As hunters, we all know that deer movement is affected by the weather. Rainfall, wind, and temperature all play a role in how and when deer move. But do deer actually move in the rain? Does precipitation affect deer behavior differently than other forms of weather? To answer these questions, it is important to understand the correlation between weather and deer movement. In this article, we will explore how deer behavior is affected by rain, wind, and other forms of weather, and discuss how to best plan for hunting in wet conditions.
Do Deer Travel in the Rain?
When it comes to deer movement, rain can affect their habits. While a light shower may not deter them from their need for nourishment, a heavy downpour or prolonged rainfall could put a damper on their travels.
Deer are creatures of habit and will move in response to environmental factors. Despite the rain, they will still travel as needed to access food. However, hunters should be aware that there is a certain amount of rain that stifles deer movement and can ruin a hunt. A light shower may not be enough to keep them away from food sources, but a heavy and prolonged downpour might cause them to stay in one place for longer than usual.
It is important for hunters to pay attention to the forecast before heading out on a hunt. Knowing how much rain is expected can help them determine if it is worth the effort or if staying home would be the better option. Furthermore, understanding how deer react to different amounts of precipitation can give an edge when it comes time to scout for potential hunting spots.
A Rainout’s Effect on Deer
When heavy precipitation falls, deer tend to bed down rather than travel. This is due to the fact that intense rainfall reduces their senses of sight, hearing, and smell, making them more vulnerable and less able to detect danger.
Rainfall can limit a deer’s senses in several ways. Magnified sight is reduced as the rain shortens sight distance. Acute hearing is also limited as the sound of rain drowns out other noises. Foreign odors are washed away which makes it harder for them to detect predators or food sources.
Despite this, deer are still able to move well in most types of precipitation. Even light rain won’t stop them from traveling or feeding unless they feel threatened by something nearby. It is only when the rainfall becomes too heavy that they will opt to bed down instead of moving around.
Deer rely on their senses to keep them safe and so when these senses are compromised by heavy rainfall they become more prone to danger, prompting them to stay put until the weather clears up again.
How does wind affect deer movement?
When hunting during a rain shower, it is important to consider the effects of wind. While a light rain shower may not bother deer, winds greater than 15-20 MPH can severely hamper their senses and significantly slow their movement. Hunters should focus on hunting near heavier security cover, such as dense pine/cedar thickets or rock outcroppings and bluffs. This will provide protection from the wind and rainfall while still allowing hunters to observe deer in their natural habitat. Additionally, hunters should be aware of the direction of any wind accompanying a rain shower; even the slightest whiff of human odor can spook deer in this situation. By taking these precautions, hunters can ensure that they have an enjoyable and successful hunt despite inclement weather conditions.
How to Use Rainfall to Your Advantage When Hunting Deer
Hunting during periods of light rain can be a great way to increase your chances of success. Deer move around much like they would in fair weather, but with slightly more activity due to the rain. When planning a hunt, it is best to wait for heavy rain showers to subside before taking action. Once the rainfall has passed, deer tend to move feverishly in the 30 minutes after the event. To take advantage of this opportunity, hunters should hunker down on-stand wearing a rain jacket and wait for the rain to clear. This tactic can be especially effective when hunting close to a mature buck’s bedding area as the cooling effects of an evening shower may cause them to stir sooner than expected.