Many hunters do not know the best weather for deer hunting!
They usually go in pleasant weather during the early fall hunting season, thinking that whitetails also like such a hint of fox grapes – gentle winds, beautiful reddy and golden leaves, blue skies, etc. In the end, they end up having no luck. Hardly do deers appear …
Do you have the same deer hunting habit? – Then, it’s time to change.
Lousy weather, surprisingly, means a favorable condition for catching the sight of deers and whitetails.
But, what kind of bad weather?
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5 Interesting Facts about Deer Activities
#1. Deers have a big family of over 90 species found all over the world.
You had better learn to recognize the key characteristics of your targeted animals. Here we focus on the ones commonly seen in the U.S – the mule deer and whitetails.
#2. Deers seem active year-round, yet mostly during dawn or dusk hours.
For your information, the deers are “crepuscular” animals. They like hanging out for food at night and bedding during the day.
It is a kind of wisdom we have to claim.
Deers know that hunters or predators try to sneak them out in daylight- the most heavily-hunted period. The animal typically finds a refuge spot to rest and bed down, except that they are starving.
When evening approaches or in the very dawn – when people do not feel like roaring, deers make their way to agricultural fields or young clearcut areas having a woody browse. It is good weather for deer hunting!
#3. Deers leave “breadcrumbs” behind their road.
It is good to know that deers can hardly hide their distinct signs – even that they are cautious about going feeding at the not-crowded time.
The animal has bilaterally symmetrical toes. On moving, those toes curve inward and define tracks of “dewclaws” on the ground. You can refer to the example above.
In the daylight, you can follow those movement patterns to find out their shelter.
#4. Deers need more food in winter.
Deers used to stay in place during the winter.
Ideally, the animal remains on slopes to avoid as many extreme elements as possible. As long as they prepare themselves before the temperature drops, deers do not have to feed too frequently.
However, there is less feed available these days.
It is harder and harder for animals to find leaves and grasses in the cold weather, and they even have to dig through the snow for food. All such challenges force deers to go out more frequently during the winter than in the past.
#5. Deers are not afraid of rains and winds
It is comfortable to stay in warm and cozy places, so why would any animal like rain in the world?
Wildlife deers do not have any luxuries like our humans. They get used to harsh weather, rain, and snow after hundreds of generations living outdoors.
Deers will still feed in the rain, considering their natural metabolism and waterproofing coat. The animal seems less nervous waking under a heavy pour.
When Is The Best Weather for Deer Hunting?
With a decade of hunting deers and with all the facts collected above, we would like to reveal some best practices you should know.
Temperatures
Daylight is often hot, and deers feel like lying in their beds. When the temperature drops, it is an indicator of dusk and dawn when deers will go out. However, too cold weather is also not favorable, considering that it might knock off the deers with hunger and cold.
Barometer
Chill winds frequently show up several hours before it is dark. Thus, winds are also an indicator for deers to go out.
Plus, deers are also sensitive to any barometric changes and pressures. After the storm or heavy rains pass, deers prefer to go out.
Cloud cover
Skies with many clouds are favorable for deers to hide their tracks. As a result, it is not the best weather for deer hunting. You should opt for a clear sky on a cold day to follow their claws more easily.
Wind force
On a quiet day, deers can hear the sound of approaching predators or hunters. Therefore, you will find medium to solid winds helpful a lot in hiding your appearance. In combination with a rainy day, hunters can even uncover their smell.
Moon
Since deers like to go feeding at night, you will also want to hunt at that time. However, the darkness might prevent you from seeing things.
We would suggest choosing a full-moon day to make use of the natural light. Plus, use an arsenal with night-vision features.
In sum
When checking the best weather for deer hunting, the keys to taking home are cool weather, high cloud skies, barometer, medium to strong winds, and full-moon light, if possible. Wish you luck!
