The state of Texas boasts more Whitetail Deer than any other state in North America.  The subspecies, Odocoleus virginianus texana, occurs throughout the state.  Half of the population resides in the Edwards Plateau region.  The population density in this "deer capital" is about one deer per 113 acres.

Studies have shown Whitetail Deer to have a home range of about 1.5 square miles.  The actual range varies depending on the time of year and sex of the deer, but 90% of the time is spent on 40 - 90 acres.  Fawns are raised on about 24 acres.

Whitetail Deer have an estimated conception rate of over 90%.  In Central Texas, fawns are usually born in late April through early July with the peak number born in May.  After a seven month gestation, twins are commonly born.  Young fawns have little scent and spend most of the first 2 weeks in inactivity -- except while nursing.  Does spend much of the daytime browsing away from their young.  They return every 3 - 4 hours to feed and clean their infants before leaving once again.  By one month of age, most fawns begin to venture out to browse with their mothers.

When raising fawns for future release into the wild, a "group concept" helps reduce emotional bonding to the caregiver(s).  This involves raising and releasing 4 - 6 fawns together.  IT IS IMPERATIVE NEVER TO RAISE A FAWN ALONE.   

In addition, remote feedings, utilizing a bottle rack instead of hand feeding, further reduces bonding to the caregiver(s).  In general, it is important to minimize contact with people and eliminate interaction with domestic animals.

Healthy fawns can be released prior to weaning.  At about one month of age, the fawns can be allowed to begin exploring and finding adequate natural browse.  This can be accomplished by leaving the pen gate open during the daylight hours.  The fawns can then come and go from the pen at will.  The bottle feedings are continued via the bottle rack at specified times of the day until weaning is completed at about 2 months of age.

A detailed Care Guide for Whitetail Deer Fawns is available. See our Publications page.

If you have found a fawn which needs help:  CLICK HERE