Shooting does with fawns?
09-22-2008, 05:40 PM
#31
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Panhandle of Texas
Posts: 596
RE: Shooting does with fawns?
There is no question they can survive on their own by early bow season.
However, they are very inexperienced to the way of the woods and are vulnerable to predators, especially other hunters without mom. Not saying that in itself is wrong, but it is fact.
Jeff, I am not doubting you, but I am surprised that you've not had fawns hang around a downed doe as you approach/and or field dress. Again, not saying it is wrong, but this happens frequently.
I don't know what happens to an orphan fawn if orphaned in the first couple of months, but if orphaned by the time deer season rolls around, that deer is on his/her own unless if finds another fawn to team/pair up. Deer have a distinct pecking order and a doe with fawns of her own will force the orphan to keep its distance.
But so is the way of nature. I have no problem shooting one.
However, they are very inexperienced to the way of the woods and are vulnerable to predators, especially other hunters without mom. Not saying that in itself is wrong, but it is fact.
Jeff, I am not doubting you, but I am surprised that you've not had fawns hang around a downed doe as you approach/and or field dress. Again, not saying it is wrong, but this happens frequently.
I don't know what happens to an orphan fawn if orphaned in the first couple of months, but if orphaned by the time deer season rolls around, that deer is on his/her own unless if finds another fawn to team/pair up. Deer have a distinct pecking order and a doe with fawns of her own will force the orphan to keep its distance.
But so is the way of nature. I have no problem shooting one.
09-22-2008, 06:12 PM
#32
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Western NY
Posts: 790
RE: Shooting does with fawns?
In your situation, I would probably pass on shooting the doe. Personally, I think it depends on the situation and the time of year. If it's getting late in the season and I haven't gotten a deer, I would shoot the doe.Where earlier in the season, Ilet them walk. It also depends on how long they hang around my stand and if I am in the right mood. I shot a doe a few years ago because she hung around my stand forever. I told myself if she walked into a certain shooting lane I would pop her. Sure enough, after feeding for a little while, she walked right in front of the lane so I took her down.
09-22-2008, 07:14 PM
#33
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: RAYVILLE,LA.
Posts: 818
RE: Shooting does with fawns?
ORIGINAL: GMMAT
A "fawn" is a fawn (deer born, this year). It becomes a "yearling" in January (look up the definition). I ONLY point this out for clarification. What you guys call your "this year's deer" is of no concern of mine.
Here's a returnemail I got from our NCWRC wildlife biologist....addressing this veryissue. I asked this question a while back. It's important to note that our season begins, here, in early September.
A "fawn" is a fawn (deer born, this year). It becomes a "yearling" in January (look up the definition). I ONLY point this out for clarification. What you guys call your "this year's deer" is of no concern of mine.
Here's a returnemail I got from our NCWRC wildlife biologist....addressing this veryissue. I asked this question a while back. It's important to note that our season begins, here, in early September.
Mr. Venable,
Fawns here in North Carolina are generally born in May and June, and they are no longer dependent on nursing with the doe when they are about 10 weeks old. Though they may continue supplemental nursing into the early bow season, they are fully capable of surviving on their own if the doe is harvested. The moral dilemma is more an issue of perception or misconception, rather than biology. There is no biological problem with harvesting does, even if they have fawns present, during the early bow season. The fawns will survive. I hope that helps. If you would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at the number below.
Thanks,
Chris
Fawns here in North Carolina are generally born in May and June, and they are no longer dependent on nursing with the doe when they are about 10 weeks old. Though they may continue supplemental nursing into the early bow season, they are fully capable of surviving on their own if the doe is harvested. The moral dilemma is more an issue of perception or misconception, rather than biology. There is no biological problem with harvesting does, even if they have fawns present, during the early bow season. The fawns will survive. I hope that helps. If you would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at the number below.
Thanks,
Chris
09-22-2008, 07:27 PM
#35
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location:
Posts: 21,043
RE: Shooting does with fawns?
If it is of no concern to you,why do you feel the need to correct someone who like me has grown up calling deer with spots fawns and when they lose their spots yearlings.It is no different than some people saying they killed a deer last night when clearly they arn't hunting at night ,but hunting the evening.It is just what people are used to from their upbringing.
I actually DON'T care what you call them....one bit.
09-22-2008, 07:35 PM
#36
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: RAYVILLE,LA.
Posts: 818
RE: Shooting does with fawns?
ORIGINAL: GMMAT
It IS of no concern to me what you call them. I pointed out that I clarify the terminology ONLY for reference.....because the wildlife biologist I cited referred to them as "fawns" (properly).
I actually DON'T care what you call them....one bit.
If it is of no concern to you,why do you feel the need to correct someone who like me has grown up calling deer with spots fawns and when they lose their spots yearlings.It is no different than some people saying they killed a deer last night when clearly they arn't hunting at night ,but hunting the evening.It is just what people are used to from their upbringing.
I actually DON'T care what you call them....one bit.
09-22-2008, 07:55 PM
#37
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 343
RE: Shooting does with fawns?
Well, I say let them grow. For those struggling with the deer herds, what is your definition of too many deer? My father speaks of times when he would see 80 deer walk past him. I'd loveto show that to my son some day but I highly doubt that he will ever see that day. Here it comes, control becauseof disease. What wiped out the populations in PA was not disease, it was over hunting. If the2 weeks of doe season continues there it will get worse. Brown and it is down really sucks.One more thing, if you need them shot off on your property, give me a call and I will help you with making your property like the state game areas and I have people at work that wouldlove the venison.
09-22-2008, 07:57 PM
#39
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location:
Posts: 21,043
RE: Shooting does with fawns?
Trey....I'll say this one more time.
I cited the terminology for reference....as the wildlife Bio referred to them as "fawns". I really don't care if you call them "spotties" or "crickets".
No malice intended. Honestly.
I cited the terminology for reference....as the wildlife Bio referred to them as "fawns". I really don't care if you call them "spotties" or "crickets".
No malice intended. Honestly.
09-22-2008, 08:30 PM
#40
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location:
Posts: 511
RE: Shooting does with fawns?
during the early season i usually let them walk, especially if they have fawns in tow. but later in the season i have no problem with it, by then they are fending for themselves pretty much anyways.