Mid Day Hunt Myth??

[UTGrad]

I've been trying for a few years now to extend my hunts to include mid day and I've yet to even see a deer much less kill one.

I know the "mid day hunt" makes for a great article in a hunting magazine but I've not found it to be very productive, even during the rut. I'll keep trying, my goal is to kill one between 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

 

[PillsburyDoughboy]

I've been trying for a few years now to extend my hunts to include mid day and I've yet to even see a deer much less kill one.

I know the "mid day hunt" makes for a great article in a hunting magazine but I've not found it to be very productive, even during the rut. I'll keep trying, my goal is to kill one between 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

Ive killed a couple of really nice large rack deer during mid day hunts. Especially once the pressure gets on.

 

[duckriver]

I can count on one hand how many times I have seen good deer movement during that time. That's why I eat and take a nap then lol

 

[hunttherut]

In my experience the probability of seeing deer is far less during those times. However, that doesn't mean I don't try at times.


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[Prowler]

I have killed just as many mature bucks between 10-2 as I have mornings or evenings. Definitely gotta be in the right habitat and seems I see more movement once the deer feel the pressure of other hunters. Most that say it doesn't work haven't tried it enough to get a fair comparison.

 

[jm1981]

Late season when it gets really cold is a good time to do it.

 

[X-Tennessean]

Poser is spot on IMO. I have hunted everyday since opening of muzzle loader till atleast noon and all day 2 of those day and will sit all day this weekend.
I hunt river bottoms that has been select cut about 8 years ago, it is thick but starting to thin back out. Today for example, 17 of the 36 deer I seen were after 10:30 and the biggest buck was at 12:30 following a doe.
When the temps drop to the 20's a lot of the time I wont go in till 8am or so or I will hunt a stand on travel routes and then move to the thick nasty stuff mid morning.
I can honestly only think of one buck that I have killed late evening or early morning, most have been between 11-3.
Like stated, pack a bottle of water, snack and a sammich for lunch and give it a go!!
If u need a nap dont be affraid to climb down and nestle up against a tree in the sun and I guarantee you will have a nice nap :)

But I strongly agree that the area has a lot of determining factors whether or not an all day sit is justifiable.

 

[Hillbilly Hunter]

I have seen many deer between 10 and 12 but from 12 to 2 has been slow for me.

 

[Mike D]

I had a job where I got home at 8am and after taking a shower and dressing I got to the woods at 9-10am. I have seen MANY deer and numerous chases during this time of the year. Mostly starting in November and going through early December. Earlier than this there was very minimal activity and any later produced on and off sightings and most sightings were large groups of Does gathered back up.

 

[TboneD]

I have seen many deer between 10 and 12 but from 12 to 2 has been slow for me.

Same here


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[muddyboots]

I have done 8 to 2 the last 2 days because of kids and school. I have seen 2 spikes.

 

[catman529]

Saw a good 8 point today at 1 pm within 30 minutes of climbing up. Needs another year or two and I have him on camera so I knew to let him walk.

A few days ago I had a yearling buck come by at 2 pm. Last year I got busted by a cruising wide 8 point 3 year old at 2 pm.

This year I've walked up on deer feeding in the open at 1pm and 2pm in the same area on different days while walking out.

Ain't no myth about it.

One thing all of these sightings had in common was a close proximity to very thick overgrown cover that people don't walk into.

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[Urban_Hunter]

My past 3 bucks have came between 10 and 12. Buddy missed an 11pt at 7am that came back by at 11am as his final wish last weekend


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[GreyGoose]

I try to hunt all day every hunt and we're I hunt (hardwoods ) I have shot most of my deer between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.shot one yesterday at 11:45.it is definitely different for different places.this is.how.it's always been for me on this property.I can't remember last time I shot anything in early morning or at dark.most mornings I wonder why I even goin at 5:15.rarely see movement until 9 or so..

 

[7mminatree]

I've killed my biggest buck and at least three other good deer between 11 and 1oclock. I've been keeping notes on those kills. Some common ties that I find are.
1. The kills have come on fair weather days with calm winds and temps in the 30's.
2. The kills were in areas with heavy cover and thickets.
3. The kills were very close to (known to me) bedding areas.
4.The kills all occurred between Nov. 16th and Nov. 23
5. The kills were deep in the forest.

 

[AT Hiker]

Well, if you want to look at it through the "science realm" then mid day hunting is all but a myth. Mature bucks move more at dawn and dusk and less during the mid day.

So if your playing the odds then the mid day is a huge bet. How much you willing to bet?


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[volunteer1]

I've had success. Usually on public land when hunters are moving in and out. Shot a nice buck at lbl last year around 2:00


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[TboneD]

Saw a good 8 point today at 1 pm within 30 minutes of climbing up. Needs another year or two and I have him on camera so I knew to let him walk.

