Mastering the Wind: The Secret to Smarter, More Successful Hunts

When you are hunting deer on a windy day, it is important to take every step to remain undetected. Mature bucks have an incredible sense of smell; in fact, their remarkable nose is their best survival tool. When hunting, you need to take the wind into account because it can carry your scent. Deer typically have a detection range of around a quarter-mile (400+ yards). With a light, steady breeze and high humidity, deer can detect human scent from over half a mile away (800-1,000 yards). This blog will explain how to use the wind to hunt mature bucks.

Set up in a location that does not allow the wind to carry your scent into areas where deer are likely to be. If possible, have at least two stands set up, so you can choose your hunting spot based on the wind direction. Typically, you want the wind blowing toward an area that is normally free of deer, such as an open field, pond, or road. You also want to position yourself downwind of the main travel corridors.

To stay on top of wind direction, check sites like AccuWeather or Weather.com. It is also helpful to download the app. The forecast is usually accurate, but the wind might shift once you set up at your stand. If the wind direction changes, you may need to change locations.

Take your surroundings into account while playing the wind. Terrain features can impact the direction and behavior of the wind. Terrain changes the wind's speed, direction, and turbulence through wind channeling, which occurs when wind speeds up in valleys and passes over hills, creating obstacles that block or redirect the flow and lead to eddies and turbulence on the downwind side. Forests and vegetation also slow wind speeds near the ground.

If there are hills or changes in elevation where you are hunting, you also need to be aware of thermals. As the sun rises in the morning, it warms the air in the valleys, which then rises to the hills. In the evening, the air cools and sinks back down. Thermals are the up-and-down movements of air and can greatly affect how your scent travels.

To avoid alerting deer, you need to ensure that the wind does not carry your scent as you enter or exit your stand or blind. Plan a route that avoids walking near areas with a high concentration of deer and stays clear of downwind paths. If the deer smell you before you even get to your blind or stand, you could miss your shot before the day even starts.

To better hide your scent and avoid detection, take precautions. Wash your hunting clothes using scent-free detergent and store your clothes and gear in a scent-free bag to keep them clean. Before heading out, shower with scent-free body wash and shampoo. Put on your hunting clothes outside your vehicle, right before walking to your stand. To reduce the scent from your breath, wear a face mask. Also, wear gloves and boots to minimize the scent left on anything you touch or step on. Finally, spray all your gear with a scent-eliminating spray. You can also use deer scents and lures to help cover your scent.

While you need to plan your moves around the wind, deer naturally use the wind to their advantage. Bucks typically approach bedding or feeding areas from the downwind side or with the wind crossing their face. Bucks also tend to bed in locations where they can have the wind at their back while watching in one direction, allowing them to smell anything approaching from behind.

Use this information to predict wind and deer movement. Set up your stand just outside the area where the deer could catch your scent as it approaches.

If the wind is too strong, consider taking the day off from using your stand. Strong, unpredictable wind can be unsafe and makes you more detectable to bucks. Wind speeds of 7-10 mph are favorable because they keep deer from hearing you or catching your movements. Anything over 20 mph is likely too much for a treestand. In these conditions, go with a spot-and-stalk strategy or wait for the wind to calm down before climbing into your stand.

Remember to always factor in the wind. Choose a location where the wind blows away from the deer. Check the weather regularly so you know what it's doing and what it’s going to do. Understand how terrain affects the wind.

Take the necessary steps to control your scent. Know that bucks use the wind to their advantage, too. Stay out of your treestand if the wind is too strong.