Moon Phases and Mule Deer Hunting

[cowslayer]

All,

I just wanted to see what your thoughts are on how the moon effects the mule deer and their habits/movement.

What do you think of the Hunt and Fish Calendars that predict good times and days.

What's your experiences been.

I killed my biggest buck in the middle of the day. That week was a full moon.

CS

www.VIPoptics.com

"When You Deserve The Very Best"

 

[gilamonster8]

Gps TOO?

 

[ktc]

I think the hunt dates are set and the moon is what it is. If a guy is worried about moon phases then he will only hunt every other year. I usually find out the moon is full when I am riding and realize I do not need a flashlight. I never worry about the moon.

 

[cowslayer]

Ktc,

But how does it effect the animals from what you've seen? Are they out more or less or do they change their patterns?

That was the heart of the question.

CS

www.VIPoptics.com

"When You Deserve The Very Best"

 

[slamdunk]

I'm with KTC on this one.
You can't let the moon kick your arse, you just make adjustments if ya have too.

But too answer the question-
A few weeks ago while muzzleloading deer there was a full moon and clear skies.
The deer were definately out more in the evenings than in the mornings. Which when you think about it, it makes sense why. They fed all night long and bedded down early.

Elk seem to rut harder during a full bright moon as well.

But i have also seen that when it's really cold, the critters will feed 24-7. (except in Utah, they take Sunday's off for resting. ;-)











Skull Krazy
"No Bones About It"

 

[WARBIRDUM]

Not this moon phase thing again ktc.Hey I have heard people blame it on the moon when they have trouble on a hunt but by damn when they kill a good animal during a full moon phase you dont never,ever hear anything except how good of hunters they are but not one word about what the moon was like during the hunt.

 

[ktc]

In all honesty, I see no diffence? Possibly the deer are closer to the timber at day break. Aside from that, and I am not being smart, I just have not seen a big difference nor have I ever worried about it. I think if I could pick, I would pick no moon, but I honestly do not think it matters. I think the moon is just something to worry about unneccessarily? I am sure some will debate this though.

 

[slamdunk]

C'mon KTC, it's all about the gravitational pull man...you should know that!!

Don't you make a midnight trip to Beto's when the moon is full??








Skull Krazy
"No Bones About It"

 

[Founder]

I personally rarely pay any attention to what the moon looks like. I did however notice the moon while summer scouting this year because it was so bright I couldn't sleep. It was like having a flashlight shining in my eyes all night (no tent, just sleeping under the stars AND MOON!).
The next day I saw a couple dozen deer and they were feeding as long as any other morning. ??????

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com

 

[ChasinBone]

I think it is a combination of things not just the moon. I do believe the moon has some effect as it does with all creatures. Have you ever noticed when you see one deer you can count on seeing more in this time frame. I have noticed this consistantly coyote hunting. You see one usually you will see another and vice versa. I think there are no set times but something is definately going on. The one thing I have noticed when their is a full moon I have regularly seen deer up in the middle of the day feeding. When the moon is dark have have not seen this as much. I do pay attention to moon phase and weather fronts because I think they do have some effect and I hunt accordinly. Just my two cents!!

 

[Califelkslayer]

I agree with Bone, it matters but you adjust. Cloud cover during a full moon is as good as no moon.

 

[nontypical]

I think the moon phase definitely has an effect on deer movement!I have seen big bucks up and feeding during the middle of the day during full and new moon cycles.Of course,once in awhile bucks do this anyway(changing position,etc.).But every time I've seen multiple bucks doing this,I check the moon cycle,and it seems to me those cycles correspond with game movement during the mid-day.I too,have taken some of my better bucks during the middle of the day,though I can't say for sure it was due to the moon cycle.

 

[nickman]

Deer have these great big eyes, so they can pretty much see all night, moon or no moon.....they don't care. Elk have better night vision than deer...sort of a moot point I thought..Deer have Ziess vision and elk have Swaro vision and I need a night light or I'll piss into the sink.....

 

[UTodd]

Hey Cowslayer...now that you mention it I have noticed the effects of the full moon before. This one time while hunting in Southern Utah, GoatT tried to spoon with me in the tent.....wait a minute....you're talking about the effects of the moon on deer aren't you?! Don't I feel like an idiot. Don't think it effects them at all. Never had a deer try to spoon with me.