didn't improve after the herd was reduced
Could just mean population and habitat reached a balance. The number of
fawns per doe tells you more about habitat than
does with fawns. In such a small sample size (# of yrs) there could be multiple factors, not just total does killed.
I've seen major changes in habitat in the
last 10 yrs where I hunt. Corn and alfalfa fields have turned to golden rod. This was good during the mid to late 90s, but by 2002-2003 it started to make an impact on the overall deer population. We had some brutal winters from 92-98, but the deer population was as high as ever. The 90s still had a good blend of ag and wild secession. But, most of the ag went completely away 2002-2005. Guess what, 5-10 yrs ago it wasn't uncommon to see 6-8 different bucks (with a couple 2.5-3.5 yo mixed in) and 12-15 does during a bow season, now I literally see half as many. Multiply this by 3 or 4 different properties I hunt. That was a lot of deer.
Most of the does had twins or triplets 10 yrs ago, now I see 1.5-2.5 yo does that are just wondering around without fawns. The does that do have fawns only have one. What changed? They aren't killing that many more does in my area. They aren't giving the does abortions. They have simply fallen back to the caring capacity. This can happen quicker than you think.
Again, if doe kill is the only factor, why does the deer population continue to flurish in Ohio(liberal doe kill), and why aren't the Adirondacks (almost no does killed) crawling with deer? My brother lives in Ohio on 80 acres, has killed over 15 does the last 3 years, and his overall doe population is
increasing. His has a perfect blend of ag and natural habitat. He and his neighbors can't kill enough does. Almost all of the does have twins and triplets in the spring.