The does are impregnated during the preceding autumn and, after an 8-1/2 month gestation period (240 days), the baby is delivered the following June.

The beginnings of a deer’s life are seldom observed. The doe stays in hiding during the delivery of the fawn. The young fawn is born head first. Its mother cuts the umbilical cord; tears open and eats the sac which still surrounds the fawn. Then comes a long cleaning session which will create a bound between the fawn and its mother. The fawn will quickly make its first attempts to stand up and finally will nurse for the first time!

Young fawns stay alone during the first days lying motionless. The mother only comes for it to suckle. During this time, a human should not get close to it as the doe may feel threatened and abandon the fawn. This isolation is an indication of its security. By this way, predators cannot locate it (fox, lynx...). As soon as it is strong enough to stand on its legs, it will join the herd with its mother. Young fawns have a characteristic coat which is dappled. It will stay with its mother in the herd and recognize her thanks to her unique smell. The male never plays a part in its education: the doe will do it alone.