Deer Disease Outbreak Worsens in South Dakota

YANKTON, S.D. (AP) - State wildlife officials are eliminating unsold deer hunting licenses in southeastern South Dakota in response to a disease outbreak.

The move affects Bon Homme, Hutchinson, Yankton, Clay, Union and Charles Mix counties, as well as southern Perkins County in the northwestern part of the state. Hunters who already have licenses are being given the option of turning them in for a refund.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks earlier reduced the number of deer licenses in some western hunting units because of the disease commonly known by the acronym EHD. It is spread by a biting midge and has killed more than 1,000 deer in South Dakota this year.

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