An early-season outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in deer which started in the northern region of Indiana this year has been detected by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Humans are not at risk for contracting EHD. EHD is a viral disease commonly affecting white-tailed deer and is transmitted by biting midges, aka sand gnats or “no-see-ums.” Cases typically occur during late summer and early fall, and there is evidence outbreaks can be more severe in years with a wet spring followed by a hot, dry fall. EHD is often fatal to deer, but some can recover and develop immunity.

A significant number of suspected EHD cases have been reported in deer in Wabash, Allen, Pike, Warrick, Miami, Huntington, and Porter counties along with additional reports typical for what is reported each year in 22 other counties. As of Aug. 28, DNR has tested deer and confirmed EHD in Wabash, Allen, Huntington, Wells, Porter, and Perry counties.

Deer infected with EHD may display unusual behaviors such as lethargy, excessive salivation, or disorientation. EHD also causes fever in deer, which can cause them to seek water. As a result, many deer dying from EHD are found in or near open water sources like ponds and rivers.

Anyone who finds a deer showing signs of EHD or finds one dead in water is asked to report it at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.

Indiana’s DNR monitors for EHD annually, but severe outbreaks don’t occur every year. The severity of EHD in a single year depends on a variety of factors including climate, immunity, and other ecological factors. DNR monitors the yearly impact of EHD on the deer population and makes changes to the allowable deer harvest to offset major effects.

Because of the early high level of deer mortality in Wabash County, DNR has started the process of lowering the county bonus antlerless quota for deer hunting in the county from two bonus antlerless deer to one bonus antlerless deer to offset the EHD outbreak. EHD detections can be continually monitored at on.IN.gov/EHD.

Not every deer in an affected area will contract EHD. One sign a deer has recovered from EHD is sloughing or breaking on their hooves. DNR asks successful hunters use the Deer After Hunt Survey at: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/white-tailed-deer/deer-after-hunt-survey/ to report the condition of their deer’s hooves, including both normal hooves and hooves showing evidence of sloughing or damage.

Conservation officer helps save woman from house fire

An Indiana Conservation Officer is being credited with saving a life after helping rescue a woman from a house fire.

On Aug. 26 at 12:20 p.m., ICO Kendrick Fuhrman was on patrol when he responded to a call of a house fire in the 800 block of High Street in the town of Shoals. Being one of the first to arrive on the scene, he was told by bystanders that people were still inside the home.

Fuhrman entered the burning home and located a male and female occupant. The female needed help getting out of the home, and Fuhrman and the male assisted her as all exited before flames engulfed the house.

After ensuring the occupants were a safe distance from the house, Fuhrman helped the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department in trying to get the blaze under control.

Other agencies responding to the scene included Medic One, Martin County Sheriff’s Department, Duke Energy, and Martin County Civil Defense Fire Department.

Monroe Lake Flora Field Day

Monroe Lake will host a Flora Field Day with a focus on identifying fall-blooming wildflowers. The session is an opportunity for guests to learn how to use a traditional field guide correctly and practice their skills alongside a park naturalist.

The session is Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required by the Sunday preceding the date. Participants will meet at Fairfax State Recreation Area and should register at tinyurl.com/florafield-oct2024.

Interpretive naturalist Jill Vance will lead the field day. She recommends bringing insect repellant, hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Participants will be working with Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Extra books will be available to borrow during the session for participants who don’t have their own.

The session is free, though there is an entrance fee charged at Fairfax SRA of $7 per vehicle with an Indiana license plate and $9 per vehicle with out-of-state plates.

Questions should be directed to Vance at the Paynetown Activity Center, 812-837-9967 or jvance@dnr.IN.gov.

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com 

Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.