The Blade's Hunting Report: 10-6

■ Ohio deer: The ODNR reports that deer numbers throughout most of the state are increasing. Through the use of liberal bag limits, reduced-cost antlerless permits, and other program changes, the deer populations in most counties are at or near the goals set in 2000. Regulations have moved in a more conservative direction in recent years to promote modest herd growth. In northwest Ohio, the ODNR reports stable to slightly increasing herd numbers in most counties. There were 445,166 deer permits issued statewide last season, with 182,169 deer harvested. The buck harvest was 78,132. Archers harvested 82,488 deer, while 66,758 deer were harvested in the traditional statewide gun season. Ohio’s archery season opened last Saturday and runs into early February, while the first phase of the regular firearm season opens Nov. 27.