9% reduction is optimistic in my mind. in 7M - with NO Gun Doe permits - it must be down like 25 or 30%. Our buck harvest was down on our property too.We saw similar numbers of bucks, but they were generally smaller - (little racks and bodies) we let several pass, and ate tags.

I saw enough does - especially in the late season to make me optimistic that 2007 the herd numbers will encrease enough to allow doe permits again. but - thats just my little section of 7M.

I drive through sections every day where I used to see a bunch of deer - and still only see the occaisional deer. Some "yard areas" have big groups of 30+ deer out in the fields - but not as many as just a few years ago.

What ever the reason - the population is down, though I think - from what I seee - its on the way back UP. Let see what next year brings - htis January Thaw in CNY - will help ALOT.

FH