This is really no suprise, the population as it stands is very near where the over winter goal is required to be by law. This number, 700 to 800k deer hasn't changed since the early 80's (I may be wrong, but all the information that I can find seems to point to this being correct.). If you look at historical harvest numbers, this year ranks right near 1983 & 1984, coincidence?
The next big question is whether or not the DNR will keep to the herd reduction path or one that stabilizes the herd alittle more evenly across the state. I can see where they think that the herd needs to be reduced, afterall habitat has not expanded since the 80's.
I don't want to get into a pi$$ing match, but maybe the DNR has actually done what they have been trying to do for a decade and most people agreed with when this started. Now that we are at what they consider a sustainable population, we have to wait and see how they continue to make regulations.
