I believe more deer die of old age than most people think. PA is one of the most heavily hunted states. However there are large areas of woods, swamps and urban areas which just do not get hunted. There are areas which are extremely steep and areas which are are too far to be accessed from roads. My son lives in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and has a 10 point buck which rubs on a tree in his front yard next to his steps, car and main road. There is no hunting near that area and the buck has been a 10 point for at least 3 years.

I also believe some older bucks go nocturnal and are never seen..