COLUMBUS (AP) — State officials say 116,798 white-tailed deer were killed by Ohio hunters last

COLUMBUS (AP) — State officials say 116,798 white-tailed deer were killed by Ohio hunters last week during the state’s weeklong gun season.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife said Monday that compares with 103,195 killed last year.

Hunters in Tuscarawas county brought the most deer to Ohio check stations, with 5,862.

The statewide deer population was estimated to be 700,000 in late September. About 400,000 hunters were expected to participate in deer-gun season.

Last season, 232,854 deer were harvested during adult and youth gun season, muzzleloader season, and archery season.

Hunters have been encouraged to kill more does this season and donate extra venison to the needy. The wildlife division and Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry are helping pay for processing of donated venison.