MANY HUNTERS LOOKING FORWARD TO FALL ANTLERLESS DEER SEASONS

Many hunters have become fond of Pennsylvania's still relatively new early antlerless deer muzzleloader season - Oct. 15-22 - because it offers a chance to hunt while the weather is usually comfortable, deer aren't typically as skittish as in the late muzzleloader season, and hunters can use in-line muzzleloaders, which are easier to load and shoot than flintlocks.

HUNTERS URGED TO REPORT RESEARCH DEER

Over the past five years, Pennsylvania Game Commission researchers have captured and marked nearly 2,500 white-tailed deer in many areas of Pennsylvania. Captured deer are marked with plastic ear tags and many have radio collars.

WARM-WEATHER VENISON CARE

Improperly field-dressing a deer carcass and warm weather can impact the quality of venison quickly if a harvested deer isn't handled properly.

CONSIDER SHARING YOUR VENISON

Hunters who are successful in the upcoming deer hunting seasons are encouraged by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to consider participating in the state's Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program, which channels donations of venison to local food banks, soup kitchens and needy families. Pennsylvania's HSH program is recognized as one of the most successful among similar programs in about 40 states.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF DEER REMAINS IS A RULE OF HUNTER ETHICS Disposal of deer remains may not be the highlight of a hunting trip, but Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Vern Ross said it's an important aspect of hunting, particularly in maintaining the hunter's image.