Ohio DNR Considers Slashing Deer Tags as EHD Outbreak Devastates Herds

Ohio’s white-tailed deer population is under siege from a severe outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a deadly virus transmitted by biting midges. Described as one of the worst outbreaks in recent memory, southeast Ohio counties such as Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties are reeling, with reports of thousands of dead deer and fears of a potential collapse in local herds. As the Ohio Division of Natural Resources scrambles to respond, hunters, residents, and wildlife officials are urging drastic measures to save the remaining deer, including possible intervention by Gov. Mike DeWine.

EHD, a viral disease that causes fever, internal bleeding, swelling, and disorientation in deer, has been ravaging Ohio since late July. Fueled by drought and warm weather, the outbreak has led to nearly 7,000 reported deer deaths across 28 counties as of last week, with 73% concentrated in southeast Ohio. Locals describe scenes of devastation, with one social media post likening the smell in affected areas to a "morgue" due to widespread carcasses. 

“One reality of the situation is that this is the most significant EHD outbreak that I have experienced in my career,” said Clint McCoy, a longtime deer biologist with the wildlife division. “The other reality is that we will not know the extent of the mortality until we have a chance to do some surveys.”

The virus, while harmless to humans, is particularly brutal for white-tailed deer, often killing them near water sources where midges thrive. The outbreak’s timing is critical, as it coincides with the start of Ohio’s deer archery season, which is set to kick off this coming weekend, raising concerns about further strain on the population.

At a packed emergency meeting of the Ohio Wildlife Council last week in Athens, residents and hunters simultaneously sounded the alarm. Many described areas with "few, if any" surviving deer, urging immediate steps to protect does. Suggestions were wide-ranging but included banning doe harvests, restricting out-of-state hunters, or even halting the 2025-26 deer season entirely in the hardest-hit counties.

In light of the ruckus of last week’s meeting, ODNR officials have since proposed reducing the bag limit from three deer to two in Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties, but, as of right now,  this change wouldn’t take effect until December 1st, due to regulatory delays. Critics argue this is too late, as EHD will continue killing deer through October until colder weather eliminates the midges. 

With the archery season looming, many have turned their attention to Gov. Mike DeWine, pushing him to issue an executive order suspending hunting regulations for 120 days, effectively pausing the season to allow for better assessment of the damage. Modest ODNR estimates indicate that herd recovery could take three to five years if hunting pressure is reduced, but residents fear it may take longer given the scale of the losses.

And while hunters await further action and instruction from officials, the DNR is encouraging hunters to voluntarily spare does and report sick or dead deer via 1-800-WILDLIFE or their online tool to help track the outbreak. Meanwhile, the Wildlife Council’s vote on the proposed bag limit reduction is pending, but many believe it falls short of what’s needed. A 120-day hunting suspension, if enacted by the governor, could buy time for surveys to assess the true extent of the damage, especially once leaf drop and snow season improve visibility.

As Ohio grapples with this "deermageddon," the stakes are high for its iconic white-tailed deer population. With chronic wasting disease (CWD) also affecting parts of the state, the road to recovery will require coordinated action, restraint from hunters, and possibly bold moves from state leadership. For now, Ohioans wait anxiously for updates as the season approaches.