Keep in mind that wildlife officials calculate the death losses to "abandoned" fawns into their total harvest reccomendations annually. In OH and PA the high population density is "offset" some by these losses. This is actually a good thing. If you were to reduce the number of animals harvested or eliminated by hunting activities (ie fawns dying from lack of mother) then you would have an overpopulation of deer and the herd in general would suffer from disease and malnutrition. Additionally, the amount of deer/vehicle collision cases would rise dramatically and your insurance rates would soar. There is some "method to the madness" even though it seems to be cruel to the late born fawns in states with early deer seasons. Here in Louisiana, the deer hunting season begins on Oct 1 and runs through Jan 31. Yes, we do have does taken early in the season with fawns still nursing, but the overall population levels of deer across our state has increased for the last 20 years in spite of this. There is also the fact that as a rule, most "ethical" hunters will pass on a shot at a doe who has spotted fawns with her. Not to worry Gail, God will make more next year.
Ugggg.....