By Pat Kleppert

While this photo isn't a Michiana buck, my friend and I went to Iowa last week and he killed this buck on Sunday. This is Mark Freshour who owns Wallhangers Taxidermy in Constantine MI.Things have been slow around here in Cass County with not many deer being seen. The EHD has definitely taken a toll on the population. Below is an update:

Two things are starting to stand out this year. One is that the EHD has lowered the population in my area, sightings are down and two, bucks seem to be on their feet a little bit more in the early season. Reports from hunters in Michiana are that those who still have some decent bucks in their area are reporting that buck activity is up from normal for mid-October. This could be due to the cooler weather we had so far or the lack of does have the bucks looking around a bit more. Either way, the only way to know if you have any good bucks in your area is to start spending as much time in a tree stand or keep monitoring your trail cameras. With the cold front that hit recently - from now through the opening day of gun season - will be the best time to arrow a buck, so good luck to everyone and be safe.

Also, the Michigan DNR issued a statement regarding EHD and although they haven't limited doe licenses in the state, they advise hunters to hold off on shooting does in any areas affected by EHD. If you are seeing a number of does, then it's probably OK to take a doe, but if you aren't seeing many, I'd suggest holding off this year so that the population can rebound. I expect that next year the DNR will limit doe tags in this area.

While the attached photo isn't a Michiana buck, my friend and I went to Iowa last week and he killed this buck on Sunday. This is Mark Freshour who owns Wallhangers Taxidermy in Constantine MI.