If I had to pick a single three-day period to hunt whitetail deer, the full moon in November would be it. November’s full moon is this Sunday the seventeenth. Many of my elders have talked about the November full moon – the hunters full moon – as the peak of the deer mating season. I myself have taken some of my best whitetails on this upcoming weekend and I’m eager to get another shot this year.

I’ve found that animals in their natural habitats generally tend to be more active during a full moon. I’ve found this true with mammals as well as fish. Becoming familiar with the moon phases and the role they play in deer hunting is sure to improve your chances.

In short, The female deer’s reproductive system is influenced by the phases of the moon. Research shows that for a variety of reasons, in three to four days surrounding the second full moon after the fall equinox, the female deer are in peak estrus. When the does are in heat bucks become careless and make mistakes. They travel more frequently and become aggressive toward other males. That’s where I fit in. I follow when the full moon occurs, and try to put myself in the right place at the right time to increase my chance of success.

The weather this weekend is warmer, with high temperatures in the forties. Not ideal hunting weather, but I doubt it will have an effect on the deer activity. There have been many good deer taken so far this season in the local communities and what I have been hearing is that the bucks are in full swing. The deer are responding to various calls and are on the move earlier in the afternoons. With the full moon this weekend it is sure to be exciting one for some lucky hunters.