Greetings, Beacon Nation! Tristan Scott here, hoping you all soaked up the first weekend of fall under a bright harvest moon. With the season turning and hunting season getting underway, there’s news from the Flathead Reservation worth a look before you head afield.
Tribal wildlife officials have confirmed what they suspected last month: epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is behind the recent white-tailed deer deaths on the Flathead Reservation.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Wildlife Management Program says the disease has turned up in areas around Polson, Ronan, St. Ignatius, Hot Springs and the Mission Valley. Spread by biting midges, EHD tends to show up near water in late summer and early fall. It affects deer and elk but poses no risk to people. It can stick around for two to three years after an outbreak, though it usually fades after the first few frosts.
If you’re hunting, meat from animals that look healthy at harvest is safe to eat when cooked properly. Officials also encourage hunters to have harvested animals tested for chronic wasting disease.
One more thing to keep in mind if you’re out near water: deer carcasses can draw bears that are bulking up for winter. Carry bear spray and use extra caution.
The public no longer needs to report suspected EHD deaths in the affected areas, but sightings in new parts of the Reservation can be reported to 406-275-2774.
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