’s Message

from Dr. Bill Leffler

HELLO, and WELCOME ONE AND ALL

There were a few people missing at this year’s auction but none missed more by me than our President Smitty. He would have been there if his doctors would have let him, but unfortunately, he was re-hospitalized just days before our event. He is doing better but our continued prayers go out to him and all of those in our deer farming with medical issues. His shoes were very large indeed to try to fill. Thank you for your patience with me at this year’s auction.

I do have to apologize to everyone who came expecting Keith Warren to be at our event. I spoke with him on Wednesday evening just before the event when he informs me that a personal conflict had come up and he would not make it to our event. Having less than 48 hours there was no way I could get the word out in time, for that I am sorry.

Florida’s Ag Commissioner, Mr. Wilton Simpson did speak Friday evening to the audience about many of his accomplishments but for some unknown reason he failed to address the topic of CWD. Fortunately, we do have the answers to a number of questions on that issue which he was supposed to address. He told me that these were prepared for him by FWC personnel in advance of our event so that he would be better informed. These answers are found in this issue and give us an insight about FWC’s beliefs concerning CWD.

You will also find Part 2: The Truth About CWD, an in-depth article which addresses the same questions but with very different answers. What will surprise you is the answers. Many are either unknown or known by only a few and/or seldom shared with the public. This information is critical for the public and deer farmers to better understand CWD and how to protect ourselves from those who might try to take away our rights. Let science speak for itself! Speaking of taking away someone’s rights, you may be quite alarmed to really learn what is actually happening in the CWD Quarantine Zone, see the interview with Steve Padgett in this issue.

I want to thank Dr. Juan Campos for the fine article on Capture Myopathy, a problem that will arise sooner or later for many deer farmers and preserve owners.

I want to wish everyone a very joyous and hopefully stress-free fawning season. Please remember to get your pens ready (fire ant free with Extinquish and limed), fawn paste, and all your other supplies ordered before the first fawns arrive. I have already heard from many that they are having problems finding C&E antitoxin, certain medications, and even ear tags. Don’t wait, order all your supplies asap. Regardless if you plan on bottle feeding or not, have supplies ready just in case of emergencies.

The next time we will be getting together will be for our Summer Picnic, the date, time and location to be announced. Look on our website for information and your emails that we send out from Southeast Trophy Deer Association. If you have not been getting emails from us, please check your junk or spam files and reset your settings to receive them. This year all donors were either emailed (when possible) or mailed, a Thank You letter for their charitable donation to a 501-C non-profit for tax recording.

Memberships are now annual and expired on December 31st. If you hear from a friend and fellow deer farmer who has not received the Southeast Tines or any communications, ask them to double check their membership status first, as well as get in touch with any board member who can assist them.

To quote a friend of mine, “the easiest way to ruin a friendship is to talk politics or religion, and the best surefire way to bring people together was to find a common cause or enemy”. Well folks, we are ALL in the same industry, we need to put any and all differences aside and become united and help to support one another. Our common enemy wants to use CWD as a cause to one day kill our deer and shut us down. We must get the TRUTH ABOUT CWD to as many as possible and always let the science speak loud and clear.

As always, your Board and I are here to HELP AND SERVE YOU, with your active participation we can continue to accomplish great things. If you have not already renewed your membership, please go online to our website and do so.

Stay Safe, Well, United, and “Florida Strong”

God Bless, Dr. Bill Leffler

GMS Updated and Ready to Release Beginning April 2nd, 2024

Samantha Uchytil — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 21:57:43 GMT

NADR is excited to roll out the all-new GMS Web App. This new GMS product offers the deer breeder/farmer the latest in technology and data capturing from the NADR database. GMS clients will be able to access their data via any platform, using any device. The following features are just a few of the many tools included in GMS!

Herd Inventory - Track all aspects of the herd, including tags, names, state id, birth weight, sires, dams, etc. Display unlimited pictures of each animal. Record medications for each animal.

DNA Submittal & Retrieval - A few clicks, and the paperwork is ready to go via online submittal. When the specimen has been processed, retrieve the lineage and DNA information back into GMS.

