The best times to hunt deer are when you can – whenever the season is open and you have a few hours available. To increase your chances of success, there are better times of day, season, weather, and moon phases. Knowing these can help you plan your hunts better.
Key Takeaways
- Deer hunting seasons vary by state and region, with early seasons typically running from September 1 to October 20.
- Evening hunts are often preferred during the early season when deer are active and feeding.
- Deer are frequently found near food sources like white oak trees during the early season.
- Hunting early season bucks in the morning can be rewarding, as bucks may visit water sources before bedding down.
- Avoiding agricultural fields, locating water sources and natural food sources, and hunting in semi-open woodlots can improve hunting success.
Best Times of Day to Hunt Deer
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. These hours, around sunrise and sunset, are the best for hunting. They move from their beds to feed and back again. They might also move in midday during the rut or in cold weather.
Dusk
As the sun sets, deer start to move. They leave their beds to feed, using the dark to hide from predators. Hunting in the last hours of daylight can be very successful, as deer are more active.
Dawn
Just before and during sunrise is another great time to hunt. Deer return to their beds as day breaks. The soft dawn light makes it easier to spot them.
Successful hunting focuses on these times. Being out at dawn and dusk increases your chances. Using trail cameras to track deer can also help.
“Deer are not nocturnal creatures and may adjust their movement patterns in response to external factors such as predation risk, weather, or hunting pressure.”
| Statistic | Relevance |
|---|---|
| 40% of deer vehicle collisions in Georgia in 2017 occurred at dawn or dusk, representing only 25% of the total time when accidents could have happened. | Demonstrates the increased deer activity and movement during the crepuscular hours. |
| Data from the Snapshot Wisconsin project showed that of over 5.7 million deer detections between January 2017 and December 2021, there was a clear peak of activity around dawn and dusk. | Provides empirical evidence of the heightened deer activity during the dawn and dusk periods. |
| According to the Penn State Deer-Forest Study, deer covered an average of 60 meters per hour at night, less than 50 meters per hour during the day, and over double that distance at dawn and dusk. | Quantifies the increased movement and activity of deer during the crepuscular hours. |
Understanding deer’s crepuscular nature can greatly improve hunting success. Whether it’s the end of day or the start of morning, these times are best for hunting deer.
The Best Times of Season to Hunt Deer
Deer hunting in the early season and mid-October can be very successful. The early deer season in September and October is great. Bucks follow predictable patterns and are less hunted.
Also, the “October mini-rut” around mid-October is a good time. Does come into estrous early, offering hunting chances.
Scrape Week
“Scrape Week” is another prime time to hunt deer. It’s 7-10 days before the rut starts. During this time, bucks are tending scrapes and preparing for the rut, making them more vulnerable to October deer hunting.
Research shows that mature whitetail does come into heat from November 5-20. This scrape hunting period is a great chance to find trophy bucks. They are focused on establishing dominance and searching for does.
| Lunar Phase | Deer Activity |
|---|---|
| New Moon | Deer move most actively at daylight |
| First-Quarter Moon | Deer move less on average throughout the day |
| Full Moon | Mature bucks move best in daylight hours |
| Last-Quarter Moon | Most extreme deer activity, especially in the last hour of shooting light |
The lunar cycle affects deer movement and activity levels. Researchers found higher deer activity at daylight during the new moon in early November. The full moon in mid-November draws bucks out of cover during daylight hours.
“The best time to hunt the rut is during the full moon and the 5 to 7 days prior as the moon waxes toward 100 percent illumination.”
– Mark Drury, Hunting Expert
Knowing the best times to hunt deer can increase success and enjoyment. Whether it’s the early season, mid-October, or the prime scrape hunting period, there are many chances to find trophy bucks.
Hunting Season: The Seeking and Chasing Phase
The deer rut happens in early to mid-November, making it a great time for rut hunting. During this time, bucks are all about breeding. They roam far and wide, looking for does, which makes them easier to hunt.
The peak of the deer rut is three to four days before and after the rutting moon. This moon comes after the autumnal equinox. Bucks make lots of scrapes, up to 12 an hour, as they try to find does.
The chasing phase is intense in the midwestern, central, and eastern U.S., and Canada. It peaks from November 11 to 16 in western Canada. Here, mature bucks will stick with a doe they find, staying with her for about three to five days.
Knowing the different parts of the deer rut and how bucks behave can really help hunters. It can increase their chances of getting a buck during this key hunting season.
“The seeking and chasing phase of the deer rut is a prime time for rut hunting, as bucks are focused on breeding and will cover large areas in search of does, making them more active and vulnerable to hunters.”
| Rut Phase | Time Period | Key Behaviors |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Rut | October 10-22 | Bucks become more active, making scrapes and rubs |
| Seeking Phase | October 23 to November 1 | Bucks intensely search for does, making 6-12 scrapes per hour |
| Chasing Phase | November 2-10 | Mature bucks lock down and shadow receptive does |
| Tending Phase | November 11-20 | Bucks actively breed does, losing up to 20% of their body weight |
| Post-Rut | November 21-30 | Deer transition into their winter survival patterns |
| Second Rut | December 1-15 | Does that didn’t get bred go into estrus a second time |
Best Hunting Times for Fronts and Weather Changes
The weather greatly affects deer hunting. Deer move more before a weather front and during big temperature changes. These changes make deer more active during the day, giving hunters a great chance to catch them.
When Fronts Move Through
Most of the biggest bucks were hunted when it was cold, pressure was high, and winds were calm. The author’s hunting log shows the best times to hunt are the first morning or evening after a front. The size of the front also matters, with colder ones followed by high pressure being best.
