Bowhunters begin taking more bucks

According to DNR, the state's archery hunters had taken a total of 21,313 deer as of Oct. 28. At the same point last year, they had taken 20,430. The five-year average has been 20,847.

According to Forest Wildlife Program Manager Paul Shelton, the harvest at the Oct. 28 point consisted of 63 percent does and 37 percent males.  Shelton noted that the proportion of bucks taken really accelerated this past week (46 percent of the deer taken were male). 

The top five counties to date are Pike (799), Fulton (641), Peoria (489), Jefferson (453), and Madison (419).  A table containing individual county harvest is attached.