Cooperstown News Bureau

STAMFORD - Deer hunters are not having a particularly good season so far, according to Bill Sharrick, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

"It's hard to know how well the season's going at this stage, but I don't think we've had the hunters out there that we've had in other years," Sharrick said. "In the first week, the weather was snowy and cold, and that probably slowed things down."

The first day of shotgun season, Nov. 18, was not particularly good, nor was the following weekend, he said.

"Since then I think it may have picked up," said Sharrick.

Hunters who persevere may find bucks with big racks, he said.

"It was mild last winter, and that's allowed some of the bucks to grow larger antlers," he said. During mild winters, the deer stay in better condition, allowing them to put more energy into antler growth as the weather warms, he said.

The DEC checks with local butchers as one way to measure hunters' success, and during these rounds, officials have found several bucks with impressive racks, he said.

Donald Toombs, who operates Don's Meat Market in Laurens, said his deer trade was "down a little bit in the first week. Since then it's been pretty steady.

"I think it's getting harder to hunt around here," he said. "A few years ago, we had a lot more farms, and when you'd ask a farmer if you could hunt, he'd say 'sure.' Now, the land has passed into different hands and you're more likely to be told 'no."'

Toombs also said he's seen "a lot of nice horns" on bucks harvested this year.

Joe Leonard, who operates The Farmers' Place in South Edmeston, said he's still waiting for the flood of deer he sees most years.

"We're doing pretty well, but not like I'd expected," he said. "Last year, it was hot and we got a lot of deer early. This year, I put on an addition to handle the rush, but it hasn't been as good."

Leonard said he's heard complaints about the weather but pays them no mind.

"It used to be that guys went out in any weather." he said. "Now, you hear complaints if it's warm; they'll say they need snow to track 'em, and if it snows, they'll say it's too cold out there."

Leonard said today's hunters are often much better equipped than their predecessors, but some seem less ready for the rigors of the outdoors.

One veteran hunter, James Powers of Butternuts, reported seeing a lot of deer and bagging two this year.

Sharrick said the DEC has been having trouble with its new call-in reporting system. Successful hunters are supposed to dial the number on their tags to report all deer taken.

"We're hearing that hunters aren't able to get through or they're having problems when they do get through," Sharrick said. "I'd like to urge them to keep trying to report to us, because this information is very important for managing the deer herd."

He said those who haven't been able to get through after several attempts can call the office at 652-7367.

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Tom Grace can be reached at grace@ascent.net or (607) 547-2431.