It may not be exactly what the title describes, but it is quite and incredible story anyway - one that deserves a read.

And when you’re done with that story, check out the one of the guy who found two “locked” bucks that drowned in a lake. Combined dressed weight of the deer, 400 pounds.

Tom Remington

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We are at a point where it would be safe to say that this year’s outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is quite widespread. Here’s a list of states that have confirmed cases of the virus that is carried to deer by biting midges or no-see-ums: Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey, Montana, Mississippi and Georgia. In addition, some states are waiting for test results to confirm what they already suspect - South Carolina is one such state.

To confirm the presence of the disease, blood and certain tissue has to be analyzed.

According to both the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Alabama Department of Conservation, dealing with EHD is quite routine. Charles Ruth, Deer/Turkey Project supervisor for the South Carolina DNR says flair-ups in that state seem to run in cycles of 3-5 years and there’s a reasonable explanation.

“This is probably related to the fact that once deer are exposed to the disease they are more resistant to it. Therefore, if you have disease one year the deer become exposed or inoculated to the disease and you do not see much disease activity until there is turnover in the deer population. After several years you are dealing with another cohort of deer and their systems are ‘naïve’ to the disease. The last time there was significant hemorrhagic disease activity in South Carolina was in 2002, therefore, disease activity could be relatively high this year.”

This theory is confirmed by a spokesman for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“We have some cases every year,” said Keith Guyse, a whitetail specialist with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division in the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “In the Coastal Plain, the virus is there frequently enough that deer have been exposed to it and have some resistance to it.

Both representatives indicate that EHD in their respective states is pretty much routine only because of the build up of a certain degree of immunity. Therefore, these southern states don’t see wide outbreaks of the disease that often. When EHD hits the more northern climes, EHD seems to grab harder. Ruth explains.

Deer likely die in South Carolina each year from hemorrhagic disease, however, there is no indication that a major outbreak has occurred in the state since the mid 1970s. The disease is part of life for deer in the Southeast and fortunately it appears that Southern deer have acquired some immunity to the disease, said Ruth. Northern deer, on the other hand, are not exposed to the disease as frequently since the insect vector is not as common in cooler climates. For this reason, significant outbreaks and mortality from hemorrhagic disease are more likely in northern deer populations.

Guyse from Alabama makes reference to the same theory.

“Typically in North Alabama and above the fall line, they’re not exposed to it as often. So over a period of time you have a population that doesn’t have much resistance. When you have (outbreaks) up there, it tends to be more noticeable.”

This helps us understand why some states may have more severe outbreaks, killing larger numbers of deer, than others but why this year are outbreaks so widespread across the landscape of the country? Some have related it to the summer heat and drought. That may be true, I don’t know. It would be logical to assume that being that the virus is carried and spread by tiny midges or gnats, a larger than normal population of that insect would be directly proportional to the spread of the disease. Of course science isn’t that simplistic and we know that there are probably many more factors to consider or it could be just merely a coincidence.

However, Guyse from Alabama eludes to the theory of increased numbers of midges, somewhat.

“Auburn (researchers) had traps out to catch the flies and they might catch a few every once in a while, and then all of a sudden they catch hundreds,” Guyse said. “Much of that still is a mystery.”

Obviously, they don’t have a good handle on it either.

Hunters and others should be aware of the symptoms they may find on deer suffering from the disease.

Symptoms of hemorrhagic disease include poor physical condition, sloughing hooves, abrasions or sores on the brisket and legs, and ulcerations on the mouth, tongue, and rumen (stomach).

As I said earlier, verification of the disease has to be done in the lab.

If you see sick or dead deer in your travels, please report it to the appropriate authorities. It is highly recommended that nobody eats any of the meat from deer sickened by EHD.

Tom Remington

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Epizootic hemorrhagic disease or blue tongue is affecting whitetail deer herds in several states now. On the list are Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and now New Jersey. There may be more.

Fred J. Aun of the Star-Ledger, in reporting about the discovery of the disease in New Jersey, describes EHD this way.

EHD is not uncommon and it’s not dangerous to humans. It is caused by the bite of certain midges and results in high fevers and hemorrhages in the mouths, noses and eyes of deer prior to death. Fish and Wildlife said deer usually expire within 10 days of getting EHD.

Vice President of Global Operations for Skinny Moose Media and U.S. Hunting Today, John Stabley, called Dr. Colleen O’Keefe, IDOA division manager of Food Safety and Animal Protection, in Illinois to ask her specific questions about the disease, its affect on deer and other animals as well as humans. You can read the entire interview at Stabley’s blog, Stabley Outdoors.

J.R. Absher, the Newshound, has been keeping his readers abreast of the locations and severity of the disease.

In the meantime, as we hunters head into the woods to do our scouting or for the start of any of hunting seasons, keep an eye open for the possibility of EHD being present in deer. If you encounter any cases you are encouraged to contact your fish and game department with the information.

