Forest program manager Paul Shelton sent this update:

Through the end of the day on Sunday, 11/7/2010, archery deer harvest stands at 36,252, compared to 35,327 (2009), 31,280 (2008), and 35,031 (2007) for the same time period. Archery harvest sex ratios for the season are currently 57% female: 43% male, but hunters during the past few days were taking about 40% female:60% male. Daily harvest remained strong throughout the entire past week. Top five counties are Pike (1824), Fulton (1102), Adams (783), Jefferson (782), and Peoria (778).

I am curious whether the coming heat this week will help or hurt the record pace of harvest.

On a purely selfish level, the update came just as I was heading out of the house to putter around at my deer stand, I wonder what stage of the rut will be by the opening of the first firearm season on Nov. 19.