hey. i was out scouting this weekend (i know its a late start) and i saw a lot of does with 1-3 smaller deer following them, which i figured were fawns. ive never deer hunted before, so obviously ive never shot a deer before and i wouldnt mind my first deer being a doe, but i was wondering if it is bad for the herd to shoot these does? are the fawns old enough now to survive on their own?

No just the opposite, it would do the herd good to take does if they are at the habitat's carryiny capasity. The Wildlife Dept here in OK has a saying "Hunters in the know Take a doe".

Huntman, shooting does is the right thing to do and don't let anyone ever tell you differently. That is so many states have gone to a liberal doe harvest like NJ with Earn A Buck where you have to shoot a doe before you can shoot a buck and many of the largest plantation/outfitters in the country earge/demand you shoot a doe before taking a buck.


<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>

Nothing at all wrong with shooting a doe. I try to take atleast 2-4 every season. I'm just waiting for it to cool off a little before I shoot one now. Good luck on getting your first deer also.

They taste better than bucks!!
I have a few every season!!!<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

SOUTH ARKANSAS REBEL

Soarkrebel, I'll second that<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>!

An absolute essential to QDM, imo. Good Luck and let us know when your succesful in tagging your first deer.

By the way better late than never on the scouting....I commend you on your efforts, be proud. Many seasoned hunters think scouting is best when a weapon is in the hands!<img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>

yeah thanks for the replies guys. i guess im not way to late, the season doesnt open until saturday. im feelin good about this season though, we saw a lot of deer. if i dont see any on sunday, i will definately in 2 weeks when we go again. im pumped!

I take every doe I can, they are the best eating going. You said there were smaller deer with the doe, they are fawns and as long as they do not have thier spots still there is no problem with taking the mother. If I have the choice between a 4 point or less and a doe I will take the doe every time.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

Ditto, just like Taz said!

If the fawns are VERY red with white spots maybe not a good time to take the doe BUT if they are the same color as Mom take her.They will be old enough to survive on there own.My first deer was a doe and she made me just as proud.

Hunting is not a sport,it's a lifestyle.