North American Deer Farmers Association

10/20/2026

Texas is heading into one of its best deer seasons in recent memory. The state’s white-tailed deer population has climbed to an estimated 5.64 million after three straight years of above-average fawn survival, and biologists expect strong harvest numbers and good opportunities for quality, older-age-class bucks this fall.

That number tells an important story. Despite years of headlines warning that Chronic Wasting Disease would devastate deer herds, Texas has one of the healthiest and most abundant populations in the country. Sound habitat management, careful herd management, and timely spring rains continue to produce thriving deer, a reminder that responsible stewardship year-round is what shapes the health of the herd.

Read the full outlook here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20261001b

10/15/2026

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10/05/2026

Whitetail producers know the pre-rut period can set the tone for the breeding season ahead. As days shorten, bucks see rising testosterone, finish antler hardening, shed velvet, and begin rubbing and sparring more often. Rut timing varies by region and herd, so October is often an important transition period rather than a universal peak.

Keep a balanced, species-appropriate ration consistently available as breeding activity approaches, since bucks spend more time chasing and breeding once the rut is underway and individual intake becomes less predictable. Walk your fence lines, gates, and handling areas before behavior intensifies, and consider separating animals likely to clash to reduce injury risk for both deer and staff.

A little preparation before the rut peaks helps maintain herd condition and makes the season more manageable for the whole operation.

10/02/2026

Save the date. The 2027 NADeFA Annual Conference and Fundraiser returns to the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, March 17th through 20th, 2027. It is the one gathering each year where members from every corner of the industry come together for education, networking, and time with the people who make this community what it is.

Registration and full details will follow in the coming months. For now, get the dates on your calendar and start planning your trip.

09/30/2026

Venison has been part of human diets for thousands of years, and farm-raised venison brings that tradition to the table in a form more cooks can enjoy today.

Meat from farm-raised deer and elk often offers more consistent flavor and texture than wild-harvested venison, partly because diets and handling are more standardized. That makes it a practical option for anyone trying venison for the first time. It is lean and high in protein, with a 3-ounce loin serving running about 139 calories, 22 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat, though values vary by cut and preparation. Because it is so lean, the one thing to watch is overcooking.

When buying, look for a producer enrolled in an approved state CWD herd-certification program, and ask how and where the meat was processed.

09/28/2026

Elk producers face a different set of demands during the fall rut than most whitetail operations. Rut activity usually begins in September and peaks from late September into early October, depending on region. Bulls eat very little through this stretch, losing substantial weight and body condition as they bugle, spar, and tend cows.

Build condition before the rut, maintain steady access to feed and water, and focus on recovery afterward so bulls regain what they lost. Watch for injuries and escalating aggression and have a plan to safely isolate problem animals while minimizing handling at the peak. Cows that enter breeding season in strong condition conceive earlier and winter better, which supports a timelier calving season next spring.

Learn more about elk management at https://nadefa.org/wapiti-elk/

09/28/2026

Breeding season is coming fast. If your copy of the Deer Farmer magazine has not arrived in your mailbox, call the NADeFA office 330-454-3944 and check on your membership.

09/25/2026

The race to fill tags comes down to the wire in the newest episode of The High Road. Keith Warren and Johnny Piazza each took a nice buck on the first property, but both still have a tag left to fill. They head to a second ranch to see if they can close things out before time runs out. Part two picks up right where the last episode left off, and the action does not let up.

Watch the full episode here:

On this episode of The High Road, Keith Warren and Johnny Piazza are hunting two separate properties for 2 whitetail a piece. On the previous episode, Keith and Johnny each got a nice buck on one property, but each has 1 tag left! They head to the second ranch to see if they can finish before time r

09/24/2026

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09/23/2026

Keith Warren and Johnny Piazza head to the Texas Panhandle in the newest episode of The High Road, joined by Aaron Gilbreath of Tank Blinds. The two are hunting two whitetails apiece across two separate properties, and the clock is working against them from the start. Part one of a two-part series:

Watch the full episode here:

On this episode of The High Road, Keith Warren and Johnny Piazza head to the panhandle of Texas to hunt big whitetail deer with Aaron Gilbreath, the owner of Tank Blinds. Keith and Johnny are hunting 2 whitetails apiece on two separate properties and racing against time to get it done! Enjoy Part 1