Tom Remington

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Thanks to my good friend J.R. Absher, the “Newshound” at Outdoor Life for providing me the link I was looking for that confirms the presence of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, also referred to as blue tongue, in the whitetail deer population.

Yesterday I reported that EHD had been confirmed in Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. Today, Pennsylvania officials report 100 deer found dead in the southwestern part of the state was due also to EHD.

Here’s a bit more information about EHD from the Indiana DNR website.

The disease is transmitted by biting insects called midges. EHD is not transmitted to humans and is not normally found in domestic animals, which generally contract a related disease commonly called Blue Tongue instead.

EHD poses no danger to humans from handling, processing or eating the meat of an exposed animal. Hunters should take normal precautions handling all deer. As always, deer meat should be thoroughly cooked to kill any bacteria present.

This disease should not be confused with the unrelated brain disease in deer, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which has never been found in Indiana.

EHD causes severe, flulike symptoms, plus a high fever in deer, apparently causing those infected to seek open water to cool. Sick deer may lose their appetite, coordination and their fear of normal dangers. The animals become dehydrated and progressively weaker as the disease progresses, with mouth and eye tissue often showing a rosy or bluish color. A sick deer will be obvious to someone familiar with what a healthy deer looks like.

EHD is a common virus found in whitetail deer and will run its usual course until the first hard freeze, when insects that carry the disease will die off. It is not always fatal to the deer.

Tom Remington

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Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, also known as blue tongue is killing deer in parts of Eastern Tennessee as well as parts of Kentucky. I have also heard reports but haven’t been able to confirm yet that it is showing up in Southern Indiana. Officials say EHD has been confirmed in North Carolina, Virginia and Alabama.

The disease is carried by gnats or commonly called “no-seeums”. Once the deer is bitten and the virus spreads, it increases the body temperature of the deer often forcing them to water where they want to cool off. Deer do not always die from the disease. It is spread only by the bite of the gnats and cannot be spread from one deer to the next. Many deer survive the disease. Hunters can often tell if a deer has survived EHD by examining their hooves. If they find hooves broken at the ends or growing irregularly, it’s a pretty good indication the deer once suffered from EHD.

Although EHD is not contracted by humans, one biologist with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says that any animal that looks sick he recommends not eating it.

Tom Remington

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All across the country talk is increasing along with excitement as several hunting seasons are upon us. With this increased chatter, it’s easy to browse the Internet and find countless articles loaded with information concerning the upcoming seasons. Here’s a few I have selected for you.

In Minnesota, warnings are up for dog owners, including waterfowl hunting dogs, that a blue-green algae outbreak can kill your dog. With the low water levels and high air temperatures, it is prime breeding for the algae. Dog owners are cautioned.

Shannon Tompkins of the Houston Chronicle is saying that this year’s waterfowl season in Texas should be a good one.

In Skowhegan, Maine, the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation sponsored a free field day for kids. The events provided opportunities for the kids to shoot clay pigeons with shotguns, try their hand at a rifle or a BB gun as well as archery. It was a great event and is retold in an article in the Morning Sentinel by Colen Hickey.

In Pennsylvania, Ron Tussel of the Pocono Record, reminds bobcat hunters that the deadline for applying for a permit is nearing. He also has some great information about bobcats.

The first ever alligator hunt is scheduled to begin soon in Arkansas and all permit holders are required to take an orientation class.

The state of Washington is also gearing up for a great waterfowl season. Get the highlights from Mark Yuasa of the Seattle Times.

If you’re planning a dove hunting trip to Texas, Steve Knight of the Tyler Morning Telegraph tells readers, “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dove Hunting“.

Alabama sets bag limits.

Indiana opens for squirrel hunting on Wednesday. Bill Scifries of the Chronicle-Tribune has an article on some of the changes hunters should be aware of for the upcoming seasons.

And for all dog owners preparing their canines for the fall hunting season, Kurt Mueller of the Sheboygan Press gives owners tips on getting your dog tuned up for the fall hunting season.

Let the games begin!

Tom Remington

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*Scroll For Updates*

Remember the pig story? The bigger than a thousand pound wild hog shot and killed by Jamison Stone in Alabama?

Seems there are some unanswered questions about that hunt. Alabama wildlife officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding that hunt. It appears that the hog was shot within a 150-acre fenced-in area and officials want to know how the pig got into that enclosure to begin with. Read more here.

If as officials suspect, the hog was brought to the ranch just prior to the hunt, how do you move a 1,051 pound pig measuring 9 feet, 4 inches from head to tail……..easily?

*Update - 11:07 June 1, 2007*

J.R. Absher, Outdoor Life, sent me an email just a couple minutes ago with more information about the Monster Pig that isn’t so wild after all. Get the whole story from J.R.

Tom Remington

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The Alabama Conservation Advisory Board is recommending that for next season hunters be restricted to taking three buck deer. The new law would have some restrictions.

