RE: Difference in a year......
I could very well react the same way in your shoes....But if I was complaining about deer numbers and ratios while making a conscious effort to correct this by bagging a LOT of does each year, I would find it kind of hypocritical to complain when the DNR tries to aid in getting the numbers in check.
Bowhunters will never be able to effectively put a dent in a population as a group, it takes the orange army to do this. Sounds to me like your DNR is trying to curb the deer numbers by allowing the group of people, who really do the damage when it comes to numbers killed, to hunt longer. Shouldn't you rejoice in that the DNR is joining you in your struggle?