RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

I hope I don't sound too harsh, but I'd shoot a fawn. If I wanted meat for the freezer. In Wisc. we can get unlimited antlerless tags for $3 each. I would not shoot the doe, I'm in northern Wisc. and get heavy snow. I think the fawns need the doe to show them how to survive a winter. But more importantly I too have a soft spot for fawn looking for its dead mom.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

I once passed on shooting a fawn in Wi. Needed an Earn a buck tag. The next day a giant 10 point walked by. I didn't have my buck tag. Would I shoot the fawn next time? In a heartbeat! Great table fare too. And you can buy unlimited antlerless tags.
BTW, Jeff is absolutely right. We need to get the terminology right to know what the other guy is talking about. A Fawn, is not a yearling!

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

I don't disagree that we need to know what the other guy is talking about, and I really don't care, but having said that and based on thedefinition given, why do refer to bucks the next year as as a 1.5yo instead of a yearling. If he is not a yearling until January 1 does he not stay that way until Dec 31 of the next year?


[align=right][/align][align=right][/align][align=right][/align]

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

Both would be correct. I hear "yearling buck" in some circles. We also hear "buck fawn"/"Button buck"/Nubbin buck" and they're all technically correct, as well.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

I'd drop Mama, and some of the fawns too if possible, we have way too many does here.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

If momma is dropping triplets I would let her walk. I might however take one of the yearling. They eat real good and I don't have the Bambi syndrome. That being said I have watched late born fawns with spots and did not even lift the bow so I guess I do have some emotion.

Not sure there is much difference between milk fed veal and milk fed deer.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

Yeah i would let her walk. It's the right thing to do.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

It depends on what part of the country or even state your in. States that have mild or no winter they will be fine, Up here in snow country during a harsh winter where you get a crust of ice on the snow it is a sure death for them without their mothers if their not adopted by other deer, I dont care what the DNR says.
Some places need thinning, some dont! Only the ones hunting that area has a general idea of what needs to be done if they have done their homework.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

The bottom line here, guys....is respect.;)

I TOTALLY respect you guys' opinions on NOT taking fawns. I mean that, sincerely. I/We only ask for the same, in return. I don't "target" doe fawns.....and certainly don't target buck fawns. But our herd pops DO necessitate the taking of does.......of all age structures.

When given the choice (as witnessed by my first week's hunting).....I'll take an older doe. I've passed on three doe fawns, already.....but I wouldn't expect to be chastised if I'd made another choice. If they didn't NEED taking....I wouldn't consider it. We NEED to take does, here. They are plentiful.....and the little ones are eating every day they walk.

Unabridged respect for your choices. I even admire your stance....and would surely employ your outlook if I hunted in a different environment.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

Whack Em' and Stack Em'!

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

I live in Southwest Wisconsin, so if we have another winter like we did last, those fawns may struggle a bit.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

For everyone who says they need there mom when the snow hits In the dead of winter, how or where do you get the idea that there still hanging with mom?? She booted them out back In November already and she could care less about her fawns. In the winter months deer will herd up In bigger groups when there's ample snow. They all will paw away through the ice If Its there and get there food. The strong will live and the weak one's will die. The most likely candidates are the fawns and also the bucks that have been chasing doe's the last 6 weeks that will die 1st.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

Great post Schultzy!

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

I killed a doe with "fawns" a few years ago in December. I remember looking at the doe when I found her...there was milk dripping from her nipples. It was kind of hard to see but the fawns were already healthy looking. The game biologist aged the doe at 8.5 years old.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

Schultzy.....It's my understanding that doe fawns will remain with their mothers (in that family group)for life. Do you disagree with this?

Brett:

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

Hell, you did that old gal a favor. That's impressive.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

Let me add to what I was saying... of course all deer are going to struggle when the winter is tough but I would think there would still be some learning going on through the winter with mom nearby.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

I wouldn't think so but to be honest I don't have a clue on that Jeff.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

The reason a doe runs off her buck fawns....is nature's way of preventing in-breeding. She has to worry about her buck fawns breeding his sisters, aunts, etc...

She doesn't have that worry with a doe fawn....and it's my understanding that doe fawns will remain with their mothers (in that doe family group) for life.

RE: Shooting does with fawns?
 

I go sit in a tree to kill something that I have a tag for in my pocket. We are given the opportunity to hunt and to help manage the deer herd. A fawn will survive just fine if you kill the doe. Anyone that says they wouldn't shoot a doe with fawns in tow would have a hard time ever getting to shoot one here in MO and IL where I hunt. It is uncommon to see a lone doe, and even when you do see one, very rarely is she actually "dry"(without fawns). There is no telling how many does I have killed and I seriously cannot remember a single one of those that didn't have milk in her udder.

Everyone should make their own decision on to shoot or not, but oughta base that decision on reality. The reality is that the fawns are fine and a pass is based on emotion and not ethics or morals.