Greg, thanks for the opportunity to discuss this with you. I usually run into the "he-man" types that flat out hate every form of hunting theyre not familiar with. Some of what I type in these forums is fact, and much of it is simply my opinion. I hope youll find both worth reading.

In our deerfarming industry, we have governing bodies such as state game and fish dept. (which arent always so above board) and veterinary boards, as well as NADEFA, our own group. We are largely self regulating for obvious reasons, to protect the farm and the animals. You and I have both seen the footage of some half drugged exotic animal cowering under a vehicle while some out-of-place "hunter" tries to circle the vehicle to flush out his "game". Thats what a true canned hunt is by definition. The naysayers, of course, will aggressively counter that ANY hunt where the animal eventually runs into a fence is canned too. I remind them of Texas, Africa, their own pond, the place they place and shoot pheasants, etc etc. If its not for the guy, fine, lets move on. But for the sake of arguing, there ARE differences.

Most deerfarmers start out for the love of the animal. Most want to build a bigger buck, so to say, by studying genetics and lining out a particular trait. In the ideal situation, culls as well as successful big bucks are going to find an end usage. The big boys go to stud, like any other livestock venture. Semen is drawn, and they do live breeding too. But sooner or later they are replaced, and they along with culls, are sold to hunting operations. Bulls are sent to slaughter, cows are butchered, its how it goes with hoofstock. The big difference is that most of us get herky jerky when we see the propaganda.

I know of so many beautiful farms where theres big acreage, with everything as natural as youd want it. They breeding program improves the quality and size of the game much like a fish hatchery. When animals are needed to be brought in, theyre put into smaller enclosures to acclamate them to their surroundings, then re-released.

Now, with so many groups trying to shut down this industry, THEY are making the black eyes I mentioned earlier. Due to ignorance and jealousy, groups have pressured state agencies to control game farms. This control sometimes includes how a person can legally operate. That cause many to go "underground" so to speak, and operate outside of the law and healthy practices. They feel they have no other choice. Thats what sucks. We do it above board, with respect for the animal, yet we are judged by all based on those few.

Im not trying to justify what we do really, or make you guys enclosure hunters. But, based on its overwhelming demand its obviously widely accepted. Those who dont care for it get a mouthfull of the bad apple and speak against it. I cant change those minds.

Getting back to your last question, though...I have mixed feelings on the mixed species farms. Yes, if there werent any code of ethics (there is) or any controls (there are) with regards to importation and housing, there couldve been trouble. Almost all farms like these require veterinary inspection. Im way too lazy to type outall of what I have to do just for deer. TB monitoring, lots of veterinary work done by vets and me, and CWD monitoring. For example, could you imagine having a litter of puppies, and having the state tell you that you need to put down a certain percentage of the litter for testing? Remember, the CWD test is post-mortem. Thats how we have to operate if we dont have the means to physically immobilize every animal for year-end CWD monitoring, tag reading and animal IDing.

In many instances, exotic farms with non-native species have actually SAVED some threatened species. Dick Cabela can list instances where this has happened historically. Here in NY state where CWD was found due to taxidermy waste, they believe, testing has been ongoing. To date, since May theyve tested some 8,000 deer...with no positives.

In closing, those guys who argue over things like crossbows, or early seasons, or fences, or any other topic concerning different usages within the broad spectrum that is hunting are going to take exception to every word I say, even though I threw in my many disclaimers. The intelligent man recognizes for himself which types of usage he chooses to use, and either tolerates or ignores those he doesnt, all for the common interest. He smartly realizes that fighting within the ranks is the surest way to insure defeat.