The Perks and Problems of Deer Hunting in the Rain

Bucks are often on their feet in crummy weather, but there are comfort, equipment, and ethical aspects to hunting in the rain that must be considered. Image by Tony Campbell

If you close your eyes and imagine a drizzly late-October afternoon in the Midwestern timber, it’s almost automatic to envision a big buck slipping in and working a scrape 20 yards away. Rainy conditions and the time immediately after the rain subsides can produce great deer movement. But before you head out to your favorite stand with rain in the forecast, consider these points.

GETTING WET IS MISERABLE

Very few deer hunters have appropriate apparel for hunting in the rain. Being soaked to the bone sucks, and it’s a fast track to getting miserably cold and shivering uncontrollably. To stay comfortable, you’ll need waterproof everything — hat, coat, pants, gloves and boots. Or you’ll need to hunt from an enclosed blind that keeps you free from the elements. With those parameters in place, you’ll be set to hunt comfortably in the rain.

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RAIN CAN MAKE SHOOTING MORE CHALLENGING

If you’re hunting in waterproof apparel and don’t have a roof over your head, your weapon becomes fully exposed to the elements. Scopes on rifles and crossbows can become tough or impossible to see through. Water can bead on your bowstring and arrow, which could slightly affect accuracy. Your rangefinder could also fog up or fail to produce a yardage reading.

PRECIPITATION CAN ERASE A BLOOD TRAIL

Following a blood trail can sometimes be difficult even in clear conditions. The difficulty increases exponentially at the onset of precipitation. Rain can quickly wash away any recognizable blood, leaving you with no option but to grid search for your deer or call in a dog if it’s legal. If you make a perfect double-lung hit, finding the animal likely won’t be too tough, and you might even watch it fall over. But a less-than-perfect hit might yield a very complicated and frustrating recovery. Always prioritize making a great shot, regardless of the conditions, but use additional discretion with shot selection and placement when hunting in the rain.

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BUT THERE ARE ADVANTAGES

Light to moderate rain can boost deer movement, making it a productive time to hunt. On the other hand, deer tend to hunker down during heavy rainfall. That doesn’t mean they won’t move, but hunting in heavy rain will likely be less productive than during a moderate mist or drizzle.

Rainfall can somewhat inhibit a deer’s sense of hearing. That makes it easier to shift into shooting position undetected. If your clothing brushes against the tree you’re hunting from or your treestand squeaks as you shift your weight, it might go unnoticed.

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YOU DECIDE

Hunters must not ignore the realities of hunting in the rain. Extreme discomfort, damage to your gear, and tough tracking jobs are all real possibilities. But if you plan ahead, bring the right gear, and choose your shot carefully, a rainy day might be the perfect day to get a big buck into range.