Keep an eye out for EHD

[BSK]

EHD outbreaks occur in hot dry summers. So those in West and Middle TN keep an eye (and a nose) out for dead deer near water. EHD produces a high fever and sick deer seek out water to cool themselves. During big outbreaks deer are often found dead in ponds or along creeks.

Yesterday I smelled what I believe to be the first EHD victim I've encountered this year. I was running a Greenway along the Harpeth River early in the morning and as I passed a particular spot coming and going the smell of death was gagging. Whatever was dead, it was big, so I'm assuming a dead deer along the creek bank.

 

[RUGER]

Buddy of mine and I were talking about that just the other day.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

In middle and west TN, I don't see how an EHD outbreak can be avoided this year. In 23 years at our place in Hickman, I have never seen it this dry

 

[Omega]

EHD outbreaks occur in hot dry summers. So those in West and Middle TN keep an eye (and a nose) out for dead deer near water. EHD produces a high fever and sick deer seek out water to cool themselves. During big outbreaks deer are often found dead in ponds or along creeks.

Yesterday I smelled what I believe to be the first EHD victim I've encountered this year. I was running a Greenway along the Harpeth River early in the morning and as I passed a particular spot coming and going the smell of death was gagging. Whatever was dead, it was big, so I'm assuming a dead deer along the creek bank.

I would report it, nowadays it could be a 2-legged dear.

 

[Andy S.]

Most of the water holes and small farm ponds are extremely low in SW TN. If deer seek them out, they should be very noticeable with current water levels. West TN is struggling.

 

[BSK]

I would report it, nowadays it could be a 2-legged dear.

You know, I thought about that afterwards. I should have investigated.

 

[tellico4x4]

Gonna go look at creeks this week myself. Blessed that most of ours have numerous springs feeding them. Have never seen them all go dry, not even in 2007. However, that year we did find a few dead in one hollow close to a wet "seep".

 

[Omega]

You know, I thought about that afterwards. I should have investigated.

Yea, it may be worth a look. I am not sure if you have ever smelled a dead body, but to me anyway, it's a distinctive smell, different than an animal, and once you have, you know.

 

[TnKen]

Yea, it may be worth a look. I am not sure if you have ever smelled a dead body, but to me anyway, it's a distinctive smell, different than an animal, and once you have, you know.

I've smelled lots of them, and can not tell a difference.

 

[TheLBLman]

If you have spring-fed running creeks on your property, would that make it reasonable to expect a lower incidence of ehd that the surrounding uplands?

 

[Rakkin6]

Yea, it may be worth a look. I am not sure if you have ever smelled a dead body, but to me anyway, it's a distinctive smell, different than an animal, and once you have, you know.

Yeah especially one that has been in the heat for an extended period of time.

 

[Omega]

I've smelled lots of them, and can not tell a difference.

You may be right as I have not smelled them side by side, but every time I guessed human, I was right.

 

[Mr.Bro]

In Trigg co Saturday. No dead deer but also no beans coming up. Some spots beans are only a few inches out of the ground. As of 2 weeks ago corn was 7ft tall but ears were bare. Farmers need rain bad!

 

[TnKen]

You may be right as I have not smelled them side by side, but every time I guessed human, I was right.

I think it might be a mental thing for people knowing they are encountering a human, or maybe my nose isn't as sensitive.

 

[BSK]

If you have spring-fed running creeks on your property, would that make it reasonable to expect a lower incidence of ehd that the surrounding uplands?

Yes. It is stagnant water with mud borders that are the breeding ground for the midges that carry/transmit EHD.

I have no stagnant water on my place and I rarely find deer dead from EHD. But surrounding bottomlands and swamps get hit very, very hard.

 

[Antler Daddy]

Based on the areas, it may slow down some of the CWD.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

If you have spring-fed running creeks on your property, would that make it reasonable to expect a lower incidence of ehd that the surrounding uplands?

In another thread I mentioned some springs just off one side of our property. In 2019, that landowner found 16 dead bucks where 4 springs came out of the ground in about a 100 yard stretch. Probably ended up being more than that and who knows how many does

 

[knightrider]

Why? Nothing can be done about it except frost. Twra says report it but the sure the hell aint gonna reduce baglimits when 2/3 of the herd gets wiped out because of it! Happened here in 2008,2011, 15/16and still havent recovered to pre 2008 numbers because bag limits were never adjusted

 

[Omega]

Would fogging, like for mosquitos, do any good?

 

[DoubleRidge]

Would fogging, like for mosquitos, do any good?

I've often wondered the same thing....if you had muddy banks around a pond or creek....due to drought and low water levels.....could you spray something that would kill or prevent the midge from hatching?... wishful thinking I'm sure....just wish there was something we could do to prevent or lessen the impact in known areas.....I know I got baited into watching a YouTube video the other day that was titled something like "what landowners need to know about EHD and what can be done about it"....long video short.... essentially their opinion is there is absolutely nothing we can do....outbreaks are disturbing and sickening.... I just hope we make it through this drought without a major one.