Holiday shopping isn't the only thing on many peoples' minds this Thanksgiving.
Monday is the first day of the firearms deer hunting season and the recent outbreak of Chronic Wasting Disease is on the minds of hunters.
Other hunters say they think it's doubtful it will have an impact on the rifle season this year. A state task force is trying to manage the disease.
While many shoppers are waiting for the black friday sales at stores around Central PA, the parking lot at the Bass Pro Shop was filled. Many customers said they were making last minute purchases to enhance their hunting experience.
The Game Commission and agriculture department have put together a task force to address the chronic wasting disease.
Numerous public meetings have been held with residents and hunters. Thus far the disease has affected only deer kept captive in farms.
Nearly 27 deer farms in 16 counties have been placed on a quarantine list.
But some of those preparing to take to the fields and mountains are optimistic.
Steve Arnold, of Port Royal says he thinks this hunting season will be a good one. "I think it's going to be good. Coming down the road today, there's all kinds of dead ones that were hit. I think there's a lot of deer."
Donald Boyer of Camp Hill is upbeat because he saw a lot of deer during archery season. "Closer to my deer stand, I see a lot of other deer that are a lot bigger than they were in previous years. So this is gonna be a record year for big deer."
Rich Bloom, who lives in Harrisburg, doesn't hunt around here. He goes to a camp in Driftwood, Cameron County. He says you have to be prepared to hunt. "You gotta be in shape up there cause the mountains are really steep. You gotta do a lot of scouting, find where the food is. You usually find where the acorns and beechnuts are. There's no corn up there like there is around here with the fields and every thing."
Game Commission Officials say, in addition to being a rich part of the state's heritage, deer season is critical in managing the state's whitetails. Hunters help keep deer population in check which benefits those who reside, visit and travel through the state.
Monday's weather for the midstate is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 48. They call monday the state's only unofficial holiday, and over the following two weeks more than 700-thousand orange clad individuals are is expected to take part in the hunt.
Monday is the first day of the firearms deer hunting season and the recent outbreak of Chronic Wasting Disease is on the minds of hunters.
Other hunters say they think it's doubtful it will have an impact on the rifle season this year. A state task force is trying to manage the disease.
While many shoppers are waiting for the black friday sales at stores around Central PA, the parking lot at the Bass Pro Shop was filled. Many customers said they were making last minute purchases to enhance their hunting experience.
The Game Commission and agriculture department have put together a task force to address the chronic wasting disease.
Numerous public meetings have been held with residents and hunters. Thus far the disease has affected only deer kept captive in farms.
Nearly 27 deer farms in 16 counties have been placed on a quarantine list.
But some of those preparing to take to the fields and mountains are optimistic.
Steve Arnold, of Port Royal says he thinks this hunting season will be a good one. "I think it's going to be good. Coming down the road today, there's all kinds of dead ones that were hit. I think there's a lot of deer."
Donald Boyer of Camp Hill is upbeat because he saw a lot of deer during archery season. "Closer to my deer stand, I see a lot of other deer that are a lot bigger than they were in previous years. So this is gonna be a record year for big deer."
Rich Bloom, who lives in Harrisburg, doesn't hunt around here. He goes to a camp in Driftwood, Cameron County. He says you have to be prepared to hunt. "You gotta be in shape up there cause the mountains are really steep. You gotta do a lot of scouting, find where the food is. You usually find where the acorns and beechnuts are. There's no corn up there like there is around here with the fields and every thing."
Game Commission Officials say, in addition to being a rich part of the state's heritage, deer season is critical in managing the state's whitetails. Hunters help keep deer population in check which benefits those who reside, visit and travel through the state.
Monday's weather for the midstate is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 48. They call monday the state's only unofficial holiday, and over the following two weeks more than 700-thousand orange clad individuals are is expected to take part in the hunt.