If the fawn was more like a yearling than I would (we have earn-a-buck in certain NJ zones so I may have to take a Doe 1st before shooting a Buck) but if they were still small than I would pass. I personally need to believe that all of the other deer that the Doe is traveling with can survive without her - little tasty fawns can grow up to be big old bucks.

&quot;Measure twice, shoot once <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle> &quot;

I'd take the doe. No problem,

some of yall either are not remembering or do not know, but when the rut hits, the bucks are going to drive the fawn/yearling away from its mother anyway, so what's the diferrance?
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I've done it before and felt really bad, but I would do it again. When season opens here, I feel the fawns can survive without the mother.

Hunt the thickets

I agree with Bowdaddy. Mature does need to be taken, whether or not there are fawns with her. As Bowdaddy stated, animals get more and more rights every year.It's a little sickening. I think the whitetailed deer is one of the most magnificent creatures God in His infinite wisdom created, but He did so for us. We have to remember why we're hunting. Aren't we out there trying to put meat on our table, and also doing our part to control the herds? The only way you can do that is to take the mature does. Like so many before me said, almost every one has a fawn whether you see it or not. They only have 8 weeks with mom anyway, and then the bucks will separate them and the fawns will be exactly where they would have been had you put that venison on your table. Doesn't that sound like the more sensible thing to do? <img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle>

In a state that mandates that I have to take a doe first, you betcha she's goin down. In MD hunters can take a second buck after taking two does..I'd bet that a lot of guys would whack momma and Jr.

It's certainly not my favorite thing to do but I have done it and will continue to do it as it is very necessary in controlling the population of deer and maintaining a healthy buck to doe ratio. Anyway, shooting an older mature doe is not an easy task and I'm always quite proud when I accomplish a successful harvest.

I would and have done it. Most of the fawns this time of year will already be weened, so they would be fine if momma isn't around. Jusr Saturday, I whacked a momma and watched another doe take the fawns under her wing less than 10 minutes later.