farm hunter

I always had read that doe fawns from the previous year come into estrous about a month later than the rest of the population, in whats been sometimes referred to as a second rut, or late rut.

Recently, I read two studies, both of which indicated that only a very small population of fawns actually are bred their first year. This surprised me because my own experiences have indicated that a good portion of nursing does in the summer appear to be last year's fawns. The studies were done in the north, (Michigan and NY).

Maybe I didn't read it right - or maybe I'm wrong - I'm curious if your experiences indicate one way or the other. Maybe some of you have experience with captive deer and could give your insight as well.

My question is then, do doe fawns breed in their 1st fall?

Thanks.

Big Country

Some do, but not all. I don`t have any percentages, but doe fawns that drop early(from the first rut, the previous fall)do get bred @ 6 monthes of age.

8mm/06

Just the real pretty ones.

Everson

40% breed their first year. They have 75% buck fawns, thats why I let them walk.

timbercruiser

I think the health and nutrition of the 6 month old doe has a lot to do with it.

Bo Hunter

Everson,

You got any references for those numbers?

Natty Bumpo

The Md. DNR said a couple of years ago that they estimate 60% of yearling doe fawns here go into heat the first fall. These would be the fawns that have the best feed.

Everson

It comes from a whitetail biologist, north american whitetail magazine. I read every article, they do a lot of research. If you want the month and year issue I can find it for you.

portable ladder

I am a subscriber to north american whitetail, I can attest that everson is right, i did read that article, I'm not sure exactly on the numbers, but they are pretty close to 40 percent and they do tend to have more male fawns that following spring.

Ploopy

Some doe fawns will breed at 6 months of age.It depends on there body.I have had it happen to one of my deer.