Archery season opens Sept. 29

Bowhunters get the first crack at the area's deer herd starting next Saturday. They'll find a mixed bag of big bucks in some areas, with sparser whitetail populations in other sections.

As always, experts say scouting is the best way to boost an archer's chances of success. Savvy hunters have followed deer movements in recent weeks and identified areas where fall foods are abundant.

Drought conditions have caused changes in traditional food sources in the region's forests and, especially, in farm fields, according to the Pa. Game Commission (PGC).

"Deer can be cagey - particularly the older bucks that now comprise a larger percentage of our deer population," said PGC Wildlife Management Director Calvin W. DuBrock.

Antler restrictions that took effect in 2002 have led to an increasingly higher percentage of older bucks. Last year, about half of the bucks taken by hunters were 2.5 years or older.

Tree-stands and climbing devices that cause damage to trees are unlawful unless the user has written permission from the landowner. Treestands, or tree steps, penetrating a tree's cambium layer cause damage. It is unlawful to construct or occupy constructed treestands on state land.