Quick Answer
When hunting in snowy conditions, adjust your tactics by using deeper snow and cold temperatures to your advantage by tracking and following fresh deer tracks, and by setting up in areas where deer are likely to cross, such as trails and ridges.
Tracking in Deep Snow
When the snow is too deep to see tracks, rely on other signs of deer activity, such as scat, rubs, and scrapes. Look for areas where deer have scratched the bark off trees or where they’ve left behind piles of scat. In areas with deep snow, deer may be more active during the day, so be prepared to hunt during daylight hours.
Setting Up in Key Areas
Identify areas where deer are likely to cross, such as trails, ridges, and game trails. Look for areas with a mixture of cover and open fields, as these tend to be deer highway corridors. Set up in these areas, using the terrain to your advantage by positioning yourself in a way that allows you to see deer approaching, but not be seen by them.
Adjusting Your Hunting Style
In snowy conditions, deer may be more active and more visible, but they may also be more cautious and more inclined to travel in smaller groups. Be prepared to adjust your hunting style to accommodate these changes, such as by using smaller decoys or calling in a more subtle way. Additionally, be prepared to move quickly and quietly through the snow to get into position and make a shot.
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