whitetail deer with fawn in field

How Long Are Deer Pregnant? | Gestation Calculator

Quickly find out the approximate conception or birthdate of whitetail, mule deer, elk and other types of deer species using the gestation calculator below!

gestation Calculator
Choose animal below and select “conception date” or “birth date” to calculate the corresponding birth or conception date.
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Pregnancy Length of Deer (How long until they give birth?)

When it comes to whitetail and other types of deer, there are two time periods during the year that are particularly fascinating.

For hunters, the “rut” is certainly an important time, as males seek out females for breeding. During this time, the woods and hunting grounds are alive with activity and often provide a hunter the best opportunity at the buck of a lifetime.

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And, while the conclusion of the rut often signals the end of hunting season for many, a different stage will soon begin. In the Spring and Summer months, does will begin birthing fawns that were conceived during the rut and a new part of the life cycle will begin.

If you frequent the woods during this time, you just might catch a peek at a small, spotted whitetail fawn. And, if you utilize trail cameras during the Summer months to keep tabs on your herd, a picture of a fawn is always a welcome surprise.

But, how long are deer pregnant before giving birth, and how can you figure out when the fawns will start dropping in your area?

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What Is The Gestation period of Whitetail Deer

Since whitetail deer are one of the most popular game animals in North America, you might be wondering, what is the gestation period of whitetail deer?

To determine the approximate conception date of a whitetail fawn or the estimated birth date, you have to first know the gestation period (how long the baby deer is in the womb between conception and birth.)

whitetail doe with fawns

The spotted coat of a whitetail fawn is a beautiful thing to see. You have the best chance to see these young deer in May or June.

According to Mark K. Johnson, Professor at the School of Renewable Natural Resources at Louisiana State University, the gestation period for whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the northern U.S. are similar to that of whitetail in the southern states, ranging from 193 to 205 days (Spring 2002 issue of Louisiana Agriculture).

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Based on those statistics, whitetail does bred in early November would likely be born in mid-May to early June. So, female whitetail deer are pregnant for about 6 and a half months.

If you happen to have trail cameras out during the Summer months, you may catch a photo or video of a fawn with its mother. The unmistakable spots on young fawns is beautiful to see until they begin to fade 3 to 4 months after birth.

Let’s take a look at some of the other types of deer and the gestation periods of each.

Mule Deer Gestation Period

According to a 2005 report published by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Wildlife Habitat Council, the gestation period of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionuslasts) an average of 200 days. So, the mule deer and whitetail have almost identical gestation periods.

mule deer doe

The pregnancy length of a mule deer is almost identical to that of the whitetail. (photo by Jeff Coldwell)

Check out the differences between mule deer and whitetail
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Elk Gestation Period

While the number of days that whitetail deer and mule deer are pregnant is very similar, the elk (Cervus canadensishas) a longer pregnancy.

According the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association, the average gestation period for elk is approximately 246 days. The “rut” time period for elk ranges from late August to late October with calves typically being born in May or June.

female and bull elk

Bull elk have a gestation time of approximately 246 days.

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Blacktail Deer

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the average gestation time for a black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), is approximately 203 days.

blacktail doe and fawn

Blacktail deer pregnancies lasts approximately 203 days. (photo by John Carron)

Chital (Axis) Deer

According to the Natural Science Research Lab at Texas Tech University, the gestation period for the Chital (Axis deer) ranges from 210-238 days.

axis chital male and female

Axis deer have a gestation range of 210-238 days.

Moose

Moose (Alces alces) calves are born any time from mid-May to early June after a gestation period of about 230 days, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

female moose and fawn

Moose calves are typically born from Mid-May to early June.

coffee over campfire

Camping Gear: 8 Necessities To Make The Most Of Your Experience

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Blog, camping

One of the best outdoor activities a family can participate in is camping. And after the pandemic of 2020, many people were cooped at up home. So, what better cure for being inside than…. being outside!

