To hunt or not to hunt the full moon
#11
RE: To hunt or not to hunt the full moon
I've never have been able to take it into account. For me it has been a change in atmospheric pressure that would trigger deer. Right before or after the storm.
#13
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 590
RE: To hunt or not to hunt the full moon
For planning a hunt, I pay as much attention to moon phase as I do my horoscope, or whether the stock market is rising or falling, or if G.W. has favorable opinion polls, or if the Cowboys are on a winning streak.
#14
RE: To hunt or not to hunt the full moon
Last year was so warm, the animals were nocturnal for most of the season. The moon had a big impact on the number of animals I saw in the daytime. That said, there's no way I'm going to stay home on a day I could hunt based on the moon. I'm certainly not going to wait on the Cowboys to start winning!
#15
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location:
Posts: 1,438
RE: To hunt or not to hunt the full moon
Allright guys, it isn't that helpful to say be in the woods at all times, as most of us would probably hunt all the time if we didn't have jobs, family, logistical problems.
I've also been interested in this "moon phase" stuff, just figuring out if it is like a horoscope or valid. The only way I've seen the moon used is as an excuse - if nobody in the camp kills, well it must be that darn full moon.
So let's assume that you only have a limited number of yard passes and the distance to your hunting grounds means you can only go 1-2 weekends a month, other than the rut, what would be the most important factor in picking weekends (weather, moon, etc.). Personally, I have not used the moon, but have made decisions based on the weather.
I've also been interested in this "moon phase" stuff, just figuring out if it is like a horoscope or valid. The only way I've seen the moon used is as an excuse - if nobody in the camp kills, well it must be that darn full moon.
So let's assume that you only have a limited number of yard passes and the distance to your hunting grounds means you can only go 1-2 weekends a month, other than the rut, what would be the most important factor in picking weekends (weather, moon, etc.). Personally, I have not used the moon, but have made decisions based on the weather.
#17
RE: To hunt or not to hunt the full moon
The full-moon is not ideal for me. The deer do all theirfeeding at night with the additional light. I have always seen less deer during thefull moon and have not noticed increased activity with mature bucks. I thinkI have readthat deer activity climaxes a week after therutting full moon.(usually in late october/early nov. here in MN)
#18
RE: To hunt or not to hunt the full moon
I like hunting just about a week before full moon, with a north wind blowing in a 20 degree drop in temps. I will huntall theway to full moon if I can an a few days after full moon. I think that the full moon is not the controling factor that gets the deer hyped for the rut, but a contributing factor. I look for these conditionsfrom around the middle of Oct to about Thanksgiving with the shorter days. That is when I would hunt if my days were limited.
#20
RE: To hunt or not to hunt the full moon
If there was only one choice as a weather factor, I would still choose the changing of atmospheric pressure. Check out the barommeter. Deer will feed more before bad weather sets in and start feeding just as the front moves out. Give it a try.