SAN ANTONIO, Texas — While the deer industry expands across the nation, the Texas Deer Association (TDA) continues to lead the way in stature, scope and sales. The 11th Annual Texas Deer Association Convention, held recently in San Antonio, set new industry records with more sales and greater attendance than any event in the history of the deer industry.
The TDA hosted its 11th Annual Convention at the Westin La Cantera Resort & Hotel in San Antonio and the event attracted thousands of deer enthusiasts from across the country and set a new record for auction sales during the 2009 Superior Genetics Deer Auction and 2009 Select 30 Deer Auction held on Friday, August 21, 2009.
“We had a great day of auctions, selling 130 consigned lots for more than $2.23 million. That is an average of $17,208 per lot and a huge increase over previous years’ totals,” says Jayce Kalmbach, auction manager for the Texas Deer Association. “The Superior Genetics Deer and Select 30 Deer auctions combined for the most successful deer sales in the history of TDA and of any deer auction event ever in the country.”
In addition to the auctions, the TDA’s largest event of the year showcased more than 125 exhibitors from the hunting and deer industries including fund-raising donations that featured whitetail hunts, hunting equipment and other exciting events, such Casino Night, Laser Shot® contest, ladies’ fashion show, photo and antler contests, and much more. In addition, the 11th annual event hosted numerous educational seminars which such notable speakers as: Gordon Whittington, producer and co-host of North American Whitetail Television; Dr. James C. Kroll (aka Dr. Deer) of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research, Stephen F. Austin State University; Dr. Ray Favero of Whitetail Genetics, Dr. Brandt Cassidy, director of laboratory operations for DNA Solutions; Mike Owens of Game Management Software, and many other renowned industry experts.
“The TDA convention is the state’s largest event of the year dedicated to whitetail and mule deer, and I believe it’s the largest event of its kind in the world,” says Karl Kinsel, executive director for the Texas Deer Association. “This event provides a great opportunity for deer breeders and wildlife managers to talk one-on-one with industry experts, and for sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts to learn about whitetail and mule deer. Of course, we have the Casino Night, golf tournament and other activities which make it a lot of fun too.”
Founded in 1999, the Texas Deer Association works to increase quality hunting experiences for all Texas hunters and to advocate wise management practices, promote research and technology regarding improvements to deer herds through the practice of controlled breeding and genetic improvements. As ‘Proud Stewards of Texas Deer,’ the TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds and growing the deer industry.
In addition to legislative efforts to help the industry, the TDA provides a year-round public education campaign for its members and other deer enthusiasts, which includes a full-color bimonthly publication, Tracks Magazine, that provides updates on current industry news, deer genetics, land management, ranching and game management issues.
To learn more about the Texas Deer Association or for membership information, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call 210.767.8300.
Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Texas deer herds, and to developing ways to improve deer quality in Texas. For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.texasdeerassociation.com.
