02 November 2008, 06:13
ChuckFDeer
Do deer move around or do they seek cover when ir's rainning?
02 November 2008, 17:50
x-caliberIMHO, they seek cover during downpours. A misty rain is a great time to hunt.
02 November 2008, 22:23
meteLight rain and moderate rain they'll move and feed. Heavy rain they'll take cover.If the rain slows or stops during the day they'll move right away.
03 November 2008, 18:26
DocI agree with all of the above except for during a rut.
I've been in a stand at noon in mid-November, hunting all day, when a substantial downpour has caused me to retreat to the truck.
I'd say at least 3 times in 20 or so years, I've seen big bucks moving with heavy rain as though it wasn't happening.
I'd say this was only b/c it was rutting time.
03 November 2008, 19:28
ReloaderA misty rain or steady rain is my favorite time to hunt. I've killed some good bucks on those types of days.
Reloader
03 November 2008, 21:27
AtkinsonMy folks said son, you should have since enough to come in outa the rain...I do that these days.

04 November 2008, 18:30
Red C.I've never seen any deer during heavy rain, but right after heavy rain is a good time to hunt. And, I just love to hunt in light rain or mist.
05 November 2008, 02:22
namibiahunterIn light rain and in mist the deer seems to be less wary, or their senses diminished. I think I've taken more deer in the rains than in any other type of weather. And then, again, I'm from Oregon.
Namibiahunter
06 December 2011, 06:09
GrenadierColumbia Blacktails of the Coastal Pacific Northwest will normally stay in the woods, bedded down, in heavy rains and/or high winds. However, if they smell, see, or hear you coming they will get up and disappear into the mist and darkness ahead of you.
In light rains they will be out grazing, browsing, walking, and resting on knolls or sides of ridges in their normal patterns just as if it wasn't raining at all. Occasionally, you will see them shake the water off but otherwise they seem to ignore it. Sometimes in a rain they will lick the water off themselves and each other as if they are taking a drink.
The best time to catch them out and about is before or after a big weather change. For example:
- When a long period of rain stops and the sun comes out
- Just when it starts drizzling after several dry days
- When it stops snowing
- Just before a big snowfall
- Just before and just after the temperature makes a big move up or down
It is entertaining to watch the fawns reappear after a really bad spell. They will prance, leap, buck, and jump up and down. Then they will chase each other in and out of the woods and all about, dashing here and there, just like dogs at play.