Life Cycle
The rut, or breeding season, runs from
September to January, although most
breeding takes place in October and
November. During the rut, both bucks
and does are very active and are often
seen during daylight hours. The bucks
you see during these months will have
well-developed, hardened antlers. Bucks
use their antlers to mark their territory
by rubbing them against small trees and
saplings; these signs are called rubs.
Bucks will also occasionally fight during
this time of year using their antlers as
a weapon, but serious injuries during
these fights are rare.
In late winter each year, bucks will
shed their antlers. Almost immediately
they will begin growing a new set,
typically larger and heavier than the
previous year’s. Antlers grow very
quickly and are covered with a velvety,
highly vascularized membrane. By
August, that “velvet,” which supplies the
necessary nourishment to the antlers,
has dried and been rubbed off against
trees and bushes. The antlers are now
fully grown and hardened, ready for the
breeding season.
Fawns are born from April to July
after a gestation period of 200 days.
Does will have one or two fawns each
year and will keep them hidden near
themselves for the first few weeks of life.
Fawns will lie quietly for hours until the
doe returns from her forays for food.
Fawns are scent-free during their first
few weeks, which helps protect them
from predators. If you encounter a fawn
lying by itself during your walks on the
Island, do not approach or touch it. Any
interaction with humans can increase
the chances of the fawn being killed or
injured.
At about four weeks, the fawns will
begin to follow the doe, eating whatever
she selects. The white spots on their
reddish-coats will begin to fade after
three or four months. Female deer live
together in groups, typically consisting
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Naturally Kiawah