Deer Gun Season Off With a Bang

Deer gun season started off with a bang today.

Hunters from all across the United States travel to Southeastern Ohio just for deer hunting season.

Owner of the Dillon Falls Store and deer check station Kathy McCann says today got off to a slow start, but expects it to pick up.

"Bow season we were busier this year than last year and I expect gun season will be the same way," McCann said.

Hunters like Rick Gibson of Hamilton, Ohio, check their deer at the station and can have a picture taken of their prize buck put on the store’s wall of fame.

Gibson says he travels about three hours to Muskingum County because the area is one of the best in the state for hunting.

"I saw about 9 deer today, but only got one shot on one," Gibson said. "You’re only allowed one a day, so I got one and I’m going to go back out tomorrow and try and get a doe. This is my vacation."

McCann says about 46 deer were checked today.

Ohio wildlife officials expect hunters using guns will bag as many as 125,000 deer during this year’s hunting season.

The season opened just before dawn today and will continue through Sunday, then picks up again later in the month with a weekend hunt December 19 and 20.