What's killing whitetail deer across Wisconsin, and is there anything hunters and landowners can do about it?
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is making headlines across the Midwest, and Wisconsin deer hunters are seeing its impact firsthand. With reports of dead whitetails, concerns about deer populations, and plenty of questions surrounding the disease, we brought in someone who has spent years researching the problem.
On this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we're joined in the studio by Zach Haas of Creek Bound Land Management, a former aquatic biologist, habitat management specialist, and whitetail hunter who has been studying EHD since experiencing a devastating outbreak on his own Missouri hunting lease in 2012.
Zach breaks down what EHD actually is, how biting midges transmit the virus, and why environmental conditions like drought, water levels, and temperature can influence outbreaks. We discuss what's happening in southeastern Wisconsin, why EHD shouldn't be confused with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and what deer hunters should understand about the potential impacts on local whitetail populations.
We also explore the relationship between water quality, habitat management, and the insects responsible for spreading EHD. Zach shares his approach to improving aquatic ecosystems, encouraging natural predators like dragonflies, and developing a biological pond management product called Defense.
In this episode, we cover:
What EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) is and how it affects whitetail deer
Why Wisconsin is experiencing significant EHD activity
How biting midges spread the virus between deer
The differences between EHD and CWD
How drought, stagnant water, mud, and weather conditions affect midge populations
Why deer suffering from EHD are frequently found near water
The role of dragonflies, bats, and other natural predators
Water quality and habitat management strategies for landowners
Zach's research and his development of Defense
What hunters can learn from EHD outbreaks across the Midwest
Beyond the science, we talk about Zach's journey from aquatic biology to founding Creek Bound Land Management, his experience managing whitetail habitat, and why understanding water is an often-overlooked part of managing hunting properties.
Of course, it wouldn't be the Okayest Hunter Podcast without some laughs, hunting stories, cold-front talk, and a little off-the-rails conversation.
Whether you're a Wisconsin deer hunter, Midwest landowner, habitat manager, or simply passionate about whitetail conservation, this episode offers an informative look at a disease affecting deer herds across the country.
Learn more:Creek Bound Land Management — https://www.creekbottomlandmgmt.com/
Okayest Hunter — https://okayesthunter.com
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Join the Okayest Hunter Crew: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-crew
Join the conversation: Have you found deer affected by EHD in your area? Let us know where you're hunting and what you've been seeing in the comments.
Subscribe to the Okayest Hunter Podcast for more whitetail hunting discussions, deer habitat management, hunting stories, and conversations with people who live and breathe the outdoors.
This episode discusses EHD management ideas and a product described by our guest. These should not be interpreted as proven methods of preventing infection or stopping an outbreak.
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