OHIO OUTDOORS Hunters come from other states for a chance at a Buckeye State deer

Buckeye State whitetails are a sought-after species.
WATERLOO, Ohio (AP) -- Less than a generation ago, Ohio hunters often left for Michigan or Pennsylvania when deer season came around. The general feeling was that the grass was greener and the bucks bigger and more common on the other side of the state line.
Hunters from other places are now migrating to Ohio each fall in pursuit of white-tailed deer.
How many hunters
State wildlife officials estimate that upward of 350,000 hunters will be in the woods and fields in Ohio for the state's week-long gun season which runs from Dec. 1-7. More than 15,000 of them will come from other states, including Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, Indiana and Pennsylvania.
"It has become very common for people to come here from out of state specifically to hunt deer," said Mike Tonkovich, a wildlife biologist at the state's research station in this southern Ohio community. "They say they've read about the quality deer hunting that is available here, or heard about it from other hunters."
Wildlife officials estimate the white-tailed herd this year at about 700,000 animals, up slightly from last year's estimate of 685,000.
Ohio's deer hunting season started Oct. 4 with the opening of the archery season, which continues through Jan. 31. A statewide primitive weapons season primarily for muzzleloaders will run from Dec. 27-30. The bulk of the hunting, and the harvest, takes place in the gun season when hunters are permitted to use a shotgun and slugs.
The size and overall health of the herd and a hunter success rate near 35 percent have helped make Ohio a hunting haven.
Large and healthy
Tonkovich said Ohio grows large and healthy white-tailed deer due to the same factors that allow it to produce such vibrant crops of corn and soybeans.
"Our rich soil transforms plants into energy for the herd, and the natural forages in Ohio provide plenty of high-quality food," he said.
The herd overall is in good health, Tonkovich said.
"We are at less than 50 percent of our carrying capacity, and that keeps the animals from getting crowded and leaves the herd plenty of room to grow."