PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Marcellus Shale drilling sites have been popping up all over the area in the last year and they could affect the plans of local hunters.

With more than 300 sites, Washington County has more wells than anywhere in the state. Greene County has around 200, and there are nearly 100 each in both Fayette and Westmoreland counties.

Those wells have dramatically changed the landscape of some local wooded areas. Trees and hills may no longer be there and access roads may cut through what used to be thickly-wooded areas.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is advising hunters to go check out their favorite hunting spot over the holiday weekend to make sure it hasn’t changed because of a well.

Officials with the Game Commission say that while there is no real safety issue, you may notice a change in the serenity of an area. More noise could mean less deer.

The Game Commission has asked gas companies on their property to avoid having personnel on-site on Monday and Tuesday as well as the two Saturdays during hunting season.

Wells on private land will most likely still be staffed and hunters are urged to use caution in those areas.

The Game Commission also recommends booking a hotel ahead of time if you are in need of one. They say many hotels that hunters would typically use in Greene and Washington counties have been taken over by well site workers.