I contacted Bob Massey, a District Wildlife Biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, about your inquiry. His response is posted below.
Several things could be causing these observations. The emaciation and "exhaustion" could be caused by a combination of things. The recent string of warm temperatures and high humidity we have experienced can have the same effect on deer as people. This could be compounded by deer living in close proximity to people and their pets. Frequently getting roused from resting areas and being chased by dogs could explain some of the haggard appearance. Also, although there is an abundance of food available, does are actively nursing fawns and utilizing huge amounts of energy to do so. The rust colored coat they sport now is also very thin, making deer look thinner than when they are in their thick grey coat of winter. Regarding the limping; it could be the same deer seen limping on several occasions making it seem like several deer are limping. Deer in a feeding pattern frequently take only a step or two and then continuing to feed, this may take on a "limp-like" movement. Deer also suffer the everyday injury just like any other animal and no disease may be involved. Damaged hooves, which can cause a limp, can be the result of disease such as Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). This disease can cause sloughing damage to the hoof pads causing limping. EHD is usually a late summer occurrence and can impact deer populations on a local basis. EHD is present, to a certain degree, every year and sometimes outbreaks can be large. It is not transmissible to people or pets. The other disease which comes to mind is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Since Fox River Grove is in McHenry County- this is a concern, although slight. If the limping deer has been noticed for several weeks or months, CWD is not an issue. Deer with CWD may show signs of uncontrolled pacing and general disorientation. This disease is rather quickly fatal to the deer once it reaches that stage. The only way to check for CWD is to harvest the animal and have it checked microscopically. Contact your local biologist for more regarding CWD if the deer just showed up.
