March - April 2022 Flipbook

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION

MARCH 2022 • APRIL 2022

CWONRVAEPNT-UIOPN

NORTHAMERICANGAMEBIRD.COM New President
& Officers

Conference
Award Winners

And More!

[email protected]



MARCH/APRIL
2022

IN EVERY ISSUE

04: Directory
05: President's Report
06: NAGA Sponsors
07: Executive Director's Report
08: Allies & Partners
10 18 09: Communications Director’s Report

COVER PHOTO BY TWILDLIFE ON ISTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK ARTICLES

10: NAGA Conference & Convention Wrap-up
14: New President & Officers
16: Conference Award Winners

24 27 I N E V E R Y I S S U E

NAGA News is published every two months: January/February, 18: Industry Insights
22: Nutrition Notes
March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October and 24: Disease Report
27: Recipe
November/December by the North American Gamebird Association. 29: Calendar of Events
© 2022, NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION. ALL 30: Classifieds
RIGHTS RESERVED.

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• 3

IN EVERY ISSUE
DIRECTORY

C O N TA C T
North American Gamebird Association
5195 Hampsted Vil. Ctr., PMB 242,
New Albany, OH 43054-8331

E-Mail:
[email protected]

Web: northamericangamebird.com

OFFICERS NAGA BOARD COMMITTEES lou, Dan Barngrover, Michele Bovey, Mike
Peg Ballou – Ohio AUCTION COMMITTEE Forsgren, Bernadette Gilliland, Andy Hair-
President Rick Kuhl, Jr., Chair ston, Rick Kuhl, Jr., Rick Kuhl, Sr., Mike
Mike Martz – Pennsylvania Dan Barngrover, Michele Bovey, Alli LaConto, Bill MacFarlane, Mike Martz,
First Vice President Hughes, Jeff Hughes, Carrie Wierzba, Kim Scott Meyer, Tim Zindl
Sarah Pope – Wisconsin Zindl
Second Vice President NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Brian Beavers – Kansas AUDIT COMMITTEE Tim Zindl, Chair
Immediate Past President and Treasurer Bernadette Gilliland, Chair Dan Barngrover, Andy Hairston, Rich
Rob Sexton – Ohio Sam Ballou, Mike Forsgren, Andy Hair- Kuhl, Sr., Scott Meyer
Executive Director ston, Sarah Pope
Britney Booth – Alabama P U B L I C AT I O N S
Communications Director CONVENTION COMMITTEE Mike Martz, Chair
Rick Kuhl, Sr., Chair Dr. Doug Anderson, Brian Beavers, Britney
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Forsgren, Chad Hughes, Mike Booth, Mike Forsgren, Bernadette Gillil-
LaConto, Mike Martz, Sarah Pope, Rob and
WITH STATE AND TERM ENDING Sexton
Dr. Doug Anderson – Georgia (2023) SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Mike Forsgren – Minnesota (2023) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jeff Hughes, Chair
Bernadette Gilliland – Pennsylvania Peg Ballou, Chair Dr. Doug Anderson, Andy Hairston, Scott
(2023) Brian Beavers, Rick Kuhl, Sr., Bill MacFar- Meyer, Carrie Wierzba
William MacFarlane – Wisconsin (2023) lane, Mike Martz, Sarah Pope
Sam Ballou – Ohio (2024) NAGA FOUNDATION BOARD
Dan Barngrover – Kansas (2024) EXHIBITS COMMITTEE Brian Beavers, Chair
Rick Kuhl Jr. – New Jersey (2024) Brian Beavers, Chair Peg Ballou, Jeff Hughes, Bill MacFarlane
Sarah Pope – Wisconsin (2024) Britney Booth, Rick Kuhl, Jr., Rob Sexton
Andy Hairston – Idaho (2025) S TA F F
Rick Kuhl – New Jersey (2025) HEALTH COMMITTEE EDITOR:
Scott Meyer – Minnesota (2025) Bill MacFarlane, Chair Britney Booth
Tim Zindl – Wisconsin (2025) Dr. Doug Anderson, Sam Ballou, Mike [email protected]
LaConto, Troy Laudenslager, Scott Meyer,
NAGA MISSION STATEMENT Rob Sexton, Tim Zindl PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING:
Rob Sexton
The North American Gamebird Asso- HUNTING CLUB CONFERENCE [email protected]
ciation’s mission is to protect, promote COMMITTEE
and sustain a positive environment in Peg Ballou, Chair GRAPHIC DESIGN:
which gamebird producers and hunting Sam Ballou, Dan Barngrover, Michele Bov- Jim Walsh
preserve operators can grow their ey, Bernadette Gilliland, Keith Houghton,
businesses through monitoring and Jeff Hughes, Sarah Pope PRINTING HOUSE:
influencing of legislation, informing The Herald, Inc.
and educating our members on current MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
industry trends and issues and promot- Sarah Pope, Chair
ing and sustaining our hunting heritage Dr. Doug Anderson, Peg Ballou, Sam Bal-
through increased public awareness.

4 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• NAGA NEWS

IN EVERY ISSUE
PRESIDENT’S REPORT

One Thing

SMALL CHANGES ADD UP TO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES THAT

MAKE A BIG IMPACT BY PEG BALLOU, NAGA PRESIDENT

My daughter gave me the book “Atomic Habits” last year. The author,
James Clear, emphasizes that the way to make big changes is one step
at a time. Small, consistent efforts result in big changes. A 1% improve-
ment per day.

Famous artist Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a
series of small things brought together.”

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you climb a
mountain? One step at a time.
“Could you do just one thing for me?” One thing. Not a big commit-
ment, just one thing. One box of books taken downstairs; one load of
laundry started; one meal for someone in need.

Would you help me with ONE thing? you find one client of yours and bring them hiking are all available in a fantastic relaxing
Just one. into the membership of the NAGA? atmosphere. The facility is near Kings
Island amusement park, a horseback riding
Many people help to put on the conven- One person inviting another person farm and many other attractions.
tion, each doing something to help. One results in a 100% addition to the organiza-
item for the auction, combined with others’ tion. If each of us involved one other person Before the next issue comes out, could
one item, results in a good amount added to or business in the NAGA, we would have a you encourage one client to attend the
the Foundation account. As a result, five stu- 100% increase. Conference?
dents per year typically receive scholarships.
We’re finalizing details for Hunting These small changes add up to signifi-
One person doing a job, plus another per- Club Conference in Ohio at Deer Creek cant changes that make a big impact. So, let
son doing their job, resulted in a fantastic State Park in July. Perhaps that would be of me know what you did this month. My cell
convention in Las Vegas. Would you share interest to you or your clients. Deer Creek phone is 419-563-6899, or you can email me
a note of encouragement for the staff who is a beautiful setting for a summer family at [email protected]. Let’s
works so hard to produce this organization? vacation. Boating, swimming, camping and get these small changes moving.
Perhaps a thank you for those vendors at the
convention? Someone who has gone above A NOTE OF FOND FAREWELL AND A HELLO
and beyond? AGAIN FROM NAGA

In 2022, we’ll have a live stream video PEG BALLOU, NAGA PRESIDENT AND ROB SEXTON, NAGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
presentation at least monthly (details
should be in your email inbox soon). This It’s with a note of sadness that we say an official farewell to Stephanie Spika Hickey, who
should bring timely industry news right to served as NAGA’s Communications Director for nearly two years. Stephanie did such a fan-
your computer with immediate interaction tastic job for the gamebird industry and her other clients that one of them decided to keep her
and conversation with our guests. It will be all for themselves. Steph ran a tight ship, kept us all on deadline, improved the magazine and
broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. What oversaw the transition to a new graphic layout vendor. Although slightly begrudgingly, we wish
other social media outlets do you use? Stephanie the very best in her endeavors and hope to stay in touch with her going forward.

