New England's 2007 deer-hunting season produced pockets of good news and in some states, improved results. But when compared to previous years, other areas showed significant harvest declines.

Northern New England's tough winter during early 2008 may affect the upcoming season. But the results of the 2007 season may help hunters discover how to best plan their deer- season vacation in 2008.

Here's a state-by-state look at northern New England, and then a review of what's going on in the southern New England states:

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND
The news from the north was generally good in 2007. Vermont showed continuing signs of improvement, while Maine experienced a slight decline in harvest numbers. At this point, New Hampshire appears to be the shining star of the North Country, setting a new harvest record in 2007.

Harsh winters in parts of the north may aid hunters' strategies for putting venison in the freezer this fall.

Here's the state-by-state recap of 2007 and the outlook for 2008:

NEW HAMPSHIRE
During the 2007 season, the Granite State experienced outstanding results. The estimated 2007 statewide harvest of 13,559 deer represents a whopping 15 percent increase over 2006's total of 11,766.

According to Kent Gustafson, Deer Project leader for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 2007 is the fourth year in a row that the harvest has gone up.

The increased kill reflects recent mild winters and widespread late-season snowfalls, which made it easier for hunters to track and see deer.

New Hampshire has an estimated deer population of about 90,000. The 2007 fall harvest of about 15 percent of the herd is in line with objectives outlined in the state's 10-year Big Game Management Plan, according to Gustafson.

Unless adjustments are made to these numbers, the estimated 2007 harvest is the highest in recent years and likely will result in the highest official kill since 1967, when 14,204 deer were taken.

Archers, muzzleloader and firearms hunters experienced significant increases, while youth hunters maintained their pace, Youth hunters killed 642 whitetails, about the same as 2006, which take was up 100 percent over the previous two years (326 deer in 2005 and 312 in 2004).

Archery hunters killed 3,808 deer, a number up significantly over 2006's total of 2,978 deer, and nearly 100 percent higher than the 1,971 deer killed in 2005.

Muzzleloader hunters shot 2,787 deer, up 300 (or about a 10 percent gain) over the previous season.

Firearms hunters continue to post good numbers, with 6,322 deer taken last year -- as compared to 5,636 deer in 2006.

Based on harvest figures for the last five seasons, hunters should consider those WMUs that border Massachusetts, including wildlife management units K, L, M and J2.

These units include some of the most developed areas of southeastern New Hampshire, although small woodlots and farms abound.

For hunters who prefer the big woods of northern New Hampshire, WMU D1 and D2 and the northernmost WMU A are the best choices.

Hunters planning on visiting New Hampshire are encouraged to contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 2 Hazen Dr., Concord, NH 03301. Call (603) 271-3421 or log on to info@wildlife.state.nh.us to receive a free packet on visiting and hunting in the Granite State.