I have heard many different "guesses" about how deer travel for the wind. Some say they travel into it, some say they travel with a cross wind.
DT....I don't buy into this for the most part. if this were true.....they would only be able to feed on certain winds. Deer can't take a "day off" from feeding....getting water. If they have an unfavorable wind (for their survival instincts) they still MUST feed.
Your question does trigger some that I have as well, though. I've begun to note the wind on my journal....AND for my sightings (pre-season and in-season). I'm learning that they "might" travel a certain route....or maybe just enter a food source from a certain direction....utilizing a particular wind occurrence. Could this be part of their "cycle"? If so....it may go a long ways towards understanding them (cycles) better. I have a lot to learn, here.
I feel that deer movement based on wind is likely different for each property, if anything. Mainly based on property layout- location of bedding, water, various crop fields, acorns and the location of any other destination.
You're likely (most likely) correct....but there are likely other factors that come into play as well. Pressure? Terrain? I would guess that a deer would travel freely.....leisurely....ANY time throughout the day...if he felt NO pressure.
Can anyone share some experience ? Do you hunt wind directions not only for scent control, but for deer movement ? Has it work ? Anyone NOT care about wind direction(not related to scent) ?
If we don't take deer movement into account for hunting particular winds.....we're being awfully naive.....or awfully passive.
Admittedly.....I've hunted does in the past....and taken a buck when the time was right. During the rut....this is a sound strategy. Outside the rut....the things you mention are hugely important. I wish I was better at discerning these things. Those that do this successfully have my admiration.