ARTICLE
November 1, 2009
ATHENS -- Muzzleloader hunters took 474 deer during last week's early muzzleloader deer hunt according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
Hunters took 271 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 159 deer at Wildcat Hollow and 44 deer at Shawnee State Forest.
During last year's early muzzleloader hunt, hunters took a total of 568 deer for the season; 315 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 162 deer at Wildcat Hollow and 91 deer at Shawnee State Forest.
The early muzzleloader season was open Oct. 19-24. The season allows for the harvest of antlered and antlerless deer, with the $15 antlerless deer permits valid for use.
Ohio's various deer hunting seasons coupled with a healthy population gives hunters a good opportunity for success. Archery season opened Sept. 26 and runs through Feb. 7, 2010. Youth deer-gun season is Nov. 21-22.
Deer-gun season will open Nov. 30 and extend through Dec. 6, and will be open for a weekend hunt on Dec. 19-20. The statewide muzzleloader season is Jan. 9-12, 2010.
Hunters interested in donating venison to food banks are reminded that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison.
Hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online at
www.fhfh.org.