Deer culls rarely have anything to do with deer starving. They are culled when they become pests, when they start spreading disease or endangering humans. Deer populations are not limited by resources, rather by the number of predators. What causes deer populations to explode isn't food but human intolerance for bear/cougar/wolves.
> Deer populations are not limited by resources, rather by the number of predators.
Harsh winters (extreme cold and/or sustained icy conditions) can definitely limit deer populations as well, both directly (starvation) and indirectly (weakened deer become ill or easier targets for predators).
That's true in fully wild populations. Wildlife like deer attracts suburban crazy people just like pigeons in the city. Folks leave food for the "poor deer" and create local population booms.
My parents neighbor probably drops 150-200 pounds of feed per day for this purpose.
