Big-game hunters have a new option for reporting their harvests this year — online reporting through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's Web site. As always, hunters are required to report big-game harvests to the Commission. There are now four ways you can report your kill:

• Call toll free at 1-800-I-GOT-ONE (1-800-446-8663);
• Visit your local wildlife cooperator agent;
• Stop by a Commission check station, dates and locations of which are listed in the 2003-2004 Regulations Digest; and,
• Register online at www.ncwildlife.org (click on “Online Services”).

The Western deer season for bow and arrow began Monday, Sept. 8. By law, the Western bow-and-arrow season always starts on the Monday closest to Sept. 10, and bow-and-arrow seasons across the rest of the state always begin on the Saturday closest to Sept. 10, which this year is Sept. 13.

Deer harvest was down 17 percent last year, probably due to the high mast crop that reduced deer movement. North Carolina's deer herd also suffered its most extensive outbreak of hemorrhagic disease last year with deer in 65 counties affected, and deer in the Roanoke River corridor experiencied the highest mortality. In some localized areas, deer numbers were reduced by hemorrhagic disease, but most hunters will not notice a difference this fall.

Visit the Hunting section for information on season dates, licenses and regulations.

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Central Kansas Buck
This Central Kansas Buck was shot on opening weekend with my father, Tom Williams near Tescott, Kansas. I walked approximately ¼ mile to get into position, in water way, at the end of a wheat field. My father went to the top of the wheat field to get into position at the other end, 1/2 section of grass and wheat fields. Deer must have noticed my father during the time he was getting into position.