Where Do Deer Go When It Rains?

When rain falls, it’s deemed the most challenging time for most hunters, whether hunting big or small. Consequently, many hunters will wonder where do deer go when it rains. In rainy conditions, deer will take shelter, and this minimizes their movement. All the same, rain isn’t any hunter’s favored hunting weather condition.

But if you’re experienced and proficient enough, it’s the best time to take down deer. Therefore, rain shouldn’t stop you from hunting deer, and you just need to understand their behavior when it rains. In this weather, deer will move short distances and back to where they bed. But if it’s raining at their feeding time or they haven’t fed, you’ll see them frequently nourishing under this weather.

Nevertheless, it’ll depend on how heavily it’s pouring to find deer roaming and strolling for food, shelter, and warmth. Sometimes you’ll find them completely soaked in the rain, minding their business without being bothered about the danger surrounding them.

When It Rains Where Do Deer Go?

Rain will pour in different moderations, ranging from drizzling, moderate, and heavy to extreme rainfall. When it pours steadily, deer will go on their business as usual, whether day or night. If the rain is heavy or intense, then seeking shelter is usually the priority.

Where Do Deer Go When it Rains during Daytime?

When it rains in the daytime, deer will continue bedding in the dense woods where they habitually go although, it will depend on the rain’s extremity. 

However, if they have gone for more than 8 hours at least without feeding, then they’ll come out to feed regardless of whether it’s drizzling or pouring heavily.

Where Do Deer Go When it Rains during Nighttime?

This period starts from dusk and the time when deer are most active according to different notions. However, this will change with the rain variations, and each will encourage a particular activity. 

If it rains heavily through the night, you’re bound to find them wandering in search of food. 

How Do the Rains Affect Deer Livelihood and Hunting Activities

Which Months Is Deer Hunting Affected By Rain?

Hunting deer requires you to understand the rainy months when they’re found sufficiently. From October to November, the rain will pour heavily, but storms are rarely experienced. Then again, it’s not to say weather conditions can’t change. 

Does Rain Affect Rutting and Sighting?

Even the extreme weather condition isn’t going to stop deer from mating. When it’s the rutting season, deer are preoccupied with finding mates and food. Deer hunters should take note of this fact. Bucks will have increased activity during the rut, and it doesn’t matter if it’s raining.

If it’s raining during the rut, deer and mostly bucks come out in numbers searching for their mates. Subsequently, this affects their sighting in a positive essence. It means you’re sure to spot deer in moderate or large numbers in rut season. 

Why Does Deer Sense Of Scent Get Sharper When It Rains?

When it’s pouring, the air will get fresher and clean. Even for deer or human beings, the petrichor phenomenon is intensified during this event. This is usually caused by the volatile nature of bacteria, which reacts with dry soil. Consequently, it generates a sharp earthly scent that’s descriptive to both deer and hunters.

Basically, when it rains, aerosols bond with rainwater, and this creates the coagulation process. This clears the air by removing any unwanted air particles, both organic and inorganic. In the deep woods, the filtering of these particles helps the deer to intensify or amplify their sense of smell. Hence, when you undertake hunting after it rains, deer will smell your scent before you see it.

It’s the primary reason why deer scent senses are at their peak since they clearly smell the air around them. You, therefore, need to check out tips on how to keep deer from smelling you.

Deer Hunting When It Rains: Benefits and Drawbacks

Deer hunting requires an understanding of the aces and confines when it rains. Hunters have a choice of tracking and spotting deer during or after the rain. But many prefer to hunt deer immediately after the rain has stopped.

Here are some of the benefits and limitations that encompass deer hunting when it pours. 

Advantages of Deer Hunting When it Rains

Just because it’s pouring heavily or otherwise, skilled hunters will experience some benefits when deer hunting.

Damp Leaves and Branches Produce Minimal Noise 

Rain leads to wet conditions, which is good because leaves and branches produce minimal noise when browsing. When hunters come in contact with these after the rain, deer can barely hear you. This creates a plus since creeping on deer under such conditions is made easier.

Reduced Hunting Pressure

For many, deer hunting when it rains releases pressure because fewer hunters are involved at this time. During the heavy pour, most hunters will keep off hunting deer, and it’s the best time to go after your hunt. You will find fewer or no hunters at this period, which gives you an advantage.

Deer Distraction

Deer are most distracted when it’s raining. The pour will distract deer and makes it hard for them to hear your footsteps or noise. Meaning it’s easier to sneak up on them in their hiding without them spotting you.

Increased Deer Movement

In heavy downpour or storm, deer will continuously move to find favorable bedding spots. With increased deer movement, it increases the probability of acing deer without much hustle. It’s in regard to tailing and spotting the deer.

Drawbacks of Deer Hunting When it Rains

Visibility Problems

Hunting deer when it’s raining causes visibility issues, especially if you’re using a riflescope. Spotting deer using sights may prove difficult, considering vapor is prevalent under this condition. You can, however, pair your rifle with scopes that are fog proof and waterproof.

Compromised Hearing

Irrespective of a hunters’ experience, clearly hearing deer is somehow challenging when it’s raining. It’s the reason many hunters will have a break and wait for the rain to reduce or go. Even though you’re at an advantage when it rains due to dampness, your hearing will be affected.

Guns Failing

This happens when firearms are exposed to rain, but it depends on the kind of weapon you’re using. But usually, moisture may make the gun fail when loading the muzzle or pulling the trigger.

Final Verdict

Where deer go when it rains depends on the amount of rainfall to affect their holistic movements. If the rain is minimal, deer will continue with their activities. But when it pours significantly, then there is a limitation on their movement.