Whitetail Deer Hunting in the Wind

Whitetail deer hunting in the wind can be a frustrating experience. The wind carries human scent to the deer and makes hunting these animals even more difficult. However with a little preparation and planning a windy day deer hunt can be surprisingly productive.

Whitetail Deer Hunting in the Wind - Hunt Into the Wind

Regardless of the force of the wind the hunter needs to move into the wind to keep his or her scent behind them and not in front. This might mean entering a stand from a different location or even not using a favorite stand until the wind is right. On days when the wind is blowing in a steady direction, slowly still hunting into the wind can be productive.

Whitetail Deer Hunting in the Wind - Lessen Your Scent

There are many useful products on the market that can be used to reduce human scent. While these products are great simply keeping hunting clothes away from strong smelling odors (i.e. don't pump gas in your hunting clothes) and using natural cover scents such as pine will make a big difference.

Whitetail Deer Hunting in the Wind - Hunt Where Human Scent is Common

Another option for whitetail deer hunting on windy days is to hunt in locations where human scent is common. This is generally more useful in the early season before high levels of hunter pressure have changed deer's behavior. Hunt near agricultural buildings, oil and gas wells, and other areas where human scent would not be uncommon.

Whitetail Deer Hunting in the Wind - Use Other Hunters

A deer hunter who is familiar with the hunting ground can use the approach of other hunters in the wind to drive deer. A hunter can set up a mile or so downwind of a popular parking area or other well traveled spots and let the scent of the other hunters push deer toward them.

Whitetail Deer Hunting in the Wind - Hunt Open Areas

On days with a strong swirling wind often the best advice is to pick a stand that offers a lot of view and sit down and wait. The swirling wind seems to make deer nervous and sudden sporadic movements from deer are common. Be ready to shoot quickly as the deer will often disappear as quickly as they show up.