Check-in stations will be busy Monday as the two-week shotgun deer hunting season gets underway.

Hunting hours begin a half hour before sunrise and end a half hour after sunset. Hunting is banned on Sundays.

Hunters are required to wear 500 square inches of visible hunter orange on the chest, back and head. Those walking on public lands are advised to stay to paths and wear bright clothing.

Check-in stations are at the Wampanoag Tribal Council in Aquinnah, fire road 56 at the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, and Larry’s Tackle Shop in Edgartown.

This year hunters will be able to donate extra deer to the Island Grown Initiative. The meat will be processed and donated to the Island Food Pantry, and is part of an initiative to reduce the deer population and tick borne illnesses on the Island.

A truck will be at the state forest check-in station Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. to receive the deer. To donate at other times, or for more information, call 508-687-9062.

Biologist Richard Johnson, who is working with the Island Boards of Health tick-borne illness reduction initiative, is also working with landowners to open more private land to hunting. Last year about 50 additional acres were newly available to hunters, and Mr. Johnson anticipated that 100 acres will be opened this year.

Last year 767 deer were harvested on the Vineyard during the hunting season. The majority, 444, were taken during shotgun season.

The season runs through Saturday, Dec. 9. The primitive firearm hunting season will follow, from Dec. 11 to Dec. 30.