ORIGINAL: Bill Yox
In the '70's we saw few deer, shot few deer, and it was the exception to the rule to receive a "party permit".
Back in the days of arm bands and 5 guys to a doe permit it was not uncommon at all to see groups of deer 20-30 strong. Seeing deer was not a problem at all.........the only struggle was timing it right so the guy wearing the arm band was the guy who saw them that day.
Now you are LUCKY if you see more then 2 deer together........and most times it is a mom and little one at that. The deer numbers are way down, plain and simple. Anyone who has been in the NY woods over the last 20+ years can tell you that.