Seeking Opinions on hunting in the wind

Sacred Hunter

New Member
I am a new member and, after 28 years of guiding waterfowl, I am seeking to improve my deer hunting skills here in Vermont. I am perplexed buy the multitude of answers I have gotten from various locals and would like to hear how you have successfully hunted in high winds. Should I just "lay low" in my recliner and wait it out, or do you have a strategy that has worked for you? -Bradley
 
Bucks will still move in the wind. Get to a place that is out of the strongest winds, downwind side of a hill, or better yet a blind in a low lying area.
 
For our area, the highest deer movement we ever see during a year is a cloudy day in late November with light rain and moderate temperatures and no wind at all and , and the lowest deer movement that we see all year is a very windy day anytime during the year, but especially in the winter.
In deer hunting there are always 4-5 main factors dictating hunting success, and many more minor factors. The wind is only a part of the equation, but all else being equal, the higher the wind gets, the less deer tend to move. Now if it's during the rut that will make a big difference, deer will be moving regardless, and a lot of trophy stories begin with "It was a cold windy day in November".
The main reason that deer will tend to move less in the wind is because two out of three of their main defense mechanisms are negated, as in their hearing and their sense of smell, so, often when you see deer on a really windy day they are super skittish, because they only have their eyes left as a line of defense against predators. On a very windy days I have often walked past single deer that were bedded without being noticed, but on a windy day a group of deer is usually facing multiple directions for the purpose of mutual safety.
So in answer to your question, like swat and ksq2 said, deer will move well on a nice steady directional breeze, and the breeze is good for keeping your scent from swirling, it's a good day to go hunting. If I've travelled a distance on a pre-planned hunt for multiple days and it's a blustery high wind day, I will be hunting anyway, but normally if it's a blustery high wind day and I have a choice, I won't be going hunting.
 
For our area, the highest deer movement we ever see during a year is a cloudy day in late November with light rain and moderate temperatures and no wind at all and , and the lowest deer movement that we see all year is a very windy day anytime during the year, but especially in the winter.
In deer hunting there are always 4-5 main factors dictating hunting success, and many more minor factors. The wind is only a part of the equation, but all else being equal, the higher the wind gets, the less deer tend to move. Now if it's during the rut that will make a big difference, deer will be moving regardless, and a lot of trophy stories begin with "It was a cold windy day in November".
The main reason that deer will tend to move less in the wind is because two out of three of their main defense mechanisms are negated, as in their hearing and their sense of smell, so, often when you see deer on a really windy day they are super skittish, because they only have their eyes left as a line of defense against predators. On a very windy days I have often walked past single deer that were bedded without being noticed, but on a windy day a group of deer is usually facing multiple directions for the purpose of mutual safety.
So in answer to your question, like swat and ksq2 said, deer will move well on a nice steady directional breeze, and the breeze is good for keeping your scent from swirling, it's a good day to go hunting. If I've travelled a distance on a pre-planned hunt for multiple days and it's a blustery high wind day, I will be hunting anyway, but normally if it's a blustery high wind day and I have a choice, I won't be going hunting.

I would argue that wind also affects sight, deer see movement, everything is moving in the wind.

G
 
Few more things to add…
When it comes to deer movement in wind, I’m guessing it all depends on where you’re hunting. If deer didn’t move in healthy winds, they would starve in Kansas. lol
I read a study recently that came to the conclusion that wind affected doe movement much more than bucks. Wish I could remember where for documentation.
If you are bowhunting, a stiff wind within reason, is much more preferable than no wind. Deer are so nervous when there in no wind whatsoever, they hardly move at all around here. Windy days allow for getting to your stand more stealthily, and a stiff wind covers the sound of the shot, which is a huge advantage. Yeah, I like wind.
 
Here's the most profound deer advice you'll ever get:

Hang, and use, some observation stands and trail cams. Glass/learn from afar for your specific engagment.

What deer do in one area is not the same as another....especially with you being in the NE. I like in wNY and hunt all over. Theres nothing in common between areas other than theyre deer. What is the norm? What is the season? What is the pressure? What is the cover? What is the rut phase? ...... Watch yours, and learn yours. I know it sounds dumb but advice is based on perspective and best proceedings on data.
 
I am a new member and, after 28 years of guiding waterfowl, I am seeking to improve my deer hunting skills here in Vermont. I am perplexed buy the multitude of answers I have gotten from various locals and would like to hear how you have successfully hunted in high winds. Should I just "lay low" in my recliner and wait it out, or do you have a strategy that has worked for you? -Bradley
I feel confident with calm winds but have been known to sit in a stand with a strong north wind cutting me in half. During the rut, hunt when you can.
 
I have great luck not getting winded on windy days.

Windy days don't seem to affect deer movement where I hunt. Feels like it should but that hasn't been my observation.

Windy days make for great stalking into bedding areas and travel corridors.

Final piece of advice; it's hunting... go try stuff, have fun, make bold moves, learn from the mistakes you're bound to make.
 
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