Showing posts with label about Fawn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label about Fawn. Show all posts

Monday, September 1, 2025

Joplin Misses the Mark of Nursing Deer Ethics

 

 

The Joplin MO urban hunting ordinance may permit bow hunting within city limits during the fall and early winter months, but it fails to address a critical ethical and biological oversight: the taking of nursing does. While technically legal under Missouri’s broader hunting regulations, removing a nursing doe especially one with late-season fawns born in August is not ethically sound and directly contradicts wildlife survival data.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and regional wildlife experts have consistently emphasized that late-born fawns are biologically underdeveloped and unlikely to survive winter without maternal guidance. By allowing hunters to target does indiscriminately, the ordinance risks orphaning vulnerable fawns and undermining responsible wildlife management.

Urban Deer in Joplin: What’s Really Driving the City Bow Hunting Ordinance

 

Photo of fawn born in Late July SW Joplin original photo by Sgolis

I reside in SW Joplin directly 29 acres next to private land that has been sanctuary to a small deer herd. Three doe 2 first season buck, 3 late season fawn born in august.  The herd was larger last year but many deer did not survive the winter months when projectiles were heard in the woods during the night.

My images of late season fawn and nursing doe in SW Joplin. See late season "naked lady spent flowers" proof of the season time period . 

 

Late season fawn August 2025 phot by Sgolis

Late season fawn August 2025 phot by Sgolis

Late season fawn August 2025 phot by Sgolis

The does are still nursing fawn that were born in August and these late season fawns are vulnerable. Fawns born in August are biologically behind their spring-born counterparts. They often lack the body mass, fat reserves, and foraging experience needed to survive Missouri’s harsh winter conditions.

Removing a nursing doe late in the season can leave these fawns without the guidance and protection they still rely on, despite the city officials claims of independence.

Even if a fawn is technically weaned, its survival depends on learned behaviors like identifying food sources, avoiding predators, and navigating territory. Removing the mother prematurely disrupts this learning curve.

Missouri Conservation Guidance Emphasizes Ethical Hunting

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Hunter Ethics page urges hunters to “respect the land and all wildlife” and “make every effort to retrieve and use all game.” That includes considering the ripple effects of harvesting a nursing doe.

Ethical hunting isn’t just about following regulations—it’s about stewardship. The MDC encourages hunters to develop their skills and share knowledge, which includes understanding the ecological consequences of their choices.

3. Wildlife Management Prioritizes Population Health

According to MU Extension’s guide on white-tailed deer management, deer populations are shaped by habitat, hunting pressure, and seasonal conditions. Removing does with dependent fawns can skew herd dynamics and reduce recruitment rates.

Conservation efforts aim to balance recreational hunting with long-term species viability. Ethical restraint especially with late-season fawns is part of that balance.


 Supporting Resources

This is why I titled this article " Joplin Misses the Mark of Nursing Deer Ethics.

 Author's  Note / Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only. It reflects the author's personal perspective on urban wildlife management and public safety. No part of this content promotes illegal activity, violence, or harm toward animals or individuals. All references to local ordinances, safety concerns, and wildlife behavior are based on publicly available information and lived experience. Readers are encouraged to consult official city resources and conservation experts for guidance.