Although most local checking stations did not know how many bucks were taken, total deer check ins were down 349 from last year for the first week of the two-week gun season. Stations reported 1,814 in 2008 and 1,465 this year, a decrease of 19.3 percent.

Stations reported the following check ins for the first week, along with some of the larger bucks not already reported:

Nelly’s General Store, Minnora, 198 deer checked in, up 23 from last year’s 175, including 10-pointers by Brian Ross, Eddie Ross, Suzanne Allen and Jonathan Deweese.

Pit Stop, Mt. Zion, 152 deer (107 bucks) checked in, down 33 from last year’s 185, including a 12-pointer by Steven Wagoner.

Cha-Ti’s, Grantsville, 147 deer checked in, down 72 from last year’s 219.

Sears Exxon, Stumptown, 192 deer checked in, down 78 from last year’s 270.

Speedy Mart, Arnoldsburg, 200 deer checked in, down 185 from last year’s 385.

Holbert’s Store, Big Bend, 238 deer checked in, down 21 from last year’s 259.

Parsons One Stop, Pleasant Hill, 338 deer (230 bucks) checked in, up 155 from last year’s 183.

Five Forks Store, which was not a checking station this year, had reported 138 checks ins for the first week of 2008.

Hunters who wish to donate deer meat or dollars to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program, which distributes deer meat through Mountaineer Food Bank and Huntington Food Bank, can call 558-2771 or visit www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor.