Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is affecting deer hunting in South Central Indiana, leading to lower bag limits for hunters in impacted counties. State deer biologist Joe Caudell indicates that the spread of this disease, which is carried by biting midges, has resulted in fewer deer overall, potentially reducing donations of venison to local food pantries that depend on these contributions to serve families in need.
The Westport Community Food Pantry, for example, typically relies on hunters for hundreds of pounds of processed deer meat each season, but this year they face challenges due to rising grocery prices and the possibility of fewer donations. Pantry director Scott Henderson notes that while they received around 600 pounds of deer meat last year, they may not see the same support due to declining deer populations, as the number of families seeking food assistance has surged recently, reaching 135 in just one week.
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