It's hard to believe that another hunting season is ready to start, but the sound of geese honking overhead at the family Labor Day picnic reminded me that it was time to get serious.

Waterfoul hunters kick off hunting season with the early resident goose hunts, but the archery hunters really kick-start the season.

More than a 250,000 archery hunters will head into the woodlands in search of the elusive whitetail deer. Although the total number of hunting license sales have dropped from a peak of 1,071,205 in 1998 to the 2007 license sales of 924,448 that's still a lot of hunters.

Specialty hunting has seen an increase, with the fastest growing hunting population being muzzleloader hunters, who are more than 196,000 strong.

The early deer season and late season hunts provide the drawing power for hunters to expand their opportunities. The harvest rates for 2007 were down 11 percent from previous years with an estimated deer harvest of 323,000.

The Game Commission blamed the poor opening day weather. Some hunters claim it is due to a low cycle in the deer population.

With the numbers I've seen hit on the highways, it's hard to believe that there are not reasonable numbers of deer available to hunters

Every year fellows ask me the same questions about changes in the hunting regulations and I tell them the same thing: read the Hunting Digest!

Yet for those of you who need to hear it from more than one source, I'll review some important general hunting regulations.

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Safety zones: It is unlawful to hunt for, shoot at, trap, take, chase or disturb wildlife within 150 yards of any occupied residence, camp, industrial or commercial building, farm house, farm building or school or playground without the permission of the occupants. Archery hunters have a 50-yard safety zone with the same restrictions.•

Tree stands: It is unlawful while hunting or preparing to hunt to damage any tree on public or private property by constructing or using a tree stand or using a portable stand or device to climb a tree. This includes the cutting of trees or limbs to clear shooting lanes. Those who construct stands without the property owner's permission could face fines and hefty costs for tree replacement or loss.•

Youth mentored hunt: This hunt is designed to allow youngsters under the age of 12 to gain hunting experience under the close supervision of a licensed hunter 21 and older. A mentored hunter can hunt only squirrels, groundhogs, antlered deer and spring turkey.•

Road hunting: It is unlawful to hunt from a vehicle, shoot at wildlife on a public road or right of way, or to shoot across it. Hunters also are forbidden to shoot at wildlife until they are 25 yards from the road. Loaded firearms can't be placed in or against any motor vehicle at any time.•

Spotlighting: It is unlawful to spotlight wildlife while in possession of an unlicensed or hunting/sporting firearm. During deer season, it is not legal to spotlight deer from opening day until the season ends. This rule includes Sundays.Do not spotlight farm buildings, livestock or personal residences. Spotlighting is legal from sunrise to 11 p.m.•

Safety clothing: Familiarize yourself with the fluorescent orange requirements for each hunting season and remember it is better to be safe and wear more of it than not enough.