Playing The Winds

AF Hunter · 10-02-2008, 06:49 PM

Yesterday, the winds were out of the North and the deer headed East from their bedding area. Today the winds were out of the West and the deer headed North. Both times it was 90 degrees out from the wind direction. Is this coincidence?

I had always heard that deer head into the wind to scent danger. After this evenings hunt, it's got my curiosity up. I also vaguely remember last year the deer running perpendicular to the wind.

virginiashadow · 10-02-2008, 07:03 PM

AF, I have seen deer walk perpendicular to the wind more times than I have seen them walk directly into the wind. This is particularly true when they are skirting the edges of a thicket. Just like you said above..... There is a north wind. There is a thicket running east to west. The deer will walk either east or west, looking out into the open in front of them for danger, and smelling into the thicket for danger. I have seen it time and time again, especially from bucks scent checking thickets.

GMMAT · 10-02-2008, 07:11 PM

So they have multiple feeding areas? Multiple trails to them?

"I think" the suggestion that they travel into the wind is an old wives tale. I DO think they enter feeding areas at certain places....on certain winds. I've noted the wind direction on my sightings, this summer....and I can tell you I see them (bucks) entering the field in the same spot on a specific wind. Gotta be a reason for that....and I'dshare more of that with you if you want.

What I don't think we take into account, very often....is how quickly their food sources (preferred) can change. I'm seeing it right now. I'm gonna be out of my woods for 8 days....and when I get back I'll have to start all over toa degree.

I think they have no issues with traveling with the wind....IF they can use their other senses to spot danger in front of them. Perfect example......the deer I was eluding to earlier.....they would travel with the wind to a bean field. Trick is.....they could SEE in front of them in that field. I never saw them enter in that spot without a W wind. Maybe they entered a different field, altogether....but if they did.....they went to the W and seemingly traveled with the wind to get there, also.

I just don't think deer travel into the wind, always.....or even predominantly. I think they use the wind to their advantage.....and trust their other senses, as well.

AF Hunter · 10-03-2008, 07:10 AM

When you all are out in the woods, remember the wind direction and the direction the deer are travelling and let me know. I would like to have other input. I would like to figure out percentages on:

1. Deer heading perpendicular to the wind; &
2. WIND OUT OF DIRECTION DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
North East
WestNorth
South West
East South

Thanks.

AF Hunter · 10-03-2008, 07:00 PM

Winds were out of the East tonight and 3 of the 4 deer I saw, went South.