This is the worst outbreak of epizootic hemorraghic disease, or EHD, the DNR has ever seen.
It started, with about a dozen dead in two counties. Now, there are 2,785 reported dead deer, stretching into 17 counties. One of the hardest hit is Ionia County, where more than 1,200 deer have been found dead.
The DNR says there isn't a significant impact on the overall deer population in the state, but still for those isolated areas hit hard, some may feel the aftermath of this disease come deer hunting season.
"Everyday it seems like there's new reports of new counties and new areas all through southern Michigan," said Chad Thelen.
Branch President of the Clinton-Ionia County Quality Deer Management Association Chad Thelen says this season may come with a few lessons.
"I think this year hunters will learn a lot of patience because you could go several nights or mornings without seeing a deer in some of these areas," said Thelen. "You may see deer you've never seen before move into your area and stay because there's a new area without many deer," said Thelen.
In the big scheme of things, the total amount lost in Ionia County is only about 5 to 10 percent of the deer population. Still for those in these heavilty hit areas, like north East Ionia County, some property owners are seeing significantly higher percentages.
"To a lot of us, deer hunting isn't about going out and killing something. It's about being in the tree and the experience of nature. We may not have an oppurtuinity to kill a lot of does or bucks, but we're still going to be there anyway," said Thelen.
The Clinton-Ionia Branch of the QDMA will hold a free educational seminar the Sunday before bow season starts to help answer questions. To find out more about the event or about EHD, visit the Seen on 6 portion of wlns.com.
