Jan-Feb_2020_Flipbook

NEWS

The Official Publication of the North American Gamebird Association
january / february 2020

Happy Succeeding at Succession

NEW Plus
YEAR! NAGA Convention History

West Nile Virus Update
And more!

northamericangamebird.com 3
JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

NAGA Mission Statement

The North American Gamebird Association’s mission is to protect, promote and sustain a positive environment in which
gamebird producers and hunting preserve operators can grow their businesses through monitoring and influencing of
legislation, informing and educating our members on current industry trends and issues and promoting and sustaining our
hunting heritage through increased public awareness.

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4 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

Contents 3

IN EVERY ISSUE
05 - PRESIDENT’S LETTER
07 - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
09 - COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT
10 - INDUSTRY INSIGHT
12 - NUTRITION NOTES
14 - DISEASE REPORT
16 - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
ARTICLES
18 - SUCCEEDING AT SUCCESSION
CONVENTION
20 - NAGA CONVENTION HISTORY
22 - REGISTER FOR NAGA 2020 CONVENTION NOW!
24 - CONVENTION AGENDA
NEWS
26 - BEN JONES, PRESIDENT OF THE RUFFED GROUSE

SOCIETY, ADDRESSES WEST NILE VIRUS TESTING
IN RUFFED GROUSE
27 - MINNESOTA DNR REPORTS FINDINGS OF EASTERN
EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS IN RUFFED GROUSE
28 - CLASSIFIEDS
29 - RECIPE
30 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Photo by Britney Booth

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

Directory CONTACT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS North American Gamebird Association
with state and term ending 5195 Hampsted Vil. Ctr., PMB 242,
New Albany, OH 43054-8331
Sam Ballou – Ohio (2021)
Scott Meyer – Minnesota (2021) General: 1-800-624-2967
Jay Sutherland – Utah (2021)
Carrie Wierzba – Wisconsin (2021) E-Mail: [email protected]
Andy Hairston – Idaho (2022)
Rick Kuhl – New Jersey (2022) Web: www.northamericangamebird.com

Todd Laudenslager – Pennsylvania (2022)
Mike Martz – Pennsylvania (2022)
Dr. Doug Anderson – Georgia (2023)
Mike Forsgren – Minnesota (2023)
Bernadette Gilliland – Pennsylvania (2023)
William MacFarlane – Wisconsin (2023)

2020 NAGA BOARD COMMITTEES Audit Committee Publications Committee
Todd Laudenslager, Chair Brian Beavers, Chair
Executive Committee Bernadette Gilliland, Andy Hairston, Tim Zindl, Britney Booth, Peg Ballou, Rick Kuhl, Chad Hughes,
Tim Zindl, Chair Fuzzy Stock Bernadette Gilliland, Mike Martz
Brian Beavers, Peg Ballou, Fuzzy Stock,
Sam Ballou, Todd Laudenslager, Health Committee Scholarship Committee
William MacFarlane William MacFarlane, Chair Vern Beavers, Chair
Tim Zindl, Brian Beavers, Todd Laudenslager, Jeff Hughes, Bonny Stock, Carrie Wierzba, Peg Ballou
Convention Committee Sam Ballou, Eva Pendleton, Rob Sexton, Scott
Rick Kuhl, Chair Meyers, Fuzzy Stock Foundation Board
Sarah Pope, Brian Beavers, Fuzzy Stock, Fuzzy Stock, Chair
Mike Martz, Rob Sexton Membership Committee Tim Zindl, Brian Beavers, Vern Beavers, Jeff Hughes
Peg Ballou, Chair
Auction Committee Bernadette Gilliland, Jay Sutherland,
John Metzer, Chair Jenny Krug, Chad Hughes, Mike Martz
Vern Beavers, Claudette Beavers, Bonny
Stock, Jeff Hughes, Sondra Maness Nominating Committee
Chad Hughes, Chair
Exhibits Committee Andy Hairston, Jenny Krug, Rick Kuhl, Tim Zindl
Brian Beavers, Chair
Britney Booth, Todd Laudenslager,
Rick Kuhl, Andy Hairston, Mike Martz

2020 OFFICERS Rob Sexton – Ohio 2020 STAFF Graphic Design:
Executive Director Caledon Virtual
Brian Beavers – Kansas Editor/Advertising:
President and Treasurer Britney Booth – Tennessee Britney Booth Printing House:
Communications Director [email protected] The Herald, Inc.
Peg Ballou – Ohio
First Vice President Publisher:
Rob Sexton
Tim Zindl – Wisconsin
Immediate Past President JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

4

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

IN EVERY ISSUE

Signing Off as 20/20 –
President of the NAGA Is our Vision Perfect?

PASSING THE TORCH TO BRIAN BEAVERS LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE OF THE NAGA

By Tim Zindl, NAGA Immediate Past President By Brian Beavers, NAGA President

t’s been very humbling to serve as President of the NAGA. appy New Year! May 2020 be prosperous and filled

I I believe our members all have the same goal – to help our H with blessings for you and your business. NAGA’s res-
industry. We’ve done many great things over the past two olution is to continue to be your voice in all things re-
years, like: Going to Washington DC to talk with Senators lated to the gamebird industry. With your input, NAGA

and Congressmen to have legislation put in the Farm Bill can continue to perfect our vision as we move forward.

for us to have indemnification for Low Path Avian Influenza. Then Our sights must be aligned as we face old and new obstacles that

our members went to the NPIP conference, and thanks to Troy hinder our industry’s on-going success.

Laudenslager, we had them create our own subpart in the official   I would like to personally thank Tim Zindl for a job well done in

NPIP handbook. Currently, we’re working on the Secure Upland leading our association for the past two years. His efficiencies have

Gamebird Supply Plan, a multi-year project funded by USDA and our made sure we continued our progress to protect and promote our

NAGF, and is NAGA’S best strategy to permit the movement of birds industry. My gratitude also extends to Executive Director Rob Sexton,

in case of Low Path Avian Influenza. We have monthly calls to track Communications Director Britney Booth and Administrator Karen

the status and hope to have it concluded soon. NAGA also helped to Piatak, for effectively implementing plans approved by your Board

defeat legislation in multiple states that would have banned bird dog of Directors. Their diligence surpasses expectations.

field trials, and in one case, shut down hunting preserves. We hired   As I assume the role as your President at the second Board Meeting

a new Communications Director who has a passion for hunting and during the Annual NAGA Educational Conference and Convention,

created a new look for the NAGA News. Britney Booth has had her my focus will be on your vision for our association as presented by

plate full with all the changes going on, like the new website, NAGA the Board of Directors you have elected over the past three years.

News design and coloration of the magazine. Thank you, Brit, for   If you haven’t been involved in our decision-making process in the

putting up with me. past, there’s no better time than now. Become familiar with our Board

  As my term as your President comes to a close, I would like to thank of Directors and use them as a link to your association. If you have

a former NAGA president Sam Ballou. While Sam was President, he area-specific items you want to be addressed, become familiar with

hired an AMAZING Executive Director for NAGA, Rob Sexton. Being NAGA’s numerous committees, and submit ideas to them directly by

President I get to talk with Rob on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. He’s contacting the appropriate committee chairperson.

doing an amazing job for us, and ALL of the accomplishments listed   For more direct involvement, register today to attend the conven-

above, Rob was a primary factor for pushing them through. I consider tion as an attendee or a vendor. Attending the convention not only

Rob a great friend, enough though he is an Ohio State fan. provides you access to high-quality education focused on our indus-

  Brian Beavers will be taking over as President of NAGA, and I could try, but also allows you the face-to-face interaction with all elected

not be prouder to have him serve as your President. and paid representatives in one place. Now is not the time to sit in

  I hope and pray that God blesses NAGA and our industry for many the peripheral and trust your interests are within NAGA’s sights. We

years to come. must unite to continue to perfect NAGA’s vision.

