Gotta tell ya BT,I was always a party pooper when it came to the orange parade.I had a habit of heading back in to get away from it all.
You're right about habitat in certain areas.My probem here is the reasons for the bad habitat.I agree deer are a factor but don't think they are the main factor.
1-poor clearcutting procedures or lack of
2-shade/canopy
3-acid rain.
I found one thing to be true.If white oaks are in the area and the soil get the sunlight,they will regenerate with or without deer.