A question that gets asked from time to time by newer hunters is, “When’s the best time of year to go hunting?” Any experienced hunter will tell you that the answer is “Whenever your prey of choice is in season.”
While there’s a lot of validity to that, some people care less about the prey and more about the experience. When this is the case, you should plan to go when you can get the most out of this pastime. Our goal in this post is to help you narrow a time frame for your next hunting trip.
The Best Season for Hunting
While the answer here is very much up to debate, most hunters agree that fall is the best time of year to go hunting. The main reason is that game populations, such as deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl, are the most abundant and active during this time due to their breeding and migration patterns.
Additionally, the cooler weather creates a more comfortable hunting experience. You’ll avoid the extreme heat of summer while still enjoying accessibility to most terrains, as they haven’t been blanketed by harsh winter conditions yet. As an added bonus, the stunning autumn foliage will make for some truly scenic and rewarding time outdoors.
What The Other Seasons Have To Offer
Even though fall is the ideal time to go hunting, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider winter, spring, or summer. These seasons have their own unique benefits that might be more appealing to you, so here’s a look at what you can expect from each of them.
Winter Hunting Offers Unique Opportunities
While the cold might be a drawback for some, winter hunting has its own merits. Many states’ deer seasons extend into early winter, providing more opportunities to harvest big game. Predator hunting also becomes a popular choice during winter, with foxes, coyotes, and bobcats being more active in colder weather.
Most importantly, for those who are new to hunting and still developing their tracking skills, winter conditions, such as snow-covered landscapes, will make things much easier. Fresh tracks in the snow can lead you straight to the activity, giving you an edge that’s harder to find in other seasons.
Exploring Spring Hunts
Spring may not come to mind as a prime hunting season, but for turkey enthusiasts, it’s an exciting time of year. Wild turkeys are at their most vocal and active during spring mating season, making them more approachable to hunters who love a challenge.
Additionally, spring offers fantastic opportunities for hunting hogs, which are a year-round species in many states. The warmer weather also makes for a lively start to small-game hunting.
Summer Hunting for Versatility
Summer is typically the slowest season for hunting, but groundhogs, coyotes, and wild hogs are often fair game during the summer months, depending on where you live. Plus, warm summer evenings can provide more preferable conditions for night hunting.
If you decide to hunt during the day, though, make sure you check out these training tips for hunting in hot weather. That way, you’re ready for the challenges this type of weather can bring.
