AM or PM deer hunt?

I always preferred morning hunting over afternoon hunting and here's why. Deer are nocturnal by nature. More deer move during night hours then during daylight hours. Anyone who hunts will agree with that. But morning hunting seems to have more deer activity in most areas due to deer moving from feeding areas to bedding areas. The cooler temperatures of the morning vs the afternoon hunting probably will play a big factor in deer staying in the feeding areas longer meaning you are more apt to see later deer movement in the morning hunts. Also, more Boone&Crockett bucks are killed during morning hrs from 6:00AM till 8:30AM than any other time. I read that from a guy that studies the Boone&Crockett record books. I believe it. This time is known as primetime for big buck hunters who have taken their fair share of big trophy bucks.
 
I hunt all day, and I've shot deer at all times during the day. I shoot more in the early afternoon because deer know that most humans head for the truck and lunch around 12 PM. I shot one last Monday at 10 AM. He was pushed out by 2 guys that showed up at 9 AM and kinda screwed up my stand. They took off in another direction after I whistled to let them know where I was. I got the little fella by beaning him with the .50 to not tear up any meat. If they hadn't pushed him out of his bed, I might not have had the shot.
 
I have had success both mornings and evenings. During early season on good food sources, evenings seem better. In late October and early November just before rut breeding phase, I see more movement for longer periods of time in the mornings. YMMV!
 
My record is slightly biased toward evening deer but close to half and half.

Advantage for AM: the deer around here seem to prefer full daylight for their morning travels, you don't have to fight off the coyotes quite so hard to reclaim them and you don't have to track and dress them in the dark. But the disadvantages are you have to get up in the middle of the night to get in the woods, you have to work harder to keep the meat cool and you have to hide from the crows when you're waiting for the deer to cross. I don't know why crows like mornings more than evenings but they do.
 
Mornings for me.
It's more fun to stalk like Natty Bumpo, but you fill the pot better if you sit on your butt in the right place.
 
Interesting question. Most of my deer hunting has been done in NZ.
Over there, I've had most success in the morning -- believe it or not
around 10:00 am. I crawl out of my sleeping bag before first light, and hit the track half an hour after dawn -- but usually get onto animals around mid morning. Don't know why.

A lot of guys do well just as it is getting dark. I hate the thought of not being able to make it back the the fly camp or getting stuck out for the night -- though a lot of mates have done it. they say it is inevitable if you are usig the opportunities properly. SO I guess I have never pushed the late afternoon hunt thing too hard.

However, I have read some US research that indicated that in areas where hunting pressure is very low, deer activity times changes markedly. They become much more active during the day.

Interesting huh?
Matt
 
All deer hunting isn't the same. Mule Deer vs White Tails, open country vs woods. Best to know the habits of the deer where you hunt. That'll tell you whether early or late is better for chances of success.

On the other hand, I'm with the leisurely risers for hunting most anything. For me it's be out there late morning, to early afternoon--- till dark because I prefer it.
 
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