Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

However, doe fawns do not contribute significantly to production and
recruitment in Alabama.
Yearling bucks also are capable of breeding. These bucks usually
are excluded from breeding in herds with a normal buck age
structure and adult sex ratio. Mature bucks are believed to do nearly
all of the breeding in these herds. In unbalanced herds, however,
younger bucks make up the bulk of the antlered portion of the herd and
often are heavily involved in breeding.
GESTATION AND FAWNING PERIOD
Fawns are born approximately 200 days after conception. In
Alabama, most fawns are born from late-July to mid-August. Studies
in Alabama have shown births occurring as early as April and as late as
November. Extremely late births may result from does being bred during
their second, third, or later estrous cycles.
The number of fawns produced depends on the age and physical
condition of the doe. Generally, yearling does have a single fawn,
but twins are not uncommon. Data from statewide reproduction studies
indicate an overall production of 1.2 fetuses per yearling doe. Healthy
adult does (2-1/2+ years old) usually will have twins each year. Triplets
have been documented with some regularity and, on rare occasions,
quadruplets have been found. Deer herds in poor habitats that are
grossly overpopulated may exhibit poor fawn production and survival.
Often pregnancy rates for does in poor condition may be below 75 percent.
Production may only average one fetus per doe (or less) and fawn
survival may be reduced as well. Production averages of 1.8 fetuses per
doe or higher can be expected in herds in good health.
18