Movement during rain?

I was going to go hit the woods tomorrow but now they are calling for rain. If its just a light rain will the deer still be moving? im trying to decide if i want to go sit or not. What have you guys experienced during the rain. The only time i sat in the rain i saw nothing. and help would be great thanks

 

I love to hunt right after a rain as it gets them up and moving or set up a ground blind to stay dry and just wait and see what comes by

 

what about during though? do they just decide to bed down till it stops

 

Usually they bed down and get out of the rain in my area

 

Funny you should ask this. Tuesday afternoon I went out around 2, got into the woods as it started sprinkling. Within the next half hour, it started pouring. I sat there for 5 hours in the rain, wondering if I'd even see one, and sure enough, around 5:30, the deer were moving, but they were out of range for a shot. So to answer your question, yes they'll move in the rain. One thing I noticed though, they seemed like they were very aware of their surroundings. This could be because they cant pick up scent/sound as well in the rain and they have to be more alert

 

Thanks for the post. I want to sit tomorrow but even if i do get a shot the rain would wash away any bloods trail.

 

Yes they will. Seen one out of range in the rain Monday. I really like to hunt in the rain. If I have the chance early season, I sit no matter if I have a good feeling about the sit or not. To me it is just plain nice and enjoyable to sit in the rain in a tree. That's as long as it is not thundering.

 

Deer live outside 24/7/365 and they are built for it.

The reason most people don't hunt during the rain is because they don't like it not that it impacts deer movement. Rain has little impact on deer movement unless it is ungodly and accompanied by heavy winds(where I hunt anyway) and even then I've seen deer movement. Early season I like hunting with rain because often when it stops bucks will get out and start freshening (is that a word ) up their scrapes.

You should be aware that knowingly hunting with rain falling or in the forecast could lead to problems tracking your deer and you may want to be even more picky when it comes to shot selection. Just my .02, good luck.

 

If you can get your hands on the deer and deer hunting mathews edition for Oct. magazine they have a great article in there about hunting in the rain, I got it from my grocery store. Im sure you will get a lot of info from everyone here though to. My experience from hunting in the rain hasnt been the best for me though. But if your not in the woods youll never know if that big one walked right in front of your stand with that perfect lane and broad side shot!

 

Thanks guys. i wont mind sitting out there. the thing that worries me the most is if there is a shot opportunity and its raining how much of the trail will get washed away. but it will probably come down to a last minute decision tomorrow when i see how the rain actually is.

 

I have sat through rain a few times. One time in particular it was pouring and I didn't have on rain gear. The stand was in a tree that kinda bent and hung over my head. I still go very wet. I remember saying what am I doing 20 ft up in a tree in a down pour lol. As soon as it stopped I had a spike come through. I ended up seeing 3 other deer shortly after. From my experiences deer will more right before and right after rain.
Just something to keep in mind. I shot my first buck right before the sun went down. Hit him a little forward and about 10 minutes later it started raining. I found half my arrow and very little blood. It really started to come down and it was dark and I backed out. Next day I looked ALL day and never found him. To this day if it's raining I try not to hunt. As long as you get a good double lung you will find the deer rain or no rain. If you have to track good luck. So my advice to you is yes it can be worth it to hunt in the rain but do not take marginal shots.

 

Sticknstringarchery....I agree with you there is something very enjoyable about sitting in a tree in rain. And even better in snow. Theres nothing like watching the snow fall through the woods. It's just tranquil. Kinda puts me in a daze. God I love hunting in snow!

 

Nothing better then hunting during a good snow storm

 

Now snow is a different story. I love hunting in the snow!

 

Looks like the rain might leet up by the time im suppose to get the stand. Im hoping it does so i can get a sit in tonight. but ill be checking the weather probably ever hour