ANNAPOLIS — Deer hunters in Somerset County reported taking 1805 white-tailed deer during the 2022-23 combined archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons which was 12.8% less than the prior year.

From Sept. 9, 2022 through Feb. 3, 2023 here were 502 antlered and 1213 antlerless white-tailed deer recorded compared to the 2021-22 seasons when it was 734 and 1337, respectively.

The local results reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources were opposite of what occurred statewide where the harvest was 8% higher with more hunter participation and favorable weather given the credit for the increase.

On the Lower Shore, however, DNR states that an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), primarily in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties, caused a decrease in the harvest. EHD occurs annually in Maryland deer and does not have long-lasting effects for the deer population, nor is it harmful to humans.

Numbers were lower by 19.6% in Wicomico County year to year and 21.1% in Worcester County.

The number of sika deer taking in Somerset County, however, did show an increase although in much smaller totals. In all 37 sika deer were taken during the most recent seasons compared to 25 the prior year. Twenty-five of the latest harvest were antlered and 12 were not, reported DNR.

“Deer hunters play a valuable role in managing the state’s deer population,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto.

Statewide hunters harvested 76,687 deer. Frederick County had the highest reported harvest again this year, with 6,935 deer reported. Carroll County followed with 5,785 deer, and Garrett County was third with 4,989. Baltimore and Washington counties rounded out the top five with 4,846 and 4,600 deer, respectively.