How Much Wind Is Too Much For Deer Hunting?

Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman.

The way that deer move has a lot to do with the weather conditions they face. If you understand this relationship, you’ll have a much better chance of having a successful hunt. But how much wind is too much?

Wind can be good for hunters. Even a light breeze will be enough to increase movement. Often, the effects will be more pronounced in bucks than does. You will get the best hunting conditions when the wind is between 5 to 15 mph. When it’s over 30 mph, the deer will slow, making hunting more difficult.

The strength of the wind can determine whether it’s going to be a good day for hunting or if it will be best to stay at home. Before you decide, here are a few things that you should know.

How Much Wind Is Too Much For Deer Hunting

In this post, we'll cover:

How Can Wind Affect Deer Movement?

Deer are sensitive to the weather. Even a tiny change in the barometric pressures can significantly impact the way they are moving.

But many hunters believe that during high winds, deer will stop moving and take shelter. Despite how persistent this is, there is no evidence that it is true. Multiple studies have shown that the opposite is true. Deer will move further when the wind is blowing strongly.

There multiple studies that have looked into this issue. Research from Penn State University found some interesting results. They divided the wind conditions into three categories; calm, when winds were under one mph, moderate (between one and 15 mph), and strong (between 16 to 30 mph). They found that deer will move about more often when faced with high winds. The stronger the wind was, the more movement increased.

There are a few other results from that study. First, they discovered that the increased movement occurred regardless of whether or not it was raining. Perhaps more relevant, though, is the way that wind affected the sexes. Bucks were more likely to move on windy days, traveling longer distances than the does.

Findings by the Ohio State University back up this research. They also tracked deer movement and concluded that hunters’ sweet spot is between five to 15 mph. They found that light winds can stifle movement. Though once the wind reaches over 30 mph, movement also tends to slow.

However, this can have the opposite effect at night. At these times, a strong wind can suppress movement.

Why Does Wind Affect Deer?

While there is mounting evidence that deer will move more frequently in high winds, scientists are still trying to figure out why this might be the case. However, there are a few theories.

Some people have speculated that it could be linked to their ability to sense danger. In low winds, they are better able to hear potential warning signs. However, in higher winds, they can’t. Because of this, they might have to spend more time moving around to respond to these threats.

Others believe that it could be linked with larger weather events. Deer tend to be more active when a front is approaching. This is their cue to get food before they need to take shelter. Often, high winds will be associated with the onset of these fronts.

How Can You Hunt in High Winds?

Regardless of why this is occurring, high winds can present a valuable hunting opportunity. But how can you best take advantage of it?

First, you might need to be prepared to adapt your strategy. Most people enjoy using a tree stand when they are hunting. But this might not be a good option during a period of high wind. If the tree causes the stand to shake, the movement will make you more visible to the deer. It also becomes a safety problem. The last thing you want is to fall out of your stand.

Next, you need to think about where the deer will be moving to. Most deer will be moving from windy conditions to calmer locations. Because of this, you might want to look for natural windbreaks. This can be things like the lee side of a tree. You might also want to see any swamps in the area. Sometimes, thicker tree stands can offer some protection. It’s a good idea to check maps of the local area. This will give you plenty of useful ideas.

As we mentioned, heavy winds during the night can suppress activity. As a result, the day after a windy night, deer will want to feed more heavily. This can be an excellent opportunity to hunt feeding grounds. This can be especially lucrative if the wind corresponds with a weather front moving in.

Don’t forget that you can use the wind to your advantage. Deer will smell the air. If they detect your scent, they will leave the area. The good news is that you will be able to use the wind to stay undetected. As long as you are keeping downwind, your smell will be blown away. You can release some white chalk to tell you what direction the wind will be blowing. This will ensure that your scent is dispersed before the deer can detect it.

However, if there is only a light breeze, you’ll need to be careful. On these days, you’ll need to make sure that you are using an odor-neutralizing spray. If you don’t, your scent will waft through the air. Any deer in the area will find it easy to smell you coming and get out of the area.

How Does Wind Affect Bowhunting?

Bowhunters will often be more affected by changes in the wind. If it’s too strong, it could potentially blow your arrow off course, causing you to miss the deer. There are a few ways that you can deal with this.

First, you’ll want to try and get closer to the target before you take a shot. This will reduce the risk that the wind will change the trajectory of the arrow. This is one of the advantages of hunting on a windy day. You will be able to use the wind to cover your movements and smell, allowing you to get closer to the deer.

It’s also important to practice in high winds before you hunt. This will give you a better idea of how you can handle these conditions. It can also be a good way of finding how far away you need to be to make an accurate shot. If it’s raining, you might want to wear goggles or glasses. This stops debris from going into your eyes while you are aiming.

Another good option is to use a bow that has a higher draw weight. This will let you put more force behind the shot. The faster the arrow is traveling, the harder it will be for the wind to blow it off course. You can also use a heavier arrow. This further increases velocity, which increases the amount of force required to change its trajectory.

Final Thoughts

Contrary to popular belief, deer will still move around on a windy day. Studies show that these conditions can be a blessing for hunters. Generally, you’ll want to look for conditions that are between 5 to 15 mph. You’ll also need to be prepared, knowing what areas the deer will be attracted to. It’s also essential that you practice with your bow so that the wind won’t affect the arrow’s trajectory. If you can do this, you’ll have a successful bow hunt on a windy day.

Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.

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