ANNAPOLIS — Somerset County hunters harvested 2,257 white-tailed deer during the combined archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons Sept. 11, 2020 through Feb. 3, 2021.

That was a 5.6% increase over the prior year when the total was 2,137.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported antlerless deer dominated with 1,566 taken during all seasons combined compared to 1,488 during the prior year.

Antlered deer totaled 691, which was 42 more than 2019-20.

Statewide hunters harvested 81,729 deer during the seasons that recently closed. That was 3% more than 2019-20 with Frederick County reporting the largest harvest again this year with 7,342 deer taken.

Carroll County followed with 6,202 deer, and Baltimore County was third with 5,356. Garrett and Washington counties rounded out the top five with 4,904 and 4,712 deer, respectively.

Number seven went to Worcester County with a total of 3,826 which was behind Montgomery County’s 4,104.

“Our deer population continues to be an invaluable resource for thousands of Marylanders,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Both consumptive and non-consumptive users enjoy deer, and the species generates millions of dollars in revenue for the state’s economy and for the conservation of Maryland’s other wildlife.”

New this year was a Primitive Deer Hunt, Feb. 1-3, which saw 250 deer taken. A significant snow and ice storm affected the hunt days, but hunters still managed to harvest 42 deer with primitive bows and 208 deer with muzzleloaders.

Among sika deer seven antlered and eight antlerless deer were harvested in Somerset County, one antlered deer fewer than 2019-20.