Deer Activity During Windy Conditions???

[pacraf2]

I was curious what type of success everyone generally has when they hunt during windy conditions? I have heard that the deer tend to stay bedded down and not move as much when it is windy, but on the other hand I have heard that it keeps the deer moving. I'm inclined to believe that they don't seem to be as active when it's windy. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[ptbrauch]

From what I've experienced, most animals tend to stay bedded when windy. I'm sure there's exceptions, but that's my general consensus.

[quackrstackr]

Just depends on other factors like the need to feed and the severity of the wind.

On a normal activity day with moderate winds, they'll stay in the thicker stuff and not move a whole lot.

On days where the weather has been bad for extended periods (rain, etc) and you get a break where they can feed, they seem to get way out in the middle of the fields where they can see for great distances and stay away from the thicker stuff.

[ky_hunter72]

I know you can get spoiled watching the outdoor channel and they always see/kill deer in the wind, but me personally have never had any luck on windy days.

[WhiteRubi]

It makes for good spot and stalk hunting. Get the wind in your favor, move slow, and you may just sneak up within bow range. I've done it twice this year a group of does/yearlings.

[Bear Hunter]

I know you can get spoiled watching the outdoor channel and they always see/kill deer in the wind, but me personally have never had any luck on windy days.
Windy days are tough to stay out there for me. I calm, cold, overcast with a slight drizzle. NOW THATS WHAT I'M TALKIN ABOUT!!!

[Luckybuck]

I have seen more mature bucks on windy days in hollars than any other time.

[Silent But Deadly]

I've never seen anything worth shooting move on a windy day. Only those little does that are smaller than my Lab at home (my cut off point for doe size).

[bigd33]

I killed my 2nd.(154) biggest buck during real high wind's:)

[str8 shot]

well since they are rutting right now...i would switch over to one of the thickest areas you have on your place and you know the deer are using

[Multidigits]

It's always windy in Illinois, and they do alright there.

[keith meador]

I know you can get spoiled watching the outdoor channel and they always see/kill deer in the wind, but me personally have never had any luck on windy days.

they are normally hunting the plains states where it is uncommon to hunt on days when the wind isnt blowing. windy days around my place get pretty slow.

[Zack Attack]

I have seen more mature bucks on windy days in hollars than any other time.

Me too. Last year on January 6th my brother and I filmed a good eight in extreme wind. He worked down a grown up creek bed in the middle of a pastor and stopped about sixty yards from us and bedded down. We first saw him about 9:00am by 9:30 he was bedded down facing us with the wind to his back. We rattled, grunted, snorted, wheezed, farted, screamed and no matter what we did we could not get him to look up. The wind was blowing so hard that he could not hear us sixty yards away. Two hours later he gets up and works the creek edge into the woods.
November 15 2007 was windy as all get out and I saw a 110-115 eight work an open ridge with the wind in his face. I got to watch him for about 10:30am until 11:00am.
When I first moved to Ky from Ga I would not go hunting on windy days. Then I realized that if I was going to go hunting I would have to do it in the wind. North Ga does not have near the wind of Ky. I realize Ky does not have near the wind of the midwest. I just deal with the wind and hunt anyway. I just make sure that it is blowing a good direction for my stand.

[NonTyp]

they are normally hunting the plains states where it is uncommon to hunt on days when the wind isnt blowing. windy days around my place get pretty slow.

Right on brother!! In the mid-west it is not IF the wind will blow it is how hard it will blow!!!

[notimlmit]

For the most part of my experiences they hole up but a few years ago I did miss a big 8 with a bow and the wind was blowing 25-30 mph

[Kentucky Cooner]

I disagree with most.Deer move just the same.They have to eat just as we do.And much better odds on fouling there noise.And they know it.
Unless your hunting kansas with 50 mph winds.
But im sure your talking about 15 to 25 mph winds.Hunt the same spots you see deer any other time.

[tex52]

It's always windy in Illinois, and they do alright there.

Well if it is always like that then they are used it and have adapted. We don't have a ton of high wind days here. We had a doe run right through a huge feild for us on a windy day at Peabody...one of only three deer we saw though! I think predominatly in KY though deer don't move as well usually

[Cornpile]

I have seen deer on sunny days,rain,wind ,snow or just about any combination.The main thing is to hunt ,that big buck can show up anytime.Most likely, when you are not expecting him.

[WhiteRubi]

I have seen deer on sunny days,rain,wind ,snow or just about any combination.The main thing is to hunt ,that big buck can show up anytime.Most likely, when you are not expecting him.

TRUE...many days I feel like "This is going to be THE Day" and nothing. Some days it's a struggle to motivate and go that is when you see the deer.