I live on the spillway side of Crab NWR. I have noticed a slight decrease in the deer numbers this year but I think it had more to do with the weather than anything. I know that the refuge deer did not move like they did in the last few years. I have seen a few very nice bucks on the public hunting areas. I read last week in the southern about a 22 point 191" buck taken in the public area on Nov. 30th.

http://www.thesouthern.com/articles/2006/12/19/outdoors/18544351.txt

I have also glassed a 200+ double dropper in the restricted area one evening before first gun season. I feel the rains we have had in this area may have effected deer movement around my hunting but can not be for sure.
Just my imput.
~Jeff