Fishermen have long been aware of the powerful
influence of the moon on the tides and chart the various
phases of the moon in order to determine the best time to
fish. Similarly, animals are in tune with their surroundings
and certain shifts in natural forces trigger corresponding
responses in the wild.
For years, researchers have studied the reaction
of wildlife to changes in the position of the sun and moon
and have come up with some rather interesting observations
in relation to hunting by moon phase. So, how does this work?
How can paying attention to the phases of the moon help ensure
a hunter's success?
Animals and the Moon...Animals
in the wild tend to be less active during daylight hours.
Feeling safer under the cover of darkness, many animals will
increase their activity as dusk falls.However, many observers
have noted that activity amongst all animals is greater when
the moon is full and that this one form of hunting by moon
phase -- hunting during periods of full moon -- can yield
excellent results. In other words, if you're aware of the
phases of the moon, you're in a better position to anticipate
the peak of animal activity. The more active they are, the
better your chances will be of finding them.
Moon Phase Deer
Hunting...Much
of the research that has been done on this subject has involved
hunting deer, and many hunters swear that hunting by moon
phase is the only way to accurately predict deer activity.
But the moon doesn't only have an impact on deer activity.
The various phases of the moon also seem to have a direct
effect on deer mating patterns, which in turn make them easier
to locate. It's because of this that moon phase deer hunting
-- as it's becoming commonly known -- is quickly gaining
acceptance. Being aware of when the
breeding season begins helps to determine travel patterns
and areas of increased deer activity. When the breeding season
is at its peak, finding deer is easier and finding more than
one in a particular area more likely.
So what does this have to do with the moon?
A female deer's reproductive cycle is influenced by the different
phases of the moon, and peaks in the three or four days surrounding
the second full moon after the autumnal equinox. When the
does are in heat, the bucks begin rubbing and scraping in
an attempt to attract them. If you know when the full moon
occurs, you can be at the right spot, at the right time,
and have the best chance for success, luring the bucks into
your site. By being aware of the different moon phases, deer
hunting can be far more successful. But not only that, it
can also help you figure out when not to hunt. You aren't
going to be successful after the deer have mated and even
the phase when the bucks are chasing the does can be pretty
fruitless.
By becoming familiar with these patterns and
planning ahead, hunting by moon phase will almost certainly
lead to your best hunting season ever.
About The Author
David Rose is an outdoor enthusiast and the creator of QuickPhase
Pro, the fun and easy way to view the phases of the moon.
To learn more, visit http://www.quickphase.com.