Hunting in inclement mountain weather

[Swampdogg]

The weather in the fall is almost NEVER what most hunters call 'ideal' in the mountains, especially on the high ridges. Even when winds are forecasted at 6-10mph in town, the winds are constantly pouring over ridges and through gaps and a much higher rate, and often with no break.

The deer live in it 24/7/365, and live their lives accordingly. Most of the hunters perception of deer not moving in windy mountain weather is false. Just hunt...

Always have a beanie for your head and ears, gloves for your hands, and something to snack on and prepare to be physically and mentally challenged.

I killed this one a couple weeks ago in very strong winds, a constant mist and sleet, fog rolling in and out all morning. 10 minutes of 'can't see,' followed by sun and repeat. Up high near the AT.

View attachment 1276240

That’s a tank @Buckman18 well done

 

[Throwback]

Never hunted in the mountains

However


I started using store bought ground blinds a few years back. Holy moly talk about opening up opportunities on days like this.
It’s WAY more comfortable in there.

 

[ddd-shooter]

The weather in the fall is almost NEVER what most hunters call 'ideal' in the mountains, especially on the high ridges. Even when winds are forecasted at 6-10mph in town, the winds are constantly pouring over ridges and through gaps and a much higher rate, and often with no break.

The deer live in it 24/7/365, and live their lives accordingly. Most of the hunters perception of deer not moving in windy mountain weather is false. Just hunt...

Always have a beanie for your head and ears, gloves for your hands, and something to snack on and prepare to be physically and mentally challenged.

I killed this one a couple weeks ago in very strong winds, a constant mist and sleet, fog rolling in and out all morning. 10 minutes of 'can't see,' followed by sun and repeat. Up high near the AT.

View attachment 1276240

Love that rack. Very cool
Well done

 

[cliffdweller]

The weather in the fall is almost NEVER what most hunters call 'ideal' in the mountains, especially on the high ridges. Even when winds are forecasted at 6-10mph in town, the winds are constantly pouring over ridges and through gaps and a much higher rate, and often with no break.

The deer live in it 24/7/365, and live their lives accordingly. Most of the hunters perception of deer not moving in windy mountain weather is false. Just hunt...

Always have a beanie for your head and ears, gloves for your hands, and something to snack on and prepare to be physically and mentally challenged.

I killed this one a couple weeks ago in very strong winds, a constant mist and sleet, fog rolling in and out all morning. 10 minutes of 'can't see,' followed by sun and repeat. Up high near the AT.

View attachment 1276240

Very cool buck! Great story, fantastic advice, thanks for sharing with us some mountain wisdom!

 

[KentuckyHeadhunter]

@Buckman18 that is a GREAT well earned buck!!!!!

 

[WOODIE13]

Our firearms season was down 7.5%, contributing factors were weather, first day wind 35 MPH, gusts up to 55. 2nd day was wind, rain and fog.

First 3 days, 75% of the bucks are taken from a 2 week season normally.

Buck harvest drops more than seven percent in 2023 season - WV MetroNews

Agency leaders say the lower harvest wasn't a big surprise given mast conditions and early season weather in much of the state

wvmetronews.com