Fawning season traditionally begins during the last week of May, peaks in the first couple of weeks of June, before gradually tapering off. And that means deer are on the move.

  Does are secretive about the birthing process and will venture out from normal use areas looking for a secluded spot to deliver this year’s crop of fawns in peace, said Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “This seclusion process is a driving force in protection for the lanky, wavering fawn. Fawns will be left alone while the doe returns only to nurse. This is normal deer behavior,” he said.

  “The doe searches out an isolated location where she feels safe and, on occasion, those places may leave us scratching our heads wondering what the doe was thinking. But she chose that location because it made sense to her,” Coffey said. “The worst thing someone can do at this stage is to ‘rescue’ the fawn. Mom is likely nearby and watching you. Leave it be, or if you did handle the fawn, return it to where you found it and walk away.”

  With the recent flooding and saturated soils, many areas near river bottoms are not available for fawning, pushing deer to higher elevations. These spots can be anything from open hayfield to a field terrace to the flowerbed in the backyard.

  The Iowa DNR will not be rehabilitating or comingling fawns with other deer to avoid the potential of spreading chronic wasting disease – or other disease - to new areas. This emphasizes the point of leaving ‘abandoned” fawns be.

  The spindly legged newborn fawn is designed with a few survival tools built in –its spots are cryptic camouflage that emulates the sunlight spots projected onto leaf litter of the forest floor and its lack of movement the first two weeks helps to reduce scent patterns. This combination is its best chance at survival until it is capable to following the doe.

  Fawning season also coincides with an increase in deer vehicle collisions.

  “There is a lot of movement this time of year that relates to the social structure of deer. The doe is on the move looking for the safe isolated place to have the fawns. Additional movement comes from last year’s fawns that are now isolated teenagers starting to venture out to find new space. These yearlings have to make their own decisions for the first time, encounter other adult deer and build new social structures,” Coffey said. “This movement behavior can occur during all times of the day. Once it settles out, the active movement time will return to dawn and dusk.

  “The key to remember is that for the next month deer may not be acting like we think deer should act, stay alert while driving at any time of the day.”

  Drivers are reminded to drive defensively, avoid distractions, slow down, and provide safe distance between vehicles. Don’t veer for deer. If a driver does hit a deer, drivers can get a salvage tag for the meat by calling either the local conservation officer or local law enforcement agency. The salvage tag is free and is required to legally possess the meat. Salvaging requires that the entire deer be removed from the roadway.

  Thanks to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for another informative article. Visit their site at www.iowadnr.gov to see about all the great outdoor adventures they offer!

  And remember, check with your state’s DNR or local game warden about rules concerning salvaging any roadkill deer, bobcats, etc. where you live.

They were separated by nearly 70 years of age,
But they were best buddies!
Today, they were going fishing.

Grandpa’s little 10 foot jon boat
Was just right
For the boy’s first boat fishing outing.

Others at the boat launch site
Offered assistance, but the refused it;
They had to practice doing it alone.

Once on the water, the boy wanted to row;
After a somewhat rocky seat change,
The boy took over the oars.

With just a little instruction, the boy
Rowed the boat quite well,
For the most part traveling in a straight line.

When off course, Grandpa would shout,
“Hard right , or hard left!”
The boy’s response often produced the wrong effect.

Facing each other…
The Right or Left commands confused the boy.
“Grandpa,” he said, “Why don’t’ you just point!”

They changed seats often to combat rowing fatigue;
Each time, the old man’s legs and back got more tired.
His movements became quite clumsy.

“Don’t flop down like that again!” the boy shouted…
“You will tip the boat over!”
Grandpa responded with a shrug.

Grandpa was on the oars when they returned to the launch site;
He beached the boat lightly on the gravel ramp,
And the boy jumped out and pulled the boat well ashore.

Again, they reused help for loading the boat
And getting it secured in Grandpa’s truck.
They were slow, but were soon on their way.

After an ice cream stop, Grandpa dropped the boy home;
He scampered off to play at the neighbor’s house.
Grandpa headed home for a nap.

Another great selection from Lloyd’s book ‘Old Man…Young! A Rambling Country Grandpa Shares Stories, Memories and Opinions’. Used with permission. Thanks Lloyd!