Are Triplet Fawns Common?
Most experienced whitetail hunters know that the most common number of fawns dropped by a doe in a given year is two. But what about triplets?
According to the Quality Deer Management Association, as many as 15 to 20 percent of does will have triplets — but only when deer numbers are in balance with high-quality habitat. This is why the average doe in a healthy population can produce more fawns than the average doe in an unhealthy population.
Another interesting point is that twin and triplet fawns are not necessarily sired by a single buck. Research has shown that 20 to 25 percent of twin fawn sets are sired by two different bucks. Recently, the first case of "multiple paternity" in a set of triplets — meaning three different sires — was documented by researchers at Auburn University in Alabama.
Bowhunters Dominate Connecticut 2013 Deer Harvest
For the first time in modern history, the number of deer harvested by Connecticut bowhunters for the 2013-14 season surpassed the number reported by firearms hunters. At least 6,046 whitetail deer were taken with a bow or crossbow, with 4,340 taken by firearms.
The Hartford Courant reported it's a first for modern deer totals, but more than 2,000 deer taken by hunters were not distinguished as bow or gun, as private landowners are not required to report what method they used for their harvest. State policy also favors bowhunters, with early and extended days afield.
Luminol And Bloodtrailing
Luminol-based products can make blood glow, making it easier to spot small flecks and specks both day and night. Luminol (C8H7N3O2) is used by forensic investigators to detect trace amounts of blood left at crime scenes as it reacts with iron found in hemoglobin. A luminol-based liquid can be sprayed evenly across the trail, and trace amounts of an activating oxidant in the blood will cause the luminol to emit a blue glow that can be seen in a darkened room. The glow lasts for only a relatively short while, but it does work.
Commercially, BlueStar is a luminol-based product that works well, even during a rain. It is mixed with water and then sprayed over the affected area to try to locate droplets of hard-to-find blood. The company's website has a video that shows how the product works, and it is worth checking out. It’s one more trick in your tracking bag to help ensure that no deer is left behind after being hit.
Photo credit: bobloblaw/Thinkstock
