Victoria Maze

Washington County, Ohio

toridion03@gmail.com

August 26, 2025

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Division of Wildlife

2045 Morse Road, Building G

Columbus, Ohio 43229

      Dear Ohio Division of Natural Resources and Division of Wildlife,

My name is Victoria DeFreitas, and I am a resident of Washington County, Ohio. I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the 2025 whitetail deer hunting season in southeastern Ohio, particularly given the ongoing Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) outbreak that has significantly depleted local deer populations.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife has confirmed cases of EHD in multiple counties, with Athens and Washington counties reporting the highest numbers of dead or sick deer  . As of August 20, 2025, there have been over 500 reported cases in both counties, though several deer may not be reported.

The disease is known to cause high mortality, with infected deer often succumbing within 36 hours of symptoms—and no treatment or vaccine is available (as the ODNR has stated several times.) Typical signs include lethargy, disorientation, swelling of the head, neck, eyelids or tongue, and dehydration-driven behavior such as congregating near water  . The outbreak is further intensified by ongoing drought-like conditions that favor midge vector populations and force deer to gather at limited water sources  .

Given the profound impact of EHD on the local deer population, I respectfully request that the Division consider canceling or postponing the 2025 deer season in the worst-affected counties, including Washington County. If a full suspension isn’t feasible at this time, I urge you to implement at least one or more of the following measures as soon as possible:

Reduce the bag limit per hunter, even if this requires mid-season regulatory adjustments.

Limit out-of-state hunter access, to prioritize recovery efforts for local herds and prevent additional stress on already vulnerable populations.
It is particularly concerning that out-of-state hunters may further impact our recovery efforts. While I respect Ohio’s reciprocal hunting agreements and tourism benefits, given the current crisis it would be equitable and prudent to consider restricting non-resident hunting opportunities, at least in counties most affected by EHD. This would help ensure that our limited deer resources aid local conservation and community stakeholders first.

Ohio’s deer populations will likely rebound in time, but current conditions suggest they will do so only with significant support and regulatory flexibility  . Adjusting bag limits or limiting out-of-state hunting could help safeguard herd stability and long-term sustainability.

Thank you for your dedication to Ohio’s wildlife and for considering these requests. I appreciate your time and your stewardship of our natural resources. Please feel free to contact me if you would like further local observations, data, or collaboration. 

I will also be providing an attached list of signatures of people who share and support the same concerns as mine.

Sincerely,

Victoria Maze

Washington County, Ohio