Imagine stepping into the woods, only to be greeted by the overwhelming stench of death. This is the grim reality for many in rural America, where infectious diseases are decimating deer populations and threatening the very fabric of local economies. But here’s where it gets even more alarming: these diseases aren’t just killing deer—they’re upending livelihoods, traditions, and even the way we interact with nature. And this is the part most people miss: the ripple effects of this crisis extend far beyond the forest floor.
When James Barkhurst, a seasoned hunter and landowner in Athens County, Ohio, ventured onto his property to scout for deer ahead of the fall hunting season, he was met with a scene of devastation. ‘I’ve seen about 14 dead deer in less than a mile stretch—does, big bucks, even fawns,’ he recalls. ‘You smell the dead everywhere, and I haven’t even gone deep into the woods.’ For Barkhurst, who relies on hunting-related tourism through his Airbnb business, the impact has been catastrophic. ‘Half of October and all of November bookings have been canceled,’ he says, leaving him with a staggering $15,000 financial loss.
Eastern Ohio, a premier destination for whitetail deer hunting, draws enthusiasts from across the globe. But this year, the industry is under siege. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) are ravaging deer populations in dozens of rural counties across the Midwest. In Ohio alone, reports of sick and dead deer surged from 2,093 in 2024 to a staggering 8,759 this year. These diseases aren’t just a wildlife issue—they pose potential health risks to communities reliant on local waterways, as dead deer are often found near creeks and rivers.
But here’s the controversial part: while neither CWD nor EHD is believed to infect humans, their spread is exacerbated by climate change. Warmer temperatures and prolonged droughts create conditions that fuel the transmission of these diseases. For instance, drought-stricken deer congregate at scarce watering holes, accelerating the spread of CWD through saliva, urine, and blood. Meanwhile, milder springs and falls allow the biting midge Culicoides variipennis, the carrier of EHD, to thrive instead of being killed off by freezing temperatures.
‘The frequency and intensity of EHD are increasing, especially in the upper Midwest,’ explains Sonja Christensen, an associate professor at Michigan State University. ‘It’s unpredictable, but we’re seeing more large-scale mortality events.’ EHD can kill infected deer within three days of symptom onset, while CWD, with its multi-year incubation period, has now been detected in 36 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.
And this is where it gets even more contentious: some argue that human-driven climate change is indirectly responsible for these outbreaks. Lindsey Krusling of the Ohio Division of Wildlife notes, ‘This year, the conditions were perfect—a wet spring, a dry summer, and booming midge populations. That’s why we’re seeing such a spike in EHD cases.’
Efforts to combat these diseases include banning deer baiting and feeding in affected areas and advising hunters to test venison for disease. But managing these outbreaks is challenging, especially since funding for research is scarce—these diseases don’t directly impact humans or domestic animals, making them a lower priority.
Beyond the economic toll, the loss of deer hunting traditions is deeply personal. For Barkhurst and his friends, hunting isn’t just a sport—it’s a bond passed down through generations. ‘We’ve been hunting together for three generations,’ he says. ‘Now, we’re struggling to keep the group together.’
Nationally, deer hunting is a $23 billion industry, with much of that revenue reinvested in conservation efforts. In Ohio alone, the industry is worth $1.9 billion annually, while neighboring Pennsylvania and Michigan see similar contributions. Beyond economics, deer hunting helps mitigate crop damage and reduce road accidents.
Here’s the question that divides opinions: Are we doing enough to protect this vital industry and the ecosystems it supports? While experts like Kip Adams of the National Deer Association believe whitetail deer populations can recover from EHD within five years, the long-term impacts of CWD remain uncertain. ‘Nationally, less than half of hunters shoot a single deer each season,’ Adams notes. ‘There are still plenty of deer, but the challenges are mounting.’
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the fate of rural economies, cherished traditions, and even our relationship with nature hangs in the balance. What do you think? Are we addressing this crisis effectively, or is more action needed? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments.
