Since early September, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Health Section has confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, in the wild deer population across 11 counties in southwest Michigan. The affected counties include Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

EHD, a common viral disease that primarily affects white-tailed deer, is transmitted through the bite of an infected midge, or biting fly. Deer cannot transmit the disease directly to one another; the virus must pass through the insect. Outbreaks of EHD typically occur in late summer and early fall but cease with the first frost, which kills the midge population.

Infected deer exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, reduced fear of humans, weakness, excessive salivation, rapid pulse, increased respiration and fever. They may also seek out water to cool their elevated body temperatures. In severe cases, the disease leads to unconsciousness and death.

“EHD is not expected to have widespread deer population-level impacts, but it can significantly affect localized areas if mortality is severe,” said Chad Fedewa, acting deer specialist for the DNR Wildlife Division. “After an outbreak, local deer populations usually rebound after a few years. That has been the case over the last decade or so each time we have seen this virus show up.”

Report observations online

If you suspect you have found a deer that has contracted or died from EHD, please submit the observation through the DNR’s online reporting system, Eyes in the Field. In most cases, deer will be found in or near water. Read more

MISSOULA, Mont. – The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated $329,809 in grant funding to improve Michigan habitat for elk and other wildlife while also supporting youth shooting sports programs.

“The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to both maintain and enhance suitable habitat in the core of the state’s elk range. That’s also good news for elk, deer, black bears, ruffed grouse and many other animal species. We are grateful to help with that effort,” said Jenn Doherty, RMEF managing director of mission operations. “Grant funding will also help 10 different youth recreational programs or events.”

RMEF supplied $135,430 that helped leverage $194,379 in partner funding. Read more

This year, chronic wasting disease testing will still be focused in some areas of the northern Lower Peninsula as well as the Upper Peninsula. The counties for CWD testing in 2024 include Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Benzie, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Dickinson, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iosco, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Otsego and Schoolcraft.

In these counties, a variety of sites will be popping up with at least one of the following depending on the county: drop boxes, staffed submission sites, and partner processors and taxidermists to assist with collection efforts. To find out about available sites near where you hunt, see the CWD testing page. Read more

Initial work to develop the Houghton Douglass Falls and Veterans Memorial Scenic Site is underway.

To ensure visitor safety, the entire site will temporarily close to the public during construction.

Located in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the future scenic site boasts Michigan’s impressive 110-foot waterfall and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forest. The memorial will honor veterans and provide a beautiful natural setting for visitors.

The site was named for Michigan’s first state geologist Douglas Houghton and his cousin C.C. Douglass who worked in Houghton’s survey party. The site will be officially dedicated at a later date. Read more

This past Friday, Safari Club International (SCI) and the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) submitted an opening brief to the Ninth Circuit court of appeals detailing the many ways in which a district court in California misinterpreted the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) delisting rule.

In 2020, the FWS removed gray wolves across the lower 48 United States from the ESA lists of threatened and endangered species. A federal district court in California overturned that decision. SCI and NRA appealed, and Friday’s brief represents the first major step in that appeal wherein our organizations will stand up in court to defend the effective implementation of the ESA.

Since 2003 and across four Presidential Administrations, the Service has repeatedly tried to remove gray wolves from the ESA. Gray wolves have exponentially grown in numbers and habitat, and they no longer require the ESA’s protection. Federal courts, however, have largely overturned these rules based on technical legal issues—to the detriment of social tolerance of wolf populations and the Service’s ability to free up resources to recover other species that are truly at risk. Read more

Suspected cases can be reported online at Michigan.gov/ReportBTM

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is addressing the detection of box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Lapeer County recently reported by the United States Department of Agriculture. Although this invasive pest is not a threat to Michigan’s natural resources, it can lead to significant defoliation and death of ornamental boxwood.

The new population of box tree moth was discovered through monitoring efforts in collaboration with the USDA. MDARD has been conducting statewide trapping for the pest, while the USDA has focused on trapping around the perimeter of the other 12 counties currently under quarantine to track the spread of this pest.

“These surveying and trapping efforts play a significant role in helping monitor and slow the spread of box tree moth within our state,” said Steve Carlson, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director. “We’re continuing to work closely with Michigan’s horticulture industry to ensure the safe trade of plant materials and minimize the impact on nurseries, greenhouses, and retailers both inside and outside of the quarantined area.”

In 2023, MDARD implemented a box tree moth interior quarantine, which now encompasses 12 counties in Southeastern Michigan: Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. MDARD is currently working to update the quarantine to include Lapeer County, which would make it the 13th county impacted by BTM. Read more

As the weather cools and the days shorten, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources begins the process of removing swim buoys from many state park beaches.

Swim buoys help mark the boundaries of a swim area, which are established to help identify locations with shallower water (less than 5 feet) and lower risks of dangerous currents and waves. DNR staff inspects these areas approximately every two weeks and adjusts them as needed to maximize safety.

Once buoys are removed, the area is no longer considered a swim area. While the beach remains open to the public, swimming is not recommended. Read more

The recent stretch of unseasonably warm, dry weather is perfect for late-summer outdoor activities, but it also boosts wildfire risk. That means taking care to prevent wildfires when you work and play outside this week.

“Most importantly, if you are planning to burn yard debris, make sure weather conditions allow for burning,” said Jeff Vasher, fire specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Debris burns that escape are the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.”

If you intend to burn yard debris, go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if weather conditions allow for burning in your area. Read more