Hunting by the moon

[gman1]

I have never used the moon phases ( full moon vs. new moon) as a tool for big game hunting and would like the members help on what to look for and what times are the best for hunting big game. I guess that I am already assuming that the various phases can be used for hunting to increase a hunters success.

Any assistance would be very much appreciated.

Gman

 

[laxwyo]

Depends on deer or elk. I've seen deer almost in their beds by daybreak on full moon but also have learned that noon time calling elk near their bedding area on a full moon can be awesome


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[rjroberts15]

Usually on a full moon, I'll see more activity in the 10am to 2pm range, than other phases.

 

[Slugz]

Does it change their patterns, yes. Does it control the rut, no. Do you need to hunt them differently, yes (based on cloud cover, weather...etc. Does the game activity on the GPS calendar mean anything, no (IMO) Lots of studies were done specifically studying elk vs rut vs moon. All previous theories were completely thrown out as the rut is based on (days to come into estrus/mean daylight length). I wouldn't say it increases chances....I would say it changes their behavior. In and out of beds at different times. More night activity during the full moon. Feeding earlier or later( depending how you calculate it). Now that's with elk and my experience/observing. I think muleys/whitetails tend to act considerably different during a full moon. ( seems like a very big shift to heavy nocturnal activity).....now the opposite of that is no moon and more mean daylight activity in all species ( elk/muley/whitetail).
As LAXWYO points out " just gotta change the tactic as a hunter"

Now other moon phases IMO are just transitory periods that depend more on weather.

 

[Gr8bawana]

Worrying about the moon phases is a waste of time. In over 40 years of hunting I have never noticed any differences in behavior regardless of moon phases. Maybe I need a longer observation period.
I say just hunt when you can and don't worry about it.

 

[kidoggy]

yup. the more ye in the woods the more yer chances increase.

as to deer behaving differently with a full moon. maybe they do ,maybe they don't. I doubt they read the memo saying they is supposed to vary their habits. deer will do what they do, whenever they feel the need to do it.

 

[gman1]

With more elk activity at night with a full moon does that mean the elk will be less active during the day?

 

[gman1]

So a person would have better elk hunting with a new moon/ no moon as the elk would be out more in the daylight hours? That makes sense as opposed to a full moon where they are more active at night?

 

[ivorytip]

it has a lot to do with if you are hunting full moon during rut activity or hunting full moon during October or November. if rut is on, they can be active any time of the day. ive seen this first hand as has im sure many others on here. ive seen them going crazy @ 1 in afternoon with temps in high 80's during full moon and new moon, no moon.. I pay no mind to the moon phases. ive noticed no difference in success based upon it. then you look at October and November moons.... those animals are eating as much as they can, when they can getting prepped for winter. if they get hungry in middle of the night with no moon they will eat, if they get hungry during the day with a full moon, they will eat.

 

[Gr8bawana]

With more elk activity at night with a full moon does that mean the elk will be less active during the day?

Why would there be more activity at night with a full moon? Do you really think these animals need the moonlight to see at night like humans? Does that mean they don't feed at all when there is no moon? It's only us humans that need light.
These animals feed at night all the time because that is when they feel more secure. They bed during the daylight hours because they know they are more vulnerable to all perdators in the daytime, including humans.

 

[ivorytip]

you know, this is a good topic and I know its been discussed many times on this forum but there is always different points of views on it and I find it interesting. like was said about them not feeding at night with no moon... I grew up being told that with a full moon they feed all night, but over the years when ive been out spotlighting for yotes and rabbits (yes its legal), weve seen elk and deer like crazy under no moons in the wide open far away from any cover on almost every outing. same situation under a full moon. but, people will base their own theory's upon what they have witnessed first hand.

 

[genesis27:3]

I know little about elk, but have over 30 years experience with whitetail, which alot of guys on here has. But I focus more on the moon position during the day moreso the phase. If I have a full moon directly overhead during the day, you'll find me in the woods every time. I also wonder if it's more than just light coming from the full moon that alters their behavior? A full moon effects alot more than a bright night. Just a thought.

 

[ivorytip]

hell, I know here at work it sure effects the patients in a big way! im sure it has some affect on animals.

 

[Slugz]

Varying opinions on this.....regardless of style of hunting, methodology, geography, moon phase etc etc etc........90% of the animals are killed by a consistent 10% of the hunters year after year. I base a lot of my thoughts on "documented" observation science and " old timer" knowledge that gets passed down. I got a hard time arguing or dismissing a guy who goes into a Colorado OTC unit for the past 26 years and comes out with always one and 50% of the time two elk. That's the type of guy I listen to, intently. He's 71 by the way and still hikes in 2.3 miles to his hunting spot. Sure the hell hope I can do that at 70.

 

[Slugz]

Why would there be more activity at night with a full moon? Do you really think these animals need the moonlight to see at night like humans? Does that mean they don't feed at all when there is no moon? It's only us humans that need light.
These animals feed at night all the time because that is when they feel more secure. They bed during the daylight hours because they know they are more vulnerable to all perdators in the daytime, including humans.

More night activity during the rut in the form of bugling all night and breeding is what my comment was directed towards. Do they feed all night 90% of the time, yes.

 

[B&C Blacktails]

In all of my years hunting this year's moon cycle has produced my biggest bucks. Full moons near the openers are my best years. I have my fingers crossed!!!