COLUMBUS, OH - Hunters harvested a record 47,173 deer during Ohios four month archery season, surpassing last years archery harvest and making this year's total deer harvest the highest on record in the state, according to preliminary information from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Since Ohio's deer season opened in early October, a preliminary total of 202,492 deer have been harvested across the state, far exceeding the previous records of 179,543 deer set in 1995.
Deer hunting is Ohios most popular hunting season, and a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, said Steve Gray, chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife. This deer season was particularly great because we met our deer management goals, while hunters boosted local economies across Ohio with deer related expenditures, and provided donations of venison for those in need.
Deer hunting contributes an estimated $266 million to the states economy and helps to support thousands of Ohio jobs. Deer hunters also donate thousands of pounds of venison to community-based organizations that help feed Ohioans in need through special programs such as Safari Club International's Sportsmen Against Hunger program.
Counties reporting the highest number of deer checked during the archery season included Licking - 1845; Coshocton - 1579; Knox - 1521; Tuscarawas - 1492; and Holmes - 1472.
EDITORS NOTE: THE CHART SHOWS DEER CHECKED AND TAGGED BY HUNTERS DURING THE 2002-03 ARCHERY DEER HUNTING SEASON.
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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com
For Further Information Contact:
Mike Reynolds, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(740) 664-2745
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882