The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 783: Does the Moon Impact Deer Behavior?
Oct 27, 2025
Dr. Bronson Strickland, an Extension Wildlife Specialist at Mississippi State University, joins the discussion to unravel the moon's influence on deer behavior. He shares insights from research showing that factors like the rut and sunlight far outweigh lunar phases in driving deer movement. The conversation reveals how belief and bias influence hunters’ perceptions of lunar effects, debunking myths like the infamous 'October lull.' Bronson also discusses the implications of chronic wasting disease on management and offers practical hunting advice based on his findings.
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Pressure Changes Where Not Whether Bucks Move
- Hunting pressure rarely makes bucks fully nocturnal; it shifts where they move and increases path tortuosity.
- Bucks often remain active but avoid hunted areas rather than stop daytime movement.
October Lull Is A Relocation, Not A No-Move
- The so-called "October lull" is not a universal decrease in movement; deer often shift locations instead.
- Local factors like harvest, crops, and acorns explain perceived lulls more than intrinsic nocturnality.
Time Hunts By Your Goal
- To target a known buck, hunt during pre-rut when site fidelity is highest and patterns are predictable.
- To intercept roaming bucks, concentrate effort during peak rut when movement between areas spikes.
