More than 12,000 deer checked in Ohio’s muzzleloader season

COLUMBUS (AP) — More than 12,000 white-tailed deer were checked by hunters during Ohio’s muzzleloader season for a decrease of more than 1,000 from last year.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said 12,505 deer were checked in the season that ran from Jan. 9 through Jan. 12 compared with 13,724 deer last year.

Department officials say bag limits were reduced and antlerless-permit use was eliminated in most counties to help stabilize deer populations for the 2015-2016 hunting season. They say hunting is the most-effective management tool for maintaining a healthy deer population in Ohio.

State wildlife officials are revising Ohio’s deer population goals and have asked hunters for their input in a random survey.

Hunters also still have opportunities to pursue deer this winter. Ohio’s archery season remains open through Feb. 7.