Do You Hunt When It's Windy?

[Drew]

It has been windier than crazy here in SE Michigan. Just wondering if its worth sitting in the stand on windy days. Will deer be up and moving or do they bed down and hold tight under these conditions?

[bowman81]

I hunt in the wind...until it is blowing hard enough to be dangerous. The deer are spooky with their sense of smell, hearing and sight being worked overtime. It is a great time to still hunt if you have the place to do it.
I have never shot a deer from my couch watching TV, nor sitting at my computer desk......although I have seen some guys blinds and I'm not too sure about them...

[racking up points]

YES! ESP when it's windy on continuous days. I find the midday to be a total lull though. This time if the year in SE MI is never bad to be on stand. Saw a lot of deer yest and tons of activity...get up there!

NOTE: I hunted my 16' ladders instead of my 25' skyscrapers because you'd sway so much up there that accuracy is now compromised...it was pretty windy the last few days, still is really. Not a bad idea to sit on the ground either. For days like these, I usually prep a couple brush blinds in summer as my go-to spots when the wind howls.

I also find the does are now really starting to key in on food sources and the bucks have been right on their heels, entering fields and bait sites a few mins after the she-deer.

[foofoo]

yup. had some of my best days with a good breeze. if its blowin one direction you can really use it to set up downwind of an area. you can get away with some movement and noise too.

[vixenmaster]

Windy days some are good some are bad! Depending if'en it be from a steady direction or swirlin! Unless a front is movin in here on my ridge it swirls almost all of the time & its bad fer huntin. Steady go to yer stand that is opposite of the most deer direction, so they don't pick up on yer scent

[wabi]

If the wind is constant from one direction it can even be an advantage. If swirling and shifting directions deer are super alert and the slightest whiff of human scent can spook them.
I've killed a few deer in windy conditions but I've also had a lot of them bust me and take off.
Still better odds than setting at home.

[Onetimeonly x-->]

Yep, Thursday evening windy seen deer! Friday evening calm no deer? Bucks are chasing does. Hunt if you can. Good luck!

[maine hunter]

If the wind is constant from one direction it can even be an advantage. If swirling and shifting directions deer are super alert and the slightest whiff of human scent can spook them.
I've killed a few deer in windy conditions but I've also had a lot of them bust me and take off.
Still better odds than setting at home.

x2

[Drew]

Great advice, thanks all! I'll be heading out shortly. Wish me luck!

[8ptbuk]

Good time to scout or hang stands . Still hunt If you must .

[DaveShooter]

I have still hunted before in the wind not really my favorite the wind that is.
Seems to mess with the Deer's senses as well as my one good ear that works in listening for them in which way or direction they are moving.

[Masboy]

Most time when it,s windy I just pick the side of a hill that ,s not affected as much or down in the creek bottom out of the wind if I can.

[Pydpiper]

I like to hunt big winds, or big rain, but not both at the same time.
Great time to spot and stalk. if you know where the deer bed, or seek shelter.

Here is some good info:

http://bowsite.com/bowsite/features/pra ... wind-rain/

[cevans]

You will find a buck in full rut is crazy and doesn't care what the weather is like. I have killed big racked bucks in the 40mph, blowing snow and 20 degrees of miserable cold. Most deer will seek cover or a draw to get out of the elements when severe, but a ruttin buck is at his weakest moment and you have to be there when he is present. Same goes with rain or snowing like all get out and same goes with intense fog...deer love it as well. Can't kill deer on the couch. Keep hunting.