Deer Movement - Cold

[chucker34]

Other than the fact that I might freeze my n _ ts off tomorrow morning, is it a bad idea to go bowhunting here in Minnesota when the temps will be below 30 degrees? Do deer typically move when its this cold. This would be my first time bowhunting. I want to try then as it might be one of the few free times I can get out there this season. My son was just born four weeks ago and I like to spend as much time on the weekends as I can with him and his mother. Going in the early morning when they're typically sleeping is a nice way to get out there and not miss out on any of this time with them. Your thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

[Ole1855]

Chucker34,

My favorite time to hunt is when the weather is iffy, either foggy, drizzley, cold and the last two weeks of season are my favorites. The only time I don't like to hunt is when the wind is blowing so hard that I have to hold onto the tree or I'll fall out. Just dress appropriately and go early, you don't want to spook the deer out on your way to your stand.

Ole

[BLACKJACK]

I say anytime you can make it out hunting is a good time to go! Deer don't disapear, they still want to fill their bellies. Think about spots that may be a little out of the wind, it will be warmer for you and the deer will also look for the same out of the wind spot.

True story, about 15 years ago I woke up to the second day of deer hunting, it was about 5 above and the wind was roaring. Laid in bed thinking I don't want to go out in that *&^% but couldn't get back to sleep, so went out to a thick woods and shot a nice spike buck!! Was glad I went out!!

[Ole1855]

Blackjack,

I agree, I have found that if the wind is blowing 15-20 mph, the deer tend to move less BUT, I have also found that if the wind is really blowing, I try to hunt from the ground because the deer seem to move again. On one particular hunt up near Effie, many years ago, I was in my stand, the wind came up so strong that there were trees snapping off. I decided sitting in a tree wasn't the best place to be so I got down, found an opening and sat on the edge of a ridge. The deer seemed spooked with all the wind and trees snapping off so they were moving, I didn't shoot any because I didn't find the one I wanted, but I did see deer by not heading back to the cabin.

Ole

[chucker34]

Thanks for all the advice and stories. I had heard before that it makes some deer sit tight but what you've said makes sense and I'm sure I'd regret not going out. : ) Thanks! Now, I'll just worry about what happens if I get one - field dressing. Should be interesting. I bought a video and watched it several times but I'm sure doing it in person will be quite different. I'll just focus on getting the deer first!

[Ole1855]

A couple of real key things to remember when field dressing, don't cut the stomach and don't cut the bladder. If you've never gutted one by yourself, it's not a bad idea to find someone to walk you through it. Where abouts do you hunt? I'm sure someone on here would be more than happy to help you walk through your first one, I would.

Ole

[jlm]

Call me anytime, I would be happy to help you out. I am in the St. Cloud area. Email me an I will give you my number! Good luck!

[MARINERMAGNUM]

chuckster-as tradition goes,if its your 1st BUCK field dressing,don't forget to hang his "coinpurse" on a nearby limb. good luck,and congrats on your newborn!

[chucker34]

Thanks! I will definitely dress warm. How far in advance of shooting time do you think it's good to be there. I was thinking of being in my stand an hour beforehand.

[jlm]

Yes, by all means, get in your stand. Anytime there is a drastic change in temps (as long as it is not too cold) the deer will be on the move. I have had my best hunting during these times. I also love to hunt in poor conditions like ole stated. I would get out and give it a try! Good luck!

[Ole1855]

An hour before sunrise should be fine, that gives you 1/2 hour before legal shooting for everything to calm down.

[bigbucks]

I agree, hunt crappy weather, any big changes, especially to colder. Get out of the wind in big wind, because that's usually where the deer will be.

Dittos on the comment on helping gut a deer, or track or whatever. I'd love to help anybody who needs it. It's "almost" as fun as going after your own, not quite, but almost.