I don't know why we're not seeing them either. What I do know is that in the late 80's and early 90's, it was something to see a deer. Then in the mid 90's- a few years ago, they were everywhere. Seems to be running in a cycle. Preaditor realated? Maybe. Probably a factor of tags, preaditors, food availabilty..the normal factors.
I know one thing. I like hunting and spending time in the woods better than most anything else, deer or not.
