Which doe to shoot

[aorams]

Hello,

I drew a second deer tag for deer area 1060 this year in gmu 127. I've been doing some reading as I've never hunted a doe before and I'd like to make a good decision on which doe to shoot, if of course, multiple opportunities arise.  The prevailing theory seems to be to shoot the smallest doe but I thought some local insight might be important. Thanks to any who reply.


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[Woodchuck]

Why the smallest? For me that would be more or less a "meat hunt" and I would be looking for the biggest doe I could find. 

[h20hunter]

As an "out" doe killer I say kill that biggest one you see that doesn't have a baby with it.

[deltaops]

As an "out" doe killer I say kill that biggest one you see that doesn't have a baby with it.

 Pretty much what I would do!

[aorams]

I should clarify that I will be rifle hunting.

The reason for the smallest seems to be that bigger bodied does are better at carrying bigger bodied babies that later become bigger bodied bucks. It seems to come from a deer management standpoint from what I've read although many also say to shoot the biggest oldest. I'd also think that a smaller doe may be more palatable?


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[bobcat]

I've never heard of intentionally shooting the smallest doe.  I would take the biggest I could find.

[Blacktail Sniper]

As an "out" doe killer I say kill that biggest one you see that doesn't have a baby with it.

 

Another consideration is the smaller one is likely a younger one that may have many years ahead of producing fawns... 

As far as table fare goes, if you properly handle the meat from the time of kill to freezer, you won't have any worries.

Congrats on the tag, good luck and don't forget a follow-up story and pictures this fall.

[WAcoueshunter]

I subscribe to the theory of not shooting big old cow elk, but haven't heard of that same strategy/concern for deer.  All else being equal in terms of the shot distance, proximity to truck, etc., I'd shoot the first mature looking doe that didn't have a fawn with her. 

[returnofsid]

I also drew a second deer tag, for the area just north of your area.  I'll be archery hunting. My plan is to shoot the biggest, fattest doe that I see, as long as it's not accompanied by any spotted fawns. 

I also was selected for, and purchased, a Multi-Season Deer, so I'm feeling fairly confident about the ability to put plenty of venison in our freezer this fall.

My 'first' deer will hopefully be a nice racked buck.  However, if time is winding down, or deer hunting will end up interfering with elk hunting, AND if allowed (some units don't allow a doe, even in Archery season), I'll be happy with a big, fat doe for my first deer, as well.  Though I'd be much happier with a BIG RACKED and bodied buck!

[CP]

I’ve always taken the biggest doe when given a choice.  Bigger does are usually dry.  Since they don’t have little spotted parasites sucking out their nutrients they can put on more weight and they presumably taste better.

[bowhunterwa87]

Biggest!

[C-Money]

Take what you feel good about. That said, I look for the biggest doe without fawns. Enjoy, looking forward to the success story!

[GETOUTSIDE]

I too drew a second deer in the 1050 deer unit , just north of 1060. I just wish would have realized I could use archery during modern season , then I could have tried for the 1060 tag and hunted my family land (since it is a no shooting zone). Oh well, I'll still use my bow for the second deer tag up north for the experience, since I didn't man up and decided to stick with modern again. Good luck out there!

[BULLBLASTER]

I would shoot the one that looks tastiest to you... its just a doe any one will be fine.
Do you have access to private land in 1060?

[tonymiller7]

If you have a choice, shoot the one without a fawn.

[DOUBLELUNG]

If you want to avoid orphaning fawns, shoot the fattest doe you can find.  As CP alluded, lactation is a heavy drain on a doe's resources, the skinniest ones typically are still nursing two fawns, the fattest are typically not nursing. 

[Meat Truck]

I would also shoot the fattest one without a fawn.  Closer to the road, the better.

[andersonjk4]

I usually follow the logic of several people above.... shoot the biggest that doesn't have a fawn.... but last year I shot a large yearling doe and man was she tasty  and much easier to deal with.  I did get a little less meat than from a big fat doe, but since I try make more steaks and roasts out of my deer I would much prefer a tender young doe than a tough old doe even if I get twice as much meat.  I also trim as close to 100% of the fat I can from my deer so a big fat doe just means more trimming for me.  But if you are going to grind all or most of your deer then a nice big one will provide lots of tasty burger or sausage or whatever.  Just shoot the doe you are comfortable shooting.  I wouldn't overthink it. 

[jay.sharkbait]

The one that's closest to the road...

[724wd]

   

[REHJWA]

I usually follow the logic of several people above.... shoot the biggest that doesn't have a fawn.... but last year I shot a large yearling doe and man was she tasty  and much easier to deal with.  I did get a little less meat than from a big fat doe, but since I try make more steaks and roasts out of my deer I would much prefer a tender young doe than a tough old doe even if I get twice as much meat.  I also trim as close to 100% of the fat I can from my deer so a big fat doe just means more trimming for me.  But if you are going to grind all or most of your deer then a nice big one will provide lots of tasty burger or sausage or whatever.  Just shoot the doe you are comfortable shooting.  I wouldn't overthink it.

If you can find a nice two year old she shouldn't have a fawn and the taste cant be beat. 

[BULLBLASTER]

It wouldn't matter if the doe does have a fawn... it will survive on its own. Its not like its an area where there aren't enough other deer for the fawn to join. Especially late season. Dont over think it. Just kill a tasty doe. Hope you can secure land as that will be the hardest part about this hun t if rifle hunting.

[Caretaker]

Pick the fattest doe you can find, the closer to your truck the better   
Seriously though, like the others said, a fawn will survive by hooking up with other does.

[Landowner]

As an alternative, perhaps pass on filling the doe tag.  Many are docile enough to make it not very sporting. 

On that point, I had a trespasser charged who killed a doe 20 yards off a main road.  She just stood there minding her own business, so to speak.   Just as she did every night, not bothered by people stopping along the road to look at her.

Offered only as another point of view, no criticism intended.   

[sled]

If you have a choice, shoot the one without a fawn.

[BULLBLASTER]

As an alternative, perhaps pass on filling the doe tag.  Many are docile enough to make it not very sporting. 

On that point, I had a trespasser charged who killed a doe 20 yards off a main road.  She just stood there minding her own business, so to speak.   Just as she did every night, not bothered by people stopping along the road to look at her.

Offered only as another point of view, no criticism intended.

while I see your point of it not being a very difficult hunt that isnt really the point in this area. The area is basically in town and is completely over run with deer. The tags are meant to thin some deer out. I think its a great way to put some meat in the freezer. I live in 1060 and have deer in my yard every day they eat all the flowers and crap all over everything. Unfortunately our hoa does not allow hunting but I have a spot down the road a ways that allows it and encourages me to take deer at their place. I apply for this tag every year.  The hardest part of this tag is securing access.