MADISON, Wis. -- The gun deer hunting season is just days away, and the state Department of Natural Resources said hunting license sales have been steady.

Despite the rough economy, the DNR said license sales are at 97 percent of what they were one year ago -- and there is still time for people to buy more.

Dorn Hardware in Madison said that just on Thursday they sold about 80 licenses and they expect even longer lines Friday night.

"It's tradition. People have been doing it for so long they don't want to give it up. It's just they've done it since they were kids, since their father took them out, and they just want to continue the tradition," said Zach Klein, of Dorn Hardware store.

There's still time for hunters to get their licenses before opening weekend. The licenses cost $24.

The gun deer season starts Saturday and runs through Nov. 29.