Would you send me one newsworthy Speaking of staying in touch, NAGA’s previous Communications Director, Britney Booth,
topic suggestion for our industry? has graciously agreed to serve in the interim while we search for our new person. We’re
very thankful for her. Today’s current labor environment has made it difficult to fill open
Would you share one comment on our positions, and that’s been the unfortunate case during the first weeks of our search.
Facebook page? We’re very fortunate to have Britney’s assistance during this time to help us maintain the
quality and continuity NAGA members expect and deserve. She can be reached at editor@
There’s a “critical mass” of numbers in an northamericangamebird.com.
organization to provide clout in the political
and industrial arena. Unfortunately, some
of our members have passed away. Some
have gone out of business. Their absence
is understandable. But plenty more aren’t
members of this, the gamebird trade asso-
ciation.

Before the next issue comes out, would

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• 5

4 Million Eggs Produced Annually & Over 460,000 Raised on Site IN EVERY ISSUE
SPONSORS
• Superior Quality Pheasants & Chukar Partridge
NAGA SPONSORS
(Hungarian Partridge & Bobwhite Quail available upon request)
DIAMOND SPONSOR MEMBERS
• Affordable delivery of eggs anywhere in the world Beavers Game Farm LLC
• Pro-Rated delivery charges for started & mature birds Elkhorn Farms & Hatchery, Inc.
• NPIP Certified and A.I. Monitored Kuhl Corporation
MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.
559 Flying Eagle Rd EGGS CHICKS STARTED & MATURE Oak Ridge Pheasant Ranch, Inc.
Dalmatia, PA 17017
Phone: 800-982-9913 SPONSOR MEMBERS
Fax: 570-758-2095 3T Products LLC
www.PAgamebirds.com 5R Game Birds
Addieville East Farm
Mahantongo Game Farms has been raising game birds since 1935. In ADM Animal Nutrition, Inc.
2007, the owners of Mahantongo Game Farms formed 3T Products Alwerdt’s Pheasant Farm
with the mission of offering one-stop shopping for quality products at Benjamin Avery
Black Creek Quail Farm LLC
fair prices. The acquisition of BF Products in 2012 further expanded Blaha Pheasant Farm
Boothill Game Birds LLC
their product lines and services. Their goal is to utilize their vast Decker Pheasants
Div - Ag Inc.
experience and combined volume to provide both proven and new Dutch Country Pheasants
Forsgren’s Pheasant Farm, Inc.
products that will help enhance the game bird and other industries. Fuzzy’s Pheasant Farm
Gisi Pheasant Farms LLC
Distributors of Game Bird and Poultry Products Harper’s Game Farm
Hidden Valley Pheasantry & Warriors Mark
NETTING HEX-WIRE WELDED SHADE Iuka Feeds
WIRE CLOTH Krug’s Northwood Game Birds, Inc.
Lake Elaine Game Farm, LLC
1099 State Route 225 FEEDERS SPECS NESTS CRATES Little Canyon Shooting Preserve
Dalmatia, PA 17017 Longtail Farms
Phone: 866-439-4660 Mahantongo Game Farms LLC
Fax: 866-538-1789 Martz’s Game Farm FLP
www.3TProducts.com Metzer Farms
MTM Pheasants
Murray McMurray Hatchery
National Band & Tag Co.
Prairie Land Gamebirds, Inc.
Ringneck Ranch, Inc.
Romeo Bravo Software
RTS Strategies
Sharon Pheasant Farm
Show-Me-Birds Hunting Resort, LLC
Spring Farm, Inc.
Star Labs/Forage Research, Inc.
Stromberg’s Chicks and Game Birds Unlimited
Trace Pheasantry, Inc.
Whistling Wings, Inc.
Wild Wings of Oneka
Wings North Hunting Club and Sporting Clays
York Ag
Jim Zindl

IN EVERY ISSUE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Seizing Momentum

RE-CAPTURING THE ENERGY OF NAGA

BY ROB SEXTON, NAGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As I write this column, the NAGA Convention at Bally’s Las Vegas is less
than two weeks away. We’ve been counting on our return to Las Vegas
to re-capture the energy we had when we left Memphis, Tennessee, in
2020, full of enthusiasm and big ideas.

With the Omicron variant sweeping the country just weeks before
we’re headed to the desert, I will freely admit to being worried. With
events around us being canceled in December and January, I couldn’t
help but wonder if we’d be able to pull it off. My worries, it turns out, were
unfounded. We have a great group of people registered for the conference,
and more continue to trickle in. I’m confident it will be a great event!

How will we capitalize on the momen- volume, with people flocking to their clubs There is little more important to strengthen
tum that comes out of Las Vegas? The most for a day of fun in the field. The industry is our industry than to bring others into our fold.
critical thing we can do is strengthen the healthy. To stay that way, though, we need a
organization. The last seven years have strong North American Gamebird Associa- While our convention in Las Vegas has
seen the gamebird industry tackle one crisis tion. Because the threats are real. not yet occurred, I want to be sure to thank
after another. Avian influenza in 2014-2015. so many who made it possible to pull off
Fighting to keep indemnity payments for As I write, legislators are considering a in today’s tough times: Our convention
low pathogenic AI in 2016. Creating our own ban on the use of rabbits and hares for field committee chaired by Rick Kuhl. Sarah Pope
Secure Upland Gamebird Supply Plan begin- trials and dog training, and petitions are literally makes the trains run on time as we
ning in 2017. Fighting to keep hunting pre- circulating in Florida that would ban the put our agenda together. Our auction chair-
serves open in 2020, as COVID shutdowns hunting of non-native mammals on hunting man, Rick Kuhl, Jr. Our life-saving interim
shuttered businesses across the country. ranches. These threats are a preview of things communications director, Britney Booth,
Working to help impacted farms and hunting to come. Most of the rabbits being used by who has resumed her old job while we work
preserves navigate the newly-created gov- field trialers in New Hampshire are raised to fill Stephanie Spika Hickey’s large shoes.
ernment programs. Helping affected hunting and sold to them for that purpose. Sound Karen Piatak, who handles the books and the
preserves to find ammunition that’s been in familiar? And while the Florida proposal financial side of the convention. The NAGA
short supply for the past two years. wouldn’t affect bird hunting, pheasants are, Board, which works free of charge to protect
indeed, non-native. If it feels like the missiles this industry for everyone. Finally, outgoing
It seems like our industry has endured are falling too close to home, it’s because they president Brian Beavers who had to serve out
one punch after another. The good news is are. Across the country, anti-hunting/animal the most challenging term anyone could have
that the organization could answer the bell rights organizations are targeting these niche imagined between COVID, ammo shortages
in each instance. The challenge before us issues that will fool many soft-hearted legis- and convention cancellations.
now is to ensure NAGA is in a position going lators. And they’ve got millions in the bank to
forward to continue to do that and to do so fund their misinformation campaigns. I look forward to working more closely
more effectively. That’s why the priority with our new president, Peg Ballou, a long-
leaving Las Vegas needs to be on strengthen- What we have is each other. Our strength is time friend and a determined champion for
ing the association. in the network of hunting clubs, preserves and this industry we all love.
bird producers across the United States. But
While that may not seem like a direct our weakness is that our network needs to be
impact on individual NAGA members, the much larger. So in the coming months, NAGA
opposite is true. The strength of the game- will be kicking off renewed efforts to broaden
bird industry lies in its collective numbers. our membership, to reach farms, clubs and
It’s only by uniting that our relatively small preserves that aren’t members of the associa-
business segment will survive and thrive. tion. We’ll be chasing after lost members and
That’s what enabled us to meet the challeng- pursuing hunting preserve owners as potential
es of the last seven years and will be the key new members, including our first conference
to the industry’s long-term survival. aimed specifically at them. And we’ll be asking
current members to help open the doors to
Our industry is currently experiencing folks you know who should be members of
the tightest market for birds in memory. the North American Gamebird Association.
Hunting preserves are functioning at high

