Hi guys! I have started hunting again after 35+ years. Never killed a deer only small game. I have started bowhunting and am now crazy about it. I saw two does my first day hunting on Tuesday of this week. The larger of the two was around 90 lbs. I felt I should let them walk. It was nice seeing some deer. My question is: Is that about the average size for NC does? If it is, I will take the shot the next time I see her. Thanks for your help!
It really depends on what your immediate deer management goals are. If you simply have too many deer then taking any doe will help. Mature does typically birth more fawns than younger ones, at least until they overmature. But if the population is good and the gender ratio is good (typically 2 does to 1 buck or 3 does to 1 buck is what I personally like) then I would go for the mature doe.
90 lbs on an nc doe is pretty average...I've only killed a few there that were much bigger...she'd be dead if she walked past me!
