So, I'm pretty new to bow hunting, and I'm really learning a lot about scent this season...

My question is, with the approaching rain in N Tx this weekend, what's the story about hunting during rain? I sure don't intend to be out there if it's a serious thunderstorm, but what about just a good soaking rain? Do deer move or lay in the rain?

What's your experience?

Thanks.

T

One of my best Bow Hunts ever was during a thunderstorm and moderate rain in West Texas on the Palo Pinto river it was storming and raining I'll put on the proper clothes and just weathered it out every time the rain stopped and the sun came out it was like every animal on the place was moving quail coyotes bobcats deer probably my favorite bow hunt !!!! I really think that you should get out and hunt Saturday I'll be hunting not too far from you good luck hope you really enjoy it 😀

I like being in the stand during the rain, and once the rain stops (or lightens up), the woods wake up. When you get the light rain, deer will often be moving. If you get the soaking rain, deer often bed down so movement will be slow (that's when I take a nap!). But right after the rain lets up, movement has always been good.

For bow hunting during this time, I won't sit if I'm getting rained on and wet. I've carried a pancho and covered up, but I still get wet. Most of my bow stands are exposed to the elements. If you are covered up and not getting wet, stay and hunt.

Light rain typically isn't to much of a big deal. Never seen much movement in heavy rain. A good break in heavy rain can be very productive.

This exactly

Thanks. I'll get out my rain gear and see what opens up Saturday morning.

the animals are always outside 24/7.
i've taken animals in every kind of
weather. you have to be outside with
them if you want to see them. they
move when they get ready to if it's
3 am or 3 pm or sunday or thursday.

Rain ain't gonna stop them. Heavy rain will frequently bed them, but soon as it ends they'll be up and running.

Like the others have said, as soon as it stops raining is when they are the most active. If it's been raining all night and it's still raining at first light, they are also active then. I think it's too dark during the night when it's raining and they stay bedded down, but then are extra hungry at first light and will be more active then normal.

Couple days ago we had a morning storm here. It ended about noon and then at 12:30 I saw two good sized bucks either chasing each other, or just following each other at a good pace along the tree line where I'm working. Then three does came out of the trees to feed on acorns at the edge of the pasture. I continued to see does the rest of the day.

This was a question I had as well.
Headed up to the company ranch in Junction this morning, looks like it may be a wet one. Could be a long sit in the blind, at least it's a box blind.

Hopefully won't be a turd floater.

The BEST naps I've ever taken were during a rain storm!!!

Yep

So after all this, I ended up not going. There's a difference between already being at the lease and going out in it, and having to drive in the rain to get to the lease to go stand in it. I just couldn't get my butt off the couch, and opted for a good nap...

That buck gets to live another week...

Light rain is generally not a problem unless that you are hunting where it rarely rains such as the Trans Pecos. Seems that the deer so rarely see it rain that they hunker down until it is over as rains generally don't last long out here. South, East and North Texas deer don't seem to be affected much by rain as they are accustomed to it.
Adios,
Gary

I love hunting in the rain, as long as you can get in and out.

Deer move in it more than you'd think, if it is light or even steady. They'll also get moving as soon as it lets up, if it gets heavy. Seen a good rain trip off the rut more than once.

Also, for some reason, I'm more chilled out/peaceful sitting in a stand listening to it rain.

When it's like this I'll pass. Once you start tearing up the roads and get stuck your disturbing things in a way that doesn't make sense. I've learned this the hard way but I finally learn.