I just couldn't do it.

[Killdeer]

You did what I would have done, except that I might have taken a fawn. Only you know what size they really were, and what the "family dynamic" was. One fawn less will not matter a hill of beans to the whole scheme of things. The fawn is the most likely to die over the winter, and has the least invested in it. The doe might still be necessary to the remaining fawn, for guidance if nothing else, and if you have too few deer, she will produce more come spring.

Killdeer

[ronp]

Could I have done it, you ask?  It depends on where I am hunting.  Locally, no.  Our deer population here is pretty small.  There are other areas where I sometimes hunt where the herd needs to be thinned, so I would have taken the first good shot that was presented.

[Cherokee Scout]

I also had a doe and two young ones in front of me. I also passed the shot. I was on the ground against a large oak, I did draw twice, just to see if I could get away with the movement. No problem, just did not release. Felt good to let them live.

[SteveB]

If I waited for a single, true barren doe, I would never shoot a doe as they are rare in most herds.

[J-dog]

i guess I have taken them with their fawns but the fawns were spotless older just still hangin w/mom. will not shoot if fawn still has a spot.J

J

[hvyhitter]

....a nice fat spotless fawn is just yummy! If it looks like it would go 50 lbs or more dressed I would take it. Anything less is more of a pain to dress, cut and wrap for the amount of meat I put in the freezer. Otherwise I would let them grow a little and save my tag for something bigger...  The doe gets the pass if the fawns are too small to shoot also.

[fatman]

Personally, I'd have been looking for a shot at one of the twins...  

[Stone Knife]

I would shoot the little ones they eat real good  

[njloco]

I agree with Bowwild, and even though I know that the little ones would have taken up with others in the area, I would not have taken the shot.

I took a small young deer once for the owner of the property, but told him from now on if he wants meat he would have to settle for a grown deer. He understood and I hunted that land until he passed.

[johnnyk71]

if the fawns have spots still, i pass. if not (usually later on into (November or December), well...

[JamesV]

I don't shoot does with fawns this early in the season.

[RodL]

I would have done the same thing, BUT, your decision is YOUR decision, don't let anyone influence you. I'm going through a spell right now where I'm having a hard time shooting anything, not sure whats happening but I'm content to watch more than shoot. I hope I get out of this  soon because I need some meat in the freezer and in my belly! Good luck with the rest of your season.

Rodney

[centaur]

I had a doe and two fawns at 5 yards this morning; had a great time screwing with them. I was in a ghillie, and they knew something was wrong, but just couldn't figure it out. After about 20 minutes of blowing, foot stomping, running 50 yards or so, and then coming back, I finally stood up and waved my arms at them. That was more fun than shooting them, and I didn't have to pack her out.

[Sixby]

I would never be tempted to shoot a doe with fawns except in a real survival situation. I think you made the right decision. God bless you and good hunting . Steve

[Autumnarcher]

That mature doe would club those same fawns overthe head with her hoofs come winter when food is at a premium. I've watched does do that countless times. With the rut approaching, she'd be weaning the young ones here soon anyway. "Orphaned" yearlings will get along just fine, and run with other deer inthe area. Now if they are super young late born fawns, they are in trouble come winter anyway. Low on the pecking order, they are the last to eat when food gets scarce.

All  that being said, while biologically there is nothing wrong with shooting that doe, everyone has to be comfortable with the shots we choose. In my mind, nothing rong with shooting, and nothing wrong with passing. Its a personal choice.

On a couple of farms I've hunted in years past, pass up shooting any doe would get you run off the place. Farmer wants deer removed, regardless of size. They're eating his livlihood. It all really depends on circumstance.

[ChuckC]

I am guessing that doe is no longer hiding her fawns by October.  I really don't think that is a concern.

The choice is yours only.

I have always stated that shooting a fawn is tough because, well they say to pick a spot and I can never decide which "spot" to aim for.

   

ChuckC

[SveinD]

I think you did the right thing  
I don't think I'd have shot either, unless absolutely necessary!

[Cottonwood]

I had a large doe, with twins that I just couldn't do it either.  Her ribs were showing from feeding hard on the twins, and I know where she is at if she gets fattened up.  She also has some pie balled on the bridge of her nose.

I have but one A Tag that can be used either sex whitetial, and I have seen bigger does.  So I'm trying to spend my tag wisely.

 

[-Achilles-]

I'd shoot the fawn because its the best eating.

[straitera]

Nope. I couldn't w/youngsters. Capable yearlings-mom's green light.