Man, I don't know anything specifically about South Dakota, but I almost fear blue-tongue more that CWD.  When that stuff hits, it's decimating to a local population.

Good luck to ya!

Winterkill was hard on Lopes, havent seen or heard of any blue tongue not that it hasnt but thats what you get listening to someone that works in a Cabelas in Mitchell ! Numbers are down for everything, enough they lowered tags for all big game by quite a bit.

but he lives a H#@& of a lot closer to Antelope Country than I do.  That's why I came her for confirmation.

I think that when ever somebody has no idea of what happened to the wildlife they come up with "blue tongue."  I have heard it is the reason that the mule deer and or antelope herds are is such bad shape for the last 40 years but I have never had anyone explain just what blue tongue means.   

I'm going to have to do a search in this one as I have nver even heard of it before. Obviously there must be a lot of talk about it in some areas but it's new to me.

I have seen blue tongue along time ago but only in whitetail. Its a viscous way to die. Basically this buck was dieing of dehydration right infront of a water tank. I assume from the lips and tongue being swollen, sheep had it as well in same area at the time. Most animals dont die from it from my understanding.

Call the SDGF and parks you can talk right with one of the biologists but to my knowledge its been winter kill with speedgoats on a already below average numbers altho I seen lopes in areas in SD I hadnt seen them in for years.

Bluetonge disease or catarrhal fever is definitely real and has many different serotypes and strains. Most commenly affects cattle, goats, buffalo, deer and antelope.  It is a non contagious, non-zoonotic, insect-born viral disease.  Lets hope our north american heards are not facing this disease.  Although not normally deadly is not good.  It is transmitted by midges (Culicoides) and young are vulnerable.