Hunters Take 19,251 White-tailed Deer During Statewide Muzzleloader Season

COLUMBUS, OH - Hunters took 19,251 deer during Ohio's muzzleloader season, January 7-10, with Coshocton County again leading the state with 722 deer checked. In 2011, a preliminary total of 16,934 deer were taken during muzzleloader season.

Counties reporting the highest number of deer checked during the muzzleloader season included: Coshocton-722, Licking-639, Muskingum-638, Guernsey-612, Tuscarawas-581, Belmont-577, Harrison-569, Knox-470, Meigs-466, and Jefferson-465.

Hunters can enjoy deer hunting through February 5 as the archery season continues. Hunters who wish to share their success may submit a photo of themselves and the deer taken 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 participating food bank are not required to pay the processing cost while funding for the effort is available. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site atwww.ohiodnr.com.