Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Detected in Southern Indiana Deer, Harvest Restrictions Implemented
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new hunting restrictions following a significant outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) among white-tailed deer populations in southern Indiana.
Overview of the EHD Outbreak
Over the past weeks, hundreds of reports describing suspected EHD cases in deer have been submitted by local residents to the DNR. The outbreak began in late August 2025 and has extended into September, a shift from Indiana’s typical EHD activity which usually peaks in July, according to Joe Caudell, a deer biologist with the DNR.
This timing is notable and prompted swift action by wildlife managers to adjust hunting regulations ahead of the fall deer season to protect affected herds.
Details of Harvest Restrictions
Harvest regulations were modified in seven southern Indiana counties to reduce the antlerless deer bag limits, aimed at preventing further population declines during an already challenging year for deer survival.
- Jennings County: Reported 301 suspected EHD cases; antlerless bag limit reduced from 4 to 2.
- Jackson County: 231 reports; limit lowered from 4 to 3.
- Jefferson County: 91 reports; limit lowered from 4 to 3.
- Scott County: 71 reports; limit lowered from 4 to 3.
- Bartholomew, Martin, and Switzerland Counties: Limits decreased from 3 to 2.
These limits will remain in effect for the 2025-2026 hunting season to aid in population recovery.
Ecological and Biological Context of EHD
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp.), which infects white-tailed deer and causes severe hemorrhaging and high mortality rates in affected animals. While EHD occurs naturally across the United States, outbreaks can become severe under certain environmental conditions.
Dry, warm weather contributes to the concentration of deer around dwindling water sources, increasing the likelihood of midge bites and viral transmission. As noted by experts, the aggregation of deer in these limited habitats combined with midge activity fuels the rapid spread of EHD within herds.
Visible symptoms in infected deer often include excessive salivation, swelling of the face and neck, and hemorrhaging, frequently resulting in death within days. Such outbreaks cause abrupt population impacts, and without management adjustments, excessive hunting pressure can exacerbate declines and extend recovery periods.
Wildlife Management Response
Joe Caudell explained that the DNR’s decision to lower bag limits—despite the late timing of the outbreak—was necessary to mitigate further population losses. Typically, harvest restrictions are announced earlier in the summer to allow time for hunter awareness and compliance, but this year’s late and severe outbreak required immediate regulatory changes.
These adaptive management actions are critical in maintaining healthy deer populations and supporting long-term ecosystem balance amid episodic disease events such as this.
Additional reporting and sources from: EHD found in southern Indiana deer. See harvest restrictions
