GREAT OUTDOORS: Deer season open amid CWD surveillance

Last week, I summarized Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, an acute, often-fatal virus spread to deer by biting midges.Another deer disease, the always-fatal Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), first identified in 1967 at a Colorado captive mule deer research facility, has spread into wild deer, elk, moose, and caribou herds in 36 states and four provinces.Because the diseases are most often referred to by their three-letter abbreviations, some hunters confuse the two. Seasonal EHD virus is in no way related to neurological CWD, spread year-round.CWD is caused by misfolded proteins (prions) primarily found in the brain, spinal cord and immune system tissues such as the spleen, lymph nodes and tonsils.A deer infected with CWD does not immediately show signs of the disease, but as it progresses it begins to lose body condition and stagger; carry its head and ears lowered; drool excessively; show little fear of humans; and eventually appear emaciated and weakened.In December 2020, Ohio confirmed its first CWD-positive wild deer in Wyandot County. Additional cases have since been found radiating from there.The Ohio Division of Wildlife is monitoring the prevalence of CWD and taking measures to slow the spread of the disease.They state, "Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological disease of white-tailed deer. There is no strong evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans."However, they urge caution when harvesting deer to avoid contact with CWD. Hunters that have successfully harvested a deer may have it tested for CWD at the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Call (614) 728-6220 for more information. A Disease Surveillance Area (DSA) has been established and includes all of Hardin, Marion and Wyandot counties and selected townships in Allen, Crawford, Delaware, Hancock, Morrow and Union counties.To reduce the numbers and densities of deer in the affected portions of the state ahead of mating season, when deer range further away from their territories, early hunting seasons and rules have been established within the DSAs.The DSA Archery Season began September 13, two weeks ahead of the rest of the state, and continues through February 1.An Early DSA Gun Season is October 11-13, in addition to the statewide gun, also known as firearm seasons, December 1-7 and December 20-21. The statewide muzzleloader season is January 3-6, 2026.Special rules that apply to deer hunting in the DSA prohibit the placement or use of bait (salt, minerals, or any food) to attract, feed or hunt deer within the DSA boundaries.However, hunting over food plots, naturally occurring or cultivated plants and agricultural crops is still permitted.Additional deer carcass regulations to protect Ohio's wild deer herd include properly disposes of a carcass. Be sure to double-bag all high-risk parts (brain, spinal cord, eyes, and lymphoid tissues). It is illegal to bring high-risk carcass parts into Ohio from outside the state, or to remove high-risk carcass parts from a disease surveillance area, unless the animal is delivered to a Division of Wildlife certified processor or taxidermist authorized to handle these carcass parts within 24 hours. Contact a Division of Wildlife district office or state wildlife officer if you see a deer that appears sick or has a visible ear tag. For all hunting rules, refer to: ohiodnr.gov