Rain influence a deer's bed choice?

[rochester coops]

I tried stalking some public land today that I've never been to. Mostly through wetlands, cattails, etc. Found some beds, no deer. The wind was to my face or crosswind. It was raining on and off and breezy, but not the almost 30mph forcasted. Now I wasn't totally in stealth mode as I had a buddy hunting w/me and was okay bumping deer toward him, but didn't notice bumping anything.

So i'm wondering if it being opening day and the woods filled w/other hunters (no evidence of anyone venturing into this area though) routed them away from these beds this morning, or if the weather drove them for more canopy cover. Have you guys noticed a lack of deer in cattails/open areas w/out trees when its pouring?

[RaisedByWolves]

[PredatorTC]

Not sure about the rain factor but I have seen it many times where they will bed in open areas when its windy. I was hunting a 180 class buck two years ago and kicked himout of some cedars multiple times. I went in to hunt him one windy day and jumped him in a big open area where he could watch everything going on.

I went for a walk a few days ago during a heavy downpour with no wind and jumped the 5.5 year old I have been after. I went up to the bed after he left and he had no cover from the rain. He was out in the wide open

[dan]

I am not sure if they bed with better cover during the rain. Quite possible. But I am sure they would not want to bed in relitivly open cattails as bedding in those types of spots is based mainly on hearing predators approach. The rain will keep them from hearing that in some cases...
Im not saying they won't, just saying I am sure it has some influance on there decision where to bed.

[rochester coops]

I was hoping to use the rain and wind to MY advantage by going after them. Guess they already knew that and were staying one step ahead of me. Maybe I should have stuck to the woods with my stalk, but no one else was hunting the wetlands. It was good info for any future hunts though, I'll know where to go when its a little dryer.

[dan]

People who never hunt in the rain, never learn what deer do in the rain

[jlh42581]

Friday was high wind and rain here. I got out of work at four and opted to head to a farm point that was thick bedding cover. 6pm, they stood up out of the tall grass in the field, no way you couldve beat them.

[PredatorTC]

This is the situation i am talking about... Here is the photo thats missing in that post.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=843

[img][/img]

[PredatorTC]

[dan]

Predatortc, in some areas I see the biggest bucks move to tree lines in wide open fields in wind or rain so they can see predators aproach...

[Czabs]

Interesting thoughts and observations. So do you guys opt to not hunt near or in the swamp/cattails when its raining or windy?

[dan]

[Czabs]