A total of 97 white-tailed deer were harvested in Highland County during this year’s two-day youth gun season, one more than last year, although across Ohio fewer deer were bagged than in 2016.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says young hunters checked 4,958 deer across the state during the Nov. 18-19 season.

State officials say 5,930 white-tailed deer were checked during last year’s season.

Young hunters were allowed to use a legal shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun or specific straight-walled cartridge rifle and were required to be accompanied by a non-hunting adult during the two-day season. Youth hunting seasons are also available for small game, wild turkey and waterfowl.

The ODNR said youth hunters can commemorate their hunt with a First Harvest certificate, available at wildohio.gov. Participants can upload a photo and type in their information to personalize the certificate.

The regular deer-gun season is Monday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 3, and also Dec. 16-17.

Deer-muzzleloader season is Saturday, Jan. 6, through Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Deer-archery season is open now through Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018.

The agency says the goal of Ohio’s Deer Management Program is “to provide a deer population that maximizes recreational opportunities, while minimizing conflicts with landowners and motorists.”