Ohio wants new hunting rules: fewer deer, longer hours - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The state is proposing to extend hunting hours while lowering the number of deer that can be killed in some portions of the state.

Under the proposal, the bag limits on deer this year would be cut in many counties to nine from 12. Though last year, hunters could kill additional deer in certain urban zones.

The state's Department of Natural Resources released the proposed rules Wednesday. The Ohio Wildlife Council has to approve them before they take effect for the 2013-2014 hunting seasons.

Mike Reynolds, a state wildlife official, says most hunters kill three or fewer deer and the proposal should have minimal impact.

The proposal rules also would extend hunting hours 30 minutes past sunset for all deer firearms seasons.