Since Thanksgiving is a bit late this year, so is the start of the general deer season that kicks off at 7 a.m. Dec. 2 in most parts of the state. As it's a full week later compared to past seasons, this is, says the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the latest starting season in several years.

The deer opener, wherein over 700,000 orange clad hunters will take to the woods, allows the taking of antlered and antlerless deer in many parts of the state. In other areas (as outlined in the Hunting/Trapping Digest furnished with each general hunting license) of the state, sportsmen and women may take only antlered deer during the season's first five days. These areas are where antlerless populations are low.

Depending upon the WMU you select to hunt in, a four points on one side law remains in effect as does the three-point rule elsewhere.

As for a deer forecast, Chris Rosenberry, the PGC's deer and elk biologist, says deer herds in most parts of the state are stable and their numbers depend on the availability of food sources.

"This year there's a spotty acorn crop statewide," said David Gustafson, the PGC's chief forester. "A late spring frost affected white oaks and chestnut oaks and a cold, wet spring in 2012 affected red oaks, which take two years to produce. These conditions have combined to limit acorn availability in many areas."

On the other hand, Gustafson says soft-mast crops and fruit crops have been good this year. Here in Lehigh, Northampton and Berks counties, we're fortunate to have ample corn and soybean crops, many of which have recently been harvested. So deer are now foraging on grains left behind from harvesting machines.

Rosenberry goes on to say that factors like food and weather can influence the deer harvest, but doubts the late start will play much of a role.

"This season hunters have a good chance of taking home a trophy buck," says the biologist. "A good crop of adult bucks is produced each year and last year's harvest resulted in about 200 new entries into Pennsylvania's Big Game Records Program that recognizes exceptional deer, bear and elk."

The PGC adds that hunting license sales are slightly ahead of last year.

Bob Danenhower of Bob's Wildlife Taxidermy, in Orefield, predicts a record harvest since the weather is forecasted to be cold and that means hunters will move around more and push the deer.

"The four-point rule in northern counties has produced bigger-racked bucks," Danenhower said. "But here in the southeast, the racks have been sizable but typical since there's so much private land that harbors these trophies."

The PGC also reminds successful hunters to tag their deer before they're moved, and to fill out and send in your harvest report card. Or, do it online at www.pgc.state.pa.us and click on the "Report a Harvest" icon on the home page. Or, you may call them in at 855-PAHUNT (855-724-8681). Those phoning in must provide their hunting license number and other info at the time of the call.

CABELA'S OFFERS FREE GIFTS

Cabela's in Hamburg is kicking off the holiday shopping season by offering the first 600 shoppers in line at the store with free gifts on Black Friday.

According to Harold Luther, retail marketing manager, the first 600 customers ages 18 and older, will be given a mystery envelope containing information about their gift. All gifts will be distributed randomly.

Winners will be able to pick up their gift at the store immediately after the store opens at 5 a.m., Friday, Nov. 29. The store will remain open until 10 p.m. that day.

In addition, Black Friday shoppers will be treated to refreshments, games, entertainment, camp fires and a chance to take home a Browning rifle, GoPro camera, Nikon Prostaff Range Finder, Masterbuilt Smoker, Bushnell Binoculars or a Cabela's gift card worth up to $100.

Cabela's will be closed Thanksgiving Day so employees can enjoy the holiday with their families.

For more information check www.cabelas.com.