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 5

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JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS
6

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

IN EVERY ISSUE

Stability is Essential
In Business

BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE’RE UNABLE TO CHANGE

By Rob Sexton, NAGA Executive Director

n the movies and on TV, encountering people who are vived. In the case of the avian flu outbreaks, our association is nearing
I spontaneous and unpredictable is often seen as exciting, the completion of the Secure Upland Gamebird Supply Plan that will
and a great break from the mundane aspects of everyday give NAGA members the best opportunity to be able to ship birds
life. When it comes to “real life,” we’re much more likely to in the aftermath of an outbreak. In 2020, NAGA and our partners
look for stability. Despite hearing people often criticize with the University of Minnesota will take our product on the road

the quality and nutritional value of its food, McDonald’s remains to state veterinarians to provide assurances to the states, and other

the largest restaurant chain in the world, and a continual winner poultry business sectors.

for those that own its stock. When customers are polled as to why   On the legislative front, we’re not naïve enough to think the at-

they eat at the fast-food giant’s franchises, they routinely point to tacks on field trials was a one-time event. We’ll likely see more leg-

its dependable product. islation of this type in 2020, and even more yet the following year.

  In serious matters, stability is even more valued. No one frequents Legislators tend to copy ideas they see cropping up in other states,

the surgeon who is known for unpredictable behavior or an accoun- and groups like the Humane Society of the United States are eager

tant whose methods often change on a whim. Too often in the media to make sure that occurs. To prepare, NAGA will work closer with

and entertainment world, stability is confused with the idea of never valuable partners, and also improve our communication to affected

changing, and as a result, being unable to adapt to shifting conditions, gamebird businesses.

which of course, is the death of any business.   In terms of the health of the association, stability has been a

  Stability doesn’t mean we’re unable to change; it just means that strength here, as well. In the nearly six years I’ve served as Exec-

we’re careful, deliberate and well-thought-out as we do adapt to utive Director, NAGA has been blessed with a dedicated Board of

changing environments. This type of management style doesn’t re- Directors, and a succession of devoted Presidents who’ve guided the

ject innovation, but instead, it ensures the best ideas are the ones organization throughout the many trials we’ve faced. I have greatly

that are selected. enjoyed working with Tim Zindl directly these past two years. Tim

  For sportsmen looking for a place to go for an enjoyable day of has a great combination of wit and a no-nonsense business approach

wing shooting, these same attributes are a must. As a creature of that has served NAGA well.

habit, I’ve hunted the same clubs year after year because I know   Our new president, Brian Beavers, will also serve the association

the quality of the birds, the grounds upon which we hunt, the savvy well. I had to learn the working styles of the past three presidents

dogs and guides and the friendliness of the staff. At the same time, and found them all to be easy to work with and driven to improve

I’ve enjoyed seeing new clay-bird courses, lodges and pro shops that NAGA and the industry. In this case, though, I’ve been working with

have sprung up over the years at these businesses. Brian all along in his capacity as NAGA Treasurer.

  For the association, we never stop looking for the next big idea,   Brian has shepherded NAGA through technological changes, much

or the next area to improve. At the same time, we strive very hard as he did when he and his father Vern assumed control of the orga-

to maintain quality service to our members, and the ability to swing nization’s finances. He’s an idea man, but not one prone to the latest

into action when a crisis arises. In 2014 the crisis was an outbreak trend or fad. I’ve found Brian a pleasure to work with an even tem-

of avian influenza and the subsequent challenges from state govern- perament in the face of a crisis. I think the members of NAGA will

ments in response. In 2019 it was state legislation that threatened be pleased with the work we will do under his leadership, and I look

our customers who buy birds for field trials. forward to a prosperous 2020.

  In response to both situations, we’ve taken the same approach. It

would be foolish to put out the fire and never analyze how we sur-

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 7

NAGA CONSERVATION National Shooting Sports Foundation
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c/o Howard Vincent
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation 1783 Buerkle Circle
c/o Jeff Crane St. Paul, MN 55110
110 N. Carolina Ave. S.E.
Washington, DC 20003 Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation
c/o Craig Alderman
Midwest Poultry Consortium PO Box 947
Beth Nelson Buffalo, MO 65622
4630 Churchill St,
Shoreview, MN 55126 Sportsmen’s Alliance
801 Kings Mill Parkway
National Association of Egg Farmers Columbus, OH 43229
c/o Ken Klippen
PO Box 1065
Oaks, PA 19456-1065

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8 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT

IN EVERY ISSUE

Another Year Has Past …

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
AND THE NEXT NAGA CONVENTION!

By Britney Booth, NAGA Communications Director

A s I’m typing this, it’s still technically 2019, although you   Believe me, you don’t want to miss out on the final banquet night

will be reading it after the new year. I really can’t believe … Elvis will be in the building playing just for NAGA members who

another year is over. I feel like the time goes by faster buy banquet tickets!

and faster as they pass!   Speaking of the banquet, we’re still in need of items for the live/

  As you’ll notice while flipping through this issue, this silent auction. Funds raised will support NAGA’s ongoing efforts

is NAGA’s first all-color issue. Switching to color means a brighter, to protect and promote the gamebird industry, as well as NAGF’s

more user-friendly experience to our readers, and we’re very excited scholarship program and research initiatives.

to kick that off in 2020. It wouldn’t be possible without our advertis-

ers, so “thank you” to them! HOW YOU CAN HELP

  It seems like just yesterday that we had the 2019 NAGA Conven-

tion in Savannah, and here we are getting ready for the 2020 con- Please consider donating an item to support us in this effort. Dona-

vention in Memphis. The convention dates are set for February 3 – 5, tion suggestions include:

2020 and the event will be held at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown • Sports memorabilia (professional autographed items, equipment, uniforms)

Hotel. There’s still time to register, if you’ve been procrastinating or • Gift certificates (restaurants, movies, retail stores)

busy with all of the holiday activities. The cost is $300 per person and • Art work or jewelry

a guest fee of $100 will be charged for anyone 16 years or older who • Wine & liquor

is not a registered convention attendee. The guest fee will include • Experiences or excursions

access to the welcome reception, lunch and break room. The price • Electronics (GoPro, iPad, Fitbit)

of banquet tickets is $80 per person. You can fill out our quick regis- • General financial contributions to support the organization’s mission

tration form online at www.northamericangamebird.com/product/

convention-registration/. DONOR RECOGNITION

  The Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel is offering NAGA mem-

bers a discounted room rate of $135 per night. The discounted room Your name/company name will be listed on auction display/bid sheets,

rate will expire on January 3, and there are a limited number of rooms announced by the emcee and printed in the March/April 2020 issue

available, so book now online at www.book.passkey.com/go/nagam- of NAGA News.

emphis to be sure you receive the best rate. Those who want to call

should use 800-325-3535 and the group code NAG. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  We have an exciting lineup of speakers and entertainment this

year, including: information on how to run a gamebird farm, updates Please bring your auction items to Memphis where either John

on the Secure Upland Gamebird Supply Plan, marketing, tips for Metzer or Rob Sexton will collect them from you. It would be very

extreme weather preparation, cover crop management, aggression helpful to know what your donations are ahead of time, so please

management, succession planning and more! You can view the full email [email protected] to let us know.

agenda on page 24.

