When’s the Best Time to Go Hunting?
If you are an avid hunter, you may be wondering: when is the best time to hunt for whitetail deer? Will you have more luck during the morning, midday, or in the evening hours? It is possible to track deer habits, such as when and where the deer feed, in order to ascertain the best time of day to hunt. There are general rules to follow when it comes to hunting times, but it is also possible to break those rules under certain conditions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of hunting at different times of the day, from the morning to the twilight hours. We’ll talk about when and how deer move throughout the day. We’ll also talk about the feeding and sleeping habits of deer, which can help you determine when they will be most vulnerable to being hunted. With our comprehensive guide, you’ll be sure to catch that trophy buck in no time!
When’s the best time to go deer hunting?
During deer hunting season, the general rule when it comes to deer movement is that they move during the beginning and end of the day. These are usually the peak times for a deer hunt, during which you will be able to catch more deer.
However, it is possible to spot them during other times of the day. For instance, a rainfall that messes with a deer’s senses of smell and hearing might cause them to come out during the day. You may be able to hunt deer during this time.
Read on to learn more about hunting deer at the various times of the day and what that entails.
Morning vs Evening Hunts
Early in the morning and late in the evening are the two best hunting times, during which you will see a lot of deer movement. Each has its own benefits.
In the evening time, a deer will most likely be finding food after a day of slumber. At this time when they haven’t eaten yet, they are especially vulnerable to being hunted. The drawback of hunting in the evening is the fact that it is getting darker, not lighter, during this time of day, giving you a limited window of visibility.
In the morning, deer are getting ready for bed. When they see the sun, they rush into their beds, and are especially vulnerable during this time. As a bonus, the day is only going to get brighter, increasing your visibility. This is a great time to hunt deer.
Midday hunting
There are a few factors that can cause a deer to be out and about at midday. The first is during rain fall, which affects the deer’s senses. Another thing to keep an eye on is the moon phase. Deer are more likely to come out during the day during a full moon, and as the moon waxes their habits change. During the last quarter moon, they may move in the late afternoon. During a new moon, they might be out and about late in the morning.
Can you hunt at night?
While many hunters think that nighttime is the best time to hunt, this is illegal in all states. What’s more is that you are not allowed to use night vision goggles or artificial lighting that would be necessary for hunting at night.
Minor Weather Events
As mentioned before, weather events such as rain can affect a deer’s senses, causing them to be out at different times than usual.
Watching the weather is also very useful for determining when you will run into deer on a hunt. When warm weather comes after a cold night, they are more likely to get up early and seek out warm, sunny areas. If you know where a deer’s food source is in relation to their sleeping quarters, you can catch them on the way from bed to food.
The Sleeping Habits of Deer
When they sleep, deer cover themselves for protection from predators, such as hunters. They often have three to five different bed sites that they might use annually. They bed in places that keep them safe from winds. Bucks are known to wake up in the middle of the night and eat.
Food, Water, and Frequency
The eating habits of a deer can help hunters determine the best time to catch them. They eat around five times daily, and then the deer move around to different food sources. The best time to find deer, based on their feeding schedule, is one hour before dark. After this feeding, they will move into their bedding area. This is a great time to catch them off guard.
Deer are also known for having a bed near their water source, as they drink three to five quarts of water daily. When the weather is hot, look for small water sources that are close to deer bedding areas. This is a great way to track them down.
FAQs
What time do deer come out?
You’re most likely to spot deer moving during the early morning hours or the late evening hours. Certain factors, such as weather, can influence them to come out during the day. Knowing what causes a deer to make an appearance, where their beds are, and where their feeding areas are located can prove to be of great assistance to a deer hunter.
What is the earliest time you can shoot a deer?
It is illegal to hunt at night in all fifty states, so the earliest time to shoot a deer is when the sun first rises in the morning.
What is a deer’s daily routine?
Deer sleep during the day. They go to feed in the early morning hours and in the late evening hours. A great time to catch them off guard is when they are between the bed and their feeding. Knowing where a deer sleeps and feeds can prove useful to a hunter, and can help you determine the best time to catch that big buck.
How much water does a deer drink daily?
The average deer drinks three to five quarts of water daily.