IN EVERY ISSUE NATIONAL SHOOTING
NAGA CONSERVATION PARTNERS & ALLIES SPORTS FOUNDATION
c/o Randy Clark
ANIMAL AGRICULTURE Flintlock Ridge Office Center
ALLIANCE 11 Mile Hill Rd, Newtown, CT
2101 Wilson Rd, Suite 810-B 06470-2359
Arlington, VA 22201
PHEASANTS FOREVER/
CONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN’S QUAIL FOREVER
FOUNDATION c/o Howard Vincent
c/o Jeff Crane 1783 Buerkle Circle
110 N. Carolina Ave. S.E. St. Paul, MN 55110
Washington, DC 20003
QUAIL AND UPLAND
MIDWEST POULTRY WILDLIFE FEDERATION
CONSORTIUM c/o Craig Alderman
Beth Nelson PO Box 947
4630 Churchill St, Buffalo, MO 65622
Shoreview, MN 55126
SPORTSMEN’S ALLIANCE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 801 Kings Mill Parkway
OF EGG FARMERS Columbus, OH 43229
c/o Ken Klippen sportsmensalliance.org
PO Box 1065
Oaks, PA 19456-1065

8 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• NAGA NEWS

IN EVERY ISSUE
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Britney Booth Returns
As NAGA Interim
Communications Director

A HELLO AGAIN AND UPDATE ON LIFE FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS

BY BRITNEY BOOTH, NAGA INTERIM COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Hello again, NAGA members! It’s so nice to be working with the orga- anything, you can reach me at editor@
nization again as your interim Communications Director – a position I northamericangamebird.com.
served in during 2018 through the beginning of 2020.
A southpaw, originally from Michigan’s
Initially, I stepped back from NAGA because I was due to have my “North Woods,” Britney Booth is a lifelong out-
daughter in April of 2020, and I wanted to spend as much time with doorswoman and shooting enthusiast with a
her as possible. Little did I know, COVID would hit our family when passion for upland bird hunting, over-and-un-
I was nine months pregnant and ended up sending my husband to the
hospital (in pretty bad shape). Luckily, he turned the corner right
before they put him on a ventilator, and he was able to come home a
few days later. I had our daughter just three days after the hospital
cleared him to be in the delivery room with me. It was a scary time, be-
ing right at the beginning of COVID and the hospital not knowing how
to handle our situation, but it all worked out in the end.

der shotguns and German shorthaired pointers.

For the past 22 months, I’ve been worked with yet, welcome to NAGA! I’ll A graduate of Western Michigan University,
watching our daughter grow into a sweet, leave my bio here so you can get to know Britney holds a bachelor’s degree in jour-
sassy, funny tiny human. She’s independent, me a little better. To the Board of Direc- nalism. After entering the outdoor industry
empathetic and VERY talkative (people tors and Rob, thank you for choosing me post-college, Britney leveraged her digital
who know me personally will say she gets to come back and fill in. I’m excited to be marketing and communications knowledge
this honestly). She’s taken lots of trips with helping out for as long as it takes to find to start Booth Media Group, a full-service
us turkey, grouse and deer hunting. In fact, a permanent replacement. If you need marketing company specializing in editorial
she’s probably already a better turkey caller and magazine publishing.

on a slate than I am! We’re excited about

how much she enjoys the outdoors and

time at the farm in Michigan with my par-

ents, and I hope she has the same love for

upland hunting the rest of our family does.

We also added a new puppy to our pack –

a German shorthaired pointer named Riot.

He came from Top Gun Kennel in Iowa, and

he’s already showing a lot of promise as a

close-working grouse dog.

I just got home from the NAGA Confer-

ence & Convention in Las Vegas, and it was

a treat to see so many familiar faces, as well

as some new ones! For many, the event was

the first time back into a group setting of

that size. This was the first convention for Logos are © of ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc., Pantone Color Swatches Supporting Color Pallette Typeface/Font
the organization since the last one I attend- Quincy, IL 62305-3115 USA 732 553 174 553 138 732 159
ed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2020. For me, www.admani.com • 866-666-7626 Condiment

For art questions: call Tracie Hall at
217-231-2239 or [email protected]

it seemed like I fit right back into my role,

and I found myself telling a few people that

it felt like I never left the organization.

If you’re a new member I haven’t

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • 9

CONVENTION ATTENDEES ENJOYED THE VEGAS SHOW
EXTRAVAGANZA LOCATED CONVENIENTLY IN BALLY’S HOTEL.

BY BRITNEY BOOTH, NAGA
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

NAGA HOLDS 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

N orth American cated on the Las Vegas strip, change made in 2019,
Gamebird Asso- for three days of informa- convention attendees (both
ciation members tion-packed presentations producers and hunting
gathered in Las Vegas on and a convention complete clubs) stayed together for
January 31 - February with vendor booths. After all general session presen-
2, 2022, for the group’s the cancellation of the 2021 tations. Seventeen sessions
annual NAGA Educational event, the organization was ranged in topic from caring
Conference & Convention. excited to host members
who were eager to soak THE 2022 BOARD OF DIREC-
Gamebird producers and in information about the TOR’S MEETING WAS HELD
hunting club owners from gamebird industry. ON WEDNESDAY MORNING
across North America gath- DURING THE CONVENTION.
ered at the Bally’s Hotel, lo- Following a format

10 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• NAGA NEWS

for your breeder flock, JANICE GILLILAND OF HIDDEN VALLEY
late-season sales, locking PHEASANTRY PRESENTS ON THE
in your input costs, brooder HUMANE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS.
barn technology and more.
For a complete convention NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• 11
schedule, including speak-
ers’ names, please visit our
website at northamerican-
gamebird.com/annual-con-
ference/agenda/.

Attendees were invited
to a welcome reception/
football party hosted by
MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc
on Sunday night, as well as
a nightly hospitality suite
hosted by Chad Hughes
of Wings North for the
remainder of the conven-
tion. Attendees and their
families took advantage of
the convention’s built-in
sightseeing time on Tuesday
afternoon, as many set out
to enjoy shows and meals
that Vegas is known for.

The 2022 convention
also included a trade
show with exhibit booths
featuring a variety of in-
dustry-leading companies,
including 3T Products,
ADM Animal Nutrition,
ClearView Enterprises,
Kuhl Corporation, Na-
tional Band & Tag, Romeo
Bravo Software, Star Labs/
Primalac and Stromberg’s
Chicks & Gamebirds/Mann
Lake Ltd.

The event concluded
on Wednesday night with a
delicious buffet-style din-
ner, presentation of NAGA
service awards, fundraising
auction to benefit the North
American Gamebird Foun-
dation and gun raffle draw-
ings. 5R Game Birds won

ELKHORN FARMS & HATCH-

ERY INC./ELKHORN LAKE

HUNT CLUB SPONSORED

LUNCH ON DAY 3 OF THE

CONFERENCE.

JOE WEYKER OF CEDAR the Sponsor Member gun CHAD HUGHES OF WINGS
GROVE, WISCONSIN, WITH raffle, a Benelli Montefeltro
HIS FRANCHI RAFFLE GUN. semi-auto 12-Gauge and NORTH ACTS AS A SPOTTER
Joe Weyker of Cedar Grove,
12 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• NAGA NEWS Wisconsin, won the raffle DURING THE FINAL NIGHT
gun, a Franchi Instinct
12-gauge over/under. BANQUET’S LIVE AUCTION.

