Oct 6, 2002 By Rod Schoener 7 min read

That was Eastern Greene County Wildlife Conservation Officer Rod Burns’ comment when asked to assess hunting possibilities in his district this fall. “We have an extremely high deer population,” Burns said. “Hunters didn’t kill nearly as many deer as we wanted even though the doe licenses sold out. If we have snow for deer season, it should be an excellent year. They sold out of antlerless licenses early again this year.”

He then said, “As dry as it has been this year, hunters should scout around. The white oak acorns are not too plentiful, and the deer will definitely go where the food is.”

Burns noted that some of the deer are just starting to lose their spots. He hopes that hunters try to distinguish between the fawns and the older does. “We really like for the archery hunters to kill more does,” he said.

Burns expects to see more participation in the early antlerless deer muzzleloader hunt. “I talked with a couple of hunters and sporting goods store owners about the hunt. The hunters are interested and the stores are selling some in-line muzzleloaders, but not a lot. Many hunters over this way already own percussion cap and in-line rifles because they cross into West Virginia to hunt.

“There will definitely be more hunters out there with the in-line rifles included, but the success of the season will depend on the weather. If we have good, cool weather, the hunters will be out there. It will be a real good thing for the kids, as the deer are not spooked. They will come out in the fields to feed, making it easier for the young hunters to get a good shot.”

He said buck hunters will have to take the time to make sure the buck they are shooting at is legal under the new antler restrictions for there is a better chance than not that “Y” bucks won’t have a brow tine.

“What I find amazing is that I’ll see six or seven bucks in a field and all but one will make the new antler restrictions, and then I drive down the road, and of a half-dozen bucks in another field only one will meet the requirements.

“Anymore, there are more and more people who practice their own kind of antler restriction,” Burns noted.

Greene County’s second most hunted game species is the wild turkey.

At one time, Greene County was probably the unofficial turkey capital of Pennsylvania.

While the population is more than adequate, Burns feels that reproduction is not up to par.

“We had one really bad and two average reproduction years. We have not had a really good year since 1999, and 2000 was real bad and 2001 and 2002 were just average. I’m seeing some young birds, but not what you should see. Even though there are young birds out there, it was not a good reproduction year.”

On a bright note, Burns said that he saw several groups of newly hatched pheasants this summer, but pointed out that grouse reproduction is way down.

“Deer are hard on grouse cover,” Burns said. “Some people believe there is a conflict between grouse and turkeys. Biologists say there is no conflict. Grouse and turkeys do compete for food, but there is enough different food out there for both to survive. Grouse populations just move in cycles and they need the right habitat to survive.”

Squirrel hunters should have another good season as “there are lots of squirrels,” according to Burns. “Squirrel hunting will be excellent, but rabbit hunting will be just average. The wet weather didn’t do the rabbit population any favors either.”

Burns said there were a few hunters out for the youth duck hunt, and he expects a good turnout for the youth squirrel and pheasant hunts on Oct. 12 and 14.

“There seems to be quite a bit of excitement for the pheasant hunt,” he said. “The game lands near Garards Fort and Game Lands No. 179 on the western end of the county will be stocked especially for the hunt. A lot of birds will be turned out from what I understand. Hopefully, there will be some good adult supervision, because hens will also be stocked along with the roosters.”

Most furbearers are in good supply in Greene County. Last year was an average year for beaver trappers. Burns tagged 35 beaver blankets and expects even more trapping activity this fall since “prices are getting better. There is a little better forecast for fur prices this year, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there aren’t more people out there this year,” he said.

“I’ve had very few coyote complaints. I hear a few every once in a while, but complaints are down. It think there is a couple of reasons for that. People have to call the Agriculture Department for reimbursement for sheep damage, but due to a lot more education on coyotes, they know to keep young sheep in the barn. Many farmers also keep dogs and llamas out with the sheep to protect them.

“The coyotes are here, but I don’t think we have a problem. I see too many raccoons and cats on the back roads. They are a favorite food of coyotes. Anymore, I see as many bobcats as coyotes when I’m on patrol.”

Greene County has yet to come up with concrete proof of a resident bear.

Burns said, “Knowledgeable people say they think there is a bear here, but I can’t confirm it. One or two traveled through in May and June. I got a call on a cornfield someone thought a bear had torn up, but it was raccoons. There wasn’t any sign present to indicate it was a bear.”

Hunting wood ducks and mallards on the creeks is popular during the waterfowl season, and Burns noted that some hunters were afield in the early resident goose season.

As always, there are those who participate in extracurricular activity at night.

“They shot a few deer at night earlier. They shoot them and let them lay. I suspect it is youngsters. We hear the rifle shots some nights, but it is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. A really large buck was shot in Western Greene a couple of weeks ago. As soon as they are out of velvet, they shoot them and take them to West Virginia.”

When asked if banning spotlighting would curtail such activities, Burns said, “No. I don’t think it will ever go away. Besides, a lot of people spotlight as recreation. It might be the only chance for some youngsters to see the wildlife we have. The kids can see foxes, skunks and deer. Spotlighting has its positive side, even if it is a nuisance for some landowners.”

Burns pointed out that not only the numbers were up in hunter education classes in his district, but the number of girls and young women getting involved were also up. “A lot of women and girls and just wanting to hunt,” he said.

In conclusion, Burns said, “For kids, this will probably be the best season ever. A lot of passed up deer will be available to them (because of antler restrictions for other hunters).”

Then he reminded all hunters “not to throw your Digest of Hunting & Trapping regulations away. Read it before every season to check the rules and regulations.”