We live in a rural area with a lot of woodlands, so it's their favorite habitat. There is a lot of food they like nearby, but they tend to move around and browse, so you can't really do much to keep them away unless you build a fence. Because of how our property is laid out, a fence isn't really feasible or affordable for us... so I spray the plants they like in the summer, and put netting over them in the winter, and I accept that I'll get some browsing damage. Seeing the fawns is very nice, though. This morning I saw it with its momma, racing around the field with its new legs. Extremely cute. The harmony of deer in nature has already been disrupted by the fact that we've killed off all their natural predators. So now they are over-populated and are destroying a lot of plant life, hardwood saplings, habitat for other animals, etc. IMHO the best thing to do now is to hunt them humanely and eat them, the way the wolves would do if there were still wolves here.

If your yard is close to a road it would not be wise to entice deer due to the danger to both the deer and vehicles. However, since there is an area near the river where you have seen them you could probably safely feed them in the field closer to the river. We feed the deer on our hill cracked corn from the farm feed store. You can also get small stock feeders there. We fill the feeders everyday at the same time, 5:30 PM, and the deer are waiting in the yard for us. Do not assume the only deer you will have at the feeder is the little fawn. In a very short time you will have all its relatives coming in for dinner! A more natural way to feed deer is to sow clover. My choice is Ladino Clover because it stays green all year. You can get it at Main Street Seed And Supply (link below). No doubt there will be people posting telling you not to feed the deer, and I would agree if it is going to pose any danger. That being said, we have lived on our hill for 34 years and have created a wildlife sanctuary on our seven acres. Additionally, our surrounding neighbors have joined in with us so we have a total of approximately 40 acres as a protected sanctuary. You can live in harmony with nature but you have to do it wisely. A final word of caution .... fawns are still with their mothers and will be for at least another six weeks to two months, so do not make any attempts to go near your fawn. Those mamas get very upset if they feel their baby is in possible danger! Good luck with your wildlife!!! :-) Lyn in Ohio Here is a link that might be useful: Main Street Seed And Supply

Thank you both...it is reassuring to know that the doe found her baby. I believe it may have been her that ran up on us, earlier on our walk when we were headed in a different direction. The one dog with me then, did not give chase. She is elderly and I don't expect to have her very much longer. Yes, it is a shame that I have 3 dogs and have not trained them any better than I have. I am thankful they do not jump on anyone, or their vehicles. They also have manners around a picnic table. The one dog (4 year old 'pup') who was walked home on the leash may have known why...but I doubt it. I am overwelmed at teaching 3 old dogs a new trick...of responding when called. I ask them if they want to "go for a walk?" hmm....go for a walk? and they start hopping around real happily. I think there will be no walks other than up close around the woods near the house (no fawns there) until Late July. Then there is a dead end road we frequent, and they do not stray as far from me. No bear or porcupine here, but there is racoon. Once the 3 backed a racoon in to a thicket...that coon made sounds like something out of a horror movie. I finally got ahold of the oldest (elderly) dog and started home with her in tow. The other 2 soon gave up and came along too, having given up on the coon. That was another terrible experience. We've had so many wonderful uneventful walks, that I cannot imagine giving that up. I really don't know who enjoys them more more...the dogs or me. The strange part is that they could cross the field and go for a walk anytime on their own, but they don't. Until I have 3 well trained dogs I just won't walk them anywhere, anytime that could endanger a fawn. I'll always have 3 leashes with me...been there, done that, and it sure isn't much fun for me. I will start working with the 'pup' as she is the one who strays the farthest and is such a free spirit. She is the 'omega' dog....but sure is spirited. A neighbor suggested using a shock collar to train them, but I'm not sure I want to do that. He trained his hunting dogs with one. They say it does not hurt them, but merely get's their attention. What does anyone think of using one as an aid in training. Sue

In Missouri we have an over population of deer. The conservation department wants hunters to take does. Each doe normally has two fawns so each year the number of deer have increased. As sad as it seems to hunt does this does seem to have had an effect. Last year on several of the main highways near by you could not drive 50 ft without seeing a body. This year you could go a mile or so with out seeing any. There have been several odd colored deer talked about in the paper and magazines. Every time someone goes and kills them because they want to brag about killing "something different" It is best not to announce where the deer are at and keep watch on them during hunting season. One group went as far as having a person stationed with the deer. The rare animal deer, squirrel, etc. sometimes has other genetic defects which may shorten their lives.