Doe with her fawns...WWYD?

[outrider58]

My initial post was intended solely to advise the forum that the Hunter Safety Program dedicates a full chapter to being a responsible and ethical hunter. In that context, students are told that there are no right or wrong answers to many situations they may face while hunting; e.g., observing a spotted fawn that on first blush appears to be alone (think abandoned) - would you shoot that animal? You come across a severely wounded doe during buck season - would you put it out of its misery? A trophy buck appears in the distance, beyond your known shooting capability. Would you take a shot, hoping you might connect? Examples are endless.

I've never been in a position wherein hunting was crucial to my family's well being. A cousin of mine once was. He'd buy seven licenses (for himself and children), but would do all the shooting. They lived on venison. The question might be asked, was what he did ethical?

I don't judge what others do. Personally, I would not shoot a spotted fawn. I doubt I'd take a yearling, knowing there's bigger game out there. To each his own - I'm not a judgmental person, assuming everything's within the confines of law.

Thank you for your reply. It clarified(for me) what you were suggesting.

My personal response to the hypotheticals:

Spotted fawn - No. Being that the fawn is still spotted, the assumption is, it is early in the season. Plenty of opportunities lie ahead for a mature deer.

A severely wounded doe in buck season - I would shoot it and leave it be(worms gotta eat too).

Trophy buck beyond my shooting range - I pass. The last thing I want to do to any deer is wound it with a foolish shot, trophy or otherwise.

The family member you mentioned(or anyone in a similar situation) - I probably would not have a problem with that, as you described it.

These are my opinions and I have no doubt some will disagree with any or all of them. I've hunted deer 40+ years and arrived at these conclusions through those years of experience.

Thanks for your post rambling_one