Under the plan, Alabama deer hunters could kill three bucks a season, and two would not be subject to any size restriction. The third buck must have four points on at least one side of its antlers.

“This is an attempt to produce a better quality herd,” said Harders. By reducing the number of young deer that are killed, he said, officials hope the state will produce larger bucks.

Interesting? Read more about this idea here.

Tom Remington

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What’s the bumper sticker I have seen so often say? “PETA SUCKS”? Well, in this case they really do. Here’s the story.

Bill Bates raises turkeys in Alabama and each year he picks out his prize turkey, issues him a pardon and promptly names him Clyde. Well, Bill was quite proud of Clyde “05″ as he was full of character, weighed up considerably because of a ferocious appetite and strutted his stuff well. You can always tell a cocky turkey by watching how well he can strut.

Bill decided more people should get a look at Clyde and get to know him as well so he put him on display at the Alabama Farmers Market in Montgomery. Clyde was the best of show, so to speak and kids came from all around to see him. Many had never seen a turkey, or at least a live one before, and Clyde gave everyone a great show and education.

Sounds like a story founded in the solid roots of Americana, right? I remember my childhood days around Thanksgiving. We learned of the Pilgrims and the Indians - I guess I’m supposed to call them Native Americans. Either way I mean noone disrespect. My favorite thing to do was to draw and color turkeys. It was very meaningful to me to learn about my roots and heritage, to learn of the traditions of Thanksgiving and the symbolism we have carried down through generations.

Fast forward to the year 2006 and life in America is some different than if was in 1959. We have groups like PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - who have their priorities so messed up they would prefer to see a child starve to death than eat a healthy meal comprised of meat from some animal.

PETA got wind of the story of Clyde and I would assume out of jealousy that Clyde was getting more attention than PETA, they opted to file a complaint that Clyde wasn’t being treated right - no specifics of what the complaint was. Perhaps Clyde needed a bath or something. With these morons at PETA it’s hard to tell what foolishness was behind their rididulous activism.

Bill Bates not wanting to subject his poor Clyde to the abuses of the PETA whackos, decided to take him back to his home in the country and live out the remaining days of freedom as a pardoned turkey - that was until a coyote ate him for his Thanksgiving dinner.

Such irony. First, a turkey destined for the dinner table, gets a pardon. Happy to be free, Clyde becomes the pride of Montgomery, teaching kids about turkeys and life on a farm, very much a part of real life in America - that is for the sane and rational of mind. Then a group that hides behind a charade claiming to have the best interest of animals at heart, indirectly causes the slaughter of an innocent turkey.

Just think how wonderful this story could have been if PETA never existed! What a wonderful world this would be.

Tom Remington

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Buckmasters has the story of a buck taken by bow in Alabama back in 2000 by Randy Coffee. It has taken a few years but he now has his record.

Tom Remington

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Alabama conservation officials voted unanimously to open an alligator hunt in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Now it is up to Governor Bob Riley to sign the Bill. The hunt will take place August 18-24, 2006. All hunts will be done at night with no baiting. All alligators have to be at least 6 feet in length. 

Fifty hunters will be chosen by computer in a random drawing. Applications can be downloaded online later this week when made available by officials on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website

Tom Remington

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The Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-off and Silent Auction is this Saturday, February 4 at the Talladega Super Speedway in Taladega, Alabama. All proceeds from the events of that day, will go to the Alabama Wildlife Federation. Some of the auction items will include,

- A half-day quail hunt for two along with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team owner who has claimed a record nine wins at Talladega Superspeedway, Richard Childress, at Selwood Farm Hunting Preserve in Alpine, Ala.

- A half-day quail hunt for two along with racing commentator and driver Wally Dallenbach at M&H Farms in Eastaboga, Ala.

- A half-day quail hunt for two along with original Alabama Gang driver and two-time Talladega Superspeedway winner Donnie Allison at M&H Farms in Eastaboga, Ala.

- A half-day Turkey Hunt at Steed Farm, a private, family-owned farm in Lincoln, Ala. along with driver Dave Marcis, who holds the record for most competitive miles run at Talladega Superspeedway (25,998.8 miles total)

- A three-day Spring Gobbler Hunt for two at PA-KO Plantation in Midway, Ala.

- A trip for six on an Argentina Dove Hunt

- A two-day deer hunt at Bent Creek Lodge in West Central Alabama

There will be lots of events as well as door prize drawings and rides around the track. For more information on this event, go here.

Tom Remington

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Reports coming out of Alabama say that the deer are moving constantly and it is believed they are in the peak of the rut. A lot of deer have been bagged so far and this report says a lot of them have been big bucks. One hunter says he saw a 218 lb. 10 pt. at the butcher shop.

It appears that the preliminary estimates puts the deer hunting activity and success rate much higher than last year’s. Hunters are saying that this weekend, if the weather cooperates, will be the peak weekend for hunting.

Tom Remington

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