Personally, I think deer numbers are down since the DNR started implementing T-zones, EAB, etc. several years ago. That's not saying there are no deer around...just means the DNR is closer to their management goals whether right or wrong. I harvested two deer this year, so no sour grapes here. One doe with my bow in Outagamie County and an 8pt. buck in Forest County.

One gripe of mine about the DNR is comparing deer harvested year over year, and using this as a reference to deer population. With the number of herd control and EAB units increasing, there should be more deer harvested. Just isn't apples to apples comparison in my opinion comparing deer harvested from 1990 to 2007 for example.

One other gripe is moving a couple units to herd control this year in the NE region, specifically unit 38. I hunt a little in this unit as well as other folks I know. The deer population just doesn't justify a herd control unit in my opinion.