Doe or Fawn?
During the fall, it can often be difficult to distinguish adult does and fawn deer, particularly if seen alone. In recent years, about 20% of the total antlerless deer harvest has been fawns (5–7 months old), with nearly even proportions of doe fawns and buck fawns. Though fawns provide excellent table fare, some hunters prefer to target adult deer. Taking female deer contributes to management objectives, and passing buck fawns may allow some of them to be available later as antlered bucks. By learning the differences between antlerless deer, hunters can make more informed harvest choices.
Hunting Tips
- Button bucks often travel alone, but adult does rarely do. Wait until several antlerless deer are present before making a harvest decision.
- It is easier to identify sex and age when animals are standing still or moving slowly.
- Harvest antlerless deer early in the season when differences between fawns and adult does are most noticeable.
Adult Doe |
- Body longer than tall (rectangle)
- Long neck and elongated nose
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Fawn |
- Body about as long as tall (square)
- Short neck and compact nose/head
- Eyes look large for head
- Doe fawns have a more rounded head shape between their ears
- Buck fawns’ heads appear flattened and may have visible antler nubs or “buttons”
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