Pros And Cons Of Deer Hunting Once The Snow Has Fallen

The autumn deer season in many areas means that snow may fall before or during your hunt. While the arrival of snow might represent the holidays for many people, you might be thinking about harvesting some venison to share with your family throughout the winter. Whitetail deer hunting during snowy conditions has challenges, but it also offers opportunities. Blowing snow can make it difficult to see far distances, for example, but it can also drive other hunters away to give you a chance at more deer. Here are some other pros and cons to know.

Pro: The Deer Are More Visible

The addition of snow to a wooden area immediately helps to make your prey more visible from a distance. When you're looking at an area without snow, the brown of a deer's fur can make it blend in easily with its surroundings. Deer have a knack for standing extremely still, so it's possible to look right at your prey — even though binoculars — without noticing it. When the surrounding environment is white with snow, the deer will quickly become more visible.

Con: You'll Need More Apparel

If you're used to hunting in snow-free conditions, you probable have apparel that is brown and/or green. You'll find that the arrival of snow makes you stand out in much of the same manner as your prey, so you'll want to invest in another set of hunting apparel that is more suitable for hunting in snowy conditions. This presents another expense and carrying both sets of clothing if you're unsure of the weather can be a challenge.

Pro: You Can Track More Easily

If you're fortunate enough to be hunting in an area in which there aren't any other hunters, and the snow is fresh, you'll be able to easily track the whereabouts of the deer by observing and following their markings in the snow. This is not possible when the ground is dry, but the addition of snow can be a game changer in your efforts. You may find that it's possible to stay on the trail of the deer even if they're moving a lot.

Con: You Might Be Louder

Walking on snow makes different sounds depending on the type of snow and the temperature. If it's really cold, your boots will often make a crunching sound as you walk through the snow. This can be problematic when you're hunting, because deer are nervous by nature and are acutely aware of what sounds aren't natural. You may find that it's extremely difficult to move around with any degree of stealth.