EHD in Nebraska

The whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population in Nebraska has been under attack this year. An Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) outbreak has taken a heavy toll, killing an estimated 5818 individuals.

Such a high number of mortalities is uncommon for EHD in Nebraska. The graph below shows that in past years the death toll rarely exceeds 100 individuals. According to Greg Wagner, Public Information Officer for Nebraska Game and Parks, last year's mild winter coupled with dry conditions this summer may be to blame. In previous years, a harsh winter would kill of the biting midge or fly responsible for spreading the disease.

Deer begin to show signs of being infected about seven days after being bitten by an infected midge. Symptoms of the disease include: loss of appetite and fear of man, fever, and rapid respiration rates. Deer killed by EHD are often times found in or near bodies of water. This can be attributed to the fever caused by the disease, infected deer often lie in water to reduce their internal body temperatures. The deer eventually die from extensive internal bleeding.

With bow season currently running and rifle season right around the corner, hunters may be worried that they will not see as many deer in their area. In some areas of the state this may be true, but the graph below, provided by Wagner, shows that not all counties have been affected equally by the disease.

The NebraskaLand magazine's website reports that the disease cannot be transmitted to humans or pets. The meat from infected deer is safe to eat and will not pass on EHD to humans. If you should happen to come across a deer that you believe to have been killed by EHD, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is asking that you contact their offices so they can further determine the extent of the disease.

Fires Destroying Land and Hunting Opportunities

By: Nick Jenkins

The recent drought in Nebraska has created wild fires throughout the state.  Fires are starting from things as simple as a cigarette bud to hot exhaust pipes on combines.  With the entire state being so dry, the fires have not been easy to put out.

"Nine fires from mid-June to mid-October burned 271,514 acres, the equivalent of 424 square miles, in places from the Niobrara River Valley east of Valentine to Hay Springs, Chadron, Crookston, Crawford and Hemingford in the west (Kearneyhub.com)".  

There are a couple things that would help prevent wildfires while out hunting.  The first of these is walking the majority of your hunt.  Mapping out your hunt a head of time will limit your driving to prevent your vehicle from starting wildfires.

The second of these things to prevent fires is picking up your shell casings after shooting your weapon.  A shell or cartridge that has just been projected from a shotgun or rifle is very hot.  By picking them up with your gloves, and placing them in your pocket, wildfires can be prevented.

Droughts are something that come and go regularly here in Nebraska.  This does not mean that we have to postpone the activities that we enjoy.  If the proper and careful steps are taken, an activity such as hunting can still be enjoyed during these harsh, drought conditions.

Solar Roadways

By: Ty Cope

Solar roadways are a revolutionary idea that is being researched by Scott Brusaw, they are based on the need to find an alternative to asphalt. This is being achieved by making a new type of roadway made up of thousands of little solar panels and led screens. The idea is to make a road that will pay for itself by generating electricity and sending it back to the consumers for use. Based on some of his research if we replaced the existing roads in the U.S. we could make over triple the power that is currently being consumed with a type of renewable energy.

            The really remarkable aspect of the roadways is that they are being made of glass. This glass will have all of the same physical properties of asphalt but with the added feature of solar panels and LED lights. The LED lights are able to spell out words that would generally be put onto signs. The scientist have also looked into making smaller panels to be used in crosswalks that could sense when people are crossing the road and warn drivers of their presence.

 

http://www.solarroadways.com/main.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep4L18zOEYI

#firstworldproblems

#firstworldproblems

By: Riley Russell

            The twitter-verse has exploded with complaints about problems only people who live in first world countries could have. They span from “my internet won’t work when all the TV’s are on,” to “forgot to bring my phone to the bathroom”. These tweeters do not understand how problems in America do not come close to problems many other countries are facing. Many people who make these comments are now seeing their humorous comments revamped to form a film of awareness. WATERisLIFE, a nonprofit organization, has figured out a way to change our countries attitude and help out those less fortunate then us. They have made a video that really hits home to those who have made public humor with so-called first world problems.

The nonprofit organization aims to bring clean water to developing countries in need. According to the UNICEF, lack of safe drinking water is the largest cause of illness in the world. WATERisLIFE claims that 6,500 people a day will die from waterborne disease. These are some very worrisome facts that those of us in the “first world” can have a big impact on. More than 1.7 million people have already seen the viral video and they seem to be extremely affected by it. The video creates guilt for all who have never had to worry about clean water, shelter and food. It raises awareness of some of the poorest countries and what can be done to help. There are many options people of first world countries have to help. They can simply donate money, help make filtration units less expensive for each household, and continue to spread the word about basic need problems.

What started off as a use social media to spread fortunate people’s humor, turned into a lesson to raise awareness with those who have nothing. What will you do to help? Will you stick to tweeting about your lost phone charger, or donate and raise awareness about the real problems the world is facing?

Video link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/23/tech/ad-campaign-twist/index.html?hpt=te_r1

The Legends of the Fall

Legend tells that each year in fall men creep into the forest in hopes of harvesting the monster whitetail buck that haunts their dreams. Although this dream is fading into the dark as a result the two evil diseases that have really hit home in the last 6 months they are known as EHD and Blue Tongue. Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is a virus that attacks some of wild ruminants. EHD in this case is the main contributor to the significant deer epizootics all across the state of Nebraska. Although it is not alone on this mission of destruction of the deer population in Nebraska. It's partner in crime is the disease known as Blue tongue. Blue tongue is a very similar disease as it affects and does the same damage to the deer in terms of physical damage. 

With these statements in mind, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Although that the Whitetail deer is a very important source of income for the state of Nebraska. The population of deer was reaching very critically high numbers, were it was to the point of physical destruction of property and crops that many farmers rely on to survive. So maybe this disease was a blessing under the Rough. Only time will tell what the future holds for the Legends of the fall.

 

This legend of the Fall was found in a local farmers cornfield near Dakota City, Ne.It died due to the affects of EHD. 

Just a fellow Hunter Chasing is Dream! I harvested this deer November 2011 EHD FREE!