• Independent working Partners will have the right to allocate 25% of the final proceeds of the sweepstakes funds to any named university, charity, agriculture organization or institution in the United States of their choice or unless specifically noted differently on the individual raffle.  

• Proceeds from these items will be allocated to 35 animal science universities across America with veterinary and wildlife animal science programs, specifically institutions with Deer Research focused on the eradication of EHD, Blue Tonge, CWD affecting both wild and captive bred herds

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If no specified allocation is noted, The American Bovine Foundation will allocate it to the agriculture division fund associated with the Partner to be combined and contributed with other Partner’s allocations in the same division

Generating Commercial & Economic Activity: During 2016, deer hunting contributed $20.9 billion to U.S. GDP and supported about 305,400 jobs. Wages for these jobs put $12.4 billion into the pockets of farmers and other workers in this sector, which also generated tertiary economic activity as those individuals spend money and live their lives.  Total spending on deer hunting in the U.S. for travel, supplies, lodging, licensing, etc. also accounted for $3.1 billion in federal and $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenues in the US.

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Huntingin America: An Economic Force for Conservation; National Shooting Sports Foundation

Genetic Improvement: Deer breeding facilities are one of the greatest resources we have today for genetic research and DNA verification studies.  In addition to generating genetic diversity for deer herds nationwide, they provide a tremendous opportunity for research on infectious diseases like Blue Tongue, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affecting both wild populations and captive bred deer through genomic resistance research.  With this research, it is possible to naturally build genetically superior, disease free deer that have a positive economic impact on rural communities that cater to the hunting population.  Breeding facilities also produce many of the deer by-products that demand top dollar in the market such as Trophy animals, seed stock, urine/attractants, velvet antler, and venison meat.

Optimizing the Value of Agribusiness: There are many by-products harvested from deer which are large contributors to the profitability of industry producers.  The hard antler is used for home décor, chew toys, tools, and collectables, while the hide is utilized to produce gloves and boots to clothing and musical instruments.  Deer by-products depend on proper application of nutrition, agribusiness best practices, and research into growth and development.

Many of the most important by-products from deer depend on antler development.  Antler tissue development can easily be compared to a construction project.  The first stage of this project begins when the buck sheds his antlers.  During the growth stages of antler development, nutrition is key to maximize a deer’s DNA potential.   The DNA is the genetic blueprint determining the individual deer’s natural realization in antler development.  When the antlers harden the annually occurring construction project is complete.  

- Dr. Robert Winn DVM, PhD

All species of antlered deer are poly-seasonal animals that experience hormonal changes dictated by fluctuations in daylight hours.  These hormones are naturally produced anabolic steroids in the form of IGF-1 growth factor serums, which in a deer’s system, regulate antler tissue development.  All deer go through a seasonal transformation of growth patterns throughout the spring and summer months.  During this time, the IGF-1 serum provides the workforce for antler tissue development.    

During the fall and winter months, deer store IGF-1 in their fat tissue.  Therefore, captive bred deer should be provided dietary platforms consisting of superior sources of protein and elevated fat levels to duplicate their natural diet.  Practicing these strict nutritional guidelines, the loss of muscle tissue from post rut syndrome will be alleviated, bucks’ body mass will stabilize.  This allows the growth serums to focus on antler tissue development instead of muscle tissue replenishment.  

Corn, rice bran and cotton seed alone are not complete deer feeds.  When fed alone they lead to gut wall erosion from acidosis, reducing absorption of essential minerals and nutrients.  Therefor seasonal feeds should be formulated for captive bred and free ranging deer.  

By practicing strict nutritional guidelines, promotion of whole heard health is accomplished, as healthy animals are less likely to contract infectious diseases.  

- Dr. Dennis Gorley DVM, PhD

Rare species of deer include the antlerless, endangered, and those considered extinct in the wild. The Key, Swamp/Barasingha, Eld's, and Indian Muntjac are on the endangered list and Pére David Deer are functionally extinct, only surviving in captive bred programs.