how do most deer die?

[Andy S.]

In 1987 there was thousands of acres of public land and thousands of east tn hunters killing every buck with an antler

Correct. Less land access, fewer hardcore deer hunters, more selective deer hunters, and fewer deer processors than ever. For many of the deer hunters still at it, it's all about the right day/right time/convenience for if/when they pull the trigger. I fit in this category too. My wife says I am an avid "deer watcher", not to be confused with an avid "deer killer".

 

[DeerCamp]

A university did a big study on this.

Between hunting and cars, humans are by far the number one source of adult deer deaths.

Fawn deaths are primarily hypothermia and predation.

Non human adult deer deaths are mostly illness