PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa.- — A hunting store in Jefferson County was busy Friday with hunters buying supplies for the first day of rifle season.
The two-week rifle season for deer kicks off Monday at 6:33 a.m.
Owner of Mahoning Valley Milling in Punxsutawney, Nick Wehrle, said Black Friday always kicks off the store's busiest time of year.
"The first day of deer is a the biggest holiday for a lot of people," Wehrle said. "We are extremely busy with people gearing up for the first day. It's a big deal to people in this area."
The store sold about 40 antlered deer licenses by 2 p.m.
"We are selling tons of ammo and selling a lot of guns too, but mainly ammo," Wehrle said. "People are very good at waiting until the last minute to buy all of their stuff, so it's a mad rush."
Hunters said as soon as their Thanksgiving meal is done, deer season is on their minds.
"It's a tradition ever year to get ready after Thanksgiving, shoot my guns and then go out and hunt on the first day," said hunter Justin Schuckers.
"The first day is about family and tradition," said hunter Zach Bezak. "It's about going out and continuing the tradition of hunting that seems to be a dying sport anymore."
Despite the excitement, Wherle said hunters also need to remember safety.
"Always keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot, always keep your muzzle pointed in a very safe direction and always be able to identify your target and everything behind it before you do squeeze that trigger off," Wehrle said.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission said a reduced deer kill during the earlier archery season could mean more deer are out there for rifle season.
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