The Northwest doesn’t have hurricanes. But try telling that to hunters who’ve been in the field recently. Most of the region has experienced above-average temperatures this hunting season, but that warm fall weather often brings wicked winds. This past week, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming experienced record-breaking high temps. Temperatures were warmer in parts of Montana than in Florida, with some locations topping 70 degrees. Unfortunately, wind speeds weren’t far behind. Several areas had gusts of more than 40 mph. Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front saw gusts that reached almost 90 mph. For hunters stuck in those wild winds, it might not technically be a hurricane, but it sure felt like one.

This warm, windy hunting season has affected hunter success. Severe winds limit wildlife movement and push deer into hiding. Plus, the lack of mountain snow has many bucks — especially mature bucks — staying at higher elevations. Additionally, gusting winds make travel and glassing for wildlife difficult. In southwestern Montana, biologists report the mild weather has contributed to lower-than-average hunter success rates. Meanwhile, check stations in south-central and northwestern Montana say harvest rates remain average. Many of Montana’s check stations reported an increase in hunter numbers and harvest success this past weekend. They attribute the boost to increased rut activity around the state.

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A group of friends visiting north-central Montana this past week managed to punch four out of five tags on mule deer bucks. Although the hunters headed home with full coolers, all the bucks were younger. My friends reported a lot of breeding, chasing and seeking behavior, but all of the rut activity they witnessed was among big groups of does with smaller bucks. No mature bucks were glassed for almost a week.

During the weekend, I managed to catch up to a herd of mule deer in an area that was rather protected from the wind. The deer hung out in the protected valley for most of the afternoon. The herd had three spikes, a forkhorn and two mature bucks. Although the biggest buck, a tall 4-by-4, bedded down near some does, the other mature buck and young bucks took advantage of his laziness and chased around does. However, about an hour later, the big buck decided it was his turn. He chased the smaller and younger bucks off before spending the remainder of the afternoon chasing does.

Whitetail rut activity has really picked up the past couple of days. Windy weather has limited deer movement to sheltered areas, but trail cameras in wooded areas are snapping buck photos consistently during daylight. Bucks are on the move at all hours. More mature bucks are also starting to show up on camera with a greater frequency.

Meteorologists are predicting colder, wetter weather to move into the Northwest in the coming days, giving hunters a much-needed break from the wild winds. Mountain snow could push some wildlife down from higher elevations. With rut activity at its peak and more seasonal fall-like weather on its way, it’s a good time to get out.