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Barometric Pressure and How it Affects Deer Movement

5 Minute Read

By Matthew Saganski  on 10/3/2023

It’s only natural for us hunters to pay more attention to the weather as deer season approaches. From the sudden cloud coverage on a crisp fall day, to the slight drizzle of snow you weren’t expecting, to the noisy wind shaking the trees, we are aware of every single change in the atmosphere.

 

It’s only natural for us hunters to pay more attention to the weather as deer season approaches. From the sudden cloud coverage on a crisp fall day, to the slight drizzle of snow you weren’t expecting, to the noisy wind shaking the trees, we are aware of every single change in the atmosphere.   To maximize your time in the deer woods and up your odds of a successful hunt, it’s crucial to accurately track and quickly respond to any one of a number of factors that influence the weather in your area.  However, one weather variable in particular is often sighted as the most significant factor in whitetail deer movement: barometric pressure.  Is barometric pressure difficult to track? Is it rising? Is it falling? Is it truly a crucial element to deer movement at all? 

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What is Barometric Pressure?


 

We’ve all heard meteorologists say a “high-pressure” system is heading our way, or vice versa.  This is just another way of referring to a weather system increasing or decreasing in barometric pressure.   Barometric pressure is a result of air molecules above the earth’s surface being either very dense or very spread out. When the air molecules are dense and packed very tightly, it’s a high-pressure system, resulting in low humidity and few clouds. When the air molecules are less dense and loosely packed, it is a low-pressure system, and clouds and snow or rain can follow.   >“High-pressure system = low humidity, few clouds, no precipitation. Low-pressure system = high humidity, clouds, and possible precipitation—snow or rain.”

Hunting a Low Barometric Pressure System


One school of thought holds that an excellent time to be afield is just before a storm—a low barometric pressure system. Proponents argue that deer react instinctually to the impending weather and begin to feed in order to survive the possibility of hours (or days) of inactivity and/or limited food. For example, as barometric pressure is falling, heavy winds move through the area and a storm may follow. High winds can stifle deer movement, and the ones who do choose to move are usually quite nervous, making their movements quick. That makes them even harder to kill. Therefore, supporters of the claim that barometric pressure is a significant factor in whitetail deer movement believe it is important to hunt the beginning of a low-pressure system, when the storm is knocking on the front door rather than when it has already blown the door down. >"Hunting just before a low barometric pressure system rolls in is an excellent time be afield."

Hunting a High Barometric Pressure System


Conversely, supporters propose that hunting just after a storm passes—a high barometric pressure system— is also a great time to be in the whitetail woods. Once again, they emphasize timing is everything in taking advantage of this weather change, stressing the importance of being afield as soon as the pressure begins to rise to take advantage of optimal whitetail movement.  Ardent barometric pressure watchers say if you really want to see some serious movement, head to your stand during the storm to capitalize on the increased deer movement that begins to happen right as the weather is breaking and the pressure is rising.  Apps like HuntWise allow you to pinpoint exactly when the barometric pressure is rising or falling so you are in the right place at the right time—either at your stand or immediately heading afield. 

 

“Weather the storm in your tree stand and be there when the barometric pressure is on the rise and whitetail are on the move.”


Busting the Barometric Pressure Whitetail Weather Myth


Although there are a lot of hunting models based on whitetail deer movement in response to high and low barometric pressure systems, not all big buck killers are on board.  In fact, Jeff Sturgis of Whitetail Habitat Solutions says that although timing hunts around barometric pressure is a popular strategy that has been passed down for generations, it is a weather myth that needs to be smashed.  “Deer do not have a barometric pressure indicator in their head,” says Sturgis. Instead, they base their movement decisions on the “tangible, physical changes they can feel.”  Those tangible, physical changes include wind speed, wind direction, temperature fluctuations, and moisture content (humidity) in the air.  Therefore, opponents of the claim that barometric pressure is a significant factor in whitetail deer movement believe you should not focus on one but, instead, a wide variety of weather-based factors. >“Barometric pressure is a weather myth that needs to be smashed.” — Jeff Sturgis, Whitetail Habitat Solutions

Seeing the Big Bucks: Maximize Your Success in the Deer Woods


For proponents of timing hunts around high and low barometric pressure systems, conventional wisdom says if you want to see the big bucks, the calculated ratio of bucks to does sighted when the pressure is between 30.00 – 30.40 is an impressive 1 to 1. When the pressure is dropping and calculated at 29.8  – 30.00, the chances of seeing big bucks drops to 1 in 3.  For those that prefer a hunting approach that combines barometric pressure with a multitude of other factors, HuntWise uses a 15-day forecast so you can see how weather is influencing whitetail movement on a weekly, daily, and hourly basis, keeping you in the field at the most optimal times (see the HuntWise app hourly prediction tab).  >“HuntWise satisfies both ardent barometric pressure watchers and those that seek a more rounded, tech-guided approach.” Adding easy-to-access, easy-to-use technology that tracks barometric pressure alongside dozens of other weather factors, and includes 3D mapping tools and GPS navigation with or without cell service will satisfy both ardent barometric pressure watchers and those that seek a more rounded, tech-guided approach.  Good luck, hunters. Keep an eye on your app, your sights on the big bucks ... and shoot straight. 

 

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