Storms and Deer Seasons - The good, the bad and the ugly of major weather events.
By Marina Childress
The images of hurricane devastation are heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people who lost so much in the recent storms. Helene left a path of devastation through Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and into the Carolinas.
Major weather events also have a big impact on wildlife, including the #1 object of most hunters’ attention, the white-tailed deer. For that matter, weather is one of the most important factors of every deer hunt.
Hurricanes are most common in the fall, but bad weather can happen any time. Even if you aren’t aware a storm might be coming, it’s best to prepare and stay cautious.
Can storms really have that much of an effect on your hunting season?
Absolutely! One of the most obvious weather factors is how it affects movement patterns. When you have heavy rain and wind, deer alter their movement and become less active as they seek shelter for safety and dryer ground. They’re more likely to move more at night after bad weather when conditions might be calmer and food sources are more available.
Extreme weather creates stress, which can make deer susceptible to injury and disease. Deer fatalities (during flooding, for example) and habitat loss can mean fewer opportunities for hunters.
Speaking of habitat, weather also plays a big role in the success of your food plots. If you happened to be in Helene’s path and she went through your hunting land, chances are you might be too busy with other cleanup to get your plots going.
Severe storms can cause soil erosion, too. Even if the soil doesn’t wash away, waterlogged ground can keep you from getting equipment into a plot. And too much moisture can be just as bad for seeds as drought. The weeds won’t suffer, though.
It’s so important to monitor weather patterns around planting time, but with hard work, determination and a few good friends to help, you can usually work around the weather and get your plots installed.
Personal safety is another issue. Everyone takes a hunter education course to ensure they know the basics of gun safety and hunting etiquette, but nobody talks about the dangers posed by weather.
There is a long list of storm-related risks including fallen trees, debris, wet and muddy conditions, lightning and even cold. If you’re not familiar with an area, or if you’re just not prepared for what Mother Nature can dish out, storms can be life-threatening. Take precautions and assess the conditions before you head out. No deer is worth your life.
On the bright side, bad weather can actually be beneficial to hunters.
Habitat alteration during storms can create new openings in the tree canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the soil and promoting the growth of nutritious vegetation that attracts more deer.
A sudden increase in available water is another great factor, especially when so many areas have experienced long periods of drought. Deer will congregate at these new water sources.
Fallen trees and altered landscape can also make new bedding and security cover, two of the most overlooked essentials of a good hunting property. Be cautioned that significant changes in cover will also change their travel corridors, so you might need to move your stands.
Install some feeders (where legal) and cameras around these altered locations to get a better feel for how the deer are using the new cover. Major disturbances also can be a good time to intentionally move downed trees and bushes to help funnel deer where you want them.
Overall, storms can create both challenges and unique advantages for hunters who know how to use these conditions to their benefit.