Snow in November? Like many hunters in Missouri, I was thrilled at the thought of a snow-covered morning as I prepared to hunt during the Missouri firearms season. While snow in November is common in some states, in southern Missouri, mid-November usually brings highs in the mid-fifties and sixties.
So, the rare chance of snow added an extra layer of excitement.
When I stepped outside early the following day, my hopes were realized—a light blanket of snow covered the ground, and the crisp twenty-eight-degree air felt perfect for deer movement. Just an hour into my hunt, a mature buck emerged from the dense timber, nose to the ground, trailing steadily as he crossed the open field. When he reached about a hundred yards, I grunted softly to stop him and then took the shot. The buck stumbled twenty yards before dropping, his knees buckling as he went down. He was the seventh deer I’d seen that morning, a reminder of what hunters often say: the right weather can make all the difference during the rut. For many hunters, the rut represents the peak of the whitetail season, with bucks driven by instinct and adrenaline in pursuit of does. However, while deer behavior is heightened during this period, not all days during the rut are created equal. Weather plays a crucial role in determining deer movement and behavior during the rut. Understanding these weather patterns can increase a hunter’s odds of encountering a mature buck.
Temperature’s Influence on Deer Movement
Temperature is one of the most influential weather factors during the rut. During warm spells, especially unseasonably high temperatures, rutting activity can drop significantly, leading deer to conserve energy by becoming more nocturnal. On hot days, bucks may delay their search for does until the coolness of the night, making daylight encounters less likely.
When the weather is unfavorably warm, focus on hunting during cooler parts of the day, like early morning and late evening, when bucks are more likely to be active. Seek out shaded bedding areas or natural water sources where deer may gather to cool off. Also, look for temperature drops after a warm spell. Even a 5-10-degree drop can lead to a flurry of rutting activity, as bucks respond quickly to cooler temperatures.
Cold Fronts: A Trigger for Daytime Movement
Cold fronts are among the most reliable indicators of increased deer activity during the rut. When a cold front passes, it brings a significant drop in temperature, often accompanied by changes in barometric pressure. As with my hunt on the past Missouri rifle season, bucks will typically be on their feet more during these fronts, as the brisk weather encourages them to move and pursue does.
As another rifle season nears, I have been tracking the forecast for approaching cold fronts and planning my hunts accordingly. These fronts often bring the best action, particularly in the first 24 hours after the front moves through. If I can pick when the next cold front arrives for my scheduled time off work to hunt, my success will be more likely.
When a cold front has recently moved through, it is good to set up nearby known travel corridors, as bucks will use these routes to move from bedding areas to feeding areas during a cold snap. Even though it is colder, increasing your time in the stand, especially during midday, as bucks may be actively searching for does throughout the day, can produce better results for the hunter. The ScentLok BE:1 Fortress Parka and Bibs is an excellent garment for hunting cold fronts or cooler temperatures as it is a cold-weather suit that keeps hunters warm during harsher conditions. When hunting cold fronts, dress accordingly to stay in the field longer and remain comfortable.
Rain: Light Drizzles vs. Heavy Downpours
Rain can have a mixed impact on deer behavior. Light rain or drizzle often encourages movement, as deer feel safer in low-light and damp conditions where scent-carrying particles are minimized. On the other hand, heavy rain and thunderstorms tend to decrease deer activity, causing them to hunker down until conditions improve.
Light rain is an excellent time to be in the stand. Bucks may move more confidently through open areas and along field edges in these conditions. Hunters can also take advantage of the quiet forest floor after a rain. Leaves and twigs are damp, muffling your approach and reducing noise when walking to and from your stand or blind setup.
A drizzle is good hunting, yet most hunters avoid hunting in prolonged downpours, as deer will generally avoid movement themselves. Instead, be ready to hunt immediately after the rain stops, as deer often resume their activity. Waiting out the rain is also when an insulted cup of hot coffee tastes the best.
Barometric Pressure: The Hidden Rut Factor
While it may not be as immediately apparent as temperature or precipitation, barometric pressure significantly determines deer movement during the rut. Deer are particularly active when barometric pressure is either rising or peaking. This change often indicates stable or cooling weather, which can lead to increased daytime movement.
When planning hunts around cold fronts, many hunters consider 30.00 inches of mercury (Hg) or higher as the “magic” barometric pressure range and will plan their hunt during or after these peaks. If you notice a sudden drop in barometric pressure, expect deer to be more cautious and potentially less active. This can coincide with incoming storms or extreme weather changes.
Many mobile apps, such as Hunt Stand or other hunting weather sites, track barometric pressure, making it easy to plan hunts around fluctuations in the weather.
The Impact of Moon Phases
While the moon isn’t technically a weather factor, many hunters find the moon’s cycle impacts deer movement, especially during the rut. Some believe full moons increase nighttime activity, meaning fewer daylight sightings. Others find that major moon phases coincide with a surge in rut activity, as bucks increase their efforts to find receptive does.
Weather Fluctuations and the Rut’s Phases
Weather impacts deer behavior throughout the rut, but understanding the rut phases can help you better predict how these conditions will impact movement.
Pre-Rut: Bucks are beginning to show increased movement and sparring but are not yet chasing does heavily. Weather changes like cold fronts can encourage more movement during this period.
Peak Rut: Bucks actively pursue does, making them less cautious and more susceptible to movement triggers from weather patterns. This phase is often the best time to hunt through any weather, as bucks are less likely to stay bedded.
Post-Rut: Bucks focus more on food sources to recover their energy reserves as the rut winds down. Cold fronts and stable weather can stimulate movement, especially in food-rich areas.
Weather plays a critical role in influencing deer behavior during the rut. While the rut may ensure heightened movement and opportunities for hunters, those who understand and anticipate the impact of weather will have the advantage. Weather-aware hunters can use natural cues to maximize success, such as tracking cold fronts, watching barometric pressure, and planning around wind and temperature changes. By staying adaptable and observing how deer respond to the weather, hunters can make the most of the rut and increase their chances of encountering a mature buck.