"What I see myself and what other that I know see is a different story.I know without any shadow of a doubt that we've seen big improvements in the habitat in many areas over the past several years."

And in many others it was fine from day one. Yet they were not spared the slaughter.

"I also feel that overall,the deer herd is getting healthier."

I do not. Nor is there any supportive data of that assessment.

"The size and number of bucks showing up at taxidermists is unreal."

No. Thats just if we believe your accounts of one or two taxidermists in your area. how do you put it??..... Not "statistically significant". On the other hand taxidermists around here that ive spoken with in last couple of years do not share your taxidermists results. Just the opposite in fact. Might have something to do with our modern day low herd size..

"There is less deer and it can be a tough pill to swallow at times but redcuing the herd was the right thing to do. "

But not nearly in the amount in which it has been done.....by any stretch of the imagination unless you have an unhealthy facination with excessive amounts of trillium hobblebush and other econut worthless desirables.