Do you guys pay any attention to the moon phase tables that predict animal activity? Is it useful, or is it hocus pocus?
Moon Phase
- Thread starter tpierce
- Start date
Acewaynes
Junior Member
Hocus pocus. The rut happens within 4-6 days every years. Most time within a day or two. The shorter daylight days and weather moves the deer. I forgot - hunters move the deer.
I think it depends on the area. Heavily pressured areas will always curb movement compared to non pressured areas. Cold fronts have a big impact on movement. Again, my opinion. I don't see a 2-4-6-10 day window of prime rutting activity. Maybe it happens this way in certain years. For the most part, it seems activity slowly increases, peaks, and then tapers off. 30 days later it repeats but a little less intense. Do all kids hit puberty at the same time? Does every female ovulate the same day? I believe deer are no different. Not EVERY single doe will be hot at the same moment. I'm not sure I believe the moon phase has a ton to do with the rut. I think it plays a part, but I don't think it dictates everything. Just my thoughts.
As for activity I believe the moon does play a role. I see more movement in my areas when the moon is under foot or overhead close to sunrise and sunset. I have not seen the same as far as moon phase though. Moon position seems to have more influence. Of course this could all be my imagination as I am far from any type of expert.
A tone of info and discussion on the subject can be found here:
http://www.theohiooutdoors.com/showthread.php?9519-The-Moon-What-do-we-know
I agree with this as well. Maybe a better question is "what has the most impact?" Moon phase is lower than human pressure, cold fronts, and over/under foot to me.