Hunting the early-season offers a ton of advantages that late November just can’t match. It’s the only time he year you a chance of getting a buck in full velvet and you’ll probably catch a little bit of the rut. If you’re going to hunt the early-season at some point you’re going to have to deal with the heat. And it’s going to affect the way you hunt. Here are some things to consider when the hunting gets hot.
How to Hunt in Hot Weather
Just like you or me the heat is going to affect how do you respond to their environment. They are not going to be as active so you’ll see a serious lack of deer movement. That’s why knowing how to do preseason scouting is all the more crucial.
When deer aren’t coming to you you’ll have to go to them. That means finding their bedding areas, food plots and water sources.
You’ll Have to Make Adjustments
The past couple years I’ve hunted the early bow seasons (going after velvet bucks) out of state and boy did I have to make a lot of changes to the way I hunt. Growing up in Ohio meant that I was used to hunting in serious cold weather climates.
I ended up having to rethink all of my hunting gear and go switch things up.
Consider Your Wardrobe
When most people consider hunting undergarments their thing about the cold. Many of the same principles that keep hunters dry during the winter will also work during the summer.
Begin with loosefitting camo undergarments as part of your layering process. Then from there add a shirt and light jacket. The goal is to be able to strip down if you get too hot while still having a camo appearance.
Before you go out into the field you’ll have to consider your wardrobe. I ended up having to rethink all of my hunting gear and go switch things up.
My father wears Sitka’s Equinox Jacket which is perfect for extremely hot weather, but it’s pricey. I don’t have the same kind of cash he has so most of the time I’ll go out in a lightweight Bug Tamer Suit, camo shorts and a t-shirt. It feels light and breezy.
Deer Get Lazy in The Heat
By far the biggest disadvantage hunters have in the heat is the lack of deer movement. Early in the season deer are still naturally in their summer patterns.
That means they’ll be feeding mostly at night when it’s cooler. You’ll have short windows of opportunity when they’re up during daylight hours.
Hunt The Food Sources
Early-season typically means setting up on food sources. That means you’re only going to be able to hunt early afternoon.
Trying to get into your stand early will just spook the deer and lead to a boring day. That means you’ll only have a window of 2 to 3 hours a day to hunt.
It really is crazy that during a weeklong hunt you might only be out in the field for 10-15 hours.
How To Hunt The Mornings
Some of us just can’t wait till noon to go out hunting. I get ants in my pants just thinking about it.
Hunting the early morning means you’ll have to find funnels. Try and look between food sources and bedding areas if you get up early.
You can also set up near water sources. Going to water sources is key. After a long night in the hot weather deer wake up and had straight towards water.
Just keep in mind that deer love to bed near water sources. Don’t bump into them on the way to your stand.
Focus on Scent Control
No matter what you do set control is going to be a huge issue. Obviously you’re going to sweat a lot more in the summer heat than you would in the fall. Things tend to get a little bit stinky when I’m out in the field.
You need to make sure that the scent isn’t drifting into the feeding and bedding areas. That means both when you’re in your stand and walking to it.Give yourself a lot of time taking it slow so you don’t work up a sweat.
Wash all your clothes with a scent killing detergent and use scent killer spray liberally as a last resort. I also like to run a small ozone generator in my backpack as well. A cheap mobile Ozone generator like this Boneview Unit will really cut down your scent.
Take Advantage of Your Opportunities
You really need to think before you get out there about deer movement patterns and staying comfortable and scent free. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to deal with this heat. Just make sure you take advantage of that short window that might present itself.
Watch Out For Ticks and Mosquitos
If you’ve only ever done fall and winter hunts you might overlook bloodsucking insects. Ticks and mosquitoes run rampant during the early-season. You need to take preventative measures to avoid getting bitten.
One of the best ways to keep ticks and mosquitoes off of you is to where preventative clothing. I really love Gamehide’s Elimitick clothing lineup. Elimitick clothing stops all those blood suckers before they get to your skin.
Elimitick uses scent shield technology to both block your odor from insects and deer. The repellent lasts in the clothing for up to 70 washes and provides years of insect free comfort. It not only repels ticks, it also repels chiggers, mosquitos, flys and no see ums.
You’ll be able to wear the lightweight gear all summer long. From your spring scouting trips, putting up your stand and event battling the September/August heat.
Stay Hydrated
If you’re used to drinking cups of coffee and energy drinks throughout the day you’re going to have to make a change. When the sun comes out you’ll have to stay hydrated.
That means keeping up your water intake both on the stand and at home. I’m not a doctor so i’m not going to try and tell you the benefits of excess water, but bringing along a water bottle is always a good idea.
It’ll not only protect you from heat stroke you’ll also be mentally prepared for the hunt ahead. Plus if you actually do bag a deer a few gallons of water in your field dressing kit is always a good idea. Tracking, gutting, dragging and hanging a deer is a dirty and strenuous job so you’ll need a lot of water to stay hydrated.
Know Where The Sun Sets
Knowing where the sun rises and sets will really help keep you cool in the warmer months. You’re going to want to stay on the north and northwest facing hillsides and use the trees shade to your advantage.
Throughout most of the day you’ll be sitting in shadowed areas and temperatures should remain cool. Without that sun beating down on you you’ll be a lot more comfortable.
As deer transition from their summer coats to their winter they’ll need to stay as cool as possible. Setting up near cool and shady spots (especially water sources) will be your best bet.