Today’s forecast calls for a 100% chance of weather.

Weather shouldn’t decide whether or whether not you should weather the weather.

I know some hunters that let the moon or the chance of rain be the main reason they are going to take to the field, or not. The main reason I watch the weather is to know what type of gear I need to pack so I can be ready for the elements. I’m going, regardless. Okay, maybe not if a complete washout is forecasted, and the roads around camp would be too sloppy and get my truck stuck. It helps if you can talk to the “locals” where you’ll be hunting. Get the phone number of the farmer, rancher, landowner, gas station or restaurant nearby. Most of the time, they’ll be happy to give you a personalized “current conditions” update that’s much more helpful than the broad overview of your local TV station.

Typically, the weather is going to affect you more than the deer. You should have enough gear packed to feel confident in the woods. You don’t want to be spending your hunting trip missing game because you are missing some gear. Let’s take a look at different types of weather, how it affects both parties involved and what we can do about it.

Moon phase. Don’t worry about it. I’ve seen deer the morning after a full moon when it was a cloudless night. It was a perfect condition for those deer to be up all night wandering around and feeding. It didn’t make them “stay in bed” the next morning. If I had read the solunar tables and skipped the morning hunt, I would have lost out on any chance of shooting deer.

Wind. As per my past hunting experiences, this weather element had the most negative affect as far as seeing deer. They just don’t like wind. It takes away their defenses. They can’t hear as well. So many more noises are added to their environment. Tree branches rub together and break off. There’s the constant rustling of the weeds and grasses. It messes with their noses. They can’t tell where a certain scent is coming from with swirling winds. For doe, this can be frustrating when attempting to keep the fawns close by. Bucks can’t accurately trail the ladies’ attractive “perfume”. Additionally, wind is dangerous to both sexes because they can’t detect the already deceptive predators. Wind complicates deer’s vision. Deer rely on their sight to spot things moving around them. Specifically, toward them. With wind driven movement added to the mix, it makes the deer want to lay down and hide in long grass or in thick undergrowth. Aside from a few instances, that’s where I’ve found them when it’s windy.

Rain keeps ‘em down, too. I can’t recall seeing them in a downpour, but everything else from a light mist to moderate rain showers has not completely taken away my ability to view deer. If you have your rain gear, go hunting. If you have shelter that deters the rain even a little, go hunting. If your firearm gets wet, it won’t melt. Just remember to care for it after the hunt. Two main tips for ya’. Remove moisture from the gun using a product specifically formulated for such a task. Also, use a quality oil that has rust preventive properties. Read the reviews about the products. Then buy them and use them! Now that I’ve told you to hunt in the rain, let me tell you don’t hunt when there is the threat or presence of lightning. It’s not worth it. That’s when you stay in camp and crawl back in your sleeping bag!

While on the subject of precipitation, let’s talk about the frozen variety. For our hunting brethren from the north, this is a common occurrence. In Texas, it’s happens less often, especially the farther south you go. One of my favorite hunts happened while I was sitting in the stand during a snowfall. I felt like God was smiling at me. As the snow collected on rocks and branches, it also started settling on top of the deer’s backs. Deer look really cool when they’re wearing snow coats. If you’re fortunate enough to shoot a deer when there’s snow on the ground, it can be incredibly helpful when following a blood trail. It also helps us spot deer in the woods, because they contrast with a white background instead of vanishing into the natural hues of the snowless outdoors. Ice, such as sleet or freezing rain can help out a hunter because it emphasizes the sound of deer hooves stepping on the ground. Just be careful climbing up and down the stand and walking on icy rocks. You don’t want to bust your bohiney or garble your gear.

Dry leaves help us hear deer. I used to hunt at the edge of a small clearing that was surrounded by post oaks. I loved the thick carpet of leaves that deer couldn’t avoid walking on. That was a long time ago. Now, I still listen for the “crunch, crunch, crunch…” of them coming toward me which helps me prepare for their arrival. For example, I’ll put my water bottle down, grab my rifle, adjust my body to be in the optimal shooting position and double check my gear. You don’t want the walkie talkie to fall off your lap or to knock over gear with your clunky boots when deer are around.

Extreme cold. Layer, layer, layer. Protect your extremities. Wear gloves and liners. Wear sock liners. Cover your head. A significant (the exact percentage is debated) amount of heat is lost from your head. Use a moisture drinking under layer next to your skin. Next up, put on a middle layer that traps your body head and keeps it from escaping. The outer layer should provide protection from wind and precipitation. There’s plenty of products out there. Look ‘em up. How do the deer like low temperatures? I like to think it makes them frisky. I imagine they’d like to forage for some “comfort food” that will warm their belly, as a good chicken fried steak does for me. As a result, we might see deer moving about not only in search of food, but also in an attempt to keep the blood flowing.

Extreme heat. It’s been so hot here in Texas during bow season, I’ve stripped down to my camo boxers in a desperate attempt to get some relief. Sorry for the mental image, but it’s necessary to stress effects of weather extremes. Make sure you have plenty of water with you in the stand. If you have a long walk or ride back to camp, have enough for the trip especially if you get detoured along the way. It’s dangerous to be stuck outside in the heat without water. When you do make it back to camp, if you have outside chores on your honey do list, take a tip from our farmer and rancher friends. Many people who work outside for a living utilize time tested methods of keeping “cool” when cool is in short supply. It actually can help to put some clothes on. Use loose fitting, long sleeved clothing! It keeps the body from being exposed to the sun, thus minimizing sunburn. When you sweat, that moisture is transferred to the shirt which creates a wind cooled layer above the skin. Put on a wide brimmed hat that protects the face, neck and shoulders from sun. A wet scarf works wonders, too. A good ol’ pair of blue jeans protect your leg meat from scratches and scrapes so you can work without having to work gingerly while wearing shorts. Occasionally wet your head, including your ears. Those serve the purpose of radiators. Take frequent breaks and drink water before you need it. Deer also need water, so if you have access to a stock pond or a creek, hunt it. You might be able to catch them while they’re thirsty.

Guess what? I’ve seen deer during all of the aforementioned types of weather. The bottom line is, if you have time in your schedule to go hunting, and more importantly, permission, don’t be too concerned about the weather. Go. Go quickly! Be aware of the forecast, but remember a forecast is merely a weather prediction. You’ll have much better chances of shooting a deer from your stand in the woods than sitting on your couch, watching the radar loop. Get out there. Soak it in.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 at 9:33 pm and is filed under Lessons from the Stand.