If there’s one thing you have to learn when hunting deer, it’s that not everything revolves around the best equipment you have. Sure, you have ground blinds or the best scope mount, but these will not work if you are incapable of knowing how to use it and create the best hunting strategies! And how can you begin with strategizing? Through knowing your game, of course. You will need to know when to hunt and the times deer move most throughout the day so you won’t waste time. So, when do deer move the most?
Read on as I show you all the answers you need to know!
When Do Deer Move The Most?
Deer move the most around food sources and their beddings. They sleep for about half an hour after dawn, staying within their beddings until dusk arrives. They then move around during some times come morning time, though usually a short distance for urination or changing beds. Deer would normally begin feeding themselves as the night falls.
Besides basing it on the time, deer would mostly move around during cooler atmospheres but not too windy. High winds would restrain a deer’s sense of smell while storms would have them hide for cover. Fluctuating barometric weight equals more deer movement.
Discover more: How to Read Topo Maps For Deer Hunting: All The Helpful Tips You Need
When Should I Hunt For Deer?
A crucial thing to consider when hunting is the times you plan to hunt. How will you be able to hunt without knowing when deer are out and moving the most? While you can hunt any time of the day (as allowed from your state), there are certain advantages and disadvantages hunting has at those certain times.
Hunt In The Morning
When hunting during the morning, make sure that you enter your tree stand or any strategic area near its bedding before daylight. What’s great about the morning hunt is that bucks are often caught off guard. Another huge plus is that you have darkness by your side as you sneak into your tree stand or hunting blind. You get into position quicker and easier this way.
On the other hand, you may end up spooking deer and having them run away. It can also hinder you from getting into your position quietly since you won’t be able to see any obstacles that may cause noise. Small headlights may end up waking deer up and having them run.
Hunt In The Afternoon
When you are hunting during the afternoon, it’s a bit easier to remain undetected as you are able to see wherever you are going and the obstacles without the need for extra light. But that depends on where you are! If you are hunting near where food is, then don’t expect very successful results. I don’t really recommend you to hunt for deer during this time, but to use it for preparation. This is because deer are usually active during the dawn and dusk.
But if you aren’t able to hunt during those times, then not to worry, you may still catch sight of a buck or two roaming around the fields. Simply remain undetected while doing so.
Read more: Do Deer Move In The Rain? The Facts You Need To Check Out For A Great Hunt!
Hunt In The Evening
If you plan on hunting during the evening, then you’re just in luck! Deer movement is highly predictable during these times as their focus would be on FOOD. The movements of deer during the evening are visible and coordinated, making it easier to spot and make your attack. It’s known that hunting during the evening yields more kills than any time of the day, as long as you plan your position right!
I recommend you to stay and wait on your stand during the day, making it easier to remain undetected.
On the other hand, hunting during the evening does have its disadvantages. It’s difficult to track deer during the dark and it can still be quite difficult getting out of your stand during the night!
Here’s an excellent video on deer hunting strategies to help you out:
In Conclusion
And there you have it! Hunting isn’t only based on the top-of-the-line equipment or packing in a sleeping bag and tent to stay in the field for days. As long as you are able to create the best plans and know when you should hunt based on deer movements, you’ll be able to capture a trophy buck you’ll be proud to take home.
I hope that this article answered your question, “When do deer move the most?” Now that you are familiar with the best time you should be out hunting, start making your plans today!
If you have any questions or would like to share your tips and experiences on when deer move the most around your area, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.
Hey Mitchell thank you for pointing out the pros and cons on the time of day to hunt for deer. I mainly hear stories on hunting in the early morning. However, it makes sense to try some early evening hunting too. The next time I go to the deer camp I will plan on trying a evening hunt even if it means that I will have to be late for the campfire dinner.
When on a bedding-to-feeding pattern, deer movement is often very predictable. This is especially true during the early part of bow season and the late part of the season when their primary focus is food. Unlike the early mornings I mentioned when they sometimes trickle in over a few hours, their evening movements are often coordinated and very visible as they move down the trails all at once, heading to fill their empty bellies. More whitetails have probably been killed in the last hour of daylight for this very reason than at any other hour of the day or night.
Another obvious advantage to the evening hunt is the ease with which you can sneak into your stand location. If you’re heading in during the daylight, you can often get yourself in position several hours in advance to allow your scent to dissipate somewhat.