Why It Matters: Hunters in Eastern Washington are facing new challenges from a recent Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) outbreak, which threatens deer populations and could impact hunting success in affected areas. Alongside this, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has implemented stricter ungulate regulations in response to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), to minimize the spread of this fatal prion disease. Staying informed on these developments, including prevention tips and reporting protocols, is crucial for ethical hunting, wildlife conservation, and ensuring the long term health of big game herds.
Highlights:
- WDFW announced an EHD outbreak in Eastern Washington, urging hunters to report sick or dead deer through their online portal or by calling (509) 892-1001, while they monitor and manage the disease’s spread.
- In May 2025, WDFW introduced new rules including a statewide ban the baiting and feeding of deer, elk, and moose; along with mandatory CWD testing in Region 1 (Eastern WA). Fall 2025 marks the first hunting season with baiting bans in place.
- Practical tips for hunters in the impacted areas include avoiding sick animals, not providing supplemental food or water, and using WDFW’s online tool for rapid disease reporting.
As the fall hunting seasons commence, WDFW has issued urgent alerts for big game hunters in Eastern Washington, where an outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and/or Bluetongue is affecting deer populations. EHD, a viral illness transmitted by biting midges, causes severe hemorrhaging in infected animals, leading to symptoms like lethargy, excessive salivation, foaming at the mouth or nose, mouth lesions, and a swollen, blue-tinged tongue. While the disease doesn’t affect humans, it can decimate local herds, impacting hunting opportunity, and management efforts. WDFW’s recent Facebook announcement highlighted cases in the region, reminiscent of the significant 2021 outbreak that prompted temporary season adjustments. Hunters are encouraged to remain vigilant during outings, as affected deer may appear disoriented or unresponsive, and outbreaks can lead to rapid die-offs even in otherwise healthy-looking animals.
Compounding these concerns are updated regulations to combat Chronic Wasting Disease, a contagious neurological disorder that poses a significant threat to deer, elk, and moose across North America. In WDFW’s Eastern Region, particularly the 100 series Game Management Units (GMUs), hunters must now submit lymph node samples for CWD testing within five days of harvesting deer, elk, moose, or obtaining a salvage permit. New CWD rules were enrolled in May 2025, making this fall the first hunting season with a ban on attractants like artificial feeding and cervid urine/glandular based scent lures. Additionally, transportation restrictions have also been tightened: Whole carcasses from out-of-state or within restricted areas cannot be transported through Washington, only deboned meat, cleaned skulls and antlers (velvet removed), hides without head, or finished taxidermy are permitted. These measures are part of WDFW’s comprehensive CWD Management plan aiming to detect and contain disease, protecting Washington’s cherished outdoor traditions.
WDFW offers targeted guidance on their website for hunters venturing into Northeast Washington, a favored hunting location for deer and elk, amid these outbreaks. First and foremost, avoid shooting or consuming obviously sick animals. Refrain from providing supplemental food or fresh water as this can habituate wildlife to human areas and potentially accelerate transmission. If you spot lame, lethargic, or symptomatic deer, report them immediately utilizing WDFW’s online reporting tool or calling Region 1. For carcass disposal, especially off-site, contact your regional WDFW office as transports rules also apply to deer that have died from causes like illness or vehicle strikes. By following these protocols, hunters not only safeguard their own experiences but also play a vital role in conserving Washington’s diverse cervid herds for future generations.
