From Mild to Wild

We've hit 50 or better three times this December in central Iowa, and we'll likely do it at least one more time before the year is through. While this comfortable weather may be good for traveling around the holidays, it can actually make for a difficult late season hunt.

Warm weather really slows down the deer feeding patterns. In years past when there's a late season thaw, it tends to send the bucks into a nearly nocturnal feeding pattern. So if you've been seeing less mature deer movement lately, don't be alarmed. My theory is they are wary from the hunting pressure, worn down from the breeding season, and when it's warm they don't move as much. Physiologically, warm blooded animals don't have to burn as many calories to stay warm when the temps are above average. Also, their thick winter coat probably works a little too well when it's sunny and temps are in the 40s/50s. So it seems, if they don't have to move, they wont. A quick glance at the long-range predictions below and you can see this pattern should be here to round out the 2011 hunting season.

Warm Temperatures are Expected to End Hunting Season

So, I have slipped back into ambushing transition areas and travel corridors as my primary hunting strategy. Deer are still pretty spooky, so I try not to over hunt one particular area. In fact, I'm saving my more reliable hunting areas for those days when the mercury and the snow are both falling which will hopefully happen at least twice before the season closes.

In the meantime, enjoy hunting in these early season temperatures! We will see one strong surge of cold air rushing in for the start of 2012. Freezing temps and strong, cold wind will stir up some good quality movement Monday January 2nd and Tuesday the 3rd. The rest of season is looking very warm. Click here for more information on this wild pattern straight from the Climate Prediction Center.

Good luck and Happy New Year!