THE NAGA AWARDS Inc./Elkhorn Lake Hunt
Club, Forsgren’s Pheasant
BANQUET AUCTION AND Farm Inc., Hidden Valley
Pheasantry, Kuhl Corpo-
RAFFLE RAISED ROUGHLY ration, Lake Elaine Game
Farm, Inc., Little Canyon
$15,000 FOR THE Shooting, Inc., Long-
tail Farms, MacFarlane
FOUNDATION THIS YEAR! Pheasants, Inc., Martz’s
2022 NAGA Educational Game Farm, Metzer Farms,
Conference and Convention National Band & Tag Co.,
sponsors included: NILO Farms, Prairie Land
Break Sponsors: Kuhl Cor- Gamebirds, Inc., Strom-
poration and Stromberg’s berg’s Chicks & Gamebirds/
Chicks & Gamebirds/Mann Mann Lake Ltd., Wings
Lake Ltd North Huntin Club
Lunch Sponsor: Elkhorn
Farms & Hatchery Inc./Elk- Plans are already
horn Lake Hunt Club underway for the 2023
Reception Sponsor: Star event that will take place
Labs/Primalac on February 6-8 in New
Orleans, Louisiana, at the
2022 NAGF FUNDRAISING Astor hotel. Additionally, in
2022, the organization will
AUCTION DONORS INCLUDED host its first Hunting Club
ADM Animal Nutrition, Conference on July 18-20
Beavers Game Farm, at Deer Creek State Park in
Dutch Country Pheasants, Mt. Sterling, Ohio.
Elkhorn Farms & Hatchery

Enjoy the convention’s full schedule of informative sessions, panel discussions
and networking opportunities specifically targeted to gamebird producers,
hunting preserve operators and outdoor industry members and immerse
yourself in the rich culture of New Orleans. Visit our website for more
information on registration, the agenda, lodging and vendor opportunities.

NEW NAGA OFFICERS
BEGIN TERMS

NAGA’S BIANNUAL LEADERSHIP TRANSITION TOOK PLACE
IN LAS VEGAS ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CONVENTION.

BY ROB SEXTON, NAGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

P eg Ballou of supporters of NAGA bership numbers, with President in 2020.
Bucyrus, Ohio’s and are Diamond Spon- specific focuses on live Mike Martz of Dalma-
Elkhorn Farms sors. They’re consistent stream broadcasts and
& Hatchery and Elkhorn attenders of the NAGA a summer conference tia, Pennsylvania’s Martz’s
Lake Hunt Club began Convention and, more re- exclusively for hunt clubs. Game Farm, became
her two-year term on cently, have been annual Peg was previously elected First Vice President on
Wednesday, February 2. sponsors of the event. Second Vice President in the same day. Martz, who
Ballou and her husband 2018 at the convention in manages his farm with his
and former president The primary objective Seattle, Washington, be- father Don, is a Sponsor
Sam have been longtime of her term as president fore moving to First Vice Member of NAGA. He was
will be building mem- first elected to the Board

PEG BALLOU MIKE MARTZ SARA POPE
14 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• NAGA NEWS

in 2018 and was elected pired term on the Board ✔ FOR ALL YOUR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS
Second Vice President of Directors. Michele has ✔ BULK OR SACK DELIVERY
in 2021 to fill the un- been a frequent attendee Specializing in
expired term of Todd of the NAGA Convention
Laudenslager of Mahan- in recent years and has Gamebird Feeds for Chukar,
tongo Game Farms. been active on the Hunting Pheasant & Quail
Club Conference Planning
Since his election, Committee, coordinating Randy Dowling
Mike has been a very NAGA’s first conference
active board member, aimed exclusively at hunt- 100 Maple St., Pratt KS 67124 • (800) 672-5508
chairing both the COVID ing clubs. [email protected]
Response Committee and
the Ammunition Shortage Michele serves as Farm SERVING KS, OK, TX & NM
Committee. In addition, Manager of Flying B and
in 2020, Mike was NAGA’s has been with the desti-
Member of the Year. nation hunting club since
2005.
Sarah Pope, of Janes-
ville, Wisconsin’s MacFar- Serving on the NAGA
lane Pheasants, was elected Board of Directors or as an
Second Vice President at officer of the association
the convention in Las Ve- is a volunteer endeavor.
gas. MacFarlane Pheasants Board members and offi-
is a Diamond Sponsor of cers aren’t paid and spend
NAGA. She was elected to considerable time working
the Board in 2020, but her on behalf of the industry
service to NAGA began in addition to running
long before that. their businesses. NAGA
acknowledges and thanks
Sarah, Director of Peg, Mike, Sarah and Mi-
Operations at MacFar- chele for their dedication to
lane, has been an active the gamebird industry.
member of the association
from her begin- MICHELE BOVEY
ning, serving on
the Convention
Committee and
specifically plan-
ning and coordi-
nating the agenda
for the conference.
She has a passion
and enthusiasm
for the gamebird
industry and a
genuine affection
for the people in
this business.

Michele Bovey
of Grangeville,
Idaho’s Flying
B Ranch, was
appointed to fill
Sarah’s unex-

NWIANNGERAS AANWNOAUNRCEDD
RECOGNIZING EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE GAMEBIRD INDUSTRY

BY BRITNEY BOOTH, NAGA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

O n Wednesday, February 2, 2022, BOARD SERVICE AWARDS Rick Kuhl, CFO of NAGA Diamond
the North American Gamebird Sponsor Kuhl Corporation. Rick is
Association honored several During the awards presentation, new Chair of the Convention Committee and
of its members for their dedication to president Peg Ballou recognized those serves on the Executive and Nominating
the gamebird industry at the Awards board members who had completed a Committees.
Banquet. This year’s Awards Banquet three-year term that ended earlier that Mike Martz, NAGA Sponsor Mem-
took place in the Skyview Ballroom at morning. ber Martz’s Game Farm of Dalmatia,
Bally’s in Las Vegas, Nevada, as NAGA Andy Hairston, NAGA Sponsor Mem- Pennsylvania. Mike serves as 1st Vice
closed out its annual conference and ber, Little Canyon Shooting of Peck, President, Chair of the Publications
convention. Idaho. Andy serves on the Audit, Nomi- Committee and serves on the Conven-
nating, and Scholarship Committees.

ANDY HAIRSTON RICK KUHL MIKE MARTZ
16 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• NAGA NEWS

tion and Executive Committees. This award is for a peer leader. BILL MACFARLANE
Someone who keeps what’s best for our Pure French Red Leg
PRESIDENT’S AWARD industry at the forefront of their mind,
Like all board members, the association shares information and technology that
president receives no compensation helps others in this industry, volunteers
for serving as the head of the gamebird their time, travels on behalf of the associ-
industry’s trade association. The job ation and leads the association. Tonight,
requires many hours and even travel we’re going to present this award to
representing the association through someone who embodies the best of these
its two-year term. New President Peg attributes.
Ballou had the pleasure of recognizing
her predecessor for his commitment, Bill MacFarlane has served as
presenting the President’s Award to Bri- president of the NAGA three times. He
an Beavers of NAGA Diamond Sponsor owns one of the largest gamebird farms
Beavers Game Farm located in Piercev- in the country and freely shares the best
ille, Kansas. available information with his colleagues
in this business. He continues to serve
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD on the NAGA Board of Directors and the
The Lifetime Achievement Award isn’t Executive Committee. He’s a Diamond
given annually but instead used spar- Sponsor of the organization. He’s repre-
ingly to recognize a career’s worth of sented our industry in national meetings
exemplary service on behalf of the game- involving the Department of Agriculture,
bird industry. This year, Immediate Past the Association of State Veterinarians
President Brian Beavers presented the and NPIP. As Chair of the Health Com-
award to Bill MacFarlane of MacFarlane mittee, Bill spearheaded our response
Pheasants in Janesville, Wisconsin. to the avian influenza outbreak in 2015,
and he led the committee to establish a
During his presentation speech, Brian Secure Upland Gamebird Supply Plan.
said the following: Many of you also know Bill from the
seminars he’s long-held in Wisconsin.

The bottom line is this: Bill is exactly
what NAGA envisioned when this award
was created.

BRIAN BEAVERS

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • 17

IN EVERY ISSUE
INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Pro Shop Logistics

TIPS AND TRICKS TO RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL PRO SHOP

BY RUTH MALPAS, VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION AT ELKHORN FARMS AND HATCHERY, INC. AND ELKHORN LAKE HUNT CLUB

When asked to speak during the 2020 NAGA convention in Memphis, Tennessee, I thought to
myself, “What in the world would I talk about?” Having to think about our journey of putting in
a pro shop has helped make me a better shop owner and become more constructively critical of
my process. In the past five years, we’ve gone from one shirt hanger to a whole room devoted to
our customers’ hunting needs. If you’re interested in installing or expanding a pro shop, my tips
and thoughts are below.