And, what better way to find a renewed love for the world and the great outdoors than taking a trip into God’s creation to go camping!

So, maybe you’re looking forward to this new outdoor adventure and are wondering, “what do I need to go camping?”

vw van full of camping gear

Ok, so maybe you don’t need THIS to go camping, but there are some items you should definitely take on your trip!

So, we’re going to cover some of the must-have items you should get to make your trip safer and more enjoyable for you and for the family. And, we’ll also cover why each of the items on this camping necessities list is important.

  1. The Basics
  2. Tent
  3. Solar Powered Charger
  4. Fire Starter
  5. Pocket Knife / Multi-Tool
  6. First Aid Kit
  7. Map / GPS
  8. Flashlight / Lamp

Camping Necessities | Start With The Basics

Part of the beauty of camping is not having to worry so much about how you put together you look or how good you smell (ok, maybe smell is still important!)

But, even though you are going on an outdoor adventure, there are still some important things to remember when it comes to personal hygiene.

rolls of toilet paper

Be sure you don’t forget the toilet paper for your camping trip… OK, maybe not this much!

Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, and of course, toilet paper are all essential items to be sure you pack for your trip!

Also, be sure to bring your own bottles and containers for these items, because you wouldn’t want to leave any trash behind. (“Leave things better than you found” them is a good rule of thumb.)

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Tent

The tent is certain at the core of your camping experience. Without a tent, you and your family are going to be exposed to potentially uncomfortable or harmful temperatures as well as insects.

There are various styles of tents, so you can go beyond the simple “unfold and pitch” style that you may have used in the past.

While there is a wide array of tent choices for camping, be sure to get one that is large enough for your family to fit comfortably inside of!

Some tents come with features such as compartments and solar panels. You can find even more options from stores like Kohls and other department or sporting goods stores.

There are even tents that connect to your car!

When purchasing a tent for your trip, make sure that it is large enough for your entire family to fit inside. (You wouldn’t want to sleep in a tent with no room to move!)

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Solar-Powered Chargers

One of the liberating things about camping is being one with nature and making time to disconnect yourself from technology for a few days. However, that doesn’t mean you should completely stay away from technology. Some camping gear is powered by electricity, and these items can make the trip safer and potentially more enjoyable.

One example is solar powered chargers.

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A solar-powered charger ensures that you have enough energy to last the entirety of your trip. And, while disconnecting from your phone is a good practice, in the event of an emergency, these chargers can also help you stay connected to emergency services through your smartphone. So, it’s a handy thing to have on your trip.

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Fire Starters

The ability to start a fire with a few pieces of stones and some tinder is an essential skill for every camper. But, what if your matches get wet or your lighter stops working… what then?

You might be a skilled fire builder already. Or, maybe you’re a newbie to everything camping related. Either way, having a tool to help you build a fire is not to be overlooked.

public land hunting fire starter

Fire is essential for warmth and for cooking on your camping trip, so be sure you take a fire starter with you!

So, whether you will be taking the family on an ice fishing trip, or camping in warmer weather, a part of your arsenal should always be a fire starter.

Fire starters come in many forms and most of them fit in your pocket. The concept of the fire starter is simple: You strike an object into an abrasive material, which creates sparks for starting a fire.

Some fire starters are waterproof and these are the recommended type best you can buy for your trip.

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Pocket Knife / Multi-Tool

Just like a fire starter, a pocket knife or utility tool is another must for all campers (and for just about anyone who loves exploring the great outdoors.)

A pocket knife or a multi-tool will feature all of the basic tools you need for camping. These can help you do various tasks such as cooking prep and various tasks related to campsite setup.

multi tool for camping

A multi-tool contains many helpful items that will assist you in multiple expected (and unexpected) camping situations.

A good multi-tool should have the basics like a knife, a screw, a saw, and a file. Most importantly, it should fit right in your pocket. Some pocket knives can be a bit bulky and these are usually models that you’d want to avoid if you are wanting to travel as light as possible, especially if you will be camping while backpack hunting.

