Mortin,
I don't know what part of the state u are from but if u ever get a chance to walk around a fenced in area, you will certainly see what DougE is talking about. In the Moshannan State forest between DuBois and Clearfield there are several fenced areas. If u stood outside the fence and looked in u would swear u were in a different part of the state. The regrowth and understory inside the fence is phenominal. Outside the fence u can see for a long way. Not much regrowth on the outside. I will say that ithas improved some since the deer density there is around optimal for that area @ 15dpsm. It's just not enough. For an area to hold deer year around it needs all types of food that will available year around. When the mast is gone the deer will leave the area to find the available browse. That just so happens to fall right before rifle season. So what happens when the deer move on. You think there aren't any. When in actuallity they went to an area that will sustain them. And chances are they may stay there and not return if the HABITAT suits them better.

It's really not hard to put the pieces together once you've seen it, and the difference between the two habitats.

Take a ride someday and see for yourself. It's an eyeopener.