In the face of tremendous turmoil in the Texas deer industry, the 17th Annual Texas Deer Association Convention auctions were nothing short of spectacular. The Texas Deer Association (TDA) Convention is the largest event of its kind held at one of the largest resorts in the state, the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort, and this year’s convention set an all-time attendance record.

It was evident from the first lot sold during the Superior Genetics Deer Auction that the deer ranchers in the state of Texas were there to prove that their conviction to the breeding industry will not be deterred by those who seek to destroy it. With gross sales of more than $1.1 million on 125 lots, the Superior Genetics Deer Auction was less than a 20% difference from last year’s record-setting auction.

The TDA Select Sale, comprised of qualifying consignors from previous auctions, also proved to be a testament to the determination of our buyers and sellers. Although gross receipts didn’t match the 2014 record-setter, the 70-plus lots still fetched a total of more than $1.6 million.

TDA’s Grand Auction, our annual fundraiser from donations by members, broke last-year’s total by almost $10,000 and raised just under $300,000. TDA Auction Management, the Auction Committee and Board of Directors would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the sellers at these auctions who committed to consigning the best deer genetics in the state, as well as the buyers who showed confidence in the market despite the current attacks on our industry.