Deer Hunting in the Rain – Is It Worth It?
By Vance Collins
I open my eyes with the distinct awareness of my 5:30 a.m. alarm sounding off on my cell phone. As I groan and roll over to hit the snooze button, I notice the sound of light rain bouncing off my tin roof. Most people would choose to do what’s easy: continue to hit the snooze button, and settle back in for a few more hours of sleep. This is a mistake.
Deer Movement During Light Rain
During periods of moderate to light rainfall, deer continue to do what deer do. Some biologists even suggest that slight precipitation can increase deer movement. After all, they spend their entire lives outside, no matter the weather. You can have a serious leg up on most other deer hunters just by getting out of the bed on a rainy day.
The worst part of hunting during inclement weather is the discomfort, but sometimes the discomfort pays off. I’ve braved the elements and have been rewarded with empty parking lots at some of my favorite public-land spots and numerous deer sightings on several occasions.
Advantages of Hunting in the Rain
The biggest advantage I’ve found from hunting during the rain is when slip-, or still-hunting. The wet understory can dampen the sound of footsteps, allowing you to get closer to your quarry. Spending the day sitting in your stand on a hot feed-tree or on a nice travel route can be equally effective, especially during the rut. It seems deer can be less weary and almost carefree during times of light precipitation. When it’s dry and clear outside, I get busted by the slightest wrong move; when it’s wet and soggy, I seem to get away with a few more mistakes.
Things to Consider when Hunting in the Rain
Taking the shot is an important consideration when deer hunting in the rain. Our human senses are like everything else around you–dampened. Visually tracking blood can become a real challenge when everything is wet, and even if the deer goes a short distance, you usually can’t hear where or when they crash due to the background noise. Thankfully, a canine’s sense of smell is improved by all the moisture in the air; for this reason I highly recommend keeping a friend with a good tracking dog on speed dial if you plan on capitalizing on the opportunity.
There have been times when I have chosen to sit during a torrential downpour. This past season, I sat from about noon until dark, clutching my tree during one of these periods in the middle of Arkansas’ rut without seeing a single creature. I do not recommend such miserable adventures. Other times I have sat in a stand and seen deer after deer pour into a green field while the rain fell. I will gladly hunt a heavy rainfall if the weatherman is calling for the rain to subside, especially just before dawn or dusk. These times can be a magical first or last few minutes of the day that most people will miss because they refuse to brave the weather.
Hunting in the rain can be worth it–and it also can be miserable. Don’t forget that some of the same things that benefit you also benefit the deer. Your footsteps are silent, and so are theirs. Deer have better olfactory senses than a dog, so they can smell you better in the rain than when it’s dry. The same constant movement from drips of water and wind that can make it hard for a deer to notice your movement also disguises theirs.
Use common sense, look at the radar, and make your decision, and most of all be safe. If you think you’re up to the challenge, grab a raincoat and take your soaking. It just might pay off.
Vance Collins
