If last year is any indicator, Pennsylvania deer hunters will harvest a quarter-million specimens of the official state animal over the next two weeks.
Firearms season for white-tailed deer opens Saturday then continues Sunday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 7 with no hunting Sunday, Dec. 8. It resumes Monday, Dec. 9, before wrapping up Saturday, Dec. 14.
Pulling the trigger is just one step in all that goes into a successful hunt, after scouting out a spot, often during archery and other opportunities to hunt ahead of firearms season; making sure the rifle is sighted in; packing a lunch and snacks; and setting the alarm clock for hours before sunrise.
After a deer is down, hunters open a whole new odyssey on the way to packing the steaks and other cuts into the freezer to enjoy.
The good news is venison is a healthy, lean, protein-packed meat. But the other side of the coin is it takes a lot more work than just driving to the grocery store to peruse the meat case.
Some other concerns surfacing this year include contamination of wild game, most notably in Maine where state officials issued a do-not-eat advisory for deer and wild turkey in certain communities.
More on that later, but first, some tips on getting your deer out of the woods.
Field dressing a deer
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– What is the expected number of deer to be harvested in Pennsylvania this year?
## On The Hunt: Deer Season in Pennsylvania
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**Host:** Welcome back to “Outdoor Adventures.” Today we’re talking about the highly anticipated deer season here in Pennsylvania. Joining me is Mike Hanson, a seasoned hunter and member of the local Buckmasters chapter. Welcome, Mike!
**Mike:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** It seems like every year, Pennsylvania hunters bag an impressive number of deer. What are your expectations for this year’s harvest?
**Mike:** Well, based on last year’s numbers, and looking at the healthy deer population we have, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see another quarter of a million deer harvested over the next couple of weeks. [1]. It’s a popular sport here, and hunters are always eager to get out there.
**Host:** That’s incredible! And we’re right in the thick of firearms deer season, right?
**Mike:** Absolutely! The firearms season opened this past Saturday and runs through December 14th, with a break on Sunday, December 8th. [1]
**Host:** So, for those who are new to hunting or haven’t been out in a while, can you tell us a bit about the preparation that goes into a successful hunt?
**Mike:** There’s more to it than just grabbing your rifle, that’s for sure. A lot of hunters spend time scouting out locations beforehand, looking for signs of deer activity and planning their strategies. It’s part of what makes hunting such a rewarding sport – it’s a real test of skill and patience.
**Host:** Well said, Mike. Thanks for sharing your insights with us today. for all our listeners out there, enjoy the season and stay safe!
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