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I was planning to go for a bush stalk this morning, thinking that a bit of wind and rain might actually help my chances.
I've changed my mind as it is way worse than I was expecting, might go out this afternoon if it lets up a bit.
What's the collective wisdom about bush stalking in rough weather?
Does the noise and movement help or hinder?
And just for clarification, for this discussion can we focus on the hunting mechanics and set aside safety around rivers and falling branches etc.
I've had my most successful bush hunts in torrential rain and not just goats, deer too. Rain hides noise and scent. It can be miserable though. You either get wet with rain or sweat from wearing waterproofs.
Alan Duncan the famous venison pilot for Tim Wallis was a culler with the biggest tally for the year in the Ureweras and said his biggest success was hunting in the rain up creeks.Deer dont like saturated air because it destroys them being able to scent but you can get very close to them . The only difficulty is getting a clear vision out of your scope. Pre roar got onto a mob of 3 within 15 m. The rain made it hopeless to attempt a shot.
its good mate I went out in a blow and light rain the other day and watched lots of animals that would have usually been onto me because of the noise factor.if ya have a decent rain jacket that actually keeps you dry and warm its quite nice being out there.
Wet as fk out this morning, goats mostly seeking shelter under windfall’s, overhangs etc out of wind. Reasonable hunting but staying dry isn’t an option. For some reason phone reception is coming and going with gusts of wind, strange but not particularly important. Good day to be using removable red dot with open sight option on rifle.
yes can be very productive - just the scope issue to worry about - I use a camera quality lens spray - carry lens tissues - and try to carry scope barrel down with scope tucked into sleeve - still not good but -
Shot my best stag last roar in the pissing down rain. Have also had a fair bit of luck bush stalking creek/flat edges in storms. Have a crack. At worst you get a wet arse
Stream and river crossings can become impassable, keep that in mind for the return trip to the car.
In the bush, the windier, rainier, crappier, the better. Bring it.
Just be careful with high winds as those big standing dead trees do fall over. Just look at the bush damage after the last cyclone.
Also those flax looking plants growing way up in the trees get water logged and fall out with a Thump in heavy rain. I bet they'd ruin your day if you where hit by one.
I shot a bush sika stag Wednesday morning in the rain but it wasn't really windy.
here ya go learn something handy every day- they are called epiphytes meaning no root system to ground - common name tank lily -widow maker ( from the old bushman who had to watch out for them when logging ) maori name kahakaha collospermum hastalom - can become so large they cause branches to break - one of many native epipytes including native orchids - kahakaha are our biggest - most are small
The morning after a good storm is great hunting too as the animals get out and feed and dry out.
yes sir first decent sun after rain I have watched reds come out and play galloping around kicking heels upQuote:
Originally Posted by whanahuia
Tried it, a few times. Didn't enjoy it, especially the inevitable getting wet part and these days prefer the sleeping bag or making coffees during wet spells. Maybe I'm just clumsy on the hill or in the bush but on soggy ground I've slipped and dug my barrel in once or twice ( before someone showed me the benefits of taping the muzzle ) and get really annoyed with wet scope lenses that have to be cleared if an animal is spied. Overall, too much bother for me. Agree with comments though that rainfall can nullify to some extent deers' early warning systems.Quote:
Originally Posted by 7mm tragic
But, on the other hand, I love hunting immediately after rain. Some days it seems deer are re energised after rain and easier to find.
great fun..rug up warm,go slow,stop for a hot brew and/or 2 minute noodles when getting tired.... and stop for cuppa just cause you can.... the wet air makes sent harder for them to pickup and with our swirly up your arse winds,thats never a bad thing.
I personally love winter bush hunting or bush hunting in rain. Bush is always quiet and damp, usually less people, and the deer struggle in the wet and wind. I’ve found it especially good for chasing sika.
Reckon just like us they don't like the wet. So ure more likely to get close, but at my age it hurts in the cold and wet
It looked like it was clearing up so off we went.
Learnt a couple of things, just because it looks like it's clearing up doesn't mean it is and my coat is no longer waterproof.
Didn't really get onto anything although I may have pushed one along in front of us, got a wiff of deer at one point and a bit further along looked like fast sign out of a small grassy flat up into the tight stuff.
Dog keep taking me in circles, don't know if deer were going in circles or it was the swirling wind or she just wanted to go home?!!
I used to hunt in just about any weather.
Not any more. I'm a fine weather hunter now. I go to enjoy the hunt, not feel miserable. If I shoot something it's a bonus. Results have not changed much.
Stay home man.
Save your energy.first clear day after rubbish good,second clear day even better.
The two best times to hunt are when it is raining.
And when it isn't.
Just get out there I recon