Jeff,
In many places, a herd can be managed for "maximum targets". Good for hunters....BUT too many deer can damage the habitat...we've shown thisover and over in many parts of PA. So, having less deer that don't destroy the habitat means less targets for hunters. One way is the "resource first" notion, the other is the "hunter" first.

I could go on and on about managing for age structure, buck to doe ratios, etc. Then there is reducing human/deer conflicts. In suburban areas, ideally should be managed for next to no deer existing if you buy into this because then you'd have fewer collisions with cars, and much less property/landscape damage.

In less populated areas It's about balancing the populations,and maintaining the rest of ecosystem at a healthy sustatinable level.In populated areas its about reducing conflict as well.