I forgot to mention the collar study.
This was done in a rugged area.Without finding the remaining deer they assume hunters only killed a certain number.They should have waited for the important information left out with the deer they haven't located.With coyote populations so high in that area I'm surprised they came to such a quick conclusion.
Not to mention other possibilities.In the big woods deer will travel to gas lines and the back roads to feed in the evening.This let's the door open for poaching which has increased in recent years.I highly doubt a poacher will report a collared deer.
From what I have seen and heard,without a doubt given access hunters will decrease the herd.That's been proven all over the state and I think they can be that question to rest.Even in the remote mountains they've done the job that everybody wanted them to.
I don't expect them to find the remaining deer.Other then button buck dispersal we all know a deer's range is limited.