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First Aid Kit

Although you are going on your trip to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, you never know when when an unexpected accident could occur. After all, being able to respond to minor wounds and injuries is key in preventing more complex medical problems later on.

So, you should take the right steps to ensure that you are prepared for worst case scenarios, and that means always having a first aid kit.

first aid kit for backpack hunt

While you don’t want to think about an unexpected accident occurring, a first aid kit is an essential for every camping trip.

A good camping first aid kit should include essentials such as a disinfectant, bandages, surgical scissors, splints, and band-aids.

Remember, a first aid kit is used for minor injuries only. With more serious injuries, you should seek medical attention and go straight to a hospital.

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Map Or GPS

Getting lost in the forest or in the mountains is no laughing matter.

Although some campsites have employees to help you find your way out, it’s still better to be safe than sorry. If you happen to go hiking, bringing a map or a device with built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) will help you find your way should you get lost.

woman hiking

You want to “get away,” but no one likes being lost. A map and/or GPS is a must have for every camping trip.

Ideally, we suggest getting a GPS in addition to a map. The GPS will give you your exact location, as well as an accurate depiction of the area. Moreover, reading a map does take some practice, so it’s best to have a device as well that is more intuitive and easier to use.

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Flashlight Or A Lamp

You’ve enjoyed a beautiful day out in nature and now it’s time to head off to sleep for the night. But first, you’ll need to put out the campfire. (This is a must, because a fire left unattended could spread.)

But after you’ve put out the campfire, you might still need a midnight snack or the occasional emergency bathroom break!

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flashlight

Moonlight is great. But, a flashlight to see in the dark on an emergency bathroom break while camping is invaluable!

So, it might seem like a no-brainer, but be sure you have a flashlight or two for your camping trip.

After all, having an alternative light source is very important, especially if inclement weather makes starting a fire difficult.

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Final Thoughts on camping necessities

So what better way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than through camping?

And, as we’ve covered camping is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities you can participate in. However, it can also be very difficult if you don’t prepare properly.

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These 8 necessities for camping are certainly going to make your trip more enjoyable. After all, with less to worry about, you can take in more of the environment and just relax!

And be sure to pack the coffee!

rifle pointed downrange

Hunting Season: 7 Tips to Improve Your Shooting Accuracy

When hunting season comes, you know that a lot of people are going to come out and play.

After all, the hobby of hunting isn’t just about being one with nature, it’s being able to take out your prey with skill and precision.

There are many skills needed to become what’s considered a good hunter, but the fundamental skill that everyone should have is… a good aim.

hunter shooting rifle

Becoming a better hunter includes improving your shot accuracy, which involves practice, time and patience.

Aside from natural survival skills, having a steady hand and a sharp eye is a must if you want to be a good hunter.

For some, it’s not easy to be a good shot with a hunting rifle. But, the good news is that it’s a skill that can be mastered and developed over time.

It’s important to note that increasing your accuracy does take a lot of time, patience, and of course, practice.

Hopefully, the tips below are more than enough to increase your aim by a good margin.

Practice, Practice, And Practice

Some people are good shots naturally, but others have to work to get the good aim they want to have.

If you feel as if your aim needs more improvement, it’s a must that you practice more.

Go to the shooting range to practice your aim regularly. Start with static (stationary) targets and then move on to moving targets later.

If you want to simulate the feel of hunting, go outdoors and set up targets yourself. Just make sure that you are practicing in a secluded area and only point the gun in a safe direction.

target showing through rifle scope

Practice shooting static targets before progressing to moving targets.

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Abide By MOA

A lot of people think that good aim is about steady hands and a good eye.

In reality, it’s a lot about science and mathematics.

You may have heard about MOA but what is MOA and why isn’t it so popular among the best hunters? Is it really necessary to learn more about it?

rifle pointing down hillside

MOA stands for “minutes of angles,” and is equal to 1/60th degrees.

