Windsocks For Hunting
Hunting with the Wind Tracker™
WIND SPEED EFFECTS ON WHITETAIL DEER MOVEMENT
by Darrin Bradley http://www.imbmonsterbucks.com
I have compiled statistics from over 400 whitetail hunts since 1994, in regard to the subject of wind. These statistics were collected from hunts occurring in Northeastern Missouri and Western Illinois. In measuring the results I define a “successful hunt” as a hunt on which I view whitetails from a stand location. These results are as follows in regard to all deer.
ALL DEER MOVEMENT (Inclusive of bucks and does.) Wind Speed Successful Hunts Unsuccessful Hunts Success Percentage
0-5 miles per hour 138 41 77%
6-10 miles per hour 50 17 75%
11-15 miles per hour 71 39 65%
16-20 miles per hour 21 16 57%
21-50 miles per hour 9 9 50%
My studies show deer movement is decreased as the wind speed increases. Personally, I begin to worry about the quality of my hunts when wind speeds exceeding 15 miles per hour are prevalent. On days when wind speeds exceed twenty miles per hour, I usually won’t hunt. Believe me, I’ve learned things the hard way throughout my hunting career. I have also compiled statistics surrounding wind speeds and its effect on whitetail bucks specifically. The results are as follows:
WHITETAIL BUCK MOVEMENT Wind Speed Successful Hunts Unsuccessful Hunts Success Percentage
0-5 miles per hour 83 101 45%
6-10 miles per hour 46 64 42%
11-15 miles per hour 31 38 44%
16-20 miles per hour 10 24 29%
21-50 miles per hour 3 17 15%
As depicted by the results shown, whitetail buck movement is severely reduced at wind speeds above 15 miles per hour. (A 15% reduction in movement to be exact.)
- End Article -
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