Indiana Confirms First Case of Chronic Wasting Disease in LaGrange County Deer

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Published: 08 April 2024

IDNR Report

The Indiana DNR has confirmed Indiana’s first positive case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in LaGrange County. CWD is a neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, resulting in their eventual death.

This positive case is adjacent to a region where CWD had previously been detected in Michigan. CWD has been detected in wild deer in 33 states, including all states bordering Indiana.

“CWD has been in our region for many years with positive cases in all of our surrounding states,” said Joe Caudell, Indiana DNR deer biologist. “The public can help by reporting sightings of sick or dead deer to the DNR, as well as submitting harvested deer for testing during deer hunting season. Through increased awareness and testing, we can work to monitor CWD within Indiana’s deer population.” 

Because CWD had previously been detected in Michigan near the Indiana border, finding it in this area of Indiana was highly likely, Caudell said, and DNR will continue monitoring the area for CWD.

There have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans. 

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Michiana Circuit May Ban Forward Facing Sonar

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Published: 01 April 2024

By Louie Stout

A popular Michiana tournament circuit may not permit the use of forward facing sonar (FFS) electronics this season.

Scott Crocker, tournament director for the Southwest Michigan Anglers Club (SMAC), said he has received a lot of feedback from anglers who are requesting FFS not be allowed during SMAC competitive events this summer.

“I’m giving it serious consideration,” said Crocker. “Some of our regulars said they’re tired of getting their butts beat by guys with expensive electronics. I understand that. I fish with Terry Smith and his graphs are 20 years old and don’t even have GPS!”

Crocker noted that some national tournament groups are considering a similar move.

Bassmaster formed a committee to study the impact of FFS during its Elite events this year before deciding upon whether some restrictions are required for 2025. A few larger regional events have banned them.

“The circuits with co-anglers are having trouble getting non-boaters to fish with guys using FFS because the co-anglers are stuck in the back of the boat and have very little chance of catching fish,” he said. “I don’t want to lose our anglers because of it.”

Crocker advised anyone who wants to call him to complain should make sure he’s got all the facts, because - you’ve been played!

Happy April fool’s Day from Michiana Outdoors News and SMAC!