Opening day
No rain makes for better start to deer seasonBy Brad Bauer, bbauer@mariettatimes.com
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Fact Box
When using or storing a gun, always follow these NRA rules:
Know your target and what is beyond. Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
Know how to use the gun safely. Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.
Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun's general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.
Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while handling or shooting guns.
Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration.
Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun should be cleaned every time it's used.
Local opening day deer harvest totals appear to have recovered Monday after a disappointing start to last year's gun season, wildlife officials said.
An estimated 300 deer were checked in Monday at The Pit Stop, traditionally one of the busiest check stations in Washington County. The business is located near the intersection of Interstate 77 and Ohio 821.
"Everyone seems much happier with the weather after all of last year's rain," said Mike Tonkovich, a wildlife biologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. "I think we're going to be back up to what I would consider a typical year. Last year, we only had 173 deer on opening day. I expect to be back up around 300 today."
Rain held off Monday, but some hunters still complained of a stiff breeze that stuck around all day.
"It makes it harder to see anything moving or to hear anything," said Andy McCarty, 20, of Lower Salem, who was taking a break from hunting around noon Monday to get some lunch with his hunting party. "I would rather it be really cold and have a little snow. That gets the deer moving and makes them a lot easier to see."
According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance of snow Thursday night, but the middle of the week is expected to be cool and dry.
Ohio's statewide deer gun season runs through Sunday. Hunters statewide are expected to harvest 120,000 deer during the week. The state's deer herd was estimated at approximately 700,000 at the start of the season.
Monday's opening day totals could have been a little higher if Drew O'Brien, 21, of Lower Salem, had taken a little more time to sight in his gun. He said he missed three deer before quitting for lunch.
"Before I came here, I found a tree and got it sighted in," O'Brien said. "We're seeing deer though, so that's good."
Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks said there were few reports of problems associated with the opening day of gun season.
"We had a complaint of a group of hunters trespassing and another who parked along a roadway," Mincks said. "Wildlife officers are looking into the trespassing, which involved some hunters opening a gate and riding four-wheelers onto someone else's property."
Mincks said trespassing is a common complaint during the gun season. All hunters are required to have written permission to hunt or cross any woods they do not own.
Longtime hunter Tom Bogard, 50, of Marietta, said he didn't discriminate when he selected a deer to take early Monday.
"I only get one day off work, so I've got to get one down and in the freezer," said Bogard, who harvested a button buck.
Bogard said hunting is a tradition in his family.
"I started hunting about 33 years ago with my dad and his buddies," Bogard said. "Dad just couldn't make it this year, so I'm out with my brother, Rick. Actually, I left him out in the woods. He's still trying to get one. I'll pick him up tonight."
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Johanna
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12-02-08 11:35 PM
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I agree with oneamongthem...less deer, less accidents...
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Johanna
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12-02-08 11:33 PM
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bwc511...maybe I can help explain those trucks you see "laden with beer". A lot of those Hunters stay deep in the woods and areas without shopping. Many of the guys and out-of-towners have cabins in the woods. There is usu. a rule among them...that the gun gets locked before a beer is opened. There may be a rare exception but I doubt it...his Buddy wouldn't want him in the woods. Honestly think they are going to get a deer while popping the top on a can? Some of them won't even sniff when their nose runs. They are doing a good deed to the community by removing the deer from a very over-populated area and feeding their Families!
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Indian
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12-02-08 8:50 PM
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I fear teens with cell phones in their hands while driving more than hunters. Any age on a phone while driving is crazy. Hope it is outlawed soon.
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bwc511
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12-02-08 7:54 PM
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I suppose that if hunting gives people something to escape from, feel happy and not shoot me and mine, them there's mo harm. I still don't understand why some cultures take to this and others don't. It seems way too aggressive to me. I hate this time of year, because Ï can't help but think of how many hunting trucks I see laden with beer.
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OneAmongThem
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12-02-08 11:57 AM
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The Bambi Dad and Mom hunters were blessed today with a dusting of snow for better visabilty to search and shoot. I support deer hunting. This way there are less on the roads to cause accidents, helps to control the over abundance, and gives some people food.
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Birdlover
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12-02-08 11:17 AM
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"Deer meat is alot cleaner than hog or chicken meat. At least you know the deer did not nibble on their pen mates before they were slaughtered." Good point! I have never tasted deer meat but am offered some every year by relatives who hunt...maybe this year I will give it a try! "Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while handling or shooting guns." I saw a truckful of hunters yesterday at the Speedway loading up on beer...sure hope they don't plan to drink and hunt and if they do, that they are nowhere near ME!
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peppie
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12-02-08 11:08 AM
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I agree with MikeOxlong. Hunting puts food on the tables of many people. If an animal is to be used as food, there is nothing wrong with hunting. As long as the hunter is experienced with their weapon and the hunting laws. Deer meat is alot cleaner than hog or chicken meat. At least you know the deer did not nibble on their pen mates before they were slaughtered.
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MikeOxlong
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12-02-08 10:43 AM
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Harevesting and deer with a gun legaly and humanily is not as easy as most people think. With a bow its twice as hard. As for hunting with a pointed stick I would have to see that to believe it.
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MalcomZ
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12-02-08 10:12 AM
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I always hunt deer with a pointed stick as it is much more sporting. Strickland "the mad taxer" raised the rates on pointed stick permits this year. Hunting "licenses" are really a tax on hunting.
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newsnut
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12-02-08 10:03 AM
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do they need those big shotguns jusy to KILL deer?
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