I hope to see you in Memphis!

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 9

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

IN EVERY ISSUE

Passing Down A Family Game Farm Operation

MAKING DECISIONS SOONER RATHER THAN LATER CAN SIGNIFICANTLY BENEFIT A BUSINESS
By Mike Martz, General Partner, Martz’s Game Farm F.L.P.

T he passing down of any family busi-
ness can be a daunting task, and for
some, an intimidating venture. Due
to a very dear sister of mine who

had special needs (was autistic and

non-verbal,) my father Don Martz semi-retired at ed. Jake Phillips was the brother of Harold’s moth- and working hard for those who will be passing

age 54 to have more time to help my mother care er, Minerva Phillips Martz. One of the former own- the business along is essential. It’s important to

for her. I distinctly remember at age 26 (in 2003) ers of Mahantongo Game Farm, Charles Phillips learn the gamebird business before taking on the

when my dad surprised me with the following, (Todd and Troy Laudenslager’s grandfather,) was venture of being the top decision-maker. In the

“I’m going to semi-retire on December 31, 2005. also a nephew of Jake Phillips. Jake Phillips was same token, the older generation must be willing

You have some decisions to make.” I remember all instrumental in getting both gamefarms started. to allow the younger generation to take calculated

the questions running through my mind. How am   My grandfather and father both taught me that risks to try to improve the business. Does this

I ever going to pay off the business? Am I ready? surrounding yourself with good people is essen- mean that healthy disagreements won’t happen?

What if something goes wrong and I let the family tial. They both made good decisions in hiring and The answer is an emphatic “NO.” As a kid working

down? I’ve never been one that is willing to accept made people feel like a family. This is a tradition on the farm, I’ve heard many arguments over our

failure, but at the same time, I also believe that that I believe is important to continue. We have two-way radios between my grandfather and fa-

we’re at God’s mercy, and I know things can go awesome employees. Our three managers (Chris ther. As long as you can “kiss and make up” at the

wrong in this business. Lenker, Bob Whitsel and Roxanna Sheesley) have end of the day, I consider it a good thing, because it

  My grandfather, Harold Martz, founded Martz’s been with us for more than 30 years, and we have shows passion for the business rather than apathy.

Game Farm in 1955 with the help of his Uncle Jake many other employees that have been on board Apathy results in laziness.

Phillips. Many people in the gamebird industry for an extended period.   In a family business, one of the easiest things

know that Martz’s Game Farm and Mahantongo   For those in the younger generation looking to that we can control, in my opinion, is how we train

Game Farm are “cousins” and ask how we’re relat- take over a family business, I believe respecting our employees to treat the customer. The custom-

10 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

er is the lifeblood of any business, and everyone working for a family business

should understand that. We’re all human and will do or say the wrong thing

at some point; however, as a general rule of thumb, it’s vital to educate

employees to understand that without the customer, we don’t have jobs.

One thing I distinctly remember was the 2008 market crash. It was easy for

everyone to understand that we are nothing without the customer because

employers and employees alike were fearful of what was next to come. I think

it’s important for the older generation of business owners to emphasize this

concept and stress the importance to the younger generation of owners.

  Finally, the most critical aspect of most families passing down a family

business is how the company will be financed. Will the parents take a chance

and “play the bank”? Does a commercial loan need to be taken out? Will the

market value of all used equipment be used, or will depreciated value be

used? What other agreements will there be to ensure stability? These are all

relevant questions, and I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer to any

of them because every situation is different. The “
most important thing is that whatever choices are
made be well-planned. In our case, transferring

the business from my father to me was thought THE MOST

out years in advance. His goal was to make the CRITICAL ASPECT

transfer of ownership in a manner as similar as OF MOST

possible to how his father passed the business FAMILIES PASSING

on to him. DOWN A FAMILY

  One area that worked very well for us was set- BUSINESS IS HOW

ting up a Family Limited Partnership (FLP). FLPs THE COMPANY

are frequently used to move wealth from one WILL BE

generation to another. Partners are either Gen- FINANCED. WILL

eral Partners (GP) or Limited Partners (LP). One THE PARENTS

or more GP is responsible for managing the FLP TAKE A CHANCE

and its assets. LPs have an economic interest in AND “PLAY THE Discover
the FLP, but typically lack two noteworthy rights: BANK”? DOES A
control and marketability. LPs cannot control, di- COMMERCIAL

rect or otherwise influence the operations of the LOAN NEED TO

FLP. They can neither buy additional assets, nor BE TAKEN OUT?

sell existing assets, and they cannot act on the WILL THE MARKET

Partnership’s behalf. They also substantially can- VALUE OF ALL

not sell their interest, with one typical exception: USED EQUIPMENT

transfers to immediate family members (spouse, BE USED, OR WILL

siblings and direct lineal descendants and ascen- DEPRECIATED

dants). FLPs are partnerships limited to family VALUE BE USED?

members, hence the name. ”
  In conclusion, my parents treated me fairly and
did a great job of planning the transfer of own-

ership. It would be very hard for a young person

without some form of independent wealth to buy

out a large game farm operation unless they are a

family member. Furthermore, anyone in the game

bird industry knows that raising game birds is a

lot more work than meets the eye and likely hard

to make an adequate profit unless there is a great

deal of expertise in the day-to-day operations of

the farm. Therefore, I am grateful that I was given

the opportunity to do this because it is what I

grew up doing and thank God that I enjoy getting Pure French Red Leg
up for work every morning.

Opposite Page: Don Martz, Harold (Hup) Martz and
Michael Martz

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 11

NUTRITION NOTES

IN EVERY ISSUE

Coccidiosis Shuttle, Rotation and Alternatives

HOW TO TREAT COCCIDIOSIS AT YOUR GAME FARM
By Dr. Al Hollister, Poultry Nutritionist – Dawe’s

a limited number of farms. The organisms on your phore knockdown). Others should not be used

farm could react differently, so you may need to for breeders or layers producing eggs for human

test different products. Additionally, products consumption.

that are said to be ineffective may be effective if   The mode of action describes how the product

they haven’t been used at your location recently. affects the cocci organism. Some act on different

On the following page is a table that attempts to stages of the life cycle and some are broad spec-

summarize the currently available (2019) in-feed trum. They may kill the organism (coccidiocidal) or

delivered coccidiostats, the manufacturer, the may interfere in some way with its growth (coc-

mode of action and cautions when using those cidiostatic). There may be advantages to each. For

products. Much of this information was summa- example, coccidiostatic products allow “leakage,”

rized from the Feed Additive Compendium, which meaning some organisms may be damaged but

also lists use rates and approved combinations. remain alive and can stimulate the development

Also listed are water-delivered products and alter- of immunity. Ionophores usually have some leak-

native plant extracts, which show some promise. age, and they may take many years before having

  As you will see, there are only five products resistance problems. Some chemical products

f you live in an area that experienced that are currently approved for in-feed use for (Clinacox) are –cidal, so they kill the cocci, and

I wetter the average weather this past gamebirds: one for pheasant, two for quail, and they affect several stages of the life cycle. The
season, you may have also noticed an in- two for chukar. Eight more are approved for use disadvantage is that it doesn’t have leakage, so no

crease in coccidiosis outbreaks. Or, you in chicken or turkey. So, to use a shuttle program, immunity develops. Another disadvantage is that
may have noticed that in recent flocks, it becomes necessary to consult with your vet to resistance can develop quickly, so it shouldn’t be

cocci problems seem to be more common than determine the correct procedures to use these used long term. It’s best used as part of a shuttle

in the past. Possibly, the Eimeria organism that products off-label. Most of these products that program.

