I let a doe and two fawns walk a few days ago. I couldn't tell if the fawns were still weening, so I didn't want to take the doe and starve two fawns and the fawns were maybe 60#s so I didn't care to take either of them. A guy who set up in a tree about 150 yards from me, he didn't know I was already there, proceeded to harvest a fawn. If I had taken the doe would the fawns have survived?
You can never be sure whether any deer will survive long term, but as far as whether they would be fine on their own, yes. I still personally don't shoot doe with yearlings in sight. Personal preference.
I will... ...shoot a doe with fawns. I have always been told that a doe will not keep her fawns near once she starts estrus, and they will be fine after that. I have never seen evidence to the contrary. Any way, this is Wisconsin, if it is brown in ti down.
If the fawns aren't trying to suckle and they are eating own their own I would think they should be fine. I've shot does in the past with yearlings and have seen their yearlings throughout the rest of the year doing fine. That being said I would try to be sure they are weened.
By the time our season comes in here in PA, it's October and the fawns will be fine without mom. There is a specific mom that I know has a fawn with her and I want her in the worst way.
The fawns are physically capable of making it, but I think their mother has big impact on their long term survivability because she still has a lot to teach them. If there is more than one mature doe in a group then I don't worry about it. I won't normally shoot a single doe with fawns, but I'm not above it. Especially if she is teaching them to be nocturnal. Thank you GMMAT. I was going to start a poll on that because I see so many people that seem to get them confused.
I try to shoot the mother first so the fawns will stick around and I can then shoot them too. Just kidding, LOL!! :D
LOL....I've done it. Shoot mama, you have a chance at the little ones for sure. You are right....they DO stick around, and its actually kinda sad. I guess I've gotten soft over the years, I usually don't shoot mama too much anymore. I usually try to pick out one that doesn't have fawns. We have alot of does, so passing one isn't a big deal.
I've always heard that for Trophy Hunters...the best doe to shoot is one with twin BB fawns...that way she will not chase them off during estrus and the BB will make that their new home range - giving you two more bucks on your property next year. Makes sense...not sure if it's a reliable strategy...
I like to take one mature doe every year just for the eats. I try to not take them when they are with fawns but that is just personal preference. I do feel that by October the northern fawns are ok to go it alone without the mom.
I had a big Doe with twins in tow come down the trail last night, I decided to take one of the twins and let the Momma make twins again next year. The young ones would be fine without the Momma around, no biggie!
Felt a little guilty while gutting out a big doe, look to my 8 o'clock and see her fawn 5 yards away watching me do it. She sure tasted good though.
last year i shot a momma with 2 fawns in early Oct the 2 fawns / now yearlings are still in the area. they will be fine whack and stack them!!!!!!!!! Whatever makes you happy though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you have to decide not me for you. I will but thats me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for all the replies It was Sept. 17, only 2 days into a long season, so I plan on having a lot more chances. I didn't see them suckling, but I thought as soon as they were done weening they would be pushed off by the doe. So thanks for all the info.
just me, i would let a doe walk if she had fawns with her... not sure how long.... late season i might shoot that doe... hmmmmm
