How to Check for Presence of Milk

How to Check for Presence of Milk

Ft. Belvoir hunters are required to determine whether antlerless deer had milk present at the time of harvest. This data helps to determine whether the doe was nursing a fawn(s) at the time of harvest. However, if the doe is harvested too late in the season, she will most likely be done nursing and have no milk present as the fawn(s) no longer require the doe’s milk.

EXAMINING A DOE FOR PRESENCE OF MILK

Check for milk presence by cutting directly into the udder (between the 4 teats), do not squeeze the teats, this will be misleading!! Milk will be present if the doe is lactating! That’s it!!

For More Information/Assistance contact:

Kevin Walter- Wildlife Biologist, 703-805-3969