Finding the perfect place in the woods to hunt for deer can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Hunters often rely on tips from friends or continue to try previously productive locations.

Now the Pennsylvania State Game Commission would like to help.Specially selected areas in game lands across the state are being designated as "Deer Hunter Focus Areas" and are marked as such by large yellow signs. Hunters can navigate these areas with the aid of focus maps that are available at

www.pgc.state.pa.us.The game commission will also encourage hunters to use the focus areas through the creation of access roads that lead into these designations."We would like to get the hunters as close as a half mile away from excellent deer habitat in these focus areas of the state game lands," said Dave Gustaffasson, a commission member who explained the program in a recent webinar."Sometimes we may have to close an access road due to inclement weather, but otherwise this should be a big help in getting hunters nearer to the deer."Gustafsson explained that the commission is creating "young forests" in these special areas by regenerating plant life that is the favorite forage for the deer."This regeneration process that will entice the deer into these areas is also more cost-effective than building deterrent fences to keep them contained."In 2015, there were 37 deer hunter focus areas. This year that number will increase to 45, with plans for implementations in each county.Locally, the closest focus area is in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County, designated as state game land 127.Some of these regions are already opened.With weather permitting, the state would like to keep the deer hunter focus areas open from the early muzzle loader season until the end of the rifle season.A concern about safety was raised considering that these areas might attract large numbers of hunters at any given time."The commission is always concerned about hunter safety," Gustafsson said. "There has been no evidence of accidents in these areas so far. In fact, despite there being many cars in the access road lots, hunters reported seeing no one else between the time they entered and exited the woods."Gustafsson mentioned that many hunters avoid these focus areas because they would rather enjoy the solitude of hunting in regions of isolated woods.Nevertheless, hunters are asked to follow basic rules. Be careful and always know the target before shooting.Time will tell if the deer hunter focus areas have benefits for both the hunter and the animal.Favorable habitat should result in larger deer populations.Then, in turn, hunters should enjoy great opportunities to reap their harvest.