Good Winter for Fawns

Most deer fawns had an easy winter and survived across most of Idaho. Big game biologist Mike Scott reported to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission at its March meeting that fawn winter survival statewide is expected to be 70-80 percent this spring. Because of the mild winter, this survival rate is no surprise to biologists, but it does mean a likely strengthening of deer numbers in Idaho. In harsher winters, fawn survival may fall well below 50 percent. Scott said eight areas were monitored this year with Unit 69 in the Upper Snake Region added this year because of special concerns for the deer herd there. He noted that fawn weights in eastern Idaho averaged 80 to 85 pounds, as much as nine pounds over last year in one area. Weight is an important predictor of survival in fawns, and as expected, fawn mortality in eastern Idaho has been very light this winter. Fawns in central Idaho averaged 70-77 pounds, which is three to seven pounds lighter than last year. Mortality for first-year deer is slightly higher there, Scott said, but still remains at low to moderate levels.