Columbus, Ohio (AP) -- State officials say 20,659 deer were killed by hunters during Ohio's four-day muzzleloader season that ended earlier this week.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said that compares to 21,473 killed last year.
Hunters in Tuscarawas county brought in the most deer killed with muzzleloaders to check stations, with 934.
Hunters have killed a total of 239,549 deer so far this season in the gun, muzzleloader and archery seasons.
Archery hunting continues through Feb. 1.
The statewide deer population was estimated to be 700,000 in late September.
About 400,000 hunters were expected to participate in deer-gun season.
Last season, 232,854 deer were harvested during adult and youth gun season, muzzleloader season, and archery season.
Hunters have been encouraged to kill more does this season and donate extra venison to the needy.
(Copyright 2009 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
