IMO, the first driving force should be population, because overpopulation, by definition, means you are getting substandard nutrition. Forage is the limiting factor most of the time, correct? Lowered nutritional intake means antler growth IS being affected. So lower the popuplation first.

The way you lower population can also alter your buck/doe ratio and age structure, so it is a win/win situation in my opinion. To me though, it is just basic QDM I mean, basic deer management is not rocket science, no insult intended. It is really alot more simple than most folks give credit for. It is mainly getting enough peolpe in the area to do it that makes the difference.