One of the biggest typical whitetails alive in the world or to EVER live in this world currently lives in Huckleberry. Thats the Gods honest truth. Good luck finding him though. He even frequents public ground or isn't soley on private though he can't help but cross it once in awhile. He will certainly threaten if not beat the current world record.
Yes, the population is down. Look at the last winter or two. Throw in some roadkill, maybe rumors of a wolf or two and you have a recipe for tag soup in the making.