The opening weekend of Tennessee’s firearms deer hunting season saw a disappointing harvest, with hunters reporting only 12,773 deer collected, which is about 4,000 less than the five-year average. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency attributes this slowdown to various factors, including less-than-ideal weather conditions and an abundance of acorns, which affect deer movement and behavior.
With the acorn crop reportedly heavier than in recent years, deer are likely remaining hidden in wooded areas rather than venturing into open spaces where hunters typically find them. Barry Cross, a spokesperson for the agency, notes that this change makes it more challenging for hunters to locate deer. Despite the slow start, the hunting season will continue through January 4, and Cross encourages hunters to persist, as harvest numbers may improve later in the season.
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