No one has yet mentioned that the deer harvest year to year has stayed relatively steady, not gone down appreciably. There may be fewer deer, but it has yet to affect the harvest numbers, so what exactly is the problem ?

You actually believe their figures? I don't. I have a farm in Fayette Co. and have noticed that I see less and less deer ever year. My neighbors express the same feelings. My property is set up for deer. This year is worse than last year. 5 years ago I could put you on a stand and you would have a shot at a deer with a bow. Not any more.
I have many friends that aren't seeing deer like they used to in other counties and feel the same as I.
Illinois is letting to many deer be harvested, in my opinion.