MARQUETTE -- Opening day success was reported from the great outdoors, rather than from DNR deer check stations.

It was a slow day to say the least, but officials say that is typical, when opening day of firearm deer season falls on a Sunday.  By late afternoon, Marquette had only checked four deer.  Baraga reported seeing only two, and Crystal Falls checked seven deer.

Another reason for the slow down is being blamed on the limited number of deer check stations available to hunters this year.

"Depending on where they are in the state, they may have to drive a little bit further to get that deer patch," said DNR wildlife biologist Brian Roell.  "Gwinn will not be open this year, so if they are in the Gwinn area, they'll have to drive to Marquette."

Roell is expecting that Monday will be busier as hunters return from their deer camps.