First real cold snap in weather

[Ladys man]

Looking at the weather for next weekend, looking like it will be pretty chilly.
So the question is do deer move better on the first cold snap or does it put them in shock? I've noticed that I see less movement when the first cold front comes through.
Either way, I 'll be there but just curious to what you all see?

 

[cbhunter]

lots of deer will die next weekend.

For me personally, I prob won't see a thing lol

 

[philsanchez76]

All anecdotal experience but over the last 3 seasons I've always jumped out there right when it turns cold and don't seem to see much. Movement seems much better the next day. So I kind of subscribe to your initial shock theory.

 

[Hduke86]

I believe they move but with the weather they just may move into different areas. The cold weather may get them focused on another food source or route looking for love. I could see if it dropped insanely cold like down in the low teens or lower to keep deer bedded longer if the wind was up. I believe they're just like most creatures that when they get "cold" that they need to get up and move to get warm. They just move to an area that they know will have the sun out sooner and warmer. In a deer's world 30* is probably like 60* to us and is comfortable.

I feel like the biggest factor is the temperature SWING and not the actual temp. I believe the change is what gets them going.

 

[UCStandSitter]

I feel like Wednesday is the day this week. Cold and with a front behind it comin in that night. Feel it in my bones. And my knees…

 

[megalomaniac]

The cold should get the 4.5yos moving 15 min before dark and 15 minutes after dawn hitting scrapes and looking for does. The rest of the day will prob be worthless.

That being said, if the temps were in the 60s at night and 80s during the day, I would have NO chance at an older deer the way I hunt

I had a 3.5 yo hit a scrape at 700 this am on cell cam. The few mature bucks are still nocturnal on my places.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

It will get them moving more than usual for sure, definitely for this time of year. Probably won't hunt my prime spots yet, but will definitely be in high traffic areas where no one has hunted in a few years (private land obviously).

 

[UTGrad]

I find deer may not move at first light but when the sun is up warming fields and edges, deer will go to those areas. Cold, frosty mornings I see more movement mid morning.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I'll say this, everyone's cameras should show a lot of activity if placed properly. More so than we've seen in recent years

 

[timberjack86]

Probably be the best weekend of the year!

 

[Ladys man]

I find deer may not move at first light but when the sun is up warming fields and edges, deer will go to those areas. Cold, frosty mornings I see more movement mid morning.

I normally see the most movement around 2 on these types of conditions, so makes sense

 

[BSK]

I'll say this, everyone's cameras should show a lot of activity if placed properly. More so than we've seen in recent years

Already are!

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Already are!

It is killing me. We have more cameras than ever this year (20). Those that are capable are on video. A couple have been sitting for 4 weeks. Just thinking about them I get the jitters. Our #1 buck is utilizing the same general area as last year. All other bucks that show up are just a bonus. I did have one big bonus 10pt show up last week that I don't recognize.

 

[Headhunter]

Saw several this morning and one great buck. Coyotes spooked the doe he was following, she was coming to me, almost to my tree. I did manage to kill one of the coyotes.

 

[backyardtndeer]

Playing out to be a great weekend here if this current weather forecast holds true. Cold front hits Wednesday with nne wind. Friday night into Saturday morning wind shifts around out of the se. Should be perfect for the stand my wife or I will likely hunt Saturday morning.

 

[BSK]

It is killing me.

Just for you JCDEERMAN! This buck won't score high, but he is really unique for my area. And yes, he's limping hard on his left front leg. But love his spread!

 

[megalomaniac]

Sausage on the move at 730am this morn on a scrape

 

[BSK]

That's a stud right there Mega!

 

[westtntoms]

Sausage on the move at 730am this morn on a scrape

Lol @ sausage….he is a stud

 

[megalomaniac]

LOL, these are the ones I like to target. Percentage wise, a much higher yield of meat to carcass weight than the little ones. I get more deboned meat off a deer like this than 3 does/ young bucks with a third less work!

The only problem with this buck is he is right on the fence between being a 'buck of choice' and a cull. If he is over 120, you are done for the year. If he's less than 120, he counts as a cull and you get to shoot another buck.

 

[Andy S.]

^^^ For those that do not know, the "cull rule" mega speaks of is on his property under his own personal management, not statewide. Just wanted to clarify that in case some were scratching their heads.

 

[BSK]

The only problem with this buck is he is right on the fence between being a 'buck of choice' and a cull. If he is over 120, you are done for the year. If he's less than 120, he counts as a cull and you get to shoot another buck.

Under those rules, most of my mature bucks are culls!

Just giving you a hard time. I realize what you're up to.

 

[megalomaniac]

Under those rules, most of my mature bucks are culls!

Just giving you a hard time. I realize what you're up to.

Most of our mature bucks are culls too! But it just isn't fair to let one individual shoot two trophies in a single year. This rule spreads them out so everyone has a chance at shooting a deer for the wall. And still let's those of us who are picky remove the old deer from the herd even if they don't score well.

And all the while doesn't restrict kids (or less picky adults) from shooting any buck they want to.

 

[BSK]

Most of our mature bucks are culls too! But it just isn't fair to let one individual shoot two trophies in a single year. This rule spreads them out so everyone has a chance at shooting a deer for the wall. And still let's those of us who are picky remove the old deer from the herd even if they don't score well.

And all the while doesn't restrict kids (or less picky adults) from shooting any buck they want to.

Very cool custom rule!

I'm always fascinated by different "custom" harvest rules designed to tackle tough localized issues. Yours is a prime example.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Just for you JCDEERMAN! This buck won't score high, but he is really unique for my area. And yes, he's limping hard on his left front leg. But love his spread!

It's amazing what you can get over scrapes in late October/early November when it's actually cold. Got this guy on a 35 degree morning (according to the camera). Don't know who he is, but he is more than welcome to stay. About an hour later, our target buck came through this same camera.

 

[BSK]

That's a good one!

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I don't know how to post a video on my phone, but will replace with the video tomorrow

Edited: Figured it out

 

[Tanelson43]

I have no idea how the weekend will play out but I got in the woods today around 9 am and saw more fresh scrapes than I ever have. Most of them looked minutes old and I am guessing they were made during the daylight. I saw 2 young bucks and spooked a mature buck at 11 am. I am thinking this weekend should be great!

 

[BSK]

I am thinking this weekend should be great!

Your mouth to God's ear!

 

[megalomaniac]

It's amazing what you can get over scrapes in late October/early November when it's actually cold. Got this guy on a 35 degree morning (according to the camera). Don't know who he is, but he is more than welcome to stay. About an hour later, our target buck came through this same camera.

View attachment 118276

If that deer is 3.5, he's going to be a VERY nice deer next year!