Mule Deer and Rain

WyoMagic

New Member
Sep 3, 2014
27
0
Utah
I am going to be headed to the high country in western Wyoming the end of this week and the forecast is calling for some rain and have never hunted deer when there is rain. I have read quite a bit from professionals about what the deer do but was curious about some of experiences the non-professionals have seen in the field. Any advice or even some good stories would be appreciated.
 

Ikeepitcold

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 22, 2011
10,013
1,590
Reno Nv
I've seen deer get out of the rain by staying in the timber. I don't think they care to much for it bouncing off the heads.
 

tdub24

Veteran member
Dec 15, 2011
1,330
557
Carlin, NV
If its truly raining, I don't think any animal likes be out in it, especially me! Like Scott says, hunt the breaks.
 

Colorado T

Active Member
Aug 28, 2011
455
114
Littleton, CO
Was up hunting a couple weeks ago and the day before the opener we watched a big buck feeding out in the open in a rain storm and it didn't seem to bother him. Rained off and on all weekend and definitely saw more movement right after the rain stopped.
 

Colorado Cowboy

Super Moderator
Jun 8, 2011
8,297
4,659
83
Dolores, Colorado
There are literally 100's of them here at my homeplace. They definitely are very active after any storm...be it rain, high winds or snow. They pretty stay bedded down during the storms and are pretty hungry afterwards.
 

HiMtnHnter

Active Member
Sep 28, 2012
445
4
Wyoming
There are literally 100's of them here at my homeplace. They definitely are very active after any storm...be it rain, high winds or snow. They pretty stay bedded down during the storms and are pretty hungry afterwards.
I'd rather have rainy weather than hot weather when hunting deer. If it's heavy rain most anything will hunker down until after. Persistent light rain off and on and you can expect to find them up occasionally. I've had decent luck hunting deer in the rain, primarily because the overcast conditions make them easier spot (no bright sun and thermals), the weather gets them up once in a while, and the damp ground is quiet. As long as you are prepared with waterproof gear you should have a good hunt.
 

CrossCreeks

Veteran member
Mar 6, 2014
1,023
0
Dover, Tennessee
Have hunted in western Wyoming for deer during the same time from as your going. Have always had good luck prior to the rain coming and afterwards. Good Luck !
 

packmule

Veteran member
Jun 21, 2011
2,433
0
TX
Biggest factor in heavy rain is limited visibility. Deer will stir unless it's coming a floater. Cooler temps and a steady drizzle is about as good as you can ask for to see movement all day.
 

scott63

New Member
Sep 22, 2014
14
0
The real Northern Ca
The last buck I killed was during a steady rain. I was hunting all day in it and watched at least half a dozen small bucks and twice that many does feeding in it. Every once in a while they would shake off like a big dog and keep right on feeding. Your scent is not so easily blown around if any wind changes on you and the ground is way quieter. Just be sure to have some really good rain gear and good luck!
 

tim

Veteran member
Jun 4, 2011
2,415
1,064
north idaho
most humans are bedded down in the rain before the animals do. don't worry about the rain and go hunt. Driving sideways rain, different story, just good ole fashion rain. the animals don't mind it a bit.