As a new hunter, I will feel accomplished this season in just learning how to recognized sign, or seeing a deer. Each time I am out in the woods, I learn a little more about white tail behavior, and their environment. And while I have yet to see a deer in the woods, it is ironic that I should come home after a Saturday morning hunt, only to find a Doe and her two Fawns snacking on the acorns in my yard. They knew we were watching them, but they didn't seem to mind. My first thought was that I should get my bow and see if I can take the doe. Then I started thinking, do I want to do this in my backyard with the two Fawns looking on. Somehow it seems that it might be different if I were in the woods. I guess this Doe and her kids find my yard a safe place to have a snack. Am I thinking too much; getting too mushy? I've never done this before and I need some perspective. Thanks.

Ed

I believe you should check your local ordinances about hunting in the city limits first .Also if the doe has two fawns she's not going to be in the best shape for meat in my opinion . Whether you shoot or not is something you will have to figure out for yourself . Some people it bothers and some it don't ,there are no set rules on how you will feel . Good Luck.

As being a new bowhunter it seems you are on the right track, a bowhunter respects his quarry, many times I will have my animal down at my feet and think about that animal, his life cycle ect. To me, this is only my 2cents worth it is all part of being a responsible hunter. With those feelings you have, you will follow that faint blood trail, wait for that well placed shot instead of just taken a shot. It seems the more you learn the more you respect.
Tears have come from my eyes in happiness and also saddness on taken such an amazing animal. Like I said I dont want to offend anyone. I dont even no if I got this out right.

I to, am a softy when it comes to shootin a doe with fawns around.
but, I shot a doe friday evenin, before i knew there was a fawn behind her. after i shot the doe, I heard another deer run off, and looked around to see that it was a fawn. but, the fawn was almosr big enough to shoot itself. no spots whatsoever. so i don't feel bad about shootin the doe. the fawn is plent big enough to take care of itself. I will not shoot a doe if she has spotted fawns with her. it depends on how big they are. I think you done good<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

daytona 500 winner- Ward Burton
go Cat-22

Shooting a deer in the back yard doesn't seem like much of a hunt to me, sounds like more of a slaughter. I think you did the right thing by not shooting her. I don't have a problem with shooting a doe with fawns (depending how old the fawns are), but in the back yard does nothing for me.