Best Time of Day to Hunt Deer

The best time to hunt deer depends on several factors, including the time of year, the weather and more importantly, the time of day. It is often recommended to go deer hunting early in the morning or at the end of the day, but both of these times have several advantages and disadvantages. Knowing your hunting grounds, learning to properly track deer and carefully preparing for the trip can make the difference between a successful hunt and one that’s outright boring one.  

Best Deer Hunting Times

The best time to go deer hunting is during the early hours of the morning and in the evening, when deer are most active. Most deer will sleep during the day and move to their grazing areas during the night and the early hours of the morning.

If it’s not rut season, the best time to go hunting is during the evening, because the deer are more predictable with their eating and nesting habits. The late afternoon light will allow you to get into a better position with optimal visibility. The main thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to avoid spooking the deer. During rut season, you can also try your luck during midday. Bucks often get distracted with looking for does and act unpredictably, taking more risks and ignoring their survival instincts.  

Weather Aspects

Another important aspect you need to consider when hunting deer is the general weather. Deer are generally smart and will seek shelter when weather conditions are rough, opting to feed when the weather is more pleasant.   

Hunting in the Wind  

The wind can be a hunter’s worst enemy if he is not using it in their favor. Deer have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and can sense your presence from a mile away if the wind is blowing in their direction – so it’s always a good idea to evaluate the wind before deciding on the best time of day to hunt deer.