Outdoors Notebook: Deer deaths confirmed as EHD spreads across Pennsylvania
Share with others:
A Georgia research lab confirmed last week that epizootic hemorrhagic disease was responsible for the death of a deer in a Philadelphia suburb. The doe was among 19 deer so far found dead on the grounds of the Graterford State Correctional Institute in Skippack, Montgomery County. Discovered in various stages of decay, most were found near water -- common in death by EHD.
Previously confirmed this year in Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties, EHD is suspected in additional deer deaths in Cambria and Crawford counties. The virus is not infectious to humans, but deer showing severe symptoms may not be suitable for consumption. Researchers have confirmed four separate strains of EHD in deer carcasses from 15 states this year. The outbreak is expected to end with the first frost, which will kill the midges that spread the disease. Affected deer herds will rebound quickly.
An EHD information link is posted on the Game Commission's website at www.pgc.state.pa.us. Report sick or dead deer at 724-238-9523.
By standards north of the Mason-Dixon, some nice bass and walleyes were caught during last week's 3Rivers Challenge tournaments, held on waters within 3 miles of The Point at Pittsburgh. In pro-am competition, Dan Welch of New Martinsville, W.Va., and amateur Chris Abruzzo, an aide to Gov. Tom Corbett, won the bass category with a five-fish limit weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces. The walleye pro-am was won by Jason Przekurat of Wisconsin and John Arway, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, with two walleyes and a sauger totalling 7 pounds, 7 ounces, including a 24-inch lunker. In professional bass competition, Jonathan Newton and Austin Gaab won with four fish weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Scott Geitgey and Nick Osman won the pro walleye contest with two weighing 5 pounds, 12 ounces.
The Erie County chromers have gathered at the mouth of Walnut Creek, in the lower reaches of Twenty Mile and on Elk Creek as far south as Route 20. At 7 p.m. Monday, at a meeting of Penn's Woods West Trout Unlimited, fishing guide and Lake Erie Ultimate Angler fly shop owner Steve Bruggers will discuss fly fishing in Steelhead Alley. The meeting at Brentwood VFW Post 1810 on Route 51 in Brentwood is free and open to the public. Details: www.pwwtu.org.
First Published October 7, 2012 12:00 am