IS A PRO SHOP RIGHT FOR MY CLUB? I would argue the answer is: Yes! We need
First, this begs the question of what is a pro some version of a pro shop in all our venues,
shop and what purpose does it serve? For but it will look different for each of us.
us, it’s a sporting goods shop within a public
facility (such as a hunt club) that caters to Questions you need to ask yourself will
venue-appropriate, amateur sporting activi- mainly relate to cost vs. benefit. What does
ties and is staffed, typically, by a professional the time and investment look like for me?
in that sport. We first envisioned the purpose Will it add value to my business? To answer
of our shop to increase our bottom line, but the last question, I believe it adds value by
it also serves to expand our brand value and creating more of your brand recognition,
meet our customers’ needs. We’ve all worked capitalizing on already existing foot traffic
hard to get customers in our door, and what and adding benefit to your customers. You’ve
better thing than a place to be able to provide already done the work to get your customers
them with the gear that they need – hopeful- to your facility, and foot traffic is the number
ly with most of it having a logo to promote one thing that retailers worry about. You
your business to others – but also to help re- already have that built-in, so a pro-shop
member their great experience at your club. takes advantage of the existing traffic to add
to your overall profit for your customers’
DO I NEED A PRO SHOP? patronage. A pro shop can fill a wide variety
Once you understand what a pro shop is and of needs and wants.
its purpose, you must decide if your opera-
tion needs one. If you don’t have a pro-shop, GETTING STARTED
What’s your vision? Take time to do the
math and plan both for the long and short
term. When we started with a single cloth-
ing cabinet, we had a very small area, but
eventually, we could add an addition to our
clubhouse. When planning our expansion,
we had to think about the traffic pattern
that our customers would take and how the
building was laid out. You may easily fit into
your existing layout, but you also may want
to consider expansion to maximize the value
to your customers and your business.

KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS

What types of customers do you have? If
you are a hunting resort and gun club, are
they field hunters, sporting clays shooters
or handgun and rifle shooters? Each of
these clients will have different needs in
their clothing, ammunition, and a variety
of “odds and ends” that can help them have
the best experience possible. You may also

18 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • NAGA NEWS

want to consider splurge and memorabilia LIVE Protection Against Night
items to remember their experiences, such Time Predator Animals
as mugs, hats, keychains, magnets or other DELIVERY
merchandise on which you can apply your When the sun goes
logo. Food for hungry customers is another GUARANTEED down, Nite•Guard
excellent way to serve their needs. Whether begins to flash.
it’s dressed or smoked birds to take home, Experts For Ringneck Pheasant & The “flash of light”
other ready-to-cook options, or even a Chukar Partridge Chicks & Eggs is sensed as an eye
simple vending machine or snack area for a and becomes a threat
quick bite, these items will go a long way to to the most ferocious
maximizing your customers’ experience. night animals.

Ask yourself, “What might my customers PO Box 274 •Princeton, MN 55371
forget?” Having a ready supply of items can
be the difference between a great experience oakwoodgamefarm.com 800.328.6647 niteguard.com
and a poor one and can be a crucial driver
of repeat business. For example, at our club,
hunters often need items like dog gear,
gloves, hats, socks, ammo, safety glasses and
sunglasses.

Having a small supply of either loaner or
rental items from key categories – like or-
ange vests, or rental shotguns if a customer
has a breakdown, etc. – can be an additional
way to ensure that you’re meeting your cus-
tomers’ needs and helping them to have the
best experience possible.

Do you run a private, members-only club
where your customers expect name-brand,
high-dollar items? Do you cater more to
families with a limited budget who want
to get something small but meaningful to
remember their hunt? Knowing and under-
standing your customers is the foundation
for having a successful pro shop.

Think of comparing an Orvis or Beretta
brand shooting shirt, which retails at $80-
$90, with a Cabela’s or Boyt shooting shirt
for $40-$50. Make sure that you’re looking
at both the quality of the product and how
much profit margin you need to make the
pro shop an effective component of your
business.

SUPPLIES AND INVENTORY DISPL AY

What about the source of your merchan-
dise? We discovered early on that you could
often partner with a local sporting goods
store to get items cheaper or partner with
other clubs to buy things like ammo in suf-
ficient bulk to keep prices affordable. With
a vendor’s license, you can sign up to be a
wholesaler/vendor for certain categories of
products. This can be beneficial if you can
get inventory at the amounts you need for
your customers. As an example, many of our
shirts and hats come directly from a printing
company that does embroidery and screen

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • 19

IN EVERY ISSUE
INDUSTRY INSIGHT

printing, and they do the work of tracking or an open hanger or shelf? Are there small pricing, the MSRP is a good place to start,
down items that would fall into our custom- items that have the potential to walk out via but for any specially altered item, like add-
er’s interest. a five-finger discount where you can’t see ing your logo, you must decide if you’ll price
them? items slightly higher to keep the same profit
As you find vendors, consider the time- margin or keep the MSRP and embrace the
frame of delivery, and make sure that you or- Is your area easily cleanable? Our cus- extra advertising.
der ahead, so you have the item when it sells. tomers are always out in the weather. They
Gloves aren’t going to move in July, so watch bring dirt, mud, snow and rain in with them. When setting prices, calculate your pur-
this closely. Many things you need for the How do you protect your items from getting chase price, your shipping/delivery fees and
summer you’ll want to buy in the fall, so they soiled and not selling? Are dogs allowed in any printing cost for logos. Balancing your
have time to arrive and be logoed. In the era your pro-shop? Dogs can bring the same final sales price to meet your customers’
of COVID and the current strains on supply weather elements in as their humans as well expectations and boost your club’s profit-
chains, this has become a significantly more as other hazards. ability takes some time to master, but, as
important consideration in the operation of always, knowing your customer will make all
a successful pro shop, so be sure to do your LOGO AND BRANDING the difference.
homework! You need a logo to set yourself apart from
others and be memorable. If you don’t have Just a few helpful tips to consider: When
Consider how much inventory you want a logo, design one! This is a great way to get ordering in bulk, explore if slightly increas-
to have. Do you have $5,000 to tie up in in- people to recognize you and will be your ing the size of your order can get you a break
ventory? How about $50,000? How well do brand going forward. Logos, along with your on your purchase price or shipping costs,
you think an item will sell? Quality items or name, are critical when buying merchandise especially on items that you know will sell
quantity? Your customer is purchasing from to stock your pro shop. Many places can add in larger quantities like ammo. Running
you as the “pro,” so suggesting poor-quality your logo for free or at a small additional sales during the holidays may help you move
items can hurt this relationship. In the end, cost. Items people wear and use around merchandise, but remember that you’re
again, understanding the needs and wants of others are no-cost advertising for your running a leisure-time business. Though you
your customers will be the key to how much business! might move more inventory, protecting your
and how good the products with which you bottom line is still an important consider-
stock your pro shop will be. EFFECTIVE PRICING ation. Plan ahead. You may not sell a lot of
Most items have a Manufactures Suggested gloves in July, but stocking up during “off”
Another important thing to consider is Retail Price (MSRP). When thinking about seasons can often save you some money and
how you plan on displaying your inventory. the headache of running out if you fail to
For example, do you have a closed cabinet place your order with enough lead time.

