Wind this Weekend

[Pav2704]

How much does gusty wind effect deer movement this time of the year???  It seems like every weekend I get a chance to hunt the wind is blowing.  This weekend the wind gusts are expected to be around 25mph in the area where I hunt.  Is it worth going up with wind like this?  Will the deer still be moving?  Would it be better to take some personal/vacation time and go up during the week when the wind dies down?  Opinions please!!!

[steve863]

You can see deer when you least expect to, but given a choice of hunting on a windy day or one that wasn't windy, I'd definitely go with NO wind.  So easy to miss seeing deer when everything is noisy and trees and foliage blowing all over the place.  Nothing like those calm days when you can hear something moving before you see it.  My luck has been way better on those calm days.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 30, 2014 by steve863

[ATbuckhunter]

Ive had them move on windy days but they're usually running around because they're scared of the wind. Most of the deer I see on windy days are during the times when the wind isnt blowing hard. 

[phade]

I prefer wind over no wind.

 

Noise cover on entry, defined scent cone on steady winds, and so on.

 

Low areas, low areas with food sources, and thick brushy areas with limited shooting/visibility are where I look to be on heavy wind days. Low areas block wind, low areas with open fields (food or grassy cover) can work well if they don't block wind as much (I've seen more mature bucks in open on windy days - using vision where their nose and ears cant work as well), or thick cover where the wind is blocked and you get some thermal temp bump...big boys like to play in there and roam freely. Wind also helps cover your entry into those spots to get in tight.

 

Now, wind can be alot, but at this time of year, I wouldn't be worrying about it.

Edited October 30, 2014 by phade

[landtracdeerhunter]

Deer move, windy or not. Here, they tend to stay more nocturnal during wind.  On my other farm, they come right out in the open in the day light.

 

This time of year, you most likely see a buck anytime. Get out there and get your deer!

Edited October 30, 2014 by landtracdeerhunter

[Taylormike]

This is somewhat easy of an answer.  Get in the woods any chance you can, especially because these are the best weeks.  However, I have to agree with Steve 100% way better having no wind.  It is such an advantage to hear them come before you actually lay eyes on them.

[grampy]

I prefer wind over no wind.

Noise cover on entry, defined scent cone on steady winds, and so on.

Low areas, low areas with food sources, and thick brushy areas with limited shooting/visibility are where I look to be on heavy wind days. Low areas block wind, low areas with open fields (food or grassy cover) can work well if they don't block wind as much (I've seen more mature bucks in open on windy days - using vision where their nose and ears cant work as well), or thick cover where the wind is blocked and you get some thermal temp bump...big boys like to play in there and roam freely. Wind also helps cover your entry into those spots to get in tight.

Now, wind can be alot, but at this time of year, I wouldn't be worrying about it.

[grampy]

That is some awesome advice phade.

I have a couple of very thick south facing slopes that I'll be hunting this weekend.

[Pav2704]

Thanks guys!!! I think I'm going to head up tomorrow night after trick or treating with the kids and stay through Tuesday. Hopefully the wind dies down at some point!! Good luck to all heading out this weekend!!

[Zag]

One windy day yrs ago during bow the wind was whipping like no tomorrow, after about an 1 1/2 hrs into my morning hunt I hadn't seen a thing I convinced myself to get out. As soon as I hit the base of the tree I looked up the trail and a decent buck was heading right to me until he saw me climb down. I don't know what it is but id rather sit in the rain than the wind.