In regards to shooting, MOA means minutes of angles. For a marksman’s vocabulary, 1 minute equals 1/60th degrees in an angle.

Measuring your range by minutes may seem counterintuitive as 1/60th of degrees seems too small. However, with bullets going as fast as they can, calculating minutes can make a huge difference.

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To put it simply, MOA helps you measure the bullet drop.

Thanks to gravity, everything that comes out of your gun drops eventually. If the target is further, you can expect bullet drop to play a huge factor in your successful shot.

The formula to calculate for bullet drop is:

Target distance (yards) / (divide by) 100 = inches per 1 MOA at that distance.

If you master this simple math above, you’ll be able to measure your shots better, thus allowing you to significantly improve your aim.

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Check Your Equipment

Sometimes, it’s not just your skills that are a problem, it’s your equipment too.

Any hunter will tell you that investing in the right rifle and scope is a must if you want to get good shots while out hunting. It’s not always about buying the most expensive tools too.

hunting rifle on tripod

Be sure to do your homework and choose a rifle scope that is versatile and will be a good fit for your specific type of hunting.

Before you buy a rifle, read a lot of reviews about it. Check for important factors such as its weight, grip, and overall feel. Don’t be afraid to ask your local gun store about which guns are the best for hunting as they’ll most likely suggest the best models for you.

As for the scope, make sure to get one that’s versatile. This refers to a scope that can provide a good view from various ranges. Keep in mind that some scopes are best partnered with certain guns so again, complete your due research about guns and scopes before you make a purchase.

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Control Your Breathing

It may not seem like much but your breathing does affect your aim to a degree. As you aim, your body moves – your arms and shoulders included. While minimal, the movement is enough to affect your accuracy while taking aim. As such, it’s important that you practice controlling your breathing.

Ideally, you should hold your breath while aiming and while you are taking a shot. When you are still aiming down, relax and stay calm. Take slow and deep breaths so that your heart rate doesn’t get too affected.

closeup picture of a gun trigger

Controlling your breathing before pulling the trigger is a critical component of shooting accuracy.

Hold Your Gun Properly

Rifles release a lot of backward force when they are fired. Those new to firing a gun are often caught off guard by exactly how powerful the firearm recoils after being fired.

It’s nearly impossible to avoid this recoil, but you can control it effectively with proper gun handling.

For starters, make sure to rest the stock of the rifle on your shoulders firmly. This somewhat controls the force as the bullet is fired. As for the trigger, make sure to squeeze it tightly and use the force on your wrist and fingers as well. 

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Avoid Going For Quick And Small Targets First

If you are having trouble with your aim, it’s likely that you just aren’t accustomed to it yet.

So, don’t rush your hunting journey. Don’t go for small and quick targets first. If you force yourself in hunting them, you’ll have no time to practice your aim.

Go for larger and easy targets first. Practice your aim with them and as you get better, move on to more complex prey.

Hunting is a journey that you should never rush.

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Relax

Hunting shouldn’t be a stressful hobby. In fact, it’s something that relaxes a lot of people.

While hunting, it is imperative that you stay calm and collected as this can help improve your aim significantly. This may sound cliche’, but practice being one with nature when you are out hunting.

Immerse yourself with your surroundings and focus on your target. Don’t let other factors distract you as these can throw you off your aim as well. Hunting isn’t just about good aim, it’s also about keeping calm as you stalk and take down your prey.

wooden box tower stand

While getting improving your shooting accuracy is a rewarding accomplishment, don’t forget to enjoy the simple pleasures of hunting.

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Final Thoughts On How To Improve Shooting Accuracy

Improving your aim is not that difficult, as long as you know what you need to do to make it better. These tips are practical ways to do so.

Perhaps the best tip we can give you is to be patient. The journey to becoming better may seem long, but it’s well worth it in the end.

Safe shooting!