Bad weather, good hunting

Cool, wet weather bodes well for deer hunters, according to Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife biologist Steven George.

Bow hunters have been out since August 24; the regular rifle season begins September 28.

"If it stays like this -- cool with some rainy spells -- it should be a great hunting season," George said.

Damp brush makes for quieter stalking conditions and deer tend to concentrate together more when weather turns stormy, George noted. Cool temperatures mean deer move around more during daylight hours, making them easier for hunters to find.

Hunters have already drawn controlled hunt tags for the Upper Deschutes and Metolius Units and must confine their hunting to the units they have drawn.

The regular rifle season runs 12 days from September 28.