causes coccidiosis may be becoming resistant to have been approved for use in chicken or turkey   Example programs include: 1) Use ionophores

the product that you’re using. are also safe in gamebirds, EXCEPT where men- when chicks are inside, weather is moderate and

  In either case, you may find that it’s necessary tioned in the “Cautions and Do Not Mix” notices. there is plenty of access to water, 2) Use chemicals

to consider an alternative coccidiostat. This pro- Always consult with your vet to be sure. when very hot weather is likely, your water supply

cedure of switching products is called a shuttle   The column marked “Cautions and Do Not Mix” is limited or water quality is questionable (miner-

or rotation program. The reasoning is that when lists circumstances that can be dangerous or cause als, limited space, etc.,) or 3) If you see symptoms

the organism develops resistance to a product, the product to be ineffective. For example, Ampro- of coccidiosis, switch to a product with a different

you can change to one that uses a different mode lium and some others can be bound by bentonite mode of action – either on a per-flock or per-sea-

of action and regain better control of the organ- or similar clay products and thus rendered useless. son basis.

ism. Research has indicated that some products Most ionophores are dangerous to horses, mature   Note: Time and space limit this presentation

are no longer effective and that some products turkey, and guinea fowl. Ionophores can also be to only the high points – for more detail, consult

work better in different species (see McDougald). dangerous during hot weather conditions and/or your veterinarian.

However, as valuable as that data is, it came from when water availability is limited (causing iono-

12 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

UPDATE ON COCCIDIOSIS CONTROL METHODS IN GAMEBIRDS (2019)

CURRENTLY APPROVED AND AVAILABLE MANUFACTURER CAUTIONS - OR DO NOT MIX MODE OF ACTION

FOR PHEASANTS Huevepharma Bentonite Thiamine antagonist
Amprolium (Amprol)

FOR QUAIL Elanco Horses, adult Turkey, Guinea Fowl, heat Ionophore
Monensin (Coban) Huvepharma Horse, adult Turkey, Pellet Binder, egg, heat Ionophore
Salinomycin (Bio-Cox)

FOR CHUKAR Zoetis Eggs, young bird only Folic antagonist
Sulfadimethoxine & Ormetoprim 5:3 Zoetis Horses, young birds only, heat Ionophore
(Rofenaid 40) not currently available
Lasalocid (Avatec)

OTHERS APPROVED FOR Huvepharma Young Only, withdrawl Dev. Of sporzoites
CHICKENS OR TURKEYS Zoetis Bentonite, eggs Elect transport
Clopidol (Coyden) Huevepharma Eggs, breeders Unknown - chemical
Decoquinate (Deccox) Zoetis Bentonite, Eggs, 50 d storage max Mature schizonts
Diclazuril (Clinacox) Elanco Horses, Adult Turkeys, Heat Ionophore
Robenidine Hydrochloride (Robenz) Phibro Heat, Layers Broad spectrum
Narasin Phibro Eggs, heat Ionophore
Nicarbazin Zoetis Young Only, Eggs
Semduramicin(Aviax) Not available in US
Zoalene(Zoamix)

LIQUID DELIVERY Eggs, young birds Folic antagonist
Sulfadimethoxine (Di-Methox, Albon)

PLANT EXTRACTS BEING TESTED oocysts
Saponins (Yucca, Quillaja) destruction of oocysts, spo-
Essential oils (oregano, carvacrol, thymol, rozoites, immune modulation
cinnamaldehyde, capsicum, tumeric, euge- sporulation, cell wall
nol, limonene))
Tannins, Allicin, Flavonoids, Papain

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 13

DISEASE REPORT

IN EVERY ISSUE

Fowl Cholera

HOW TO PREVENT AND CONTROL OUTBREAKS
By Dr. Doug Anderson, Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network

Above: Proventiculus heamorrhage Above: Mottled enlarged spleen
Lesion of acute septiceamia Lesion similar to marble spleen disease

tality rates will peak quickly. Birds may appear or carcasses. Although environmental exposure

depressed, bluish (cyanosis,) with no interest in can be useful in reducing the spread of the disease,

eating (anorexia). There may also be nasal or oral birds that have died from Pasteurella carry large

discharge, swelling of the face and possibly swol- populations of organisms allowing cannibalism

len joints. Many of the clinical signs will appear to of the carcasses to become effective pathways

F owl cholera is an acute bacterial in- be like lesions of other diseases: MG, erysipelas, of exposure. These bacteria-laden carcasses are
fection caused by Pasteurella mul- other septicemias, marble spleen disease, low spreaders of Pasteurella spp. Piling of dead birds
tocida, resulting in acute septicemia path avian influenza, etc. outside of flight pens, or dead pits become the
with high morbidity and excessive   Necropsy may not present any lesions other worst kind of disease vectors. Furthermore, rats,

mortality. It’s highly infectious and than acute death (enlarged and darkened livers, mice, cats, opossums, raccoons and probably ar-

spreads rapidly within the flight pens. In addition petechial hemorrhages, enlarged and mottled madillos, foxes, coyotes and raptors as well, and

to infecting gamebirds like pheasant, turkey, par- spleen). Consult your veterinarian for assistance our employees and their vehicles provide a contin-

tridge and quail, it also infects poultry, waterfowl, with diagnosis. ual disease exposure. Should any of the infected

songbirds and many zoo/wildlife species, which   The organism has poor survivability outside of birds survive, they will become carriers.

poses a biosecurity threat. the host where disinfectants, heat, desiccation/   Treatment should include removal and sanita-

  Sudden, unexpected deaths are typical clinical drying and sunlight can be useful in controlling tion of carcasses – removal of carcasses cannot

signs. Breeder hens might be found in the nesting Pasteurella spp. However, thick cover crops can be stressed enough! Typical antibiotics include

areas. Egg production rate will drop. Birds may produce the opposite, making it difficult to ex- penicillin, tetracyclines and sulfa drugs. Following

be found exactly where the bird was standing or pose the bacteria to the sun. Without the sun’s a course of antibiotics, many flocks have been

hiding, giving the scene a look of “toxicity.” Mor- drying, organisms can last for months in the soil found to relapse. Use of a long term, low-level

14 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

Above: Swollen face, eye lid, sinus Above: Acute death Above: Acute death
Cholera lesion that resembles bulgy eye (MG) Hen dropped where she was standing Early cannibalism

preventative dosage may need to be used until vaccine can be developed from isolates of large   Fowl cholera is a highly infectious bacterial

total depopulation can be accomplished. Consult facilities (lot size can be expensive). Serotypes infection that can result in high morbidity and

your veterinarian in the selection of an antibiotic will need to match. Depopulation is one of the mortality. If the infection reaches your facilities,

as new FDA considerations have been put into critical steps for future flocks. Pasteurella doesn’t serious attention to the details (rats, cats, dead

place to prevent drug resistance. transmit via the egg, so starting over with a clean pits, vector tracking, antibiotic control programs,

  Control of cholera is difficult due to multiple flock is possible after a serious cleaning and disin- depopulation and C&D) will be necessary to

serotypes, which makes vaccine production dif- fection protocol, followed by extended downtime. control its spread and effect. If Fowl cholera hits

ficult. There are up to 16 known serotypes, and Rat and cat control are also essential to success. your facility, contact your veterinarian as soon

new unidentified types are regularly occurring. In addition to rat control at the ground level, rat as possible.

