That is how alot of us hunters, not to mention farmers (although I am not a farmer, but have friends who are) feel also. extend the season to shoot them. Another week before and after would do alot of good. After all, there are still plenty of deer in the off season that need shot! I find it weird a person can breed a cow, pig or chicken then kill it, sell it or eat it at anytime, but cannot kill a wild animal (whose population, not to mention, is HUGE) like a deer at any time of the year.
I guess there are some people who think the antlers are the real deal though... I have been taught, and will always say to my children... "You cannot eat the antlers!" Sure if you see a huge buck, why not shoot it as a trophy, but whats the point of taking an average 8 point? As a trophy? No one is going to say "wow, what a great 8 point," most hunters shoot an 8 point, every year. Shoot a few doe a year, eat them move on. Youll get your trophy next year...
I say make it illegal to shoot less than a 10 point, shoot as many doe as you want (as long as you, or family will use them) and get on with it. All they are doing is crop damage and hurting us in the long run.
Same argument with trapping. People who do not know, or care to know, think trapping hurts animals and their population, when in reality it hardly does anything to their population, not to mention a properly trapped animal can be safely released with no harm done.
/end of rant
I am glad you are safe, but I say extend the season and let me eat deer for a full year, instead of having to buy steroid induced cows and pigs for 6 months of the year.