RE: I just couldn't do it.....
 

I've taken the shot and I've let them walk. It depends on the time of year, the amount of deer I've been seeings, the amount of meat in my freezer, etc.

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RE: I just couldn't do it.....
 

Double lung bye bye doe IMO. The "fawns" (yearlings) will live to be a momma someday too. It's not like they have emotions about it.... I assure you they will not go back to their beds and mourn the loss of their mother like humans would. Also, it would probably help them grow up and learn the ropes themselves a little quicker. Their instincts as an animal will help them survive just fine.
But, ultimately if making that decision made you happy and you feel good about it, then that's all that really matters. Like someone else said hunting is a matter of personal choices. Good luck on getting your first deer with a bow.
One question though: If you saw a giant 10 pointer walking around with a spike and button buck at 15 yards would you pass?[:-]

RE: I just couldn't do it.....
 

To me it depends on how old the fawns are. Sometimes I see fawns with does that you can still see the spots on. If the fawns are 2/3 grown however I may take the doe or the fawns either one. All fawns are not born at the same time. Some can be two months younger if they are born late in the year. Besides with four and a half months of bow season there's no need to be in a hurry.

RE: I just couldn't do it.....
 

I side with those who say that you made a good decision in not taking the doe. I have had many familiar chances to take nice sized mother does, but always think it better to just let her walk and give her fawns that little more care they might need.

RE: I just couldn't do it.....
 

Yes, I agree kill it...

RE: I just couldn't do it.....
 

i think you made the right choice. ive done it about every way, shot does with small yearlings, shot yearlings with mom, shot mom and yearling together but this was in my first several years of hunting and I was not picky about what I chose to take. I'll admit though I have become a softy now in my 6th year of hunting and I let does with fawns walk no matter what time of year I see them or how old they are.
I still think about times Ive shot momma and how the yearlings acted afterwards. Just last year i took what I thought was a lone doe but soon after I shot when I got out of my stand I walked up to her with her 2 yearlings no more than 15yds away just staring at her wondering what was happening. Now days I'd rather just watch them, I dont think theres anything more interesting to watch in the deer woods than a couple yearlings playing around.

RE: I just couldn't do it.....
 

The does need thinned out where I hunt so I will take the shot any time a doe gives me a chance. I've passed up does in the past and then not had good opportunities later.

I guess even "Kill-it-n-grill-its" have soft spots.