We have a property that in years past was off limits to hunting. The elk population increased from only a handful to over 300+ in only a few years. Obviously, the elk knew they were safe so camped out on the property. The native forb and shrub browse that the mule deer prefer slowly but surely deteriorated. The CPW also was paying the immediately adjacent farmer approximately $70,000 in crop damages.
A few years ago we started a cow elk hunt that runs from September through January. We also sprayed the cheatgrass on over 1,000 acres that helped the recovery of browse species. There currently are few elk that spend time on the property, minimum farmer crop damages, and I got game camera photos last spring of several does with healthy twin fawns on the property. The deer are definitely taking advantage of the new, healthy browse with fewer elk.
I've had game cameras set up the past 2 years and am monitoring the deer, elk, and other critters response to fewer elk plus the control of cheatgrass. It's been exciting seeing the changes on this property!
From what we have seen so far, the desirable forbs and shrubs important for healthy mule deer still wouldn't recover even with few to 0 elk. Dense cheatgrass stands rob late winter and early spring moisture from browse species.