Hunting Whitetail Bucks in the Rain

Hunting in the Rain

When most hunters think of the perfect conditions for whitetail deer hunting, they imagine a calm, cool day with little to no wind.

But what about when mother nature doesn't cooperate and it rains during deer season?

Should you pack up and head back to deer camp? Can you still be successful in pursing whitetail bucks? The answer is yes!

With a few adjustments to your normal hunting routine, you can make the most of a rainy day and find yourself in the middle of a few big bucks.

How Much Rain?

There are a lot of different types of rain, just ask Forrest Gump. A heavy downpour will cause deer to hunker down and you'll notice a huge decrease in deer movement.

However, a light drizzle seems to fire up whitetail movement during daylight hours.

Plus, hunting pressure is usually much lower during wet weather, as other hunters will seek to avoid being uncomfortable in damp conditions.

We've also found that deer seem to move a lot just before and just after heavy rains.

Bottom line: take advantage of of a light rain and avoid hunting during a torrential downpour.

Use Rain Cover to Your Advantage

Rain makes entry and exit into your hunting location much easier. Trees and brush are moving on rainy days and the wet leaves mean you make less noise.

If you move in slowly and deliberately, you'll have no problem sneaking right in undetected.

Additionally, ground set ups seem to work great in the rain, as the woods tend to be moving a lot more and will mask lots of your movement. We've found that we can sneak right up into bedding areas much more easily with a little rain than we can when it's a sunny day in the woods.

One thing to note is that deer also like moving in rain for the same reasons. They too won't make much noise as they move through the woods.

Plus, their sense of smell is actually heightened when there is moisture in the air. Deer pick up your airborne scent when there is some moisture in the air.

So keep your head on a swivel and stay down wind!

Use the Right Gear

The primary reason most people head in when the rain falls is due to the discomfort that it causes. Often, on rainy day hunts, the weather is chilly and there are high winds.

Having the right gear will keep you comfortable and able to stay out longer in these damp chilly conditions while you're looking for mature bucks.

Look for high-quality rain gear and layer appropriately underneath. We prefer a mix of merino wool and insulation layers underneath our rain gear when it's cold.

During warmer weather conditions look for waterproof yet breathable fabrics that will allow sweat to evaporate while keeping water out. Remember, even though it's raining, you can still get overheated.

Choose wisely when it comes to layering your clothing.

What to Look Out For

Aside from a deer's sense of smell being heightened and the fact that they can sneak up on you during a steady rain, there are a few other factors to look out for when you're on a rainy day hunt.

First, often the winds will be whipping, which, when coupled with rain fall, can affect your arrow flight. The best way to prepare for this is simply to practice in rainy conditions.

During the offseason, most people will hang up the bow when the rain starts to fall. It's a good idea to practice when it's raining hard to see how your bow performs.

Secondly, rainy days can make the recovery of your whitetail deer difficult. No matter if you're hunting in light rain or heavy rain, wet weather conditions tend to wash away blood trails, especially if you have to wait more than an hour due to a bad shot.

Many hunters have lost that monster buck they shot due to a blood trail being quickly washed away from the forest floor. If you end up shooting a buck during a rain storm, it's often wise to call in a blood-trailing dog (if it's legal in your state), these canines have helped a lot of hunters avoid serious heartache.

Hunt the Rain!

Hunting whitetail bucks in the rain can be tough, but with a little know-how, it's definitely doable. By keeping these things in mind, you'll increase your chances of finding success while hunting deer in the rain.

So next time it rains on your hunt, don't let it dampen your spirits—use it to your advantage and go get that buck!

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