Significant Temperature Swings
In the Midwest, deer move more after a cold front. In Maine, deer were active two days before hunting season started due to a storm. This shows that deer move during specific weather conditions, making it a key time for hunting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top 25 Bucks Taken | Over 80% were shot when temperatures were at a weekly low, pressure was at a peak, and winds had drastically dropped. |
| Hunting Commitment | The author hunted more than 5 days twice, driving close to 690 miles to hunt two mornings and an evening, suggesting a commitment to high-value hunts. |
| Successful Prediction | The method of hunting when temperature and barometric pressure coincide has been established as a successful predictor of deer movement. |
“Hunting the first day or evening of a cold front is recommended,” said Mark Drury on the W2H podcast.
The first big front in October is a great time to hunt. Weather changes, especially from the Rockies, are prime hunting times. Deer feed a lot before a storm. Regional differences also affect deer behavior.
Best Moon Positions and Barometric Pressure for Hunting
As deer hunters, we’re always looking for the best conditions to hunt. The moon phase deer hunting might not affect deer movement much. But, the moon’s position in the sky is important.
Studies show deer are more active when the moon is overhead or underfoot. This is especially true at dawn or dusk. The moon’s gravitational pull seems to affect deer’s natural behaviors.
When the Barometer Hits 30
Many hunters have found success by watching the barometric pressure deer hunting. Deer activity increases when the barometric pressure reaches about 30 inches of mercury.
“Seventy-five percent of the mature bucks shot (150-class and up) have been on days when the temperature stayed at or below 50 degrees and the barometric pressure was 29.9 inches and rising.”
This shows deer might be more active when the barometer is rising. By watching these signs, hunters can plan better hunting times.
Remember, these factors help but don’t forget other important things like wind direction and weather. By using all these clues, hunters can have a better hunt and enjoy it more.
Wind Advantages and Opening Day Hunting
Deer, especially mature bucks, move best when the wind is in their favor. This lets them use their sense of smell to detect threats. Hunting just-off wind directions can give hunters an edge. Also, deer are less pressured on the opening day of hunting season, making it a great time to hunt.
When They Have the Wind Advantage
Studies show deer move more in windy conditions than calm ones. A Penn State University study found deer traveled farther in daylight with winds of 1 to 3 mph. Daytime buck movement increased with wind speeds, traveling the farthest with winds over 10 mph.
Bucks move about 65 meters per hour in winds over 16 mph. This is because of their exceptional sense of smell. Their brain’s scent-processing area is much larger than a human’s.
Using scent elimination products and understanding air currents can help hunters. It’s important to reduce scent transfer and monitor wind direction. This helps predict deer behavior and make better hunting decisions.
Hunting on the opening day of the season offers a unique advantage. Deer are less pressured and more active then. By understanding wind patterns and deer behavior, hunters can have success during this prime time.
Hunt When You Can and Have Time
Knowing the best times and conditions for deer hunting is good. But the most important thing is to hunt whenever you can. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a few hours after work or your dedicated hunting vacation days. The key is to take advantage of the opportunities you have, even if they don’t align perfectly with the ideal conditions.
Most hunters have limited time for their passion. Work, family, and other responsibilities make it hard to find time to hunt. But by being strategic and adaptable, you can make the most of your time and still have successful hunts.
One way to make the most of your hunting time is to prioritize and schedule your tasks. For example, try mowing the lawn at night with headlights in the fall to create more daylight hours for hunting. Also, set up your stands in locations that are closer to parking areas. This allows for quicker access and more time in the field.
Trail cameras are also very useful. They help you gather real-time data on deer movement patterns. This lets you adjust your hunting strategy and stand locations accordingly. By being proactive and adaptable, you can increase your chances of success, even with limited time.
Remember, the goal of hunting is not just to spend time in the woods, but to harvest deer. While the ideal conditions may not always align with your schedule, the most important thing is to make the most of the time you have and enjoy the experience. With a little creativity and planning, you can find ways to hunt when you can and have time.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average number of days worked per week | 5 |
| Estimated time lost looking for hunting gear before a hunt | 15 minutes |
| Potential time saved by having hunting gear ready in the truck | 15-45 minutes |
| Number of stand locations suggested for after-work hunting | minimized for efficiency |
Targeting Does in the Late Season
As hunting season moves into the late months, late season deer hunting and doe hunting become key. After the rut, game cameras show the buck-to-doe ratio more clearly. This helps hunters plan their hunting better.
More Accurate Buck to Doe Ratios
The post-rut period gives a clear view of buck-to-doe ratios. Hunters can use this info to plan their doe hunting in the late season. This ensures a balanced deer herd.
Increased Harvest Opportunities
As winter comes, deer look for reliable food sources. This makes their movements and feeding patterns more predictable. This leads to more chances for late season deer hunting and doe hunting.
Less Likely to Interrupt Buck Hunting
Going after does later in the season doesn’t mess up buck hunting as much. This lets hunters keep chasing mature bucks without affecting their behavior or breeding.
Understanding the perks of late season deer hunting and focusing on doe hunting boosts success. It also helps manage the deer population’s health.
Conclusion
Deer hunting success comes from knowing the best times and conditions. Knowing when to hunt, the season, weather, and moon phases helps a lot. But the most important thing is to hunt whenever you can.
Factors like dawn, dusk, early season, and weather fronts can help. But the real key is to use the time you have. Deer are hard to predict, and their behavior changes quickly. By being flexible and persistent, hunters can find and hunt these amazing animals.
Deer hunting is more than just the hunt. It’s about the experience, friends, and nature. By knowing when to hunt and making the most of every chance, hunters can make unforgettable memories. They can truly enjoy the excitement of the hunt.
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