COLUMBUS — Hunters checked 13,268 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s muzzleloader season, January 6-9, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). During last year’s muzzleloader season, 15,843 white-tailed deer were checked.

Darke County hunters checked 28 white-tailed deer using muzzleloaders during the four-day deer-muzzleloader season.

Hunters still have opportunities to pursue deer this winter, as archery season remains open through Sunday, February 4.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife remains committed to properly managing Ohio’s deer populations. The goal of Ohio’s Deer Management Program is to provide a deer population that maximizes recreational opportunities, while minimizing conflicts with landowners and motorists.

Hunting Popularity

Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation publication.

Find more information about deer hunting in the Ohio 2017-2018 Hunting and Trapping Regulations or at wildohio.gov. An updated deer harvest report is posted online each Wednesday at wildohio.gov/deerharvest.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.