EHD Is Killing Wisconsin Deer: What's Happening? | Zach Haas

What's killing whitetail deer across Wisconsin, and is there anything hunters and landowners can do about it?

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is making headlines across the Midwest, and Wisconsin deer hunters are seeing its impact firsthand. With reports of dead whitetails, concerns about deer populations, and plenty of questions surrounding the disease, we brought in someone who has spent years researching the problem.

On this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we're joined in the studio by Zach Haas of Creek Bound Land Management, a former aquatic biologist, habitat management specialist, and whitetail hunter who has been studying EHD since experiencing a devastating outbreak on his own Missouri hunting lease in 2012.

Zach breaks down what EHD actually is, how biting midges transmit the virus, and why environmental conditions like drought, water levels, and temperature can influence outbreaks. We discuss what's happening in southeastern Wisconsin, why EHD shouldn't be confused with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and what deer hunters should understand about the potential impacts on local whitetail populations.

We also explore the relationship between water quality, habitat management, and the insects responsible for spreading EHD. Zach shares his approach to improving aquatic ecosystems, encouraging natural predators like dragonflies, and developing a biological pond management product called Defense.

In this episode, we cover:

What EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) is and how it affects whitetail deer

Why Wisconsin is experiencing significant EHD activity

How biting midges spread the virus between deer

The differences between EHD and CWD

How drought, stagnant water, mud, and weather conditions affect midge populations

Why deer suffering from EHD are frequently found near water