A Late Born White-tailed Deer, <em>Odocoileus virginianus</em>, Fawn in Southcentral Wisconsin

Abstract

Published reports of peak breeding and parturition dates for White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) indicate that deer in northern regions typically breed during November and give birth during late May and early June. However, we report a late-born White-tailed Deer fawn killed by a vehicle between 12-13 March 2007 in south central Wisconsin. Morphology measurements and body weight indicated the individual was 63-76 days old, was born between 26 December 2006 and 8 January 2007, and was conceived between 14-27 June 2006. To our knowledge, this observation represents the latest documented breeding activity in northern deer populations.