Young deer should also be killed when their mothers are shot, according to scientists.
Research carried out on the Isle of Rum in Scotland showed that orphaned deer were much less likely to survive than those with their mother's care.
Young males that were orphaned in their first year were slow to grow antlers, indicating a potential lifelong impact.
The results support best practice guidelines in Scotland where deer are culled to control populations.
The study was supported by the UK Natural Environment Research Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
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