If you keep hunting the wind like you are I think In time you won't even ask yourself this question anymore.
You're likely right, Schultzy.
If I was after a particular buck in a particular location (Greg's situation) I'd be looking for the perfect wind - nothing less. If it's under 5 I'll go where I think they'll be.
Well...I WAS after a particular buck, this morning....so I did set up in an observation stand that was a COOL sit. Didn't see anything...but I didn't see a bunch of does, either (which is a good thing). Saw some new rubs and a TON of tracks....so hopefully (no.....it WAS) it was a good sit. I also found a little spot I'm gonna try next time I get this same wind about 100yds down the line to the S. Looks REALLY good. Lots of sign. So a GREAT hunt, nonetheless.
I may be new to bowhunting, but not to hunting. I've gotta tell you, Jeff - you've got a better chance of being winded in a 1-3 mph wind than a 15-20 mph wind... especially when the deer are going to be up close and personal (bowhunting). That almost imperceptable breeze lets your scent molecules drop much more quickly but will still spreadthe scentdownwind. It'll also make your scent more potent close to your stand. If I absolutely HAD to hunt with an unfavorable wind, I'd much rather it be blowing hard
I have to agree. Forecast was for CALM to begin with....with a W wind at 2mph starting at 7:00. First time I saw the leaves shake I hit the puffer....and although I had a good thermal where I was....I could tell that I did NOT want my scent going the wrong way at 2MPH. I made the right call. I'm sure of it.
There was also VERY little chance of a deer coming in from the wrong direction where I set up this morning. I made sure of that, too.
One - If the wind is less than 5 mph and it's clear and sunny, I'll hunt knowing that the thermals will lift my scent up and out of there.
Two - If the wind is not blowing from EXACTLY the right direction for my set up, I will not hunt.
It's not about what makes me happy, it's about what the deer will tolerate. I don't believeANY scent control methods will prevent a deer from winding you if the wind is in their favor, so I don't risk it.
That's good stuff, greg. It's taken me a while to get on board.....but I have to say....you were right and I was wrong. I've killed them when they came in from downwind from me, before, too.....BUT....I think the thermal situation you describe MUST have been in my favor (unbeknownst to me). While trying to religiously play the wind, this year, I've been winded more times than I can remember.....and the thermals usually are the culprit. When the wind laid down, yesterday evening.....I shoud have skidaddled. I didn't....and luckily it was only a doe that got antsy with me. If it had been "him".....I might have screwed the pooch. I STILL may have and don't even know it.
In the past....I had only 2 choices:
1. Hunt when I had time off and take my chances (ALL my hunting lands bordered their bedding areas......with the bedding areas being to the south. I could only take my chances at less desireable spots with any wind with an "N" in it. Now I have options......and though a N wind isn't desired....I have places now I can hunt it.
2. Stay home.
I hunted. it worked out in the end....but I won't be doing that as a general rule, this year.
Once the temps get low.....all bets are off on a light wind. I'm hunting where I know he IS.