It's an interesting thought BT.I was hunting Potter when the bonus program started.In two years you could definately see the difference.Our sightings went from an average of 20+ deer a day to around three.So we headed south to southern 2G and northern 2E.Deer were plentiful.Then serious herd reduction kicked in.The populations headed down in a hurry.So based on my observations in these areas herd reductions through hunting worked.But,now the yotes have less deer to kill so it's compoundingthe damage they are doing to the remaining population.
I think that explains the lack of growth in the deer herd in the areas you describe where hunting pressure isn't heavy enough to continue her reductions.It makes sense to me.
Do you feel the number of tags in these areas should be reduced to compensate for the high yote kills?