Inventory Management and Accounting
This is a challenging topic, and my cop-
out is going to be: “Talk to your accountant.”
Make sure you talk to them about your
goals, how much inventory you plan to have
and how they want you to keep a record of
that for them as they are processing your
taxes. In the article Tracking Inventory with
QuickBooks in a previous edition of the
NAGA News, Peg Ballou writes about prop-
erty tax on any remaining inventory over a
certain amount. This is no longer a consid-
eration in Ohio, but you will want to check if
it will be a factor in your state. You also need
to know how sales tax is paid in your state.
One way to keep track of inventory and
sales is a Point of Sale (POS) System. The
way that our books are set up makes it diffi-
cult for us to use a POS system at the same
time as using our QuickBooks accounting
software. We are currently looking into inte-
grating or using them as a standalone POS.
Many great POS platforms allow 30-60
days of software and hardware trial use. I
would recommend getting it during your
off-season and running through some of
your old receipts and inventory to play with

20 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • NAGA NEWS

it. Watch the fine print! Ask questions to ® SALES
the techs, ensure that you have a thorough Director of Operations • Sarah Pope
understanding of both the software and CHINESE RINGNECK
hardware and make sure that you under- KANSAS RINGNECK [email protected]
stand return policies if you end up not liking MANCHURIAN RINGNECK CROSS Mature Bird Sales • Sarah Baker
the product. MELANISTIC MUTANT
CHUKAR PARTRIDGE [email protected]
Related to bookkeeping, make sure you FRENCH REDLEG PARTRIDGE Day Old Chick Sales • April Goble
know what forms of payment you plan to HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE
accept. Technology is constantly changing, [email protected]
and more and more people are asking if we 2821 S. U.S. Hwy 51 Food Product Sales • Karina Haas
take Venmo or PayPal. So far, we haven’t Janesville, Wisconsin 53546
branched out into these forms of payment, [email protected]
but many clubs are beginning to accept Phone: 608-757-7881
them, and they should be taken into account. Toll Free: 800-345-8348 Visit our food product
www.pheasant.com website at:
In partnership with your accountant,
shop around for a credit card processor. www.pheasantfordinner.com
Organizations like the National Shooting
Sports Foundation have benefits for mem- TECHNICAL
bers with certain processing agencies. ADVICE

So now comes the hard, but also Director of Logistics • Chris Theisen
rewarding, part – putting it all togeth- [email protected]
er. From the physical area, customers’
needs and wants, pricing, inventory and Director of Production • Troy Cisewski
so much more, take your time and study [email protected]
your industry, talk to others that have gone
before. Don’t be afraid to fail, but get up Director of Food Products • Shayne Noller
and learn from it. Check out other articles [email protected]
by your fellow hunting preserve operators.
Remember the most important principle
of customer service – you are there to help
and serve your customers. How can you
serve them today?

Ruth Malpas is the second of six children of

Sam and Peg Ballou. Ruth grew up helping

her family on the gamebird farm and hunting

preserve. Picking up eggs and cleaning the dog

kennels were some of her first jobs. In 2005 she

married her husband Matt and moved away

for a time, moving back to Ohio in April of

2013 with the understanding that Ruth would

eventually become a partner in the business.

In January 2017, Ruth and her brother

Samuel became shareholders in Elkhorn

Enterprises LLC. Ruth continues to work as

VP of Administration at Elkhorn Farms and

Hatchery, Inc. and Elkhorn Lake Hunt Club.

Ruth works in the hunting end of the business

in bookkeeping, scheduling hunting parties

and guides, running the pro-shop and kitchen

and tending to hunters. She also helps during

the summer by cleaning, processing and

racking eggs. Ruth and her husband Matt

are proud parents of two sons, Benjamin &

Andrew. There is the hope that they will be the

4th generation to run Elkhorn.

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • 21

IN EVERY ISSUE
NUTRITION NOTES

Probiotics

WHY YOU SHOULD USE A PROBIOTIC AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE IDEAL, MATURE
GUT FLORA
COMPLETE PRODUCT BY AL HOLLISTER, PH.D., DAWE’S LABORATORIES

We describe probiotics as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit
on the host.” In poultry, a successful probiotic product produces a mature gut microflora in two to three days rather
than the two to three weeks that it might take otherwise. Ideally, these beneficial organisms quickly become the “first
line of defense” that inhibits pathogens and helps provide consistently good performance and efficient use of feed.

At hatch, the gut of all birds is sterile. In And how do you get consistent results? Many sp. and Bifidobacteria sp. actually attach to the
nature, chicks acquire normal gut bacteria suppliers offer probiotics for feed delivery that cells of the gut wall and colonize. Covering the
from feces exposure and what they eat or contain one or a few species (usually Bacillus) surface and occupying all the attachment sites
drink. While in captive-reared birds, they primarily because these spore-formers are can provide competitive exclusion of pathogens
don’t have this exposure to healthy adults, relatively stable in storage and during feed by physically blocking that space.
and we commonly disinfect facilities, chlo- processing. Spores are a dehydrated (and
rinate water and practice biosecurity – all to dormant) multi-shelled form that is resistant Additionally, some species competitively
keep disease-causing bacteria out. But this to heat, cold, disinfectants, chemicals and even inhibit potential pathogens by competing for
also keeps the essential beneficial bacteria radiation. Although some of these cultures have nutrients, producing inhibitory substances
out, making it important that we supply been demonstrated to provide performance or (organic acids, antibacterial peptides, etc.)
them in a probiotic. If not, whatever good health benefits, it’s unrealistic to expect they or helping the bird with digestion (enzyme
or bad bacteria arrives in the gut first will could consistently work under the multitude production). Many of the more effective spe-
establish itself and become dominant. of conditions found in the field and replace the cies are not spore-formers and thus require
hundreds (or thousands) of species present in a protective coatings (encapsulation) to provide
To prevent the dominant species from normal, healthy bird. Also, because the passage stability in pelleted feed or must be delivered
being potential pathogens like salmonella rate in young birds is quite rapid, the spores, in mash feed, in a spray, in the drinking water
or clostridia, the beneficial bacteria need if not carefully selected, may not germinate or a hatchling supplement (i.e., a gel). But
to reach that gut and be allowed to colonize quickly enough after being consumed by the correct timing is everything; competitive
before any potential pathogens arrive in the bird to do anything before they are ejected in exclusion works best as a preventative rather
feed, water, litter or air. We refer to this as the the feces. Thus, the most consistently effective than treatment (like antibiotics).
principle of competitive exclusion. probiotic cultures contain many additional
species performing different functions. For WHAT FEATURES SHOULD WE LOOK
WHAT SPECIES ARE USED? example, while Bacillus sp. function mainly in
There are at least 20 companies that offer pro- the lumen as they pass through or in the mucus FOR IN THE IDEAL COMPLETE
biotic or direct-fed-microbial products in the layer near the cell wall, others like Lactobacillus
U.S. today. How do you decide which one to use? PROBIOTIC PRODUCT?
1. Multi-species, multi-strain, multi-source to
make a complete system of symbiotic bacteria
2. Poultry-specific strains of bacteria
3. Colonizing ability
4. Stability in storage and pelleting, or deliv-
ery by alternate methods
5. Antagonistic to pathogens
6. Improve performance by producing en-
zymes or volatile fatty acids
7. Enhancement of immunity
8. Grown together or a compatible mixture to
make a complete ecosystem

There are probiotic products with several of
these features, making them useful in specific
situations, but very few meet all the criteria. As
mentioned earlier, the main results of a suc-
cessful probiotic product is a mature gut micro-
flora in two to three days, allowing inhibition of
pathogens, consistently good performance and
efficient use of feed. Some are lacking in one
category while excelling in another.

