Every seasoned hunter knows that hunting the wind is the key to success. However, hunting the wind isn’t as easy as it sounds. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you stink. Not to us — but to the deer, you are hunting!
Deer heavily rely on their keen sense of smell to sniff out predators and, if the conditions are just right, they can detect you up to 300 yards away. But a deer can’t smell your stink if the wind can’t carry your scent to their nose. Meaning, a deer can’t blow your cover if you are downwind of them. Paying close attention to the wind and knowing which way the wind is blowing throughout your hunt will get you closer to tagging a deer.
Learn more about hunting the wind and using it to your advantage below.
TIP #1 — Hills vs. Plateaus
Generally speaking, hilly areas are much more challenging to hunt than plateaus. The wind is fickle in the hills, whereas the wind in flat areas is much more predictable. Not to say you shouldn’t hunt the hills, but given a choice, flatter areas prove to be more successful.
TIP #2 — Know Your Thermals
In addition to hunting the wind, you need to hunt thermals while in hilly areas. As you know, warm air rises and cold air falls. A thermal is a column of warm air rising. It’s crucial to keep thermals in mind as you hunt because if a buck is above you and the sun hits the hill you’re on, the air that rises will carry your scent, blowing your cover.
TIP #3 — Use an App
Always know which way the wind is blowing with a weather app. Type in your location and get hourly updates and forecasts right to your phone, including which way the wind is blowing. Remember, a “west wind” begins in the west and blows to the east. What about a “south wind?” It starts in the south and blows to the north. Bonus tip: bring a compass to ensure you know your directions (it can get confusing in a wooded area!).
TIP #4 — Conduct a Crosscheck
Apps are great and undoubtedly convenient; however, they are not always 100% correct. Trees, hills, valleys, and many other natural factors can play into the direction of the wind. Because of this variable, it’s not bad to double-check which way the wind is blowing.
TIP #5 — Don’t Rely on Scent Eliminators
It’s hard to say how effective scent eliminators actually are. Products containing pine or acorn scents seem to be better at hiding your scent. However, don’t count on them completely covering up your smell. Use scent eliminators as a safety net and always hunt the wind.
Contact R & K Hunting Company
Once you master hunting the wind, your chances of harvesting that trophy buck significantly improve. To increase your chances of a successful season even further, book your hunt with the professionals at R & K Hunting Company. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable guides have decades of experience and are eager to share their insider tips with you. Contact R & K Hunting Company today!