It's true that we have less deer but your chances for a decent buck are better than ever. Hunters that put in the time and effort are still doing very well.
There is absolutely no evidence to indicate that is true in the majority of the state. While the herd was increasing AR only increased the harvest of 2.5 buck by 9K. Based on the old computer model the herd has been reduced by 40%. Furthermore, in 2002 we had an all time record BB harvest of 77K, which means there were fewer 1.5 buck to be saved by AR in 2003 and fewer 2.5+ buck available in 2004. it is quite likely that the harvest of 2.%= buck in 2004 was no higher than in 2002 ,when none of the 2.%+ buck were saved by AR.