There are many theories on how the moon affects deer activity. When the rut and weather cannot explain deer activity, I believe the moon has something to do with it. After 25+ years of whitetail hunting, I have come to the conclusion that you are more likely to see a deer if the moon was dark during the night before your hunt. On a moonlit night, deer travel most of the night and are in their beds at first light, or shortly thereafter.
Another way the moon affects deer is with the hunter’s moon. It is said that the second full moon after the fall equinox will start the beginning of the rut. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do believe deer activity picks up at this time.
Many things affect deer movement such as the rut, hunting pressure, and the moon and weather conditions. Unfortunately, not one thing can predict when deer move. Learn what you can about how deer movement corresponds with the weather. You’ll be a better hunter for it.
I would suggest that all hunters keep a journal of deer sightings. It should include the date, time, precipitation, cloud cover, barometric pressure, and wind and moon phase. After two or three years of keeping a journal, you’ll begin to see the best weather conditions for deer activity in your area.
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