Disregarding statistics is just as foolish as relying on them solely. The best and largest body of data we have is harvest statistics. Public policy is data driven.

The disparity between harvest stats and population level is the inherent weakness in our management scheme. Until we can find a better way, that is what we have to deal with.

You cannot expect DNR or other policy makers to rely on anecdotal evidence to determine public policy for the entire state. And to expect the average hunter to put the kind of effort into understanding the back story to public policy related to deer management is unrealistic. She/He is simply going to hunt.