The biologists tried to claim the large elk population was effecting our deer herds. In some area's where there's a lot less vegetation that may be a true fact. But where I live it's far from the truth. Deer have been thriving for over 20 years and the elk populations have been thriving as well. Winters have been mild and less snow during hunting seasons have delayed lower migrations that allows hunters to slaughter both deer and elk. I would look into other factors other than elk first. Deer and elk will feed right next to each other and share the same habitat.