| Every season, millions of hunters take to the | | | | |
| woods with renewed enthusiasm and vigor. | | | | Much of the research that has been done on |
| Unfortunately, many come away empty handed, | | | | this subject has involved hunting deer, and |
| returning day after day to face similar | | | | many hunters swear that hunting by moon phase |
| results. It's every hunter's biggest | | | | is the only way to accurately predict deer |
| dilemma, but some have found the perfect | | | | activity. |
| solution, and that is hunting by moon phase. | | | | |
| | | | But the moon doesn't only have an impact on |
| Fishermen have long been aware of the | | | | deer activity. The various phases of the moon |
| powerful influence of the moon on the tides | | | | also seem to have a direct effect on deer |
| and chart the various phases of the moon in | | | | mating patterns, which in turn make them |
| order to determine the best time to fish. | | | | easier to locate. It's because of this that |
| Similarly, animals are in tune with their | | | | moon phase deer hunting -- as it's becoming |
| surroundings and certain shifts in natural | | | | commonly known -- is quickly gaining |
| forces trigger corresponding responses in the | | | | acceptance. |
| wild. | | | | |
| | | | Being aware of when the breeding season |
| For years, researchers have studied the | | | | begins helps to determine travel patterns and |
| reaction of wildlife to changes in the | | | | areas of increased deer activity. When the |
| position of the sun and moon and have come up | | | | breeding season is at its peak, finding deer |
| with some rather interesting observations in | | | | is easier and finding more than one in a |
| relation to hunting by moon phase. | | | | particular area more likely. |
| | | | |
| So, how does this work? How can paying | | | | So what does this have to do with the moon? |
| attention to the phases of the moon help | | | | A female deer's reproductive cycle is |
| ensure a hunter's success? | | | | influenced by the different phases of the |
| | | | moon, and peaks in the three or four days |
| Animals and the Moon | | | | surrounding the second full moon after the |
| | | | autumnal equinox. When the does are in heat, |
| Animals in the wild tend to be less active | | | | the bucks begin rubbing and scraping in an |
| during daylight hours. Feeling safer under | | | | attempt to attract them. If you know when |
| the cover of darkness, many animals will | | | | the full moon occurs, you can be at the right |
| increase their activity as dusk falls. | | | | spot, at the right time, and have the best |
| | | | chance for success, luring the bucks into |
| However, many observers have noted that | | | | your site. |
| activity amongst all animals is greater when | | | | |
| the moon is full and that this one form of | | | | By being aware of the different moon phases, |
| hunting by moon phase -- hunting during | | | | deer hunting can be far more successful. But |
| periods of full moon -- can yield excellent | | | | not only that, it can also help you figure |
| results. | | | | out when not to hunt. You aren't going to be |
| | | | successful after the deer have mated and even |
| In other words, if you're aware of the phases | | | | the phase when the bucks are chasing the does |
| of the moon, you're in a better position to | | | | can be pretty fruitless. |
| anticipate the peak of animal activity. The | | | | |
| more active they are, the better your chances | | | | By becoming familiar with these patterns and |
| will be of finding them. | | | | planning ahead, hunting by moon phase will |
| | | | almost certainly lead to your best hunting |
| Moon Phase Deer Hunting | | | | season ever. |