Is it worth hunting deer in the rain? | The physical training (2023)

fact checked bySteven Lines, lifelong hunter and outdoorsman.

You woke up in the morning looking forward to hunting white-tailed deer or mule deer. But the sky is black and the humidity is high. So, is it worth hunting deer in the rain?

Hunting deer in the rain can be a good option. Light rain does not affect their movement. Heavy rain can disorient the deer. This makes it difficult for them to sense your presence. This will give you a clear shot.

Don't let a bit of rainy weather stop you from taking the opportunity to hunt. Here's everything you need to know to take advantage of the wet conditions.

Should you hunt in the rain?

When most hunters hear that rain is in the forecast, that's a sign it's time to stay home. But if you're okay with getting wet, the rewards can be rich. There are a few reasons for this.

Rain uBad weather can severely impair deer's senses. When it rains, visibility is reduced. This makes it difficult for them to detect movement. Another benefit is that the sound of the rain can block out the noise of a hunter.

One of the main benefits is that the fragrance molecules are flushed away. This makes it more difficult for the deer to detect your scent trail. In combination with the other impaired senses, it is easier for hunters to approach the deer.

Some hunters report seeing more deer activity in the rain. This is due to their limited senses. As it becomes more difficult for them to spot predators, the deer become nervous. Because of this, they will want to move more often. This increases the chances that a hunter can spot a deer.

There is another significant advantage. Most hunters will want to stay home when it rains. Because of this, you get the forest to yourself. You don't have to worry about someone else scaring the deer out of the area.

Finally, some people report that deer are more docile on wet days. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be for you to get a good shot.

What Kind of Rain is Best for Hunters?

Knowing how the type of rain affects deer can be of great benefit to hunters. Let's look at a few scenarios.

Firstly, some days there is high humidity, but it does not rain. This can be beneficial for the deer. The humid air is heavier. This causes the odor molecules to condense. This will make your scent trail more defined. But it keeps the scent from spreading too far.

Next there may be light rain. This may not be enough to remove your scent trail. But it can disorient the deer. As we mentioned earlier, they may become more active when their senses are weakened. Because of this, this can often create good conditions for hunting.

The third option is heavier rain or storm. It is best to consider this in two parts. First you have the downpour. Hunting doesn't make sense at this time. The deer will want to take cover.

But this could be an excellent time to come see youtree stand.In heavy rain, your scent trail will be washed away. It can also help cover your tracks. This means the deer will have a hard time detecting your presence.

However, once the heavy rain has stopped, it can be the ideal time to start hunting. The deer have often been penned up for a long time. That makes her hungry. Once the rain stops, they become more active.

When your scent trail is gone, you will be able to take an excellent position. Because of this, you have the best chance of landing a good shot.

Where do deer go when it rains?

Like humans, deer don't want to be outside during a heavy downpour. Because of this, they tend to move into denser cover. You will still get wet, but spared from the worst heavy rain. Once they've found a decent shelter, they won't want to move around too much until the rain has passed.

What are some tips for hunting in the rain?

Hopefully you now have a better idea of ​​why gun hunting or bow hunting in the rain can be such a lucrative experience. Let's look at some tips to help you get the most out of it.

One of the most important things is proper preparation for the hunt. You will want to leave all electronic devices behind. If the rain can damage it, it's best to leave it in your tent. Usually you want to travel lighter. You don't want a heavy backpack causing you to slide around in the mud.

If it's wet, you can still safely shoot a compound bow. But once you get back to camp, you'll need to dry him off. You should never store your bow wet. This can be a significant problem. This can cause rust and reduce the life of your bow.

It's also important to make sure you're prepared to get wet. Make sure you wear warm clothes and something that will block the water. It's a good idea to get an umbrella and other rain gear for your tree stand. When you get back to camp, change into dry clothes and keep warm. How to avoid hypothermia.

While heavier clothing can be a good option to protect yourself from the rain, they can pose a potential problem when you get to the shooting. If you are not used to the thicker fabric, it may affect your mobility. The best way to overcome this is to practice before hunting. This gives you peace of mind that you are hitting your bucks or bulls with a clean and ethical shot.

You should also choose your place carefully. In light rain, deer don't change their behavior too much. But after heavy rain, they are often hungry and predictably move towards their feeding ground. For this reason, you can get good results by choosing a spot close to a food source. Often things like fruit trees and open fields are good choices.

You have to be more selective about the shots you take. When it's wet it gets a lot harderPursue a mule or white-tailed deer. The trail of blood can be washed away. The good news is that rain and wind can mask the sound of the arch. Sometimes the deer don't even know they were shot. If you get a good shot and the deer sprints, you may need to bring a dog to follow the trail before checking if it's legal in your state.

If you get a good shot and the deer sprints, you may need to bring a dog to follow the trail. Before you do this, check if it's legal in your state.

Final Thoughts

Hunting in the rain can be a great idea. There may be fewer hunters to compete with, giving the remaining deer hunters a number of advantages. You'll find it easier to sneak up on the deer as the water will wash away your scent. This will make the deer more comfortable and give you a better chance of getting a good shot. But you have to make sure you prepare for hunting in the rain.

Pack light, stay as dry as possible, and dry off your bow when you return home. If you do this, you stand a good chance of landing big bucks on a rainy day.

Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. He has hunted and fished since childhood and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. In his spare time Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona and runs aYoutube Kanaldedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.

Sources

• 3 reasons to hunt in the rain
• Should you go deer hunting in the rain?
• Pro tips for hunting whitetail deer in the rain