22 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • NAGA NEWS

EXAMPLE OF COMPETITIVE This example demonstrates that probi- probiotic bacteria during and after the stress
otics act by prevention, using the strength to replenish those lost.
EXCLUSION IN ACTION of numbers, and like all biological systems,
there will be variation. It’s up to the producer Dr. Hollister is the Technical Services Nutri-
In healthy poultry, the Clostridia (or other to reduce stress and gut damage as much as tionist at Dawe’s Laboratories, providing man-
pathogen) numbers are kept small as a result possible to allow the beneficial bacteria to agement and nutrition support to Dawe’s cus-
of competition from probiotic bacteria, so maintain the natural balance. In the case tomers worldwide. He has a broad educational
the total intestinal flora is in balance and of unforeseen stress that puts birds off feed background with degrees in biology, chemistry,
disease-free. But, if a stressor causes flushing or causes flushing, it’s essential to provide animal science, and poultry nutrition, including
or gut damage, for example, coccidiosis, the research with chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys,
gut reacts by producing mucus. Because these SALMONELLA SHOWING THE FLAGELLA THEY and pheasants. That, plus many years of indus-
Clostridia bacteria are mucolytic, the mucus USE FOR MOVEMENT AND ATTACHMENT try involvement, has provided the tools needed
provides a ready source of nutrition, allowing to design effective products and procedures to
them to grow and produce toxins. With a stress- solve problems and help improve the production
or or without prevention or intervention to and quality of livestock.
stop the Clostridial “bloom,” the situation can
get progressively worse. The diseases caused by Dawe’s provides nutrition-related products
these bacteria are referred to as necrotic enteri- such as vitamin-mineral premixes, water-dis-
tis, cellulitis or gangrenous dermatitis. Necrotic persible vitamins, electrolytes, probiotics,
enteritis is where the damage from the toxin hatchling supplements, specialty products and
produced by the Clostridia is mainly confined ration formulations for all poultry, livestock,
to the intestinal tract. In gangrenous dermatitis aquaculture, pets and exotics.
and cellulitis, the organism has gained entrance
to the bloodstream from the gut and then You can reach Al at a.hollister@dawesnutri-
makes its way to skin and muscle tissues where tion.com or (800) 323-4317.
the toxins cause damage (necrosis) or death.

A Complete Line of Equipment for the Gamebird Industry

Plastic and Rubber Peepers

Range and Hanging Feeders KUHL CORPORATION Auto-Drinkers
PO BOX 26 Transport Coops

FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822
TEL: (908) 782 5696
FAX: (908) 782 2751
VIST US AT:

catalog.kuhlcorp.com
www.kuhlcorp.com

NAGA Diamond Sponsor Contact Kuhl for a FREE complete catalog of all products

IN EVERY ISSUE
DISEASE REPORT

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Update

HPAI FOUND IN WILD WATERFOWL IN SOUTH CAROLINA, NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA,

FLORIDA AND MARYLAND BY MEGAN E. LIGHTY, DVM, PHD, DACPV, AVIAN DIAGNOSTIC AND OUTREACH

VETERINARIAN, ANIMAL DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Avian Influenza (AI) viruses can affect various species of domestic and wild birds. While the ter-
minology used to describe these viruses can be confusing, understanding the basics can help you
recognize the risk that various strains may pose to your operation. AI viruses can be classified in
a few different ways. One method is to classify AI viruses based on pathogenicity, i.e., their abil-
ity to make birds sick. Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses generally cause mild or no
clinical signs in infected birds. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses can cause se-
vere disease and may result in high mortality, especially in domestic poultry flocks.

AI viruses can also be classified based on America since 2016. Similar viruses were North America mean for gamebird produc-

two proteins present on the surface of the subsequently detected in a second exhibition ers? Producers along the East Coast of the

virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase poultry flock and wild birds along the east United States and Canada should be on high

(N). There are 16 known H and 9 known N coast of Canada. On February 4, 2022, the alert. However, all poultry and gamebird

subtypes of AI viruses. These H and N sub- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) owners in North America should review their

types can occur in many different combina- reported the detection of H5N1 HPAI in a biosecurity plans and make sure that every-

tions resulting in distinct strains of the virus. commercial turkey flock in Nova Scotia. one involved in their operation is following

AI viruses are frequently named based on In January and early February 2022, the those biosecurity practices. While HPAI de-

their combination of H and N surface pro- United States Department of Agriculture tections so far have been limited to the East

teins, e.g., H5N1 or H7N2. Another method (USDA) confirmed multiple detections Coast, the Atlantic Flyway crosses paths with

for classifying AI viruses is genetic lineage of similar Eurasian lineage H5N1 HPAI the Mississippi, Central and Pacific Flyways

based on the geographic location where the viruses in wild waterfowl in South Carolina, at the southern end of North America and

virus strain originated: e.g., North American, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Mary- in Central and South America. This means

Asian, Eurasian, etc. land. Eurasian lineage H5 HPAI viruses there is opportunity for these HPAI viruses

In December 2021, a Eurasian lin- are currently circulating in wild migratory to spread to the other flyways before birds

eage H5N1 HPAI virus was detected in a waterfowl along the Atlantic Flyway. These start migrating north again in the spring.

multi-species exhibition flock located in viruses can cause catastrophic losses if Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. This introduced into domestic poultry, including the natural reservoir host for AI viruses

virus is genetically similar to the H5N1 HPAI upland gamebirds. For example, the 2014- meaning that they can be carriers for these

viruses that have been widely circulating 2015 outbreak of HPAI in the United States viruses without showing any outward signs

throughout Asia, Europe and Africa in recent affected 232 flocks across 15 states resulting of disease. Infected birds can shed large

years, causing devastating losses for poultry in the death or depopulation of approxi- amounts of virus in their feces. A single

producers. This was the first detection of a mately 50.4 million domestic birds. gram of feces can contain enough virus to

Eurasian lineage H5 HPAI virus in North What do these recent HPAI detections in infect every bird in your flock. The virus

can remain viable (i.e., capable of infecting

other birds) for long periods of time in wet

environments or if contained within organic

Pheasant • Quail • Chukar material (e.g., feces or feathers). Note that
EGGS • CHICKS • STARTER • FLIGHT READY wild bird surveillance programs, including
“hunter harvest” submissions, can only sam-
Delivery Available
ple a very small subset of the total migratory

Field Trials • Hunt Tests • Hunt Preserves • Propagation • Restocking waterfowl population. So even if there has

A ID • WA You are guaranteed to get the birds not been an HPAI detection in wild birds in
your area, you should assume that wild birds
Andy Hairston when you buy from folks that hunt the same birds. are carrying the virus and implement appro-
priate biosecurity measures. Remember that
POB 28 We operate hunting clubs in Washington and Idaho. people, clothes, footwear, vehicles, tools and
44854 Little Canyon Road equipment can all be contaminated and po-
Peck, Idaho 83545 References Available / Prices on Request
208.486.6235 NPIP #46 / Tested and Clean

www.littlecanyonshooting.com
[email protected]

LITTLE CANYON SHOOTING tentially introduce AI into your operation.
PRODUCING UPLAND GAMEBIRDS FOR THE NORTHWEST Ideally, anyone working with game-

birds should avoid contact with wild birds.

24 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • NAGA NEWS

However, since that is often not a practical A FLOCK OF MIGRATING Coughing, sneezing and/or nasal discharge
option for many gamebird producers, there SNOW GEESE ON THE
are some steps you can take to reduce the DELMARVA PENINSULA Incoordination, stumbling
risk of spreading the disease to your flock.
Examples include: It is crucial to investigate illness or in- Twisting of the head and neck
Have dedicated clothes and footwear for use crease in mortality in your flock. Considering
only when working with your flock(s) these recent HPAI detections in North Amer- Diarrhea
Clean and disinfect all tools and equipment ica, it is especially critical that you submit
before bringing them into your barns/pens samples for diagnostic testing to rule out AI. If your birds are sick or dying, you should
Maintain your barns and fencing/netting over CLINICAL SIGNS OF HPAI MAY INCLUDE: immediately contact your veterinarian, the
pens to prevent entry by wild birds Sudden increase in mortality without clinical nearest veterinary diagnostic lab, your State
Discourage wild birds from congregating near signs Veterinarian’s office, or call the USDA toll-
your flock(s) Decreased energy and/or appetite free hotline at 1-866-536-7593.
Clean up feed spills immediately Decreased egg production
Minimize habitats for wild birds or other pests Soft-shelled, thin-shelled or misshapen eggs Additional information on AI and biose-
near your barns or flight pens (e.g., standing Swelling or purple discoloration of the head, curity measures can be found on the USDA
water, overgrown weeds/vegetation, etc.) eyelids or legs (shanks/feet) website at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/
Use wild bird deterrence methods (e.g., air Difficulty breathing aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-dis-
cannons, protective netting, etc.) ease-information/avian/avian-influenza
If you hunt wild birds (or even if you hunt
raise-for-release birds or non-avian species in
an environment where you could potentially
encounter wild birds or their feces):
Wear gloves when handling and dressing
carcasses
Dress carcasses and dispose of any waste
away from locations where you’re raising birds
Wash and vacuum the vehicle used for hunt-
ing or other outdoor activities before returning
to your farm
Shower and change clothes (including foot-
wear) after hunting or other outdoor activities
before returning to your flock(s)
If applicable in your state/region, submit
hunter harvest samples for AI testing

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • 25

IT TAKES A HUNTER

TO MAKE A HUNTER.

