Lower deer harvest seen in Valley

WARREN — The harvest during the week-long deer-gun season was lower in the Mahoning Valley when compared with 2006 figures.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife, preliminary figures show that 4,051 deer were taken from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, compared with 4,637 last year in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

The preliminary statewide report by ODNR shows that 103,195 whitetail deer were killed this year, compared with 111,672 a year ago.

This 7 1/2 percent decline should be make up by the end of the season, said Mike Tonkovich, deer biologist for the wildlife division.

Tonkovich, a Warren native, said there is no indication the season will be expanded, but no hunts will be eliminated next year.

The ODNR said inclement weather on opening and closing days of deer-gun season hampered hunters. The lack of snow made it difficult to spot the deer.

For more, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com