The study North Jeff is talking about was in the Adirondak park where the population of deer is 1-5 deer per square mile. The rest of the state averages 30-40 deer per square mile - If you preyed on deer - where would you take up residence?

The deer population would have to crash first for Wolves to work in Most of NY. The population we have now - is not sustainable by natural predation alone. Anti-hunters blame the DEC for managing for quantity, as populations are at their highest point in history (actually - the mid 1980s were the highest in my area). They are correct that the DEC manages for quantity - to some extent. Obviously, we could issue more permits, and allow more bucks to be taken. However, the habitat is not like it was even 20-30 years ago. Gone are the days of family farms, and much of this land that was relatively open before is now prime bedding ares for deer, with ample food to support large herds.

I read recently that our coyote population takes about equal deer as cars do in New York. (I think it was 10-15% each).