The six-week deer hunting season started Friday in Nova Scotia and conservation officers are promising to be out in full force.

The director of law enforcement for the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, John Mombroquette, says they have plenty of means for tracking down rule breakers.

“They typically patrol on ATVs, 4×4 trucks, we have some street trail motorcycles, canoes, boats and we do utilize helicopters on special ops,”  Mombroquette said.

Officers will focus on wilderness patrols around the province.

“We’re also putting a fair amount of emphasis this year on people dumping their deposit and garbage on crown land or private land. You never know where you’re going to encounter us, we spend a lot of time in the back country.”

The executive director for the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Tony Rodgers, still wants hunters to enjoy the season.

“First thing I hope for is that it’s a safe hunt and that everybody goes out and enjoys the woods and comes back home safely, of course. The second wish, would be that people are able to get the deer that they’re looking for,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers said it’s mandatory that hunters take three things with them: waterproof matches, a knife or axe, and a compass.

Of the most vital tool to hunters, Rogers wants people to check their firearm, test it and make sure everything is in good working order.

He also recommends friends and family back at home know where to find you.

“Leave behind information on exactly where [you] are going,” said Rogers.

The season closes Dec. 1 and excludes Sundays.

More information can be found at http://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/.