Most of the time no, it was either pre-rut or post rut.

These aren’t just whitetail deer either, but elk, mule deer, red stag, etc.

Moon plays a part, but it isn’t a make or break scenario. I know some folks look into these things as absolutes, but it’s usually better to be in the woods than not.

One of my best whitetails was taken during a full moon in December when it was 90* outside. Horrible conditions per the “experts”. I’ve had much more success on non perfect days than on the perfect ones.

Cliff notes?

Didn’t read it all but here are the conclusions I’ve drawn:

Moon has an affect on deer movement. I don’t think you can single out just the bucks though.

Bucks behavior changes more often than not, around age five and they become increasingly nocturnal. The rut, low light conditions, and particularly cold weather, in that order, can cause them to deviatie from when they are normally up moving around.

Experience has also led me to draw the conclusion that during periods not influenced by the rut, I am more likely to see a mature buck in the daylight when the moon is up all day and mid day during times of bright night time moons. Both of those conclusions are contingent on being relatively close to where they are laid up before they get up.

Free, this is the podcast of the research i brought up. Its a fascinating listen. The graphs on the video can make the it easier to digest for some. If you have some time, its a really good study from a analysis standpoint.

I watch them all day and night. I don’t see any correlation between their activity level and the moon. Same with predators. The wind lays them down here much more. They can’t see danger as easily when everything is moving around from the wind and their noses are compromised more.

This is the mystery. Zero hunting pressure, same moon, same temperature, same barometric pressure, same wind, same cloud conditions and one day they are moving all around and the next nothing. I don’t see science ever figuring that one out.

I agree

Well...that settles it.

It is an interesting concept/discussion. I was out this weekend. According to the red moon concept it should have been gangbusters this am. Wasnt.
According to the solunar calendar it was a four star morning this am, and evening last night. It wasnt.

Does that mean i didn’t see deer and Didn’t shoot a doe? Nope, i did and i did. Also shot two hogs. Does that mean anything other than i was out in the blind and saw deer and some hogs…nope.

Does that mean what i said above proves anything about the moon having no effect on deer? Absolutely not.

Every now and then I see what I call a dead day. No birds, squirrels, hogs, deer or anything else. It typically lasts for about 8-10 hours. Everything moving before and after but during the dead time absolutely nothing. The next time I see it going on, out of curiosity, I’m going to see if my catfish will come to the feed.

I have as well noticed such days, no critters move and wonder what causes it.

I prefer no to limited moon hunts to full moon or lots of moon hunts. Do I hunt both, yes, have I killed nice deer on both, yes, do I feel one is better scenario, yes and I told you what one I prefer. That said, deer, animals are unpredictable and movements rarely driven by one external factor. More so than moon, I'd much rather focus hunting around pre-rut/rut/post rut and secondary rut as well as minimal wind at play. Seen far fewer deer in windy blustery conditions than prevailing moon phases. Most importantly, the area one is hunting needs to have ample critters residing on or nearby, no external factor will overcome the lack of that, IMO.

BTW, I just put up what I feel is a value added thread in Open Hunting, "Dangerous Roadways and Preventative Measures" that I wouldn't mind snagging you fellas' feedback on.

We have those days. The woods are completely still for no apparent reason

Can’t shoot um if you don’t go… and they are tasty!