Firearm Deer Season Tally Down 13 Percent

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is reporting a 13 percent drop in the number of deer killed during the two-week firearm season.

The agency said Friday that foul weather and an abundant acorn crop probably accounted for the drop. Deer eat acorns, and a large supply tends to limit the animals' movement.

Hunters reported killing about 36,000 deer statewide from Nov. 24 through Dec. 8. That's about 5,000 fewer than the number taken during last year's firearm hunt.

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