A great deal is known about the biology and management of deer, but yet there is much to learn. Breeding Approximately 95 percent of the deer in north Mississippi breed between December 10 and January 6. In south Mississippi, deer breed 3 weeks to a month later. About 95 percent of the does in south Mississippi breed between December 27 and February 4. The gestation period in deer varies from 195 days to 212 days, with an average of 202 days.
Deer breed once a year.
A doe may give birth to one, two, or three fawns, and about one-half of the does in Mississippi produce two fawns a year. Many hunters believe that old does do not breed, but researchers have found this to be untrue. A deer in the wild seldom lives more than 10 years. By the time it is 10 years old, its teeth are practically worn to the gum line. Does in Mississippi breed and produce offspring as long as they live.