Economy driving more hunters to woods

The slow economy could lead to a higher-than-average number of deer hunters in Indiana this year.

Conservation Officer Matt Tholen said it is hard to tell how many licenses have been sold for the start to firearms season, but expects to see a high number of people hitting the woods.
He said hunting is an affordable form of recreation and an inexpensive way to put a lot of food in the freezer.

Tholen said, "I think we're seeing a lot more people out there utilizing the natural resources, the animals, and stuff like that, because of the way the economy is. So I would expect tomorrow as well as Sunday we're going to see a lot more people out in the woods."

Tholen reminds hunters to follow all safety rules and recommendations.

He said thunters should make sure they have the correct license, get permission from all landowners before hunting on private property, and always wear hunter orange.

Tholen also recommended using a safety harness for those hunting out of a tree stand, to avoid falls.