How do Red deer react to rain?
- Thread starter Glendine
- Start date
Long periods of cold wet weather will drive Red Deer lower to seek shelter. Short periods will not bother them much as they are very used to it. In many cases on the open hill its knowing your ground that counts, and you will find Reds sheltering in the lee of the wind as a rule.
Most Red hinds are hefted to the local area they were born in and get to know the area to shelter in quite well.
Most Red hinds are hefted to the local area they were born in and get to know the area to shelter in quite well.
In my experience, albeit limited only to annual trips to Sutherland for the last 18 years, heavy rain seems to have limited effect on red deer. To be fair, the only cover on the estate is a plantation down near the lodge, so the deer have limited opportunities. So they stay on the lee side of the tops and sit it out. This is a bu**er if you're second rifle for the day and the stalker decides to head away for the stalk with the first rifle. I've sat there on exposed hill tops way too many times - no chance to see the stalk and no chance to stay dry, just you, the incessant rain and the feeling that the river down below must be in perfect condition for the salmon.
willie_gunn
willie_gunn
Glendine
Well-Known Member
Hi All,
Again sincere thanks for your replies.
The area that I will be hunting in is agriculture land bordered by state owned forestry.
Some of the ground is marsh and has deer grass on it the other area is fine pastoral lands all of which will be shared by cattle.
The area up to now has had limited hunting pressure the most prominent stalker in the area told me he shot three deer out for the area last year.
The weather is stating showers and mild weather temperatures in the mid to high teens.
So if I do my part and be in the area well before dawn and wait for the Red’s to appear like ghost I should have some luck regardless of the rain. With the temperatures being quite high and with little wind the rain will not hamper the Red deer’s usual routine?
Many thanks
Regards,
Glendine.
Again sincere thanks for your replies.
The area that I will be hunting in is agriculture land bordered by state owned forestry.
Some of the ground is marsh and has deer grass on it the other area is fine pastoral lands all of which will be shared by cattle.
The area up to now has had limited hunting pressure the most prominent stalker in the area told me he shot three deer out for the area last year.
The weather is stating showers and mild weather temperatures in the mid to high teens.
So if I do my part and be in the area well before dawn and wait for the Red’s to appear like ghost I should have some luck regardless of the rain. With the temperatures being quite high and with little wind the rain will not hamper the Red deer’s usual routine?
Many thanks
Regards,
Glendine.
Glendine
Ah-ha! Sorry, I misunderstood - my comments were more related to heading up onto the Hill and stalking the red deer there rather than intercepting them near the forestry. Can't really help you there I'm afraid, but good luck and let us know how things go.
willie_gunn
Not sure if this will help or not, but I've watched from the side of forestry block feeding out on the open hill while heavy rain has been coming down in windy conditions, whilst there was snow on the ground. They really are quite hardy animals that tolerate bad weather pretty well.
You're pan seems sound to me, essentially you're trying to catch them either going out to feed or come back in at dusk and dawn. The weather you mention will not be an issue to them if it's only for a short period of time as has already been said.
You're pan seems sound to me, essentially you're trying to catch them either going out to feed or come back in at dusk and dawn. The weather you mention will not be an issue to them if it's only for a short period of time as has already been said.
pitiliedon
Well-Known Member
In my experience mild wet weather seems to draw them out. I think they feel safer when it tipping it down as we are less likely to be hunkered down watching for them. Also rain unlike mist would serve to dull there senses a bit which may let you away with small noises as long as you are not too close
Glendine
Well-Known Member
Glendine
Well-Known Member
Pitiledon,
I understand what your saying thanks for the post. With the weather that’s expected fingers crossed and thanks again for your post its sound advice.
Glendine.
Glendine
Well-Known Member
Hi All,
Im sorry about the delay in responding. I shot two Red prickets first in the morning and number two in the late evening both neck shots dropped the deer. As you can Imagine I had good fun getting them out. Again thanks to all for the advice.View attachment 32474
Im sorry about the delay in responding. I shot two Red prickets first in the morning and number two in the late evening both neck shots dropped the deer. As you can Imagine I had good fun getting them out. Again thanks to all for the advice.View attachment 32474
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