Deer fawns, often seen in spring and early summer, mark a period of new life in many ecosystems. Their emergence is a significant event in the annual rhythm of deer populations.
Fawning Season
Deer typically give birth to fawns during late spring and early summer. For white-tailed deer, the majority of fawns are born in May and June across much of their range. Mule deer also commonly have their fawns in late May and June.
The precise timing of fawning can vary based on geographic location and environmental conditions. In northern regions, births occur in June to align with later spring plant growth, ensuring fawns gain sufficient weight before winter. For instance, mule deer fawning peaks in June in many Rocky Mountain states.
In southern states, particularly below the 35th parallel, the fawning season is more spread out. For example, fawns in the southern deserts of Arizona and Texas may be born in late July and early August, while black-tailed deer in the Pacific Northwest can have fawns into September. This variability often correlates with local forage availability and the influence of summer rains in drier environments.
The Journey to Birth and Early Life
The journey to a fawn’s birth begins with the mating season, often referred to as the rut. For white-tailed deer, this period occurs in the fall, from late October through early January, peaking in November across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Mule deer also mate in late fall, continuing into February. Shortening daylight hours trigger does to enter estrus.
After mating, the gestation period for deer averages around 200 days (about seven months). This timing allows fawns to be born when abundant food resources are available in spring and early summer, which is important for the doe’s energetic demands during late pregnancy and lactation, and for the fawns’ initial growth. Does typically give birth to one to three fawns, with twins being common, especially for older, healthy does. First-time mothers often have a single fawn.
Newborn fawns weigh about 4 to 8 pounds and have a reddish-brown coat with white spots. These spots serve as camouflage, mimicking dappled sunlight on the forest floor. Within an hour of birth, fawns are usually able to stand and take their first wobbly steps. A doe will thoroughly lick her fawn clean to minimize its scent, helping to protect it from predators.
For the first few weeks, fawns spend more than 95% of their time hiding, often alone, in dense vegetation. The mother leaves the fawn to forage, returning periodically to nurse and move it to a new hiding spot. This hiding behavior is a survival strategy, as fawns are not yet strong enough to outrun threats. By one week of age, fawns begin to spend more time on their feet and attempt to escape threats by running. Fawns will continue to nurse for about four months and start browsing tender vegetation around two weeks of age.