It's really easy to combat a longer season, don't hunt more days. That's what our party did the last two years other than a couple doe shot after the first 9 days. JW is right, the brown/down ideal is a huge part of the problem. If you feel in your area there aren't enough deer, then don't shoot any. Save 5 adult doe and you should have an additional 10 deer by fall. Hunters must use self control and restraint if they expect changes.
Also hunters must realize that what they are or are not seeing does not always represent the population. In our area of the state we had extremely heavy fog several mornings. That put a limit on deer sightings and harvest, otherwise we would have been nearly identical to 2008 and 2007 numbers. Also remember that where YOU are makes a difference. I saw 6 doe all season from my stand. Several hunters on the SAME PROPERT saw between 10-50 on opening morning alone (yes, some of these could be repeat sightings).
Hunters control the harvest, the DNR does not.