COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP -- When the sun comes up, hunters will be out in full force across Pennsylvania looking to bag a trophy buck on the first day of rifle deer season.
This year, the Game Commission has designated some areas for hunters to target in hopes of thinning the herd.
If you're a hunter heading out on the first day of rifle deer season, don't be surprised if you signs that read:
Deer Hunter Focus Area
The Game Commission encourages hunters to
focus on this area due to the combination
of habitat work and improved deer hunting opportunity.
The new signs are located at more than 30 different game lands across the state. This is known as "Deer Hunter Focus" areas.
"The high focus areas are pretty much where the game commission wants you to go in and take deer out," said Terry Bartol of Media.
Newswatch 16 caught up with some hunters on state game lands near Tobyhanna in Monroe County. It's the first year the Pennsylvania Game Commission is designating "Deer Hunter Focus" areas and these avid hunters plan to use them.
"It sure does, if I can get a nice clear shot at one," said Bill Mullen of Philadelphia. "As a matter of fact, I intend to drive down there where you told me they are."
The idea is by letting hunters take aim at deer in these areas efforts to restore the forest and vegetation will be made easier with fewer deer. "It's good for us, it's good for them," added Bartol.
In our area, you can find focus areas in several counties giving hunters a shot at that prized kill.
"My brothers and I have come up here for probably the last five years. And so far we've only got one in five years. It wasn't me. So I'm still looking for my first," explained Mullen
Whether they plan to hunt on private property, state game lands or seek out those focus areas, many hunters have their stands up and ready to go for the start of the season.
"Deer season is all year long, we never stop. We're either doing it or thinking about it or talking about it. It's like a disease," said Bartol.
Rifle deer season starts Monday, November 30 and wraps up on December 12.
For more information on where you can find those hunter focus areas, click here.
