With only a couple days left before the close of the 2000 deer season, here’s a look at some numbers, through Monday, from various tagging stations around the state.

The Moosehead Trail Trading Post in Newport has tagged a healthy number of deer this season, including more than 30 bucks tipping the scales at more than 200 pounds. The weight on one of these bruisers pushed the scale to 277 pounds. There has been a decent number of large racks, and a variety of antlers with good symmetry, according to owner Jim Spraggins. The Trading Post tagged one awkward buck, carrying a six-point rack and weighing less than 100 pounds

Spraggins expects to surpass last year’s total of 169 deer with 158 already recorded.

At Haymock Lake, Sharon McPhee witnessed plenty of activity from hunters in the first few weeks of the season. The camps have been occupied since the beginning of the season, “but I expect to see a decline toward the last week,” said McPhee. She has tagged 24 deer so far this season, with seven bucks falling in the 220-plus pound category. As of Monday the heaviest field dressed at 256 pounds.

There have been 93 deer tagged this season at Jordan’s Store in East Sebago, according to owner Carol Cutting. That’s six more than last year at this time, he said.

“We’ve only had one deer come in over 200 pounds, but that’s not unusual. We don’t tag many in that weight class. We have recorded a good number between 180 and 200 pounds, holding larger racks than previous years,” said Cutting. “I’ve witnessed many antlers with larger beam diameter than past seasons, and better symmetries as well,” he added.

Cutting’s records from previous deer seasons date back to 1970. The books show the most successful season was 1974, with 163 deer tagged. In 1983, only 11 were tagged.

A pair of hunters in the Stetson area were on target when they downed two deer, one tipping the scales at 250 pounds and the other at 288. I failed to get the number of points they sported, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they carried larger than usual baskets. Both deer were tagged at Larry’s Stop and Talk in Stetson. According to owner Larry Johnson, they’ve tagged 157 deer this season, that’s just 12 shy of last year’s total.

To the east, The Pine Tree Store in Grand Lake Stream has logged 17 deer, including a 205-pounder with six points, a 206-pounder with 8 points and a 225-pounder with 11 points. The total number was nine less than last season’s total.

In Hampden McK’s Variety has recorded 135 deer. That’s 43 below last season’s total. A 212-pound, 12-pointer remains this season’s front runner.

T.J.’s Market in Orrington has been busy tagging deer this season, with their totals showing 193 and rising. Shortly before I spoke with them Monday they placed a tag on a 12-pointer weighting 220 pounds.

The Old Town Trading Post has seen its share of action from hunters this season, with 71 deer already on the books. The heaviest hitter pushed the scales to 238 pounds and held an eight-point rack. I wouldn’t be surprised if the taxidermist gets a visit from a hunter who tagged a 190 pounder, which carried 20 points. At this time last year, Old Town Trading Post had logged 76 deer.

Across the river in Brewer, Van Raymond Outfitters has recorded 45 deer for the season. No heavy hitters were mentioned, but they have laid eyes on a number of bucks between 190 and 200 pounds

East on Route 9, The Amherst General Store has recorded 32 deer for the season, eclipsing last year’s season total of 29.

Quinn’s Auto in Hermon has entered 92 deer in the books so far.

Nason’s General in Dixmont has passed last year’s total of 71 deer tagged. They currently are showing 81 on the books, which includes a 220-pounder.

To the north, A.E. Robinson Mobile Mart in Corinth has booked 123, with a 235-pounder holding first place.

. . .

Answer to last week’s question: A buck’s antlers reach full growth at what time of year? September.

Question: Is it possible to tell the difference between the track of a doe and buck?

– NEWS staffer Terry Farren, Outdoorreport@bangordailynews.net