Whitetail deer offspring, known as fawns, have an interesting and challenging life cycle on their way to adulthood. Their relatively brief gestation, followed by springtime births and quick journey to maturity is filled with many risks along the way. Understanding the many challenges they face is one of the reasons they are one of the most admired and popular game animal in North America.

The lifecycle of a white-tailed deer begins after the fall rut. Impregnated whitetail does begin a gestation period of approximately 200 days, or roughly 6.5 months. The birth season for these deer is usually around late May and early June. Does rely on spring vegetation to supply the required nutrients to birth and raise healthy babies. It is common for a doe to have two fawns and occasionally triplets. One of the most recognizable features of newborn deer is their spots, which help to camouflage them from predators. Fawns can have around 300 spots on average.

White-tailed deer fawns are born with furless bodies and closed eyes, relying on their mother's milk for nourishment during their initial weeks of life. As they grow, fawns undergo several developmental milestones. By the age of six months, they begin to lose their spots and shed their baby fur, transitioning into their adult coats. By the age of one, fawns reach a significant growth milestone, achieving approximately 60% of their adult body weight.

In the early stages of life, fawns face several challenges that contribute to their mortality. Predators such as coyotes and bobcats pose a significant threat to their survival. Additionally, harsh weather conditions, disease and drought can impact their chances of reaching maturity. The process of reaching full adult size takes around 18 months, with females reaching maturity slightly faster than males. Adult white-tailed deer can live up to 10 years in the wild, sometimes longer.

The life of a white-tailed deer fawn is a captivating journey filled with growth, development, and the constant struggle for survival. Understanding the various factors that influence their mortality and growth helps shed light on the complex dynamics of deer populations in the wild.   By appreciating their challenges, hunters and land owners alike can develop a deeper respect for the species and the importance of preserving them for future generations.