COLUMBUS - Wildlife officials have proposed allowing hunters in some counties to take an additional deer during this hunting season.

Hunters in 26 counties in the southeast and central part of the state would be able to bag three deer during the 2004-2005 season under the plan by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Hunters in 34 counties across the state would only be allowed two deer, and 28 mostly northwestern counties would have a one-deer limit.

Dave Risley, wildlife management and research administrator for the Division of Wildlife, said the new limits are intended to help control the deer population.

The regular season for hunters using guns would run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 5, the season for hunters using muzzle-loading guns would run from Dec. 27 through Dec. 30, and the archery season is scheduled for Oct. 2 through Jan. 31.

The Ohio Wildlife Council, which reviews regulations proposed by the Division of Wildlife, will hold a public hearing on the proposal March 11 and will vote on the rules and season dates on April 7.