Shotgun deer hunting season started with a bang this week. Less than 40 hours into the two-week season, hunters had bagged at least 100 deer, according to the three mandatory check-in sites throughout the Island. A check-in station in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest reported that 60 deer had been brought in by Tuesday afternoon. Check-in stations at Larry’s Tackle Shop in Edgartown and at the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) reported 20 deer each.

By contrast, a total of 180 deer were brought in during the nearly six-week archery season, which ended on Nov. 26.

Shotgun season will be followed by black powder hunting, which ends on Dec. 31.

With hunting season in full swing comes reports that deer are making their way to more populated areas of the Island. Sightings have been reported by the West Tisbury post office and along Farm Pond in Oak Bluffs. Deer have also been prevalent along busy roadways. On Monday evening, a deer that had been hit by a car lay along the side of Old County Road.