Not so. The damage done by the herd actually limited the herds recoupment due to the devestation of the understory. Look up the kaibob plateau to fully understand what a deer herd can do to decimate a habitat.
I am quite familiar with the Kaibob Plateau report and i fully agree that deer can devastate their habitat. But , unlike you, I am quite familiar with the history of our herd in the NC part of our state and it tells different story than the one you are selling. Over browsing began in the NC counties in the 20s and 30s, yet the herd increased to over 40 DPSM in the late 70's. Then, a severe ice storm reduced the herd , but by the late 80s the herd had rebounded to around 30DPSM and the PGC implemented bonus tags to control the herd. That does not happen when the habitat has been severly damaged and the herd is above the MSY carrying capacity.
As far as dealing with theories, I would beg to differ. I have been studying whitetail ecology and habitat enhancement since long before you knew what it was. I have been studying this stuff for close to thirty years now.
It is highly presumptuous for you to make that claim when you have no idea who I am or what my background might be. The fact is I have been studying whitetail ecology and the relationship of deer to their habitat for over 50 years. I can cite chapter and verse of deer management in PA to a point that will make your head spin.
Are you familiar with the Brady Lake Browse Study, the 1984 " Clearcut Update" the 2006 DCNr ,"Browse Impact study" or the studies by David Declasta?