Vaccines of one serotype have very poor protec- control in the rafter/attic area for arboreal rats

tion towards other serotypes. A killed autogenous needs to be in place as well.

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JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 15

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

IN EVERY ISSUE International Pheasant Management
Seminar to Draw Participants From
Iuka Feeds Across the Globe
Finishes Three-
Year Upgrade REGISTER NOW FOR MACFARLANE PHEASANTS, INC. BI-ANNUAL SEMINAR

AUTOMATION AND CONSISTENCY
A TOP PRIORITY

uka Feeds, owned by Kanza Corporative

I Association, is the primary supplier of
gamebird feeds in Kansas, Oklahoma,

Texas, and New Mexico. Their locations
span 180 miles, including their one and

only feed-production mill in Pratt, Kan. – a large

enough mill to provide the service, but small

enough to care about each individual customer.

  Iuka prides itself on providing customized feed

for individual gamebird producers, as well as nu-

tritional support, and top-notch customer service,

including yearly on-farm visits and being sure to

know all of their customers by name. Subsequent- M acFarlane Pheasants, Inc. is host- have had attendees from Canada, Russia, China
ly, the gamebird industry feed makes up 30-35 ing its 12th bi-annual Interna- and Portugal. MacFarlane Pheasants offers ample
percent of the tonnage sold per year at Iuka, a tional Pheasant Management time for participants to network during breaks,
substantial amount. Seminar March 8 – 11, 2020. meal times and social hours, where attendees

  The three-year upgrade to the feed mill includes The seminar will be located in are afforded the chance to get to know others on

a new, automated pellet mill, a new pellet cooler Janesville, Wis., the home of MacFarlane Pheas- a personal basis. All meals, beginning with Sunday

and pellet crumbler for making starter crumbles ants, less than two hours from Chicago O’Hare dinner through Wednesday, are included in the

and grower crumbles and a new electrical room International Airport. cost and are considered an excellent opportunity

built to supply the new components that were re-   One can view the extensive seminar itinerary to get to know others in the business on a more

placed. Their top priority was making everything online at www.pheasant.com. The seminar topics personal level. Transportation to and from the

possible digital and automated, in order to provide are pertinent to anyone working in the pheasant meals is also provided, so participants can be free

their gamebird customers as much consistency industry. The sessions are presented by top-notch of the stress of driving.

as possible. industry leaders and people who are experts in   Workshops include hands-on sessions on egg

  These new upgrades are a long-time view of their fields. There will be presenters from across breakout, necropsy and a demonstration of sexing

supplying quality and consistent feed to our game- the United States and Europe. The topics include, out day-old pheasant chicks. Be prepared to ask

bird customers,” said Randy Dowling, Iuka Feeds but are not limited to, understanding mycoplasma, lots of questions in a comfortable environment,

Senior Vice President of Manufacturing. biosecurity updates and how to assess day-old and get those questions answered. Be ready to

  In addition to their custom rations for gamebird chick quality. hear of the latest news and information in the

operations, Iuka Feeds also offers stock products   This seminar, which is offered to people from industry.

like starter, grower, breeder and maintenance across the globe, will provide an opportunity for   For more information, contact MacFarlane staff

ration, as well as a full line of hatchery and brooder participants to meet and discuss pheasant pro- by calling 608-757-7881 or emailing

house supplies. duction with representatives from pheasant pro- [email protected]. You can also register on-

  Visit http://www.kanzacoop.com for more in- duction farms from across the United States, the line at www.pheasant.com.

formation. United Kingdom and France. In past seminars they

16 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

Welcome New
Members

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Business:

Indian Neck Farm — New York, N.Y.; HPO, Conservation Partner, Fishing; P, Q, M, T, C
Grace Game Birds — Frenchtown, N.J.; Producer; P, C, Q

Basic:

Blue Pheasant Game Birds, LLC — Strasburg, Ohio; Producer; P, C, Q
Scattergun Game Birds, LLC — Reed City, Mich.; Producer; Q
West Kentucky Gamebirds — Cadiz, Ky.; Producer, NPIP; C, Q

Quail Hill — Duncan, S.C.; Hatchery, Producer, Conservation partner; Q
Cheryl Arnstrong — Stafford, Va.

Summit Lake Game Birds — Akron, Ind.; Hatchery, Producer, Conservation partner; C

KEY

Birds Handled:

P — Pheasants M — Mallard Duck
Q — Quail T — Wild Turkey
C — Chukar D — Doves
H — Hungarian Partridge O — Others/Ornamentals

Below: Photo by Tess Rousey
Tess Rousey Photography
www.tessrouseyphoto.com

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 17

ARTICLES

Succeeding at Succession

By Rob Sligh, Consultant at Family Business Consulting Group

Left: Photo courtesy of iStock

t’s hardly an exaggeration to consider   So, it’s important to consider why and how members often work simple jobs in the family
some family businesses succeed for generations. business beginning at young ages. They get to
I the successful transition of ownership With each succeeding generation, in an essential know people who work in the business and de-
and leadership from one generation to process of renewal, families agree on answers to velop a front line view. Many family businesses
the next as two family business miracles. important foundational questions: encourage or even require NextGen members out
Consider, perhaps in an ideal world, a of school to work full time at another business to
founder and an only daughter in business together. • What is the purpose of our proactively en- gain experience and earn promotion independent-
They get along well and own the business 50/50. gaging as an extended family? ly. If they later join the family business, the outside
When the founder retires, the daughter becomes success boosts their self-confidence and credibili-
chairman and CEO and spends the next decade • What is the purpose of staying together as ty with family business employees. New ideas are
buying out the founder’s share. But of course, it’s family enterprise owners? better accepted when NextGen members have
rarely that simple. first-hand experience working elsewhere.
  The 2nd generation typically includes multiple • To what extent, if any, will family members be
siblings. Often they all become owners, with at engaged in business leadership? LEADING FOR THE LONG RUN
least part of that transfer placed into one or more
trusts through gifting. All or some may be leaders   It may be that extended family owners share Successful family enterprises include involved
in the business. While they are different people beliefs about human nature, family enterprise families, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there
with a variety of interests, they generally have the culture and legacy, and directions for the fruit- needs to be a family CEO. Many family businesses
bond that comes from growing up in the same ful investment of time and money. They may see evolve in later generations to a non-family CEO for
household. themselves as stronger together — culturally, com- a business that the family owns. Whether family
  We call G3 the cousin generation and things petitively and financially — than if they went their enterprises are led by family or non-family, a fre-
become more complicated. There may be 10 or separate ways. Those are the kinds of things that quent competitive advantage over private-equity
20 family owners in the family enterprise that may can represent a strong purpose for proactively owned companies and public companies is longer
own more than one business. Some owners are engaging extended family or staying together as leadership tenure and a longer range strategic view.
involved in family business leadership but many family enterprise owners.   The creation of an independent board of advi-
or even most are not. Cousins grow up in different sors or board of directors is often described years
households. They have different backgrounds, ACTIVE OWNERS after implementation as one of the best decisions
interests and goals. ever made by a family business. Comprised of
Ownership is an active endeavor whether or not
OVERCOMING THE ODDS it’s combined with business leadership. Owners Chad Hughes
elect the board of directors as well as influence
Only about 3% of family businesses make it the selection of top leaders and the direction of 19379 Homestead Road · Pine City, MN
through the 4th generation where complexity can the company. Ultimately owners decide who has 320.629.4868 · [email protected]
increase exponentially. an opportunity to buy or receive shares. Owners
support business leadership with loyalty, engage-
ment, motivation and compensation. They are ac-
tively involved and knowledgeable about business
culture, values, people and plans, how plans are
carried out and the effects for customers, employ-
ees and owners. Owners properly expect informa-
tion, emotional value, leadership accountability,
a competitive return for the risk undertaken and
viable options for liquidity. But ownership is not
the same as management.
  Owners can’t just walk into a business and tell
people what to do. And ownership does not confer
a right to be part of business leadership. NextGen

