A scarcity of Cervus nippon yesoensis this year

Today I encountered Cervus nippon yesoensis, the first I’d seen in quite a while.
Although they can be seen if one ventures deep into the forest; there is something different about them this year.
It may be the lack of snow or the effects of hunting, but whenever I see them, they always stare at me for a few moments and then dash off.
Even though I never do anything…
Photo: A buck at Sounkyo Feb. 9