I think its to early to say that any of that is true - except the number you heard doesn't really make alot of sense.

Here is a link for 2003 NY harvests. You'll see that Most Years - we do not even harvest 300,000 deer.

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/d...r/deerfore.htm

DEC Was projecting a slight increase in these Harvest numbers - but -
I think its fair to say that most people agree the Harvest will be down - possibly considerably down in some areas. - and that should not surprise anyone considering the decrease in the number of permits issued for DOe in many areas.

Look for less "extra permits" next year as well in many areas.