Ontwo of mytrips to camp in Tioga County this year, I've been seeing deer in some of the "nooks and crannies" along Rt. 414 from Liberty to Morris, where I commonly saw deer back in the late 80s,90s and early2000s. By this, I mean there are some fields surrounded by woods that commonly had deer in them when I was traveling past there late in the afternoon, in years past. Either on the way to camp or on the way home.

By habit, I take a glance at these areas when drivingalong 414and have done so for a very long time. Deer sightings became less commonin those same areasover the past 4 or5years. So far this year,am seeingdeer "there" again. Obviously not anything remotely related to a scientific study, butit's good to be seeing them again...except when one runs across the road. Have had two close calls already this year, closer to Morris.

In the general area where I hunt in 3A, roadkills are also up in the estimation of the "natives". Saw several last week while at camp, almost accounted for one myself about 3 miles from camp: Young buck coming full-tilt boogie across an uncut hayfield in the middle of the day. Spotted it outta the corner of my eye coming towards the road at an angle,just got whoaed-up in time to avoid having him run into my truck.

Even some of my camp neighbors who have been grumbling about "not enough deer", are singin' a different tune so far this summer. Most attribute it to last year's lousy opening day weather sparing more deer. We'll find out come opening day, this year.