MARIETTA, Ga. (September 23, 2014) — Is the white-tailed deer population shrinking in some regions? If so, why? What are state agency deer managers doing to keep herds healthy and hunters happy? In the October issue of North American Whitetail magazine, deer biologists from key states across the U.S. tackle these three tough questions in their own words.

Read more: http://www.ammoland.com/2014/09/sta...-north-american-whitetail/#ixzz3EHiuPsjh

This is Chad Stewart's section from the article...

"Seven to eight years ago our herd was increasing, which is great for hunters. But as a deer herd increases, so do other things, such as deer vehicle collisions and crop damage reports. Since then, we've made some efforts to reduce the herd where needed, and our herd has been decreasing the past couple of years.

We focused our efforts on reducing the herd, introducing additional opportunities such as a late antler less season, expanding the use of crossbows into the early archery season, and creating a bundle license that allows hunters to purchase additional licenses at a reduced cost. Also, we've had some recent outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease occur statewide, with intense outbreaks occurring in the northern part of our state where deer cover is limited and hunting pressure is high. We feel all of these factors are synergistically working together to achieve a reduction in our herd.

"Our management shifts are best handled year to year through changes in our bag limit. If the herd is doing well, or too well, we increase the amount of deer allowed to be taken. If the herd is below where we want it to be, we begin to reduce the number of deer allowed."

It has been decreasing a lot more than the "last couple of years!!!"