By Steve Chadwick
Southwest Region Supervisor

(Provided by Michigan DNR)

It is hard to believe November is upon us already and our hunting seasons are in full swing.

Our Game Areas have had quite a bit of activity so far this fall from goose hunting at the Allegan Farm Unit, to woodcock and grouse at Gratiot-Saginaw, and squirrel hunters down at Crane Pond. I have been able to enjoy some time on the Game Areas bow hunting this fall and have seen a few others hunters taking advantage.

With the Firearm Deer season starting on the 15th I thought I should give everyone another EHD update and offer some observations I have made in the field and while working our deer check station here in Plainwell. We continue to take reports of dead deer being found throughout the region, although reports seem to be slowing down a bit. That is to be expected as the midges have slowed down quite a bit and in many areas likely frozen out by now. Reports of fresh deer will continue for a short period following a freeze as the disease works its way out of the herd. We will continue to take reports through the end of the year, so if you do find additional deer please let us know.

Although we have reduced the number of deer check stations for archery season we are operating at Plainwell and Rose Lake (a list for Firearm Season is available online). Data collected and discussions with hunters are helping provide some initial insight on the impacts EHD has had this year.

As of October 31, the number of deer checked at both locations is very consistent with the numbers we have seen in the last 2 years. We have checked just over 500 deer at both Plainwell and Rose Lake. It is interesting looking at the distribution of where these deer where harvested and for the most part there are no changes from years past. Barry County is the exception as the number of deer checked is almost half compared to last year. I have always said it is difficult to draw conclusions about harvest or population trends using check station data, but it does give an early assessment of what hunters are experiencing.

The best part of the check stations for me is the opportunity to talk with hunters about what their impressions of deer hunting are and what they have been seeing. This year most folks have indicated a fairly high level of awareness and understanding of EHD. Hunters have expressed that although they aren't seeing the "normal" numbers of deer they are still seeing deer. Some have changed hunting locations or have shown some level of restraint in harvesting deer in the wake of EHD, but most have been understanding of the current situation and have adjusted expectations for this season.

I have been able to get out for some bow hunting and have been successful in putting some meat in the freezer. I actually have three hunting locations to choose from and each has been affected by EHD to varying levels.

I would like to share my experiences on each to illustrate what I have experienced and heard from other hunters with similar experiences. One farm I hunt was severely impacted by EHD, I found 3 dead deer and heard from numerous sources of many others. I hunted the farm in September only to see if any deer where using it and saw nothing. I have checked it periodically in October and have found very little sign. I will continue to check the farm, but will not shoot any deer there simply because this area was severely impacted by EHD.

Another area I hunt (public land) was moderately affected by EHD. I have been able to find pockets of deer and have taken deer from these pockets. I have already moved from one location to another simply due to lack of deer sightings and sign.

The final farm I hunt was not impacted at all by EHD; no deer found on it or the neighboring farms. This farm has a stream running through the entire length of the property so deer would likely have been found here. Deer hunting here is the same as always and I have seen the same number and quality of deer on several hunts. I will be focusing more effort out here during the firearm and muzzle loading season to continue to reduce the number of deer for that farmer.

The point I am trying to make is that although some areas of the region have been severely impacted by EHD others were barely touched and that hunters will adjust to these locations. The recommendation I have offered and offered by our Division is for folks to get out and see what is going on in your area, then make an assessment about your harvest strategy after collecting some information. Some will decide to refrain from harvest and that is fine; others may find that there are still a good number of deer and will remove some; that is fine too. The bottom line is that hunters will make the ultimate management decision for their particular area and I am confident will adjust to this disease based on their experience this year.