GEBV/Codons - Receive and store GEBV score and Codon values from NADR for each animal.

Lineage/Pedigree -The fully interactive lineage screen displays lineage and pictures for each animal. Optionally, you can display the GEBV score.

Doe Line - Customizable field for each animal to record anchor doe detail to display on reports or grouping.

Pen and Group Management - Create and assign as many pens or groups as desired. Pen and group detail included in inventory reports allows for sorting and reviewing animals by pen or group.

Designed for All Species - NADR has spent countless hours with people in the industry to develop a program that will work for all Cervid species as well as Exotics.

More to Come! – We will be rolling out more features in the coming year such as Dream Deer, Animal Transfers, Customizable Reporting, Email Notification of updates.

It will be easy to sign up and transfer your data.

An email and link will be sent to view a demo of the GMS Web App and discuss your data.

For existing customers, we will provide instructions for locating and uploading the GMS database backup file.

NADR staff will then do all the work to get you up and running.

Vice President's Message from Dr. Bill Leffler

Samantha Uchytil — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 21:03:21 GMT

Vice President's Message

from Dr. Bill Leffler

Welcome One and All

Winter is now behind us and 2024 is looking brighter than ever. As deer farmers it's a time to kick back and relax and watch our deer get big and fat again. Our does are bred, our breeder bucks' job is finished as they now rejoin younger bucks to put on weight and get ready to begin growing antlers, and our fawns are quickly growing and developing.

By now our children and other kids are looking forward to Spring break, and what better place to bring them than Orlando. Come and spend a day or two at this year's SETDA SPRING FLING Auction, March 15-16^th at the Double Tree Hilton by the airport.

The Fl Ag Commissioner, Wilton Simpson, will be speaking Friday and updating us about the status of CWD in Florida and answering some of the questions you've submitted. I was overwhelmed with the hundreds of questions that I received from Florida land owners and deer farmers for Mr. Simpson. There were far too many for him to be able to answer in such a limited time while he is with us. Therefore, I will attempt to address as many as possible in this issue and upcoming issues. When it comes to CWD, there seems to be more questions than answers and is still very misunderstood. Unfortunately, some are still trying to sensationalize "Zombie" deer as can be seen on social media. Those antics help no one.

Keith Warren will be filming at this year's event. The topic of his show, The Truth About CWD. All costs for the production being paid for by the Southeast Trophy Deer Association. It's our combined effort to inform and educate the public as well. It will be broadcast on YouTube's Deer Farming Channel and on the Pursuit Channel through December 2025.

It is always important to "Remember the Mission" when dealing with Federal and State agencies, including the FWC ( article in this issue). Florida's response plan, for farms, in the CWD management zone, as currently stated, FDACS will " seek approval of captive cervid owners .... to identify, remove, and test any sick or dead cervids". We are very fortunate, that everything in the Response Plan talks about "owner's choice to depopulate and test". Owners can refuse to depopulate and test AND they can still sell deer and hunts (with restrictions).

This year's Spring Fling looks to be bigger and better than ever. We have received donations from across the country, representing some of the best deer and products in the industry. The Board and I, want to thank all of our sponsors, advertisers, consignors, and donors. We ask you to remember that as well, because without their support events like this are not possible.

Please keep our President, Smitty and his family in your prayers. I look forward to seeing him hand out our first Scholarship check to a very qualified recipient, Presli Busby.

I want to introduce our newest board members: Matt Young , Jack Boyd, Mike Mansfield, and Ryan Stubbs.

As you can see, your Board of Directors have been very busy working on your behalf.

If you have not had a chance yet to see our new website, please check it out. You can also find us on Facebook. Your board is always ready to HELP AND SERVE YOU.

To quote a friend of mine, "Facts are facts, the truth is the truth, and science evolves".

As Always, Stay Safe, Well, and "Florida Strong".

God Bless

GMS Updated and Ready to Release Beginning April 2nd, 2024

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:52:29 GMT