Deer question

[Fishbonker]

This time of year if I see a lone deer out in a field grazing/browsing what are the chances its a buck? Do the does break out of their groups and go it alone this time of year to have their fawns or do they stay together? Is it too early to have fawns or is about now right? I was thinking I might have seen fawn tracks the other evening but it was way hard to tell.

Another question/observation: this is the time of year that the deer dig the heck outa the ground where I dump sacks of minerals. Is it because the bucks are starting to put on antlers and feel the need for more calcium etc. or are more deer on the move and just "find" the pile? I would think the does would hit it hard just after the rut insted of just before dropping their fawns.

Anyway, something deer related to discuss.

The 'Bonker

 

[Greywolf]

Bonker - Normally I'd say it's a little early for fawns, but I saw a new one last week, so who knows.
Tonight I saw an antlered buck (about 6 inches growth with knobby forks) and he was running with three does.

 

[Ghost]

Early Spring to early Summer deer have their greatest need for minerals. As you mentioned, bucks for antler growth and a does extra requirements for carrying fawns. My mineral lick is on my pond dam which I can see from my living room and it is getting pounded. Fun to watch the deer.