Earlier antlerless seasons also provide immediate relief to natural fall food supplies by reducing deer numbers weeks ahead of the traditional antlerless season, when the majority of the antlerless harvest has occurred historically. Most deer hunters afield from Oct. 13 to 20 are required to wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing on the head, chest and back combined at all times. Bowhunters may remove their orange clothing while in a tree or ground stand, providing a fluorescent orange band of at least 100 square inches is posted within 15 feet of the hunting location and is visible 360 degrees. Nonresident juniors and those 65 years of age or older also may participate in this opportunity. All hunters must have a county-specific antlerless license, as well as a general hunting license, to participate in either of the firearms seasons.
Gray squirrels are plentiful just about wherever there are trees.
Fox squirrels continue to be found in good supply in many western counties and appear to be continuing their increase in southcentral counties. Several officers in northwestern and northcentral counties also report black-phased gray squirrels are plentiful. Bill Palmer, Game Commission wildlife biologist, said squirrel populations have been growing slightly over the past three years. Ruffed grouse season also opens today and many hunters will be heading into the hills in pursuit of the state's official game bird, a distinction it has held since 1931. Statewide, most agency field officers are rating hunting prospects as fair to good, with the understanding that the best areas for grouse hunting are in counties with mountainous terrain.