COLUMBUS, OH -- Bowhunters took 36,073 deer during the first six weeks of the statewide archery deer hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This preliminary figure represents nearly an 11 percent increase - or 3,527 more deer - than were taken during the same period last year when hunters bagged 32,546 deer.
A higher statewide deer population, more liberal bag limits in targeted areas, and increased sales of special deer permits have helped archery hunters this year, according to Pat Ruble, wildlife administrator at ODNR.
Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer brought to check stations during the early season included Licking (1,510), Coshocton (1,247), Tuscarawas (1,156), and Holmes (1,105).
The statewide deer population is estimated to be 575,000. Approximately 210,000 bowhunters are expected to participate in the statewide archery deer-hunting season that began October 5 and remains open statewide through January 31, including Sundays and during the deer-gun season that runs December 2 through December 8.
Last year, bowhunters harvested a total of 41,526 deer during the four-month Ohio archery season.
A detailed listing of deer hunting rules is contained in the 2002-2003 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest that is available where licenses are sold, or may be viewed on-line at Ohiodnr.com
EDITORS NOTE: The list shows the number of deer CHECKED AND TAGGED BY HUNTERS DURING THE FIRST SIX WEEKS OF DEER ARCHERY HUNTING SEASON.