Weather
The Weather And Deer Hunting
The weather conditions are a vital part of any deer hunting trip. It is always good to be aware of how the weather may effect deer activity.
The above chart offers helpful information related to precipitation, wind direction and wind speeds, sunrise and sunset times, and expected temperatures for the given day. All can play an important role in how to go about deer hunting a particular area.
Sunrise And Sunset
The times in which the sun will rise and set are needed for several reasons in the hunting field. Most states limit hunting times based upon these charts. Also it is helpful for the hunter as deer feeding times are often associated with early morning sunrise as well as late evening sunset.
This information allows the hunter to set up accordingly. Where legal, being on stand an hour or so before the sun rises and several hours before the sun sets generally will increase chances of seeing more deer.
Temperatures
The daily temperatures will often effect how deer activity occurs. Deer movement can change with as little as a ten degree rise or fall in air temperatures. From a hunting point of view, this is vital information.
For example, after several 25º F days in a row, a temperature increase of ten degrees to 35º can make deer get on their feet and move more. The same goes for warm weather. If the temperature has been steady around the 50º mark, a drop by ten degrees to 40º can also make deer more active.
Precipitation
The types and degree of precipitation will also have an effect on deer and hunting. Deer generally don’t mind a little light rain or drizzle and do not normally change movement during such times. In some cases the movement may even increase.
During heavy rains, however deer are less likely to be active. The will resume activities once the rain subsides so being able to hunt just after heavy rains can be effective.
When light to moderate snow is falling deer sometimes will get on the move more often. For some reason it gives the deer a sense of security. These periods are good times to be in the hunting field.
Heavy snows will have the opposite effect on deer. They will not be many if any sightings. Deer will bed down and stay put until after the snow subsides.
Wind And Wind Speeds
The wind is another factor to consider when deer hunting. The wind should be blowing in the hunters face whenever possible. The hunter needs to be positioned downwind of any suspected deer movement to be effective.
The hunter should always be aware of wind directions as they may change and cause a good set up to become bad.
Wind speeds can also change how deer react. Light winds usually don’t present too many problems for the hunter or deer. However strong winds will cause issues for both. The hunter will have safety concerns as the wind may effect shot placement as well as prevent the use of tree stands.
A ground hunting approach is recommended. For the deer, they will become very skittish and less likely to move. Deer will seek refuge in areas that will block the full force of the wind.
