SALT FORK HUNT TOPS EARLY MUZZLELOADER SEASON
ATHENS, OH – Muzzleloader hunters took 273 deer during last week’s early muzzleloader deer hunts according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Hunters took 137 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 98 deer at Wildcat Hollow, and 38 deer at ShawneeStateForest. During last year’s early muzzleloader hunt, hunters took a total of 336 deer for the season; 175 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 127 deer at Wildcat Hollow, and 34 deer at ShawneeStateForest
The season was open October 22 through October 27. Hunters were required to have a permit to participate and the permit designated whether the hunter could take an antlered or antlerless deer.
The early muzzleloader hunt on three areas was a controlled, permit only hunt for the third time this fall. The permit system helps biologists track hunter participation, harvest, and interest in this early muzzleloader hunt. Permits also help biologists manage for a healthy deer population in the areas involved, by providing an opportunity to kill both antlered and antlerless deer.
With an estimated deer population of 675,000 statewide, hunters have good opportunity for success. Archery season opened September 29 and runs through February 3, 2008. Deer gun season will open November 26 and extend through December 2, and be open for an extra weekend on December 15 and 16. The statewide muzzleloader season is December 27 through December 30.
For additional information on all of Ohio’s deer hunting seasons and requirements as well as more information on controlled hunts, hunters are advised to review the 2007-2008 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Information is also available online at wildohio.com