First of all,I don't think it's that bad at all right now in the parts of 2G where I hunt.I saw alot less deer the last two years than ever before but I still had 9 different bucks within range throughout bow season.I saw alot of deer the two days I hunted in rifle season and had no problems finding deer to kill.I did hunt alot of days without seeing a thing but I believe that had more to do with the deer not moving because of the widespread mast crop than anything.Overall,I had 15 opportunities to kill deer from oct 1st until the last day of rifle.Yep,I saw alot less deer but how many does a guy need to see to have a good year?

Hunting pressure is dropping off,the habitat is starting to recover so I think the best is yet to come.No,we'll never have the ridiculous deer densities we once had but I don't care.Hunting a healthier,more balanced age structure with less pressure is better in my book.I suppose if a guy expects to sit next to the same stump for 20 consequtive years,he'll most likely be disappointed.For those that are willing to putforth the effort and understand the importance of balancing the herd with the habitat,it will only get better.It's gonna be tough for a for more years but once the habitat bounces back,the deer will follow.