The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has released the following helpful information for deer hunters:

Safety tips

. Be sure that someone knows where you are headed and when you plan to return.

. Carry emergency survival gear, a flashlight, map and compass, matches, and water.

. Stop periodically to eat and re-hydrate yourself.

. Wear two pieces of hunter orange that are in good condition.

. Be sure of your target, and what is beyond it.

. Always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction.

. Unload your firearm before entering a dwelling, before entering a vehicle, or before storing it.

Safety facts

. Over the past five years, 49 percent of the 55 reported hunting incidents have been self-inflicted injuries.

. Of the remaining incidents, all but one have involved people in their hunting party or other hunters.

. In the state of Maine during the calendar year 2000, there were 169 vehicular fatalities, 12 snowmobiling fatalities (winter 2000-2001), 11 homicides, 9 boating fatalities, 5 ATV fatalities, and 3 hunting fatalities.

Whitetailed deer facts

. Deer hunting success averaged 20.9 percent in 2000. Moose hunters had an 86 percent success rate in 2000 and turkey hunters had a 36 percent success rate.

. There are approximately 292,000 whitetailed deer in Maine (estimated wintering population this past year).

. Hunters killed 36,885 deer in 2000. Of those deer registered, 21,422 were antlered bucks, a state record.

. Maine’s regular firearm season attracts the most hunters and accounts for the greatest share of the total deer harvest, which includes two archery seasons, the firearm season, and a muzzleloader season. In 2000, 92 percent of the total deer harvest was taken during the four-week firearms deer season.

. Maine’s residents registered 87 percent of the deer harvest in 2000.

. Success rate of any-deer permit holders was 32 percent.

. Success rate of bucks-only hunters was 12.1 percent.

. Wildlife Management District 3 in northeastern Maine has a wintering population that is as low as two deer per square mile. Generally, northern and eastern districts average fewer than eight deer per square mile.

. Central and southern Maine range between 15 and 25 deer per square mile.

. Some southern coastal sections of Maine where hunting access is restricted or denied average 50-100 deer per square mile.

. This year, 54,000 any-deer permits were issued. This represents a drop of 23 percent from 2000 but is slightly higher than 1999 (53,231).

. The peak breeding time for deer in Maine is the third week of November, consistent with the peak for deer breeding activity from Nova Scotia to the Carolinas.

Help sought for the hungry

Hunters looking to help area food kitchens and pantries can donate game in order to combat hunger in Maine.

Sportsmen Against Hunger, which is sponsored and organized by the Maine Chapter of Safari Club International, has a list of processors and charities that will accept game. Those seeking more information may call 207-353-6547.

Hunters for the Hungry is a cooperative program in Maine sponsored by Maine sportsmen and sportswomen who care about the hungry, the Department of Agriculture and DIF&W. Those seeking more information may call 888-4DEER-ME.