Here in New Jersey I hunt public land also. From 1996-2000 I would see at least 30 deer per day, then in 2001 I saw maybe 3 deer per day. Like you I was like what the heck was goin on. I then went deeper into the woods, maybe about 700 yds deeper in, I see now from 2002 to present time maybe 15/20 deer per day, but like some others said its early, and for me I hunted 3 days since our opener October 1 I saw only 5 deer, 4 bears, 3 coyoties, no turkies, friends saw 2 deer, 2 bears, 3 coyoties, and also no turkies. Give it sometime