Here is something we should care about. Possible EHD breakout. We are working hard to confirm.

https://www.facebook.com/Indianadeerherdmanagement/posts/1041047119240303:0

https://www.facebook.com/Indianadeerherdmanagement/posts/1040662459278769

Deer farmers are reporting with pics, say BOAH BEING NOTIFIED. As we know the vector midge does not recognize fences or property lines. Gary

How about a source of the report!

I'll call the DNR in a little while and ask if they have any insight into EHD this year so far.

Good..... Then maybe we will have a creditable report not just hear say report!!!

I cannot know for sure but it would appear maybe Steve Windbigler is whom the source is IWDHM was contacted from about the "outbreak". I hope it is not true, but it is that time of year.

It would further appear that Steve has some connection with a deer farm...no clue for sure but judging from Facebook it would appear as though.

I'm not sure if this is the guy or not, but there is a Steve Windbigler that apparently owns a deer farm called Crosswind Whitetails here in Indiana.

Will have to wait to know for sure...either way be interested what Delaney learns from his contacts.

Food for thought. https://www.facebook.com/gawalters1/posts/10153556801174233

Already ahead of you Brew. Contacted several DNR BOAH AND OUR FOLLOWERS/MEMBERS. DNR HAS DONE NO TESTING TO DATE. LETS SEE WHAT BOAH COMES UP WITH ON NECROPSY. https://www.facebook.com/Indianadeerherdmanagement/posts/1041371572541191

Is the Board of Animal Health required to notify the DNR if the sample(s) come back positive or is the DNR out of the loop in situations like these?

Not sure JJAS, I would say Doug Allman would be the better expert on that issue?

I cannot even enter into some intelligent conversation here to talk about a disease that will affect every person on here. Trying to do you all a favor and disseminate that information as it becomes available. It is just the same old 2-3. (Not you jjas). My goodness, and you all just stop, because from now on I will just converse with Delaney, and maybe he can get some of you engaged in the issue, or at least those looking in the chance to see it without the 2-3 hecklers chiming in and making it into a fight about nothing. My God people this is our Deer Herd.

Gary calm yourself bud, seriously. People inquired on where source of reports were from so I researched.

It HAD NO ILL INTENT behind it whatsoever.

We appreciate you updating us bud, and look forward to hearing what you, Delaney or both find out! Seriously Gary, you got to calm down and realize we ain't against ya!

I posted the links to our sources. Obviously if one took the time to click on them would have seen with illustrations. This is not about Gary or Ty, or Joe or Greg. It is about the resource, and that is what I am defending here. I don't need to defend myself for anything.

The resource is what I am defending, and it does work me up, when we cannot even talk about an issue for five minutes. Do you think if this continues anyone will have a voice as a hunter? What do you think you are accomplishing? And yes, we are being attacked saying we are in deer farmers pockets, that it is not credible report, on and on.

This is the problem TY. All this crap, just trying to disseminate information with the resources we have, and acknowledging full well, we are researching further, and some of you make a mockery of it. Attempting to draw it into a fight about Deer Farming. You too TY attempt to attach it to deer farming and us being a part of it. The midge don't care what deer it bites. Ty you are talking out both sides of your mouth, like you our friend, then put the little disclaimer to deer farms????? What do you think that accomplishes besides disharmony. THAT IS IT. This is bigger than any individual do you not get it. Do you all want it gone. Keep it up it will be while you sit back behind your screen and fight like children on the playground. If you want further information find us on FACEBOOK.

yawn

Gary check facts of what I stated....I never said you were in bed with deer farmers as I cannot state any such claim with any backing. I merely stated where it appears the reports are coming from because someone asked.

I never stated EHD is linked to deer farms either..merely stated that some biologists theorize that captive deer may be at a higher risk for such an illness/infection. Midges absolutely have no care for where the deer are and any EHD found is an issue hence why I can't wait for the tests to come back.

Gare trust me I'm not an enemy.

If we could focus on the big picture of these various issues instead of trying to pick apart everything over a small detail here and there, we'd all be better off, the resource would be better off, the DNR would be better off and so on and so on.

Delaney completely agree, hence why no accusations made here. You heard anything yet from your contacts?

Not yet, but I will call again today.

I didn't see any signs in Parke co this past weekend.

Not being reported in Parke County, reports coming from Hamilton and Madison Counties currently. I posted statement from DNR several times yesterday.

Direct quote from DNR Chief in email yesterday, "I contacted most of our field supervisors this afternoon and we have not been receiving reports of EHD in wild deer. Our wildlife science supervisor advised that we have not collected, nor submitted, samples for EHD testing this year."

