How to Determine Wind Direction When Deer Hunting

Deer can smell humans if they have a strong scent or are upwind.

Many factors determine the success of a deer hunt. Hunters must remain undetected by the deer they are hunting or they will not have a chance to take a clear shot. Deer have very sharp senses, and can detect sound and movement even if the hunter is camouflaged or hidden. Deer can also smell humans, especially if they are upwind. Staying aware of the wind direction is crucial.

Things You'll Need

• Unscented talc Lighter Dental floss Feather Squeeze bottle

Instructions

1. Fill a small squeeze bottle with unscented talcum powder. The experts at Grandview Outdoors say that a small puff of unscented powder will clearly show the direction of the wind,

2. Tie a small thread of dental floss to your bow or gun. This lightweight piece of thread should demonstrate the direction of the wind without giving away the position of the hunter, say experts at Bass Buck n Bird Hunter.

3. Use a lighter flame to determine the direction of the wind. But realize that the sound of the lighter sparking may spook your prey.

4. Look for natural signs of wind direction. Look for grass and trees bending, say the experts at ElkCamp.com. Wind tends to blow down the slope at night and in the early morning, and upslope when the sun heats the air in the middle of the day.

5. Purchase an electronic wind direction sensing device. These devices can detect very weak breezes, and may be a worthwhile investment for dedicated hunters.

Tips & Warnings

• The direction of the powder or floss is downwind. If your prey is in the direction indicated, move around them until you are upwind. Tying a feather onto the end of the floss can make finding the wind direction with this method easier.

• Do not use scented powders. Animals can detect the fragrance, giving away your position.

References

• Bass Buck n Bird Hunter: Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics
• Grandview Outdoors: Homemade Wind Checker
• ElkCamp.com: Scent Management