This will be my second year bow hunting. Last year was sort of an experiment and I never got a shot, but I think I got it down this year and should get a shot. I am not planning on shooting any bucks this year but I hope to harvest a doe. We have plenty of does coming to our feeders but most of them have fawns with them. Would it affect the fawns much if I took a doe in archery season? I want to make sure these fawns have the best chance to survive since the conditions are so horrible right now with the drought.

I personally don't shoot does that have fawns with them. Most people say the fawns will be fine it's just personal preference for me. If they are not spotted any more they should be ok.

The fawns will be OK, but personally I try to shoot an older doe that is barren.

The way I look at it is the does with fawns are your more efficient breeders, and you might want to keep them in the herd, and especially if I notice that she has a buck fawn I will always let them walk.

Archery season doesnt stop til hunting season is over, so you have plenty of time. Just try and shoot an older doe that has a fawn that is older itself.

Yeah I will probably wait a while if they are coming in regularly, we just don't have many does coming to the feeders that don't have fawns. I definitely would not shoot one with fawns present. good point on the archery season lasting til Janurary KWood

I would try to shoot a younger doe (tastier) without a fawn.

I prefer to shoot doe with fawns as long as the fawn is 5 months old. Doe without fawns will be healthier and breed back a little better IMO in a year like this one. I also would target the older doe when I can.

Fawns or not, as long as they are mature I have no problems taking a doe.

I agree. This is exactly how I feel.

Shoot the fist doe that gives you the perfect shot. Select your animal based on most probably chance of a clean shot and successful kill. There are too many arguements for and against different selection criteria on doe harvest. For example, if you shoot a doe early it's likely to have a fawn. If you shoot a doe late it will be pregnant. If you comply with one you violate another. So, take your doe, just maximize your potential for success. Bowhunting is hard enough as it is.

heck just shoot a fawn, they taste better



j/k... I agree with Adraper, if you're new into bow hunting and are looking for your first kill then take the first one that presents the shot you want and are comfortable with

Fawns should be self sufficient this time of year, except for the really late breeders, in which case they probably won't be at your feeder. Bust the first one you get a clean shot on.

x2

I shoot the doe thats facing the truck, that way when she takes off after the shot I dont have to drag her as far. The aurgument for and against will go on forever so if you have too many does get one close and let it fly.