18 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

three or more risk-taking peers who meet for- Pheasant • Quail • Chukar
mally three to five times a year and informally EGGS • CHICKS • STARTER • FLIGHT READY
in-between, the outside board can be helpful with:
Delivery Available
• Strategy
• Ownership and leadership succession Field Trials • Hunt Tests • Hunt Preserves • Propagation • Restocking
• New investment proposals
• Top leadership accountability and You are guaranteed to get the birds

compensation Sonny and Andy Hairston when you buy from folks that hunt the same birds.
  Beyond that, many families find that boards
with independent directors help professionalize POB 28 We operate hunting clubs in Washington and Idaho.
discussion of difficult topics. 44854 Little Canyon Road
  Management gains value from preparing Peck, Idaho 83545 References Available / Prices on Request
well-founded and ultimately concise materials 208.486.6235 NPIP #46 / Tested and Clean
for board books. It takes time and effort to distill Past NAGA President
information down to what’s vitally important and www.littlecanyonshooting.com
relevant. The chairman (not necessarily the CEO) [email protected]
plays an important role in participatively develop-
ing board agendas that assume good preparation LITTLE CANYON SHOOTING
by everyone on the board and focusses discussion PRODUCING UPLAND GAMEBIRDS FOR THE NORTHWEST
on the key few, most important board-level issues.
  The right timing for top business leadership “
transition will vary. But just as it’s understandable
that the shorter-term focus of private equity and ONLY ABOUT
public market owners can result in lower, longer 3% OF FAMILY
term returns compared to family-owned enter- BUSINESSES
prises, it’s also understandable that leadership MAKE IT
can stay too long. For example, it’s natural for suc- THROUGH THE
cessful top leaders to feel after a decade or two 4TH GENERATION
that gains should be consolidated and paid out WHERE
to shareholders. The younger generation often COMPLEXITY
feels the business should be investing and grow- CAN INCREASE
ing to remain successful in the face of changing EXPONENTIALLY.
markets and emerging competitors. The NowGen
may have trouble letting go. The NextGen may ”
have trouble grabbing on to the hard work and
relentless responsibility of top leadership. That
can be an inflexion point where non-family top
leadership or selling operating assets are among
the options considered.
  There are many ways to be involved in family en-
terprises. Family collaboration can continue after
a family business or a family business operating
unit is sold. Families can invest together through
a family office and a family foundation. They can
share values and celebrate their common history
through a family council and a family assembly.
Or people or family units can decide to go their
own way.
  What’s essential in each generation is to ask and
answer: What is the purpose of our proactively en-
gaging as an extended family? Of staying together
as family enterprise owners? To what extent, if
any, will family members be engaged in business
leadership? Business can be a means of achieving
family purpose, but it is not the purpose itself.
  How wonderful for communities, employees
and families when a family business enterprise
finds a way to succeed for generations and enjoy
doing so in the process.

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 19

CONVENTION

Historically Speaking

NAGA CONVENTION HISTORY
YOU CAN’T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU’VE BEEN

By Vern Beavers, Beavers Game Farm and Rob Sexton, NAGA Executive Director

W hen people pass away, we of- would be willing to compile some of NAGA’s histo- mas in 1975. Just four years later, the group held
ten begin to reflect on the past. ry, and he enthusiastically agreed. As I reviewed the convention on two islands in Hawaii! NAGA
Such was the case with the re- some of the documents Vern sent over, I realized members are also creatures of habit, and as such,
cent passing of former NAGA that in addition to storing this information in our we’ve been to Las Vegas seven times and will be

President Sonny Hairston. As files, that many of our members would find this there again in 2021. Overall, we’ve visited Neva-

I rode with former NAGA Presidents Sam Ballou history fascinating. For that reason, NAGA News da 11 times, including next year’s meeting. The

and Bill MacFarlane, they reminisced about the will have a new feature called Historically Speak- only city and state that has seen near that much

history of the organization. Again and again, they ing, where we take a look back and recall the path NAGA traffic is Florida, a state NAGA has visited

would mention a name, and then remark that the traveled by our organization. seven times in the past, with six of those meetings

person had either passed away or had left the   With the convention next month, in Memphis, being held in the shadow of the mouse in Orlando.

business. As they continued, it hit me that we have it makes sense that the first Historically Speaking Overall, the NAGA convention has been all over

a lot of history in this organization, and if no one column would cover the history of the NAGA Con- the country, although in more recent years, the lo-

took care to organize it, that it would soon be lost vention. Thank you to Vern for his research! Over cation has tended to be in warmer climates. Enjoy

as generations passed. the years, we’ve visited 23 states and 40 different the list on the following page of the locations of

  That’s when I decided to call another former cities. NAGA members left the United States once, the NAGA Convention.

NAGA President, Vern Beavers. I asked Vern if he holding the convention on a cruise to the Baha-

20 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

Previous NAGA Convention Locations

1948, Cleveland, Ohio 1974, Sacramento, Calif. 1999, Orlando, Fla. 2008, Reno, Nev. 2017, Gulfport, Miss. 2020, Memphis, Tenn.

1949, New York, N.Y. 1975 Cruise, Nassau, 2000, San Antonio, 2009, Branson, Mo. 2018, Seattle, Wash. 2021, Las Vegas, Nev.
Texas 2019, Savannah, Ga.
Bahamas 2001, San Diego, Calif. 2010, San Antonio,
2002, Las Vegas, Nev. Texas
1950, Chicago, Ill. 2003, Orlando, Fla.
2004, Ft. Worth, Texas 2011, Charleston, S.C.
1976, Milwaukee, Wis. 2005, Las Vegas, Nev.
2006, Nashville, Tenn. 2012, Reno, Nev.
1951, Pittsburg, Pa. 2007, Orlando. Fla.
2013, Kansas City, Mo.
1977, Las Vegas, Nev.
2014, Nashville, Tenn.
1952, Madison, Wis.
2015, Las Vegas, Nev.
1978 San Antonio, Texas 2016, Orlando, Fla.

1953, Hartford, Conn.

1979 Kansas City, Mo.

1954, Cleveland, Ohio

1980, Orlando, Fla.

1955, St Louis, Mo.

1981, Springfield, Ill.

1956, Kansas City, Kan.

1982, Oahu & Kauai,

1957, Dallas, Texas Hawaii

1958, Pittsburg, Pa. 1983, San Diego, Calif.

1959, Atlanta, Ga. 1984, Daytona Beach,
1960, St Louis, Mo. Fla.
1961, New York, N.Y.
1962, Chicago, Ill. 1985, Las Vegas, Nev.
1963, Dallas, Texas
1964, Cleveland, Ohio 1986, Biloxi, Miss.
1965, St. Louis, Mo.
1966, Milwaukee, Wis. 1987, New Orleans, La.

1988, Las Vegas, Nev.

1989, Charleston, S.C.

1990, San Antonio, Tex-
as

1967, Louisville, Ky. 1991, Norfolk, Va.

