Michigan Officials Warn Hunters on PFAS Contamination in Deer Near Oscoda Township
Michigan health and wildlife officials are warning hunters not to eat venison from deer harvested within a three-mile radius of Clark’s Marsh in Oscoda Township, Iosco County, due to detected levels of PFAS contamination in the animals.
Traverse City Cadillac, MI, November 9, 2026 — Michigan health and wildlife officials have issued a cautionary advisory to hunters regarding venison consumption from deer harvested in a specific area of Iosco County. The warning centers on detected levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination found in local deer populations.
Hunters are advised not to consume venison from any deer harvested within a three-mile radius of Clark’s Marsh, located in Oscoda Township. This geographical restriction is in place due to the confirmed presence of PFAS in the animals residing in that zone.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are collaborating on this public health notification. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been detected in soil and water in various locations across the state, including areas near Oscoda Township. These chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms.
The specific levels of PFAS detected in the deer have prompted officials to recommend avoiding consumption of meat from this designated area as a precautionary measure. The health implications of consuming PFAS-contaminated food are a subject of ongoing research and concern for public health agencies.
Further details regarding the scope of the contamination, the specific types of PFAS identified, and the duration of the advisory were not immediately available. Officials encourage hunters to stay informed about advisories issued by the MDHHS and DNR as they continue to monitor environmental conditions and wildlife health. The MDHHS is providing guidance on safe eating practices for fish and game, which may be updated as more information becomes available.
The agencies are continuing their investigations into the extent of PFAS contamination in the region and its potential impact on wildlife and public health. Hunters who have harvested deer from the affected area are urged to exercise caution and refer to official state guidance for up-to-date information.
Story summarized from the original created by Lisa Giles on www.9and10news.com, see more information here.
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