TAKE A FRIEND HUNTING.

If just 1 in 3 hunters create a new hunter, we’ll build a strong future for
the way of life we love. So join the +ONESM Movement and be the one.
Take someone hunting who’s never been. For tips, videos and other resources

to help make that first hunt a success, visit LetsGoHunting.org™

IN EVERY ISSUE
RECIPE

Garlicky
Phez Mac
‘n Cheese

COURSE: Main Course
CUISINE: American
PREP TIME: 30 minutes
COOK TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 40 minutes
SERVINGS: 6

Maybe you didn’t have the best luck flip and repeat for the opposite side. Remove the pheasant and go straight to the plate
last weekend and birds were tough meat from the heat and set aside.  right here. 
to come by. Don’t throw that one
pheasant you harvested in the freezer. Let’s Boil pasta according to the directions. 7-8 Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Trans-
add some pasta and cheese and turn it into minutes should cover it for elbows. Be sure fer the mac to a 13 x 9 casserole dish and fold
a hearty meal for your crew, right now. to salt the water.  in the pheasant.  

INGREDIENTS In a saucepan, melt butter and add the Top with the crushed potato chips
1 pheasant flour, creating a roux. Continue to stir on and 1/2 cup of Gruyere (or cheese of your
1 tbsp salt medium heat until flour is fully incorporated.  choice). 
2 tbsp garlic powder
2 cups rice vinegar Slowly add the milk and continue to stir. Bake for 1 hour. But if you like the crispy
2 cups olive oil As it comes back up to temperature it will cheese bits, go for an additional couple of
16 oz pasta elbows thicken, you’re looking for it to cover the minutes under the broiler. 
4 tbsp unsalted butter back of a spoon.
1/3 cup flour The marinated pheasant, salted pasta
3 cups whole milk Remove from heat and add the goudas and and chips provide all the seasoning you need.
1 cup shredded gouda Havarti, stir until melted. (Feel free to choose Hit it with a dash of hot sauce and some
1 cup shredded smoked gouda the cheeses you prefer. I like playing with green onions for garnish.
1 cup shredded Havarti combinations. You need a total of 3-1/2 cups).
1/2 cup shredded gruyere By Brian Koch – UltimateUpland.com
1 cup crushed potato chips Strain your pasta then combine with
Green onions for garnish your cheese sauce. For those who prefer
creamy mac ‘n cheese, you could simply add

INSTRUCTIONS

Remove the breasts and thighs from the bird.
Slice into strips across grain. (Legs of wild
pheasant tend to be tough, we reserve the
drums and hull to slow cook for stocks and
stews).

Combine salt, garlic powder, rice vinegar
and olive oil as a simple marinade. Sub-
merge the pheasant in a covered container
and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, over-
night if possible. 

Remove the pheasant strips from the
marinade and pat dry. Heat a cast iron skillet
and once it reaches high temperature add
the pheasant. The goal is to get crispy seared
garlic bites, so don’t fuss with the meat. Let
it cook on one side for a few minutes then

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • 27

NAGA HUNTING GUTTER CREDIT HERE
CLUB CONFERENCE

July 18-20, 2022

Deer Creek State Park
Mt. Sterling, Ohio

ENJOY A FULL SCHEDULE OF INFORMATIVE SESSIONS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS
AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFICALLY TARGETED TO
HUNTING CLUB OPERATORS.
northamericangamebird.com

28 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • NAGA NEWS

IN EVERY ISSUE
CLASSIFIEDS • ANNOUNCEMENTS • NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS GAMEBIRDS FOR SALE

Tonk Branch Farm has birds for sale. Limit-
ed availability. Call (940) 232-7559 or email
[email protected].

BASIC BUSINESS
Shining M Pheasants – Paulina, OR Bluestem Enterprises – Broken
KO, Producer Arrow, OK
Consultant
The Fly Away Farm – Lewis, KS
BGGO, Hatchery, HPO, KO, Producer Upland Inn Hunts – Greensburg, KS
BGO, FT, HPS, KO, NSTRA, SC
Kent Nutritional Group – Ovid, MI
Supplier Longtail Farms – Waterville, IA
Producer, Supplier
Angela Thomas – Leon, WV
SPONSOR
Edwin Gandy – Florence, SC Dutch Country Pheasants –
Hatchery, Producer Moran, KS
Producer Supplier

SHUTTERSTOCK ADVERTISE HERE!

NAGA Basic members receive one free ad per membership year. Business,
Sponsor and Diamond members receive two free classifieds. Additional
Classified ads are only $25 for 50 words or less, plus $.50 per additional
word. Please send ads to [email protected]

NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022 • 29

IN EVERY ISSUE
CALENDAR

Upcoming Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER

2022 M AY 14

MARCH 10-12 Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Annual
Banquet and Auction
6-9 National Shooting Sports Foundation Marketing Washington, D.C.
& Leadership Summit congressionalsportsmen.org
MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc. Pheasant Lost Pines, Texas
Management Seminar nssf.org 25
Janesville, Wisconsin
pheasant.com 11-12 National Hunting & Fishing Day
nhfday.org
11-13 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders
Summit SEND US YOUR
National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic Kansas City, Missouri CALENDAR ITEMS!
Omaha, Nebraska Animalagalliance.org
pheasantsforever.org Attention conservation organizations,
J U LY state and regional gamebird asso-
21-22 ciations and other industry-related
18–20 groups. NAGA News would like to
North Central Avian Disease Conference list your upcoming banquet or event
Minneapolis, Minnesota NAGA Hunting Club Conference in our Upcoming Calendar of Events.
midwestpoultry.com/attendees/ncadc/ Mt. Sterling, Ohio Simply submit event information
northameriangamebird.com including date, time, place, organi-
22-24 zation name, contact and website
AUGUST to editor@northamericangamebird.
Midwest Poultry Federation Convention com. Please remember the
Minneapolis, Minnesota 1-5 magazine prints well in advance of
midwestpoultry.com the publication date.
National Bobwhite Technical Committee Meeting
and National Quail Symposium
Springfield, Missouri
bringbackbobwhites.org

SHUTTERSTOCK

30 • MARCH 2022 / APRIL 2022• NAGA NEWS

EVERYONE
DESERVES A
NUTRITIOUS
MEAL™

BIOTANIX® WS TENEMAX SYNBIOTEC® AQUA GUT
ALTERN ® POULTRY
® IMW50®

York Ag Products, Inc.
1060 ROOSEVELT AVENUE
YORK, PA 17404

www.yorkag.com/gamebird PHONE (717) 843-9937
(800) 632-1895
FAX (717) 845-7885
EMAIL [email protected]

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
North American Gamebird Association
5195 Hampsted Vil. Ctr., PMB 242 PAID
New Albany, OH 43054-8331 Mansfield, OH
Permit no. 540

Wild Flush® Breeder Feed

• Balanced to support breeding males and females LIFEGUARD® PREBIOTICS
• Mini pellet form reduces waste and is ideal I M M U N I T Y • GUT HEALTH PROBIOTICS
POULTRY ENZYMES
for game birds of various sizes ESSENTIAL OILS
• Contains a premium source of probiotics to support gut health

Available at your local Kalmbach Feeds® dealer kalmbachfeeds.com • 888-771-1250