NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. —

Some deer hunters are already out in the woods of New Hampshire, and the state's regular firearm season starts next week.

Fish and Game officials said this is mating season, so if you see one deer, another is likely nearby.

"We certainly have a hardy population of deer," said Fish and Game Capt. Michael Eastman.

That's welcome news to New Hampshire hunters as the hunting season kicks off. Over the years, hunting numbers have gone down, according to the Fish and Game Department. But officials said hunting is evolving, with some hunters really embracing being out in nature.

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"It is more about nature conservation and not just harvesting an animal every time you go out there," Eastma

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