Which doe to shoot

[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.