Pocono News Section

Deer Season Begins Monday Morning

Deer Season Begins Monday Morning - Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 9:29PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Sunday, Nov 25, 2007 @09:29pm EST
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY - Early Monday morning, an estimated one million hunters are expected to take to the woods of Pennsylvania for the start of deer-hunting season.

With one last shot, hunters took aim Sunday afternoon on State Gamelands, preparing to head into the woods. Experts say it takes a combination of luck and skill to bag a prized buck.

"It takes a someone who knows where the deer are and knows how to scout them and hopefully find them. You can't just walk in and think you're going to get a buck your first time out," hunter Jim Lavin said.

Jim Lavin lives in Ohio. He comes to Pennsylvania every year for opening day.

"We've got some property out here. It's kind of a family tradition to hunt out in this area," Lavin said.

At the Nimrod Haven Sporting Goods Shop in Hanover Township, dozens of hunters spent Sunday checking their guns and making sure everything was in order.

"You're going after one of the smartest animals in the woods and it's a challenge for a person that can bag a deer," hunter Gary Mitchell said.

With rain in the forecast Monday, rain tents and ponchos were quickly flying off the shelves. Hand warmers were also almost sold out. Owners say while bass season is big, their biggest business comes as deer season approaches.

"Hunting is top of the line. There is probably more hunters than anything else," co-owner Joe Lisecki said.

Deer season runs through December 8th. This year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is predicting a good hunting season because archery season was slow.