A few days ago I had a yearling buck come by at 2 pm. Last year I got busted by a cruising wide 8 point 3 year old at 2 pm.

This year I've walked up on deer feeding in the open at 1pm and 2pm in the same area on different days while walking out.

Ain't no myth about it.

One thing all of these sightings had in common was a close proximity to very thick overgrown cover that people don't walk into.

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Does the weather seem to matter for your early afternoon sightings? I've seen them at all hours but rarely early afternoon if it was mild and sunny like today. Very cold or calm, overcast days, I've seen them at all hours, no matter the stage of the rut.


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[DMD]

I have seen lots of deer over the years mid day! I hunted in Illinois for a week one time. The "guide" told me to hunt til about 9am and back in stand an hour before dark. I told him - if he didn't mind, I was hunting all day. He laughed at me and said "deer don't move around here in the middle of the day. I came back everyday telling him of big bucks I saw in the middle of the day. He could not believe. I have killed mature bucks at all hours of the day. Especially during the rut or on pressured public land - mid day is great.

 

[Mudbone]

I saw deer moving all day today. Sure wish I was hunting and not working. Will be out there tomorrow tho!

 

[catman529]

Saw a good 8 point today at 1 pm within 30 minutes of climbing up. Needs another year or two and I have him on camera so I knew to let him walk.

A few days ago I had a yearling buck come by at 2 pm. Last year I got busted by a cruising wide 8 point 3 year old at 2 pm.

This year I've walked up on deer feeding in the open at 1pm and 2pm in the same area on different days while walking out.

Ain't no myth about it.

One thing all of these sightings had in common was a close proximity to very thick overgrown cover that people don't walk into.

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Does the weather seem to matter for your early afternoon sightings? I've seen them at all hours but rarely early afternoon if it was mild and sunny like today. Very cold or calm, overcast days, I've seen them at all hours, no matter the stage of the rut.


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yea they do seem to be out more often in odd midday hours during overcast or rainy days. But the rut is picking up quick and it didn't surprise me at all to see a buck at 1pm yesterday. It was upper 50s maybe low 60s, sunny and windy. He didn't care one bit. This time of year the bucks have one thing on their mind and it's not the weather. Normally I won't sit much during mid day, but certain deer get on certain patterns sometimes where they move at less than typical hours.


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[UTGrad]

Got in my box blind about 12:15...gonna sit till dark.

 

[deerhunter10]

Not a myth its very hit and miss. I personally I have success in the woods midday. But I have seen a ton of deer midday.

 

[280longshot]

Got a pic of this buck at 12:11


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[UTGrad]

Hunting is already a break from everyday life, so why take a break from your break?


http://www.GoCarnivore.com

One of the most profound statements I've ever read on here. I can't get this statement out of my head cause it's so true lol

 

[Boll Weevil]

Ever heard the saying, "In God we trust...all others bring data?"

Several years ago I started my own little study to maybe help answer this question. I was only interested in 4.5+ year old bucks during hunting season and compiled both camera-captured and hunter observation datapoints (date and timestamp). My findings altered the way we hunt as 54% of sightings came between the hours of 9 and 12.

I pondered this for quite some time: In total there are 10-11 hours of legal shooting light and more than half the movement from mature bucks was occurring in a just a 3 hour window. There are so many variables to consider and your findings might not be the same as mine, but target bucks on my farm are indeed on their feet in the later morning to midday hours.

 

[UTGrad]

Ever heard the saying, "In God we trust...all others bring data?"

Several years ago I started my own little study to maybe help answer this question. I was only interested in 4.5+ year old bucks during hunting season and compiled both camera-captured and hunter observation datapoints (date and timestamp). My findings altered the way we hunt as 54% of sightings came between the hours of 9 and 12.

I pondered this for quite some time: In total there are 10-11 hours of legal shooting light and more than half the movement from mature bucks was occurring in a just a 3 hour window. There are so many variables to consider and your findings might not be the same as mine, but target bucks on my farm are indeed on their feet in the later morning to midday hours.

Thanks!

 

[Land Between the Lakes]

During November I have seen many bucks up moving in the middle of the day.

 

[Realtree56]

Working 2nd shift, I am lucky to be able to hunt any morning I want but I despise having to climb down around 11. I can't say that I've ever killed a nice buck during the midday hours, but I've definitely seen large numbers of does and young bucks during the lunchtime hour. Having to come out early, especially this time of year, is a very frustrating ordeal. I feel like I'm missing out on so much.

 

[Deer Assassin]

i dont waste my time in the middle of the day