Frankfort, KY (January 6, 2004) -

With about 10 days left in the Kentucky archery deer season, Bluegrass State deer hunters have already reported harvesting more whitetails this season than any other season on record.

Higher deer availability and increased opportunity to hunt this season are the two primary reasons Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department officials credit for the record-breaking year. Kentucky’s pre-season deer population was estimated around 900,000 animals, and some additional gun hunting days were offered for youth last fall.

Hunters who want to add a few more deer to the running statewide harvest total of 123,372 animals, still have until January 17 to take a whitetail with a bow. After Martin Luther King Day, the archery deer (and wild turkey) season will close for 2004-05.

"Hunters came through and gave us the target harvest we indicated that would help us manage the deer herd as responsibly as possible," said Jonathan Day, state big game program coordinator for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR).

"We’re pleased with this harvest, and happy that hunters had improved success this year despite having to dodge a whole lot of raining day hunting conditions," Day added.

Last season, about 116,500 deer were reported taken in Kentucky, so the 123,000 plus harvest this year was a significant jump over the previous season.

A few other Kentucky hunting seasons, in addition to those for deer and turkey will be winding down toward the middle and latter part of January. Hunters interested in getting in one more trip for will have to make plans to do that soon.

The statewide duck, coot and merganser season is open through January 30, and as of Jan. 1, hunters may include one pintail and one canvasback in the daily bag of six ducks for the remainder of the season.

Those looking for a less utilized game species may want to consider trying snipe hunting through January 23. Most likely the "call and bag" approach won’t yield many birds, but hunters in damp, upland forest and edge habitat who use a bird dog may be able to locate some of these lesser known game birds. Snipe are similar to woodcock, and are considered a migratory species in Kentucky.

For complete information on Kentucky hunting seasons, obtain a copy of the 2004-05 Fall and Spring Hunting Guide. Hunting regulation booklets are available from hunting and fishing license outlets, or by calling toll-free 1-800-858-1549 weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern.