Staff Report

GALLIPOLIS — Ohio deer hunters will have another opportunity to bag a trophy this weekend.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is offering two more days of deer-gun hunting on Saturday and Sunday.

The extra days were added during last year’s season in response to comments received from hunters for more weekend time to hunt.

“These two additional weekend days were a great success last year and were helpful to us in meeting our deer management goals,” said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife.

So far this season, hunters have taken 53,982 deer during the first six weeks of the statewide archery season, which began Sept. 30 and continues through Feb. 3. The special youth season, held Nov. 17-18, resulted in young hunters bagging a record 10,515 deer.

Hunters checked 103,195 deer during the statewide deer-gun season held Nov. 26 through Dec. 2. Another 273 deer were taken during the early muzzleloader deer season held in October on the Shawnee, Salt Fork and Wolf Creek wildlife areas.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Deer hunting contributes an estimated $266 million to the state's economy each year and helps to support thousands of jobs.

Venison is delicious and nutritious meat, low in fat and cholesterol. It is the number one wild game served by hunters in Ohio. Deer hunters also contribute thousands of pounds of venison to organizations that help feed less-fortunate Ohioans through special programs.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. A total of three deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio’s Zone C, which includes Meigs and surrounding counties.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license. Hunter orange is required. Only deer, coyote and waterfowl can be hunted during the extra deer-gun weekend.