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Licking County Archers Lead Ohio in Number of Deer Killed

Harvest numbers down 4 percent in first six weeks of deer hunting season

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio bow hunters killed 51,620 deer during the first six weeks of the state's archery season. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, this year's early archery season harvest is 4 percent lower than last year's record of 53,982 deer.

Pursuing deer with a bow continues to grow in popularity among Ohio hunters. The season started September 27 and will carry on through February 1, 2009.

Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer brought to check stations were: Licking-2,046; Tuscarawas-1,991; Holmes-1,593; Ashtabula-1,434; Coshocton-1,391; Trumbull-1,302; Harrison-1,286; Ashland-1,235; Guernsey-1,145; and Stark-1,082.

The statewide deer population was estimated to be 700,000 in early October. Approximately 300,000 bow hunters are expected to participate in the statewide deer-archery hunting season.

Bow hunters harvested a total of 78,639 deer during last year's four-month Ohio archery season.

Hunters can share photos of their success in the field online by visiting wildohio.com and clicking on Photo Gallery. The photo submission process is easy and posted photos may be e-mailed to a friend.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules can be found in the 2008-2009 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest that is available wherever licenses are sold, and online at http://wildohio.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.gov.