Absolutely without question the internet, and especially YouTube, is driving much of this.  However, I read almost every hunting mag out there - and I was a subscriber to North American Whitetail for many, MANY years - and never heard a word about this stuff.

Actually, when I talk to suburbanites - especially the Karens - about deer, it is THE issue they are most concerned about.  You used to be able to get them to admit that deer numbers must be controlled, and legal hunting is one way to do that (although not their preferred way).  But now, with all the stories of wounded deer and killed pets (pet deer), they are absolutely 100% against hunting in any manner, shape, or form.  It has really turned them against hunting in a BIG way.  And I legitimately blame Seek One and his ilk.