There have been several theories proposed about how the moon affects deer movement. One revolves around moon position and suggests deer movement increases when the moon is directly overhead or underneath. These two periods, each of which occurs once each day, are termed major and minor peaks, respectively. And I know several hunters who strongly believe in it. Unfortunately, there’s not a shred of scientific evidence to support the notion. None.
One common theory suggests that moon phase can influence timing of the rut, and therefore peak activity periods. We know the onset of breeding season is influenced primarily by photoperiodism - changes in the amount of sunlight as the days grow shorter. This causes physiological processes in deer...
Dr. Bronson Strickland, co-director of the Mississippi State Deer Lab, discusses the rut’s effect on buck travel range. During the rut you see increased buck movements. The claim that a buck can move miles is true and have even been recorded to move up to 7 miles in a 24 hour period. They are act...
Dr. Bronson Strickland, co-director of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab, discusses moon phases as they relate to deer movement. With the Solunar tables, it is about the gravitational pull impact on deer movement. While there have been findings of very subtle changes in deer movement due ...