1968, Des Moines, Iowa 1992, San Diego, Calif.

1969, Pine Mountain, 1993, Orlando, Fla. LIVE Protection Against Night
Ga. Time Predator Animals
DELIVERY
1994, Dallas, Texas When the sun goes
1970, Harrisburg, Pa. GUARANTEED down, Nite•Guard
begins to flash.
1995, Las Vegas, Nev. Experts For Ringneck Pheasant & The “flash of light”
1971, Arlington Heights, Chukar Partridge Chicks & Eggs is sensed as an eye
Ill. 1996, Atlanta, Ga. and becomes a threat
to the most ferocious
1972, New Orleans, La. 1997, Albuquerque, night animals.
1973, Topeka, Kan. N.M.

1998, Mesquite, Nev. PO Box 274 •Princeton, MN 55371

oakwoodgamefarm.com 800.328.6647 niteguard.com

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 21

CONVENTION

It’s Not Too Late!

REGISTER FOR NAGA 2020 CONVENTION NOW
By Rob Sexton, NAGA Executive Director

t’s not too late, but it’s getting close ...   It will be much more than just fun and games Above: Historic Beale Street.
at this year’s convention, as the seminar agenda Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash
I The 2020 NAGA Educational Confer- is packed full of information useful to gamebird
ence and Convention takes place Feb- producers, hunt clubs, and the like. Speakers will with us in Memphis. The full agenda can be found
ruary 3 – 5, at the Sheraton Memphis present on retaining employees, to a firsthand on page 24, as well as at:
Hotel, right in the heart of downtown. account of how to navigate a low-path outbreak www.northamericangamebird.com
Just blocks from those famous marching ducks of avian flu and surviving natural disasters. You’ll The website also contains registration and hotel
at the Peabody Hotel, right next door from the also hear how NAGA’s involvement in the Secure details.
massive Bass Pro Pyramid and just a trolley ride Upland Gamebird Supply Plan will begin to work   Hope to see you in Tennessee. Elvis just might
away from the Beale Street Blues scene and, of for gamebird farms in 2020. be there too.
course, just a short car ride to visit the home and   These topics are just the tip of the iceberg! But
museum of the “King of Rock and Roll,” Memphis you can’t get this knowledge if you’re not there
is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy.

22 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

Above: The Peabody Hotel ducks visit the lobby Above: Graceland, the home of Elvis!
fountain from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Above: Check out new products and meet with game- Above: The Bass Pro Shops pyramid is just a short walk
bird industry experts at the 2020 NAGA Convention. from the convention hotel.

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JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 23

CONVENTION

2020 NAGA Educational Conference & Convention

SHERATON MEMPHIS DOWNTOWN HOTEL · MEMPHIS, TN · February 3 - 5, 2020
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD

8:30 a.m. 2019 Final Board Meeting
10:00 a.m. - Registration
12:00 p.m.
General Session
1:00 p.m.
1:15 p.m. Welcome - President Tim Zindl
2:00 p.m. Everything You Need to Run a Gamebird Farm - Jeff May, Clearview Enterprises
2:45 p.m. Secure Upland Gamebird Supply Plan Update - Dr. Carol Cardona, University of Minnesota
3:15 p.m. Break
4:00 p.m. Composting Animal Waste & Mortality - Robb Meinen, Penn State Extension
5:15 p.m. How to Get More From Your Greatest Assets - Valerie Duttlinger, Smart Farms
Welcome Reception
8:00 a.m.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH
8:45 a.m. General Session
9:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Tips on Preparation and Care of Gamebirds in Extreme Weather Conditions - Keith Houghton, Ringneck Ranch,
10:45 a.m. Inc.; Jeff Maness, Shady Knoll Gamebird Farm; Scott Meyer, Oakwood Game Farm
11:30 a.m. How We Survived a Low Path AI Diagnosis - John Metzer, Metzer Farms
Break
Cover Crop Management at Your Hunt Club - Eric Gilliland, Warriors Mark Wingshooting
Retaining Employees - Dr. Kurt Kraiger, University of Memphis
Quail Producer

Reconvene on Wednesday morning

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH
General Session

7:30 a.m. Second NAGA Board Meeting
8:30 a.m. Sportsmen’s Alliance Update - Bruce Tague, VP of Government Affairs
9:15 a.m. Newcastle Disease and its Effect on our Industry - Dr. Eva Pendleton, Penn State University
10:00 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Marketing Through Social Media - Jenifer Wisniewski, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
11:15 a.m. Aggression Management Panel - Bernadette Gilliland, Hidden Valley Pheasantry; Mike Martz,
Martz’s Game Farm; Todd Laudenslager, Mahantongo Game Farms
12:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. General Session
1:45 p.m.
2:30 p.m. NAGA Update, General Membership Meeting and Las Vegas - Rob Sexton, NAGA Executive Director
2:45 p.m. Farm Enterprise Succession Planning - John Berry, Penn State Extension
3:30 p.m. Break
5:00 p.m. Dog Training Tips - Chad Collins
Pro Shop Logistics - Ruth Malpas, Elkhorn Lake Hunt Club
24 Cocktails, Dinner & Auction

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

CNOANGVAEN20T2IOM0TeeNmninnp.his,

Put On Yo Blue Suede Shoes!TheNorthAmerican
Gamebird Association’s 2020 Annual
Educational Conference and Convention will
have the option to take in the sights and
sounds of the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.

Located directly on the trolly line, the
be held at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Sheraton is central to
Hotel in
downtown Memphis,
Memphis, Tenn. next to the Bass Pro
on February 3 - 5. Shops Pyramid and

In addition to just blocks from

the convention’s historic Beale Street.

full schedule For more information
of informative
sessions, panel on registration, the agenda, lodging and vendor
discussions and ovpenpdoortruonpitpieosrt, uwnwitwies.n, ovirstihtammyenraicgaan.ogragm. Beebird.com.
networking opportunities specifically Bsuerseutroe cthoecchkebcakcbkawckitwh iuths furseqfrueeqnutelyntalsy as updates
targeted to gamebird producers,
hunting preserve operators and uwpdillabtesawddilel bdethardoduegdhout

the year.

outdoor industry members, you’ll also

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 25

NEWS

Ben Jones, President of the Ruffed Grouse Society,
Addresses West Nile Virus Testing in Ruffed Grouse

Left: Photo courtesy of the Ruffed Grouse Society

1. West Nile Virus definitely affects ruffed

G rouse enthusiasts are abuzz this grouse.
week with hunting seasons in full 2. Impact can vary across years, with some
swing and recent press releases
from key states. Minnesota, Wis- years worse than others.
3. Grouse can bounce back after infection, per-

consin, and Michigan shared 2018 haps indicating some immunity.

West Nile Virus testing results after an unexpect- 4. Individual grouse, and overall populations,

ed laboratory delay. seem better able to recover from WNV in

  I read the reports, completed phone interviews good habitat.

with reporters and braced myself. When West 5. Broad scale lack of forest diversity means

Nile Virus appears in the news, it can even eclipse we have sub-optimal habitat (whether you’re

dog breed and shotgun choice “discussions” in in Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire or

level of interest and disagreement. Justifiably so. north Georgia).

