Deer Hunting Begins - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Deer Hunting Begins

The winter storm -- or the threat of it -- wasn't stopping everyone from getting outdoors today...not this Friday especially.

Today was the deer-gun opener in the state of North Dakota, and thousands of outdoors men and women were walking the fields looking to fill this year's tag.

The number of tags to fill is way down this year -- the state's deer population is still struggling to rebound from the rough winter two seasons ago.

Tyler Burton with The Sportsman's Loft in Minot says despite that, anticipation for the season is still high.

(Tyler Burton - Sportsman's Loft) "It is THE day, you know what I mean? I remember back in school not going because it was deer opener and I know a lot of people who are not at work because it is deer opener. Lots of lonely wives at home but it is a good time!"

Burton was ready to get wrapped up with the interview...and why not...he, like a few other lucky hunters, had some work to do!

(Tyler Burton) "We get people who are ecstatic because it has been five years since they have had a buck tag. Me personally it has been two and I am beyond jacked! As soon as we are done with this, I mean, I am leaving! I gotta head out and I am going to try and get one...I do have a buck tag this year I am pretty excited."

Burton says he has heard from farmers that the deer population is spotty.

Some have seen many deer and they are begging hunters to come take care of them...while others say they haven't seen any.