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.