The appearance of a new disease threatening our My favorite part of science is getting down to the

beloved ruffed grouse is reason for concern. management implications, so what does all this

  So, did these recent bulletins shed any light? mean to us as conservationists? The answer is

  We are gaining a better understanding of West still habitat! Our highest value mission in the face

Nile Virus. Although it takes time (and I’m not very of West Nile Virus is habitat conservation. Same

patient), good science is vital. Sure, there is more as it ever was. Certainly, RGS/AWS will continue

to learn but I believe we have “actionable intel” to support WNV research, but in the meantime,

at this point. In other words, we know enough to we won’t wait around for the next test results.

get proactive against this disease. Here are the Instead, we’re doubling down on habitat manage-

facts as we know them: ment. Let’s go!

26 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

NEWS

Minnesota DNR Reports Findings of
Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Ruffed Grouse

ILLINOIS CITY · IL 61259

O n Monday, November 18th, the   The full release from Minnesota DNR can be MIDWEST
Minnesota Department of Nat- read here. Despite these recent findings in Min-
ural Resources (MNDNR) re- nesota, the RGS/AWS mission remains the same PHEASANTRIES, INC.
ported results that confirmed and the need for conservation support for ruffed
We specialize in
three ruffed grouse submitted grouse has never been greater. prestarts, Pheasants

for testing were infected with Eastern equine   “We are concerned about this news and will and Chukars

encephalitis (EEE). add EEE to the list of mosquito-carried diseases, Early season chukar and pheasant eggs,
Mature French Red Leg, Cross and
  The grouse were taken in Itasca county and like West Nile Virus, that deserve attention and Black Chukar. and Mature
Ringneck Pheasant.
submitted to the DNR for testing by hunters. The monitoring through DNR efforts,” said Ben Jones,
(309) 791-0463
hunters noted the birds seemed unable to escape President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society.
midwestpheasantries.com
or fly. They also appeared emaciated, having sig-   “There is a growing body of evidence that sup-
We deliver! Please call or
nificant muscle and tissue loss. Like West Nile ports habitat management as the best defense email us for details.

Virus, ruffed grouse become infected with EEE against West Nile Virus. As we pursue additional Prices and availability
subject to change.
when bitten by mosquitoes carrying the disease.  information about EEE, we will continue to pri-
Operated by Mark and
oritize habitat management as the best course Beverly Weber and family
since 1986.
Above: Photo courtesy of the Ruffed Grouse Society of action.”
Midwest
JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS Pheasantries, Inc.

27

Classifieds JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

KANSAS BLUE BACK PHEASANTS,
QUAIL, AND CHUKAR FOR SALE:
Little Sprague Gamebirds and Gun
Dogs is a family owned farm that
raises 12,000 pheasant, 2,000 quail,
and 1,000 chukar per year. We also
have a licensed shooting preserve in
Rich Hill, MO.
  We would love to quote you a
price for our birds. Our pheasants
are the Kansas Blue Back varia-
tion - they are slightly smaller and a
very-hard flying bird. Our birds are
great for dog training and hunting
preserves! Contact Austin King at
816-572-0981.

HIRE A HUNTING RESORT CON-
SULTANT? Yes, you can save a lot
of money and headaches. If you
are starting up a hunting resort or
preserve, or if you have one and
the success isn’t what you think it
should be. Get help! Kim Shira the
owner of Show Me Birds Hunting
Resort, LLC will come to your farm
and work with you. He’s been in
the hunting industry for almost 40
years and owns the largest pheasant
hunting resort in America, based
on the number of birds and hunters.
Call for prices and details 620-674-
8863, or email [email protected].

FOR SALE: Bobwhite Quail or
Ringneck Pheasant Eggs, Day-Old
Chicks, and Flight Birds. NPIP.
NAGA Member. Contact Harper’s
Game Farm at www.harpersgame-
farm.com or 806-435-3495 in
Booker, Texas.

HAVE OR NEED BIRDS, EGGS OR
CHICKS? Don’t spend hours
phoning to find buyers or suppliers.
Go online to www.GameBirdCentral.
com or contact Sharon 620-583-
5553.

FOR SALE: NatureForm H-5 Hatch-
er- NOM-45 Incubator- 4- 24” JD
Fans-New-numerous Plasson Bell
waterers. Call Fuzzy 505-384-5163.

28

RECIPE

YIELDS: 100 POPPERS

Ultimate Gamebird Poppers

By Brian Koch, ultimateupland.com

Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 3 min
Smoking: 4 hours
Total time: 43 mins

INGREDIENTS:

4 Cups Smoked Pheasant Two birds,
smoked and deboned and shredded

– Wonton Wrappers
20 Jalapeños If you want more heat,

increase number
2.5 Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar
12 oz Cream Cheese

– Peanut Oil

oppers seem to top the culinary charts for INSTRUCTIONS:

P many hunters. Most recipes combine pepper, 1 Shred/ chop the smoked pheasant — if you prefer a different flavor profile
cheese and game wrapped in a strip of bacon. than smoked pheasant you could also slow cook the pheasant in a braising
Though I am a fan of bacon, I always end up liquid until it is tender and falls from the bone.

thinking the end result is Bacon Poppers be- 2. Dice jalapeños.

cause it upstages the other ingredients then disintegrates 3. Combine meat, peppers and cheeses.

into a pork lava mess on the first bite. 4. Lay out a wonton wrapper, place about a tablespoon of filling in the center,
wet the edge of the wonton with water and gently fold over and press to
  I decided it was time to make a popper where the bird seal. Then fold in the corners to make the Pope’s hat shape.

stars with the right balance of heat and cheese that stays

together while eating.

RECIPE NOTES

The recipe obviously makes a ton of poppers. Once assembled you 5. Heat oil to 350° — we normally use peanut oil for frying. 
can place poppers on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer.
When frozen they can be stored in a container and used as needed 6. Drop poppers in the hot oil and flip. When brown and crisp remove.
depending on the number of guests.
7. Serve with tart jam or honey to contrast the heat. We like local honey with
THE ALTERNATIVE TO FRYING a squeeze of orange.

Form the smoked pheasant and cheese mixture into a ball and
serve with crackers. Instead of poppers you now have a Smoked
Pheasant Cheese Ball with a jalapeño kick.

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 29

CALENDAR

UPCOMING

CALENDAR OF 2020

EVENTS JANUARY

Above: Photo by Ray Wolfram 21st — 24th
Wildrums Media
National Shooting Sports Foundation Shooting Hunting and Out-
door Trade Show and Conference
Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev., shotshow.org

28th — 30th

International Production & Processing Expo
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga., ippexpo.com

FEBRUARY

3rd — 5th

North American Gamebird Association Annual Educational
Conference and Convention, The Sheraton Hotel, Memphis,
Tenn., northamericangamebird.com

14th — 16th

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn.,
pheasantsforever.org

MARCH

8th — 11th

MacFarlane’s Pheasants, INC. International Pheasant Management Seminar
AmericInn by Wyndham, Janesville Wis.,
www.pheasant.com/seminar-2020

17th — 19th

Midwest Poultry Federation Convention
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn.,
midwestpoultry.com

Send us your calendar items!
Attention conservation organizations, state and
regional gamebird associations and other indus-
try-related groups. The NAGA News would like
to list your upcoming banquet or event in our
Upcoming Calendar of Events. Simply submit
event information including date, time, place,
organization name, contact and website address
to [email protected]. Please
remember the magazine prints well in advance
of the publication date.

30 JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS

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™

JANUARY 2020 / FEBRUARY 2020 NAGA NEWS 31

NEWS PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
The Official Publication of the North American Gamebird Association
PAID
North American Gamebird Association Mansfield, OH
5195 Hampsted Vil. Ctr., PMB 242 Permit no. 540
New Albany, OH 43054-8331

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