 Gestation lasts six to seven months ; the mother may even delay giving birth for an additional month if conditions are harsh . Births generally occur in the midday ; the female will isolate herself from the herd when labour pain begins . A single calf is born , and is immediately concealed in cover for the first few weeks of its birth . The fawn then joins a nursery group within its mother 's herd . Calves are suckled for four to six months ; young males , forced out of the group , join bachelor herds , while females may stay back . 
