Ohio Hunters See Increased Deer Checks Despite EHD Impact in Southeast Counties
During the initial four days of bow-hunting season starting September 27, Ohio hunters reported checking 5,333 whitetail deer statewide, marking a near 25% rise compared to the 4,287 deer checked during the same period last year.
While this statewide increase appears promising, the situation in Washington, Meigs, and Athens counties presents a starkly different picture due to a severe outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a viral illness transmitted by biting midges that causes high mortality in deer populations.
Severe EHD Outbreak in Southeastern Ohio Deer Population
These three counties, long known for their robust deer herds and vibrant hunting communities, are experiencing an unprecedented EHD epidemic, which wildlife officials describe as devastating. The disease has resulted in significant die-offs, severely reducing local deer numbers.
Biologically, EHD causes internal hemorrhaging and rapid death in affected animals, and without cold weather to decrease midge activity, surviving deer remain vulnerable.
Hunter Responses and Wildlife Management Measures
In response to community concerns over dwindling deer numbers, particularly the female segment critical to fawn recruitment, the Ohio Division of Wildlife has decided to reduce the deer harvest limit in these counties from three to two. However, this regulation change will not take effect until December 1, leaving the early season limit unchanged.
Consequently, hunters in these counties are encouraged but not required to voluntarily reduce harvests of does during the earlier months of the season to support herd recovery.
Comparative Harvest Data Highlights Dramatic Declines
Harvest numbers from the first four days of the bow season illustrate massive declines compared to totals from the same period in 2026:
- Washington County: 9 deer checked (6 antlered, 3 antlerless) versus 59 (32 antlered, 27 antlerless) in 2026
- Athens County: 22 deer checked (13 antlered, 9 antlerless) versus 67 (31 antlered, 36 antlerless) in 2026
- Meigs County: 22 deer checked (12 antlered, 10 antlerless) versus 86 (49 antlered, 37 antlerless) in 2026
The magnitude of these reductions confirms substantial mortality and suggests many deer have already succumbed to EHD in these regions.
Ecological and Management Implications
From a wildlife ecology perspective, the loss of does during this outbreak could pose challenges for population recovery, as does are essential for fawn propagation in the subsequent year. The delay in reducing harvest limits until December may require increased voluntary restraint by hunters to avoid further stress on local deer herds.
Experts emphasize that EHD outbreaks tend to be cyclical but vary dramatically in severity. Monitoring and adaptive management remain critical in mitigating long-term impacts on whitetail populations.
Additional reporting and sources from: Hunters in southeast Ohio help protect deer population as EHD spreads, stats show
