Statewide Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Concludes

Archery season continues until February 6

Hunters took 17,108 deer during Ohio's four-day muzzleloader season, January 8-11, with Tuscarawas County again leading the state with 914 deer checked. In 2010, a preliminary total of 24,078 deer was taken during muzzleloader season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Counties reporting the highest number of deer checked during the muzzleloader season included: Tuscarawas-914, Harrison-761, Licking-671, Guernsey-665, Washington-527, Coshocton-464, Athens-449, Ross-438, Meigs-433 and Belmont-432.

A total of 227,469 deer have been harvested so far this season when combining the gun seasons, early and statewide muzzleloader seasons, and the first nine weeks of the archery season. Hunters took a total of 261,314 deer during all of last year's hunting seasons.

Hunters can continue to enjoy deer hunting through February 6, 2011 as the archery season continues. Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they killed this year at wildohio.com.

Hunters can still donate extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

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.com.