Originally Posted By: cartervj
Originally Posted By: jlccoffee
Originally Posted By: Hogwild
What effect is the lack of mature does having on the herd's balance?

Have any of the hard-core QDm'ers considered the consequences of having the vast majority of the DOE segment of the herd made up of immature females. From widely varying estrous cycles due to birth date, to lower conception rates, to lack of experience rearing fawns and dealing with predators, to ill-established pecking orders.....ALL which cause LOWER FAWN RECRUITMENT!!!!

If you have never considered these factors while considering harvest strategy....BUT, you do promote trying to harvest mature bucks......you need to wonder if 'Herd Health' is really your primary concern!!!

BTW, not directed at ANY one individual.......but, instead, a large collective group! smile


I wonder if fawns from younger does have lower birthweights?



Is there any peer reviewed proof of lower birth rates of younger does?


Habitat quality will probably have more of a bearing on that than age of the doe.


Don't know if fawns from younger does have lower birthweights. That's why I asked the question.

I would guess that they might be.

Habitat quality might improve the birthweight of the fawns born to all does, but I would still guess the fawns born to first time does on that habitat would be smaller compared to those born to thier older cohorts, especially if you compare singles to singles and twins to twins.