Ohio's Young Hunters Get Results during Special Two-Day Deer Hunt

COLUMBUS, OH - Young hunters across Ohio enjoyed success during the eighth annual Youth Deer-Gun Season, held Saturday and Sunday, November 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Hunters aged 17 and under, harvested 8,681 deer during the special two-day season, as compared to 8,445 last year. Counties reporting the greatest number of deer killed were Tuscarawas-321, Guernsey-316, Coshocton-287, Muskingum-277, Holmes-275, Licking-248, Harrison-227, Knox-214, Belmont-207, and Washington-195.

The Division of Wildlife estimated 60,000 young hunters took to the state's fields and forests during the two-day season, which provides a high-quality hunting experience for younger Ohioans.

The youth deer-gun season was open in all 88 counties. All participants were required to wear hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and deer permit, and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.

The youth deer-gun season is one of four special youth-only hunting seasons designed to offer a safe and excellent early hunting experience for young hunters. Special days are also set aside for upland game, wild turkey, and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Youngsters and all other hunters will have a chance at taking a whitetail during next week's statewide deer-gun season, which runs Monday through Sunday, November 28-December 4.

Details on youth hunting opportunities and all Ohio deer hunting seasons can be found in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It can also be viewed online at wildohio.com.