The full moon is one of the most popular times to go hunting, as it has been known to attract game animals.
But did you know that the various phases of the moon can also affect deer hunting? Knowing how the lunar cycle affects deer behavior can help you plan your next outing and increase your chances of success.
First, let’s look at what causes the phases of the moon. The moon orbits around the Earth, and as it does so, different amounts of its surface are illuminated by sunlight. As a result, we see different shapes in the night sky throughout its cycle—a full moon, a waning crescent, a waxing gibbous, and so on.
Now, here’s how the phases of the moon can influence deer hunting. During the new moon phase—the darkest time of the lunar cycle—deer tend to be more active due to a lack of light in their environment that makes them feel safer. As such, hunters may have greater success during this time as deer are more likely to be grazing in the open.
In contrast, during the full moon phase—the brightest time of the lunar cycle—deer tend to take cover in thick brush or woodlands. Since they feel less secure and wary of potential predators, they’re looking for shelter and safe places to hide. As such, it can be more difficult to locate deer during the full moon.
Hunting success also varies depending on which side of the moon you’re on. When hunters are on the dark side—the “waning” or “last quarter” phases—deer will move more freely and remain exposed for longer periods of time. Conversely, deer move less and spend more time in cover when hunters are on the bright side—the “waxing” or “first quarter” phases—making it harder to locate them.
Finally, the moon’s gravitational pull can also influence deer behavior. During the new and full moons, the gravitational pull is at its strongest. This causes deer to become more active as they search for food and water in areas with higher concentrations of nutrients, like mineral licks or mud wallows.
By understanding how the phases of the moon affect deer behavior, you can plan your hunting trips accordingly and increase your chances of success. During the new moon, try hunting in open areas as deer will be more exposed. On the other hand, during the full moon, you may want to head to thicker brush or woodlands to search for deer hiding there. Additionally, pay attention to which side of the moon you’re on and take advantage of the gravitational pull of the new and full moons to locate deer in areas with higher concentrations of nutrients.
By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared for your next hunting trip and increase your chances of success. Keep an eye on the moon phases and give yourself the best chance possible during your next outing! Good luck!
