Final numbers aren't in yet, but it appears the first bowhunt on the Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area saw a slightly reduced harvest from last year. The first 3-day hunt ended Monday.
Prentice Cooper Area Manager Clint Smith said, "This year's first archers bagged 15 (deer), give or take due to the fact that some hunters checked their deer at county check stations. We harvested 20 (on the first hunt) last year, but hopefully we'll make up for those during the non-quota hunts this week."
Smith said the cold weather took some hunters by surprise Saturday morning.
"Most hunters had a little shock Saturday morning," he said. " The temperature on the maontain was in the low 40's with a brisk, stiff, wind. It was much different than last year's opening day when it was sweltering."
There was a 500 hunter quota and Smith said there was a "strong turnout Saturday and Sunday."
He said there were 10 does taken and five bucks, including two six-pointers and one eight-pointer.
"We didn't harvest a single button buck which is wonderful," said Smith. "We're always pleased to get through an either-sex hunt without any button heads being harvested for does."
Smith said there were some citations issued.
"We just want to remind everyone that firearms are not permitted on the WMA during archery hunts," he said. "We also want to remind everyone they need to carry proof of hunter education if they where born after to January 1, 1969."
The non-quota hunts begin Tuesday (Sept. 18) and runs until Sunday (Sept. 23), broken into two three-day segments... one deer, either-sex per segment.
Hunters must have a Sportsman's or regular license, an archery permit and a Type 94 WMA Permit.