Wind as a Hunting Factor

Regardless of where or what you are hunting, the wind must ALWAYS be taken into account.
Photo by Bill Kinney Photography

Do you ever take wind into account when hunting?  You may realize it's there, but what you may not realize is that it is extremely important to regularly take wind speed and direction into account whenever you go out to hunt.  A small, but very vital task, could mean the difference between success or failure.

No matter what or where you are hunting, wind will always play a huge factor.
Know the animal you are hunting and be aware of the weather.  Turkeys, for example, have a very acute sense of hearing and will spot you at the slightest movement.  Deer on the other hand have a very acute sense of smell and anything weird smelling will tip them off that there is danger in the area.  Don't take this to mean that you can smell however you want when out turkey hunting though.  Going out smelling like that mornings bacon and egg breakfast won't help much of anything, and is bound to be noticed by someone.

Before going out always check the wind.
Wind direction will be in a daily weather report and should always be checked before going hunting.  You want to be sure you have very little human smell on you anyways, but no scent at all is best.  With the wind in your favor, this is easy to accomplish.  Be aware though that wind is a tricky factor.  It can change without warning and leave you doubting that mornings hunting position you've chosen.  In many areas where hunters place their stands the wind can swirl or even be at a standstill.  Because of the trees acting as a wind shield, the wind may change in that area and can easily throw off any hunter.  That is why it is important to test the wind when you get to your stand as well.

To make sure your hunt isn't blown for the day set multiple stands. 
Taking the wind into account, set stands for every possibility.  Having more than one stand in the area ensures that you will always be able to hunt there no matter what direction the wind is blowing.  It also saves you the headaches of walking out to your stand only to find the wind unfavorable at that time.

You always want your stand set up downwind of where the deer will be and it is important to know where the deer will be coming and going from to make this possible.  Having scouted the area and taken note of the deer's morning and night trails will help you be able to place your hunting stand in accordance with the deer movement.

Check the wind, if coming from the north, go to the stand set up on the south side of where the deer will be coming from: the south side.  If from the east, go to the western, downwind stand.  Having multiple stands not only helps accomodate for the wind, but also gives you opportunities to hunt different areas if you feel one isn't so hot at that moment.

Photo by Bill Kinney Photography

When you get to the stand be sure to retest the wind and make sure it is still in your favor. 
You can find wind testers sold online and at hunting stores.  These are basically a bottle with talcum powder that you can use to determine the wind direction by observing which direction the talcum powder is blown.  These are cheap and very helpful.  To make it even cheaper you can make your own by going to a local store and buying a plastic bottle and cornstarch.  Place the cornstarch in the bottle and observe it the same way you would the talcum powder.  You may also use other substances such as baby powder, but be aware that it often comes strongly scented, so be sure to buy the unscented brand.  When in doubt and without a tester, use a handful of weeds and let them blow away to determine wind direction.

What do you use to test the wind?