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Does with fawns

Mike

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,840
223
Up Nort
Is opening day too soon to shoot a doe with fawns? Both of the does I shot last year, Oct. 13th and Nov. 10th had fawns, but I felt the fawns were fine by themselves.
 

dante322

*Supporting Member*
5,506
157
Crawford county
That seems like more of an ethical question. Chances are a fawn will be adopted by another doe that either didnt have a fawn or her fawn was killed by a car or predator. I passed a doe last year because she had a fawn with her. Later i was kicking myself, Its tough getting a deer in bow range at all around here. If the opportunity arises again this year I might just swallow it and send an arrow. Ultimately its up to you, but odds are the fawn will be ok.
 

RedCloud

Super Moderator
Super Mod
17,381
193
North Central Ohio
I passed the same doe dante is talking about the first day of bow season last year. her fawn still had spots and I decided to let her pass. I see a doe and fawn with NO spots this year and momma is getting hammered with a slick trick lol.
 
IMO come opening day , a fawn will be old enough to surive alone

I may pass if the fawn is super small or still has spots

But I have no problems shooting a doe when it has a decent sized fawn

Or if you don't want to shoot the doe
Shoot the fawn , they are great eating

John
 

Mike

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,840
223
Up Nort
Thanks guys. I just pulled my card and have video of the fawns eating apples and they have no spots.
 

Redhunter1012

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Last year on second morning of season I was full draw on an old Doe I knew. All of a sudden here comes a button buck fawn behind her and he was red as hell with spots. I let them walk. That evening I'm in same stand and that's when I had my 12 point walk the same trail right underneath me. Was it good Karma? Maybe
 

5Cent

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
12,291
212
North Central Ohio
I'm fighting with this same question. I just don't know if I can pull the trigger if there's a little one or two with her. I never thought I would say that, but for some reason I am second guessing it this year. I guess I will find out come opening weekend. I can't hunt until Sunday night of opening weekend so we'll c. To each their own, and I don't think a hunter should have to worry about that fawn staying alive. They're built for it.
 

jagermeister

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
18,060
223
Ohio
I've got no problem orphaning a fawn or two on opening day. They're wild animals... they'll survive just fine.