Tips for Bowhunting for Deer in Hot Weather

Here are some tips for bowhunting for deer in hot weather that hunters can use to increase their chances of success. With bow season typically starting in the late summer or early fall, temperatures can often be unpleasantly warm for bowhunting. Though these hot temperatures are not ideal for hunting, hunters can adjust their tactics to increase the chances of success.

Scouting

Scouting is always important for deer hunting, but is even more important in the early season when temperatures are high. Deer are a creature of habit and without reason will vary little from their routine. Late summer and early fall is an easy time for deer to find food and with breeding season still some time off, deer will stick to a set pattern most of the time.

Watering Holes

When scouting, hunters should not well used watering holes. When the heat rises, deer will stick close to and frequently visit reliable sources of water. Look for trails that can be used as a stand location that lead to farm ponds and livestock watering holes. Spring fed streams that are unlikely to go dry are good places to note as well. Look for areas of the stream with level banks where little effort has to be made to get to the water.

Early and Late

Hot weather will tend to make less active during the daylight hours if not almost completely nocturnal. Hunters will need to concentrate their hunting on the early morning and late evening hours to increase their chances of success.

Stalk Bedding Areas

When deer seem to be moving little during the heat of the day, this is a good time for hunters to get out and work on their stalking skills. Though difficult, especially with a bow, stalking deer can be a fun way to deer hunt.

Hunter Comfort

Hunting in hot weather can be miserable due to the temperature and the presence of bugs. Hunters should have lightweight hunting clothes to wear and bring along plenty of cool drinks and bug spray.

Game Care

Hunters need to be prepared to deal with success. Have a plan for getting the deer out of the field and cooled off quickly after the hunt. A few bags of ice in an ice chest is a good start to help transporting the deer and keeping it cool.