It is highly possible, they have not even heard about it yet, other than our reports. I was in conversation yesterday with two of the farmers that reported it. One posted the following on his site:

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#1 Bell
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Posted Today, 11:49 AM
Sadly again we are starting to lose deer again from the EHD virus in Indiana. A gentleman on another forum suggested that deer farmers should take the time to notify the Department of Fish & Wildlife if we are sustaining losses to the virus. I agree. Our deer herds are a "canary in the coal mine" for the virus in the wild herd. We have deer farms all over the state and we can provide important info. Bonus antlerless bag limits are determined by the DNR prior to EHD season. The herd could be devastated in a county by EHD and hunters over harvesting the animals that are left could decimated the herd to the point a rebound could take several years. Please take the time and report any losses to everyone who could be effected. All hunters will appreciate it! Thanks for your time and consideration.

So see with conversation, at least found a common goal to report, WHAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO for the knowledge to be out there that the wild herd may be at risk as well.

The other gentlemen, stated he would put together a video, showing the sick and dead deer w/ symptoms, and show how to remove the spleen to send for testing, and will send to have tested at his expense to confirm or deny. If it does turn out to be something else then the DNR will at least be aware. That is our hope and intent at IWDHM Group. Nothing can stop EHD, except deer building immunity; however, how we harvest after an outbreak, can conserve the herd sensibly.

" Nothing can stop EHD, except deer building immunity; however, how we harvest after an outbreak, can conserve the herd sensibly."

AMEN Gary, and whether DNR does something or not (if needed) hunters must begin to take ownership on their own triggers for sure! Keep us posted as you learn anything new.

I've posted this before but I still remember the year we had a terrible outbreak of EHD in Pike County. The herd was hit real hard. Opening day of gun I came across a guy with two or three does laying by the road. I asked him why he shot the deer because #s were way down. He said "they have EHD, we are doing drives and trying to shoot them all before it spreads". Instead they were wiping out the deer that had developed immunity. Just goes to show how publicizing information on a county basis could help if necessary.

I will not use the term stupidity but hunter "naivety" is the biggest issue all of us face, the herd as well. Education is the only sure fire way to change it. Love to see the DNR invest in education type campaigns to help people understand deer better, EHD better, affects of habitat loss and gain...everything deer.

Reports just in from two deer farmers, they are having deer tested. Results may take awhile. They have stated they will share results as well. So at least in Madison and Hamilton County we will have some idea if the wild herd is at risk as well, also at risk from what. So believe hunters in that area should be checking their properties for any signs of out break. No response from BOAH at this time.

Cody, you have touched on a great point, why we must quit fighting and stick to the issues and ideas, educate educate educate. Misconceptions and arguments just fuel bad management practices. Thanks for sharing.

The education thing was what a lot of the great discussions that I was part of on the IWDHM facebook page centered around quite awhile ago...I think everyone agrees but the issue is really formulating a plan to propose...no easy task or request of the DNR to do so.

I talked to 2 different individuals today, one in the Bloomington office that is supposed to be the office that consolidates reports from all regions, and I was told that there are no reports that they are aware of. One person did say that "it's early" and some EHD reports might be expected yet.

So I'm assuming the fact the DNR and state is saying nothing reported is due to the fact the reports are coming from Farms, not the wild herd? Just a theory...

Yes, thought I made that clear, but maybe not, thanks for clarifying.
But if it there it around them as well? Maybe not noticed in wild herd yet.

For sure, EHD carrying midges in the farm could/are very likely outside as well.

Side question for anyone having to do with EHD....I've read so much speculation and opinions but never came across a scientific biologist ran study of whether or not penned/high fenced deer are more susceptable than free ranging deer to illnesses such as EHD? Anyone out there have?

From the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife

"All results that we have sent in have come back negative so far. No confirmed EHD from our tests"

So what is killing all the deer farmers deer that the FB Page keeps showing?

The way I understand this, is that the DNR tests wild deer and BOAH is responsible for checking the deer from the deer farms.

I haven't seen any posts about the results from BOAH so my guess is that the results either aren't in or haven't been made public @ this time.

Hard to say .... deer die every day from various things.

Keep us posted if or when she responds....I'll be honest while it is tragic, and in areas can't withstand a full scale EHD attack doesn't appear hundreds of cases being rumored. Let's hope worse case scenario it is isolated instances. *fingers crossed

Gary - He copied that directly from the IDFW Facebook page. Their wording suggests there was more than one test conducted. It could just be their wording though.

If they've only done one test I agree that was very poor wording choice.

In their other response to Gary they referenced a single case they had gotten the results back on and a second case that had been sent out.

I would say just poor wording ... given the other response.