Is Fog Bad For Deer Hunting? - The Body Training

Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman.

A foggy day can seem foreboding. It can sometimes make hunters think twice before heading into the woods. But how does fog affect deer? Is hunting in these conditions going to produce good results?

A foggy day can be a good opportunity for hunters. It will make it harder for deer to see you coming and stifle noises. Because of this, deer tend to be more docile during a fog. How you hunt will depend on how thick the fog is. Some hunters like to use fog as cover to stalk their prey. Others prefer to station themselves near a food source and wait for the fog to lift.

Hunters need to know how all weather conditions will impact their prey. This will let you pick a strategy that will give you the best chance at success. Here’s what you need to know when planning a hunting trip in foggy conditions.

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How Do Deer React in the Fog?

How a deer will react to fog will often depend on how thick it is. Sometimes, there will only be a light fog. In this case, visibility might be slightly lower, but it won’t be a major problem. Because of this, you will likely see plenty of deer activity as they continue to move around as they normally would.

However, there might be a heavier fog. In this case, the deer won’t be able to see anything. This can make them very uncomfortable. Because of this, they tend to limit their movements. During this time, they will try to find shelter. Usually, this means heading into thick cover. It’s unlikely that you will be able to track and find them in these areas.

The good news is that fog cover doesn’t last forever. While it might be a thick fog in the morning, it will often be clearing away by mid-day. When the fog is lifting, the deer activity will start to pick up again. Usually, they will be keen to head to food sources. Because of this, you might be able to get plenty of opportunities to shoot one.

Is Fog Good For Hunters?

Now that we know how fog affects hunters, we can start to think about how it will impact humans. Is it worth heading out into the woods, or will you be better off staying in bed?

Fog can help hunters. Deer have wide peripheral vision, which they use to help them identify motion. Because of this, they will be able to spot predators. However, in the fog, it will be harder for them to spot you. Because of this, they might get closer to your location, allowing you to get a better shot.

Fog can also dampen sound. Because of this, you’ll be able to move more stealthily. This will further decrease your odds of spooking the deer.

Many hunters report that deer feel more comfortable on a foggy day. They tend to move around more freely. As a result, you will have a better chance of getting a kill shot.

But there is a potential downside. When it’s a foggy day, you’ll often have a harder time spotting the deer. And if you can’t see them, you can’t shoot them. Usually, your only option is to wait for the fog to lighten. Thankfully, as it is clearing away, the deer activity will often increase. Because of this, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take a shot.

How Can You Find Deer in the Fog?

The key to hunting in the fog is being able to predict deer movements. Remember, during a thick fog, they won’t want to move far. But it’s going to be a challenge for you to find them. Even if you do, you might not be able to get a shot without spooking them.

Because of this, you’ll need to position yourself where you expect the deer to come after the fog eases. Remember, they won’t have moved a while. So, it’s likely that they will be hungry. If you can put yourself near a source of food, you’ll have a good chance at seeing some action.

There are a few places that you should be looking for. Things like soybean, oat, turnip, or acorns will be a good choice. Sometimes, you might want to set up your food source. Foods like soured corn can be a good attractant, especially after a fog.

The longer you hunt an area, the better you will learn which food sources the deer will prefer. You’ll be able to use this knowledge when you’re planning your hunt, giving you the best odds of success.

If it is a lighter fog, you will be able to move around a little. In this case, you have two options. First, you can still hunt. This involves a similar tactic to the one described above. Plant yourself in an area that you know the deer will be attracted to. Then wait for them to come to you.

Alternatively, you can go looking for them. Using the fog as cover can give you a tactical advantage and a better chance at making the shot. But first, you’ll need to find the deer.

When you’re hunting for them, you’ll need to use your senses. Listen for any rustling of tree branches or cracking of twigs that could convey their presence. You can also use your nose. You might be able to smell a buck.

It’s also important that you are moving slowly. Though it is foggy, the deer still have excellent vision. They will be able to spot rapid movements. When you travel slower, you have a good chance of sneaking up on them and getting a good shot.

What Are Some Tips When Hunting in Fog?

While hunting in the fog can be potentially rewarding, it can also make things more difficult. Here are some of the things you need to know if you plan on having a successful hunt.

One of the first things that you’ll need to do is learn to control your scent. The higher the humidity levels are, the more condensed your scent trail will become. This will make it easy for any deer to detect that there has been a human presence in the area. This might be enough to spook them, causing them to leave the area.

There are a few ways that you’ll be able to reduce your scent trail. For example, you might want to wear rubber boots. It’s also important to use an odor-neutralizing spray. Try to avoid touching too many branches. The more things you touch, the stronger your scent trail will become.

Next, you’ll need to think about your safety. On a foggy day, it’s vital to wear some high-visibility clothing. The last thing you want is for another hunter to mistake you for a target and shoot you. If you are on private property, you can safely skip this precaution.

Third, you’ll want to move slower. It will be harder for you to see any obstacles like branches or roots in a thick fog. The last thing you want is to sprain an ankle or break an arm when you hunt alone.

Final Thoughts

Fog can be a golden opportunity to hunt deer. As long as you are taking steps to eliminate your scent, it will be hard for deer to detect your presence. This, combined with deer feeling calmer in foggy conditions, can provide you plenty of chances to get a good shot.

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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