As the fall season comes into full swing, so does the migration of the game that many hunters hope to catch. The change in weather and food sources make this the perfect time to track down some of the most prized game in the area, but it’s essential to understand their patterns before heading out.
Understanding migration patterns is critical for a successful hunt. It increases the probability of locating and successfully hunting game. Animals follow specific routes during migration, driven by the change in seasons and availability of food, which we’ll get into more in-depth shortly.
These routes, often called “flyways” or “corridors,” can be predicted carefully, allowing hunters to position themselves strategically.
If you’re new to hunting or want to improve your chances this season, here are some key things to know about game migration.
Why do animals migrate and change patterns in the fall and winter?
Every type of animal has different reasons for migrating and changing their patterns during the fall and winter months. Some are searching for more food sources, while others are looking for a warmer climate to survive the colder weather. These are some of the more common reasons animals do what they do during these colder months.
- Food scarcity. As winter approaches, the availability of food sources can significantly decrease. This is especially true in regions where snowfall covers the ground, making it difficult for animals to find and access their usual food sources. In response, many game animals migrate to areas where food is more readily available.
- Harsh weather conditions. Winter often brings harsh weather conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, and ice. These conditions can be challenging for game animals to survive in, particularly if they don’t have adaptations like thick fur or fat reserves. To escape these harsh conditions, some species migrate to milder climates.
- Breeding season. For some game animals, winter coincides with their breeding season. Animals may change their life patterns or migrate to areas optimal for breeding and raising young. These areas often provide better protection from predators and more abundant food sources.
- Predator avoidance. In winter, food scarcity can make game animals more vulnerable to predation. Predators are also more active as they search for food, which can increase predator-prey interactions. Some game animals migrate or change their life patterns to avoid being preyed upon.
These are some general guidelines, but some animals might shift their patterns based on a few of these factors, not just one.
Game migrations and life patterns.
Every type of game is different. They each migrate for different reasons and to different places, so depending on the game you’re hunting, your tactics may need to change. Here are some of the most common game migrations and patterns during fall and winter.
Deer.
Deer are one of the most common game animals, and food sources and breeding often determine their migration patterns.
In the fall, deer often move from their summer range in search of more food, such as acorns in oak groves, apple orchards, or soybean fields.
Bucks are also in the middle of the rut in the late fall or early winter, so they’ll be more active and visible but move more cautiously, so be sure to keep a low profile.
Depending on the location, deer may move a few miles or more, so it’s important to check your game cameras in the months leading up to the season to see what you have entering your land.
Elk.
Even though elk can be found year-round, the fall season is when they begin their massive migration to mate.
Elk often move from their summer grazing areas in the lowlands, heading to their rutting grounds, often in the higher elevations, to escape the pressure of hunting and predators down below.
This is why states with higher elevations, such as Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming, have some of the country’s most sought-after elk hunting grounds.
Upland game birds.
For upland game birds such as pheasant and quail, the fall season starts with their escape from the heat that comes with the summer months.
As fall descends, these game birds spend more of their day searching for food and resting in the cover of wooded areas.
During this transition period, hunters should create a strategy that considers food and shelter so they can intercept the birds as they fly into open areas.
Waterfowl
During fall and winter, ducks and geese frequently migrate from colder areas up north, searching for warmer temperatures and abundant food.
They travel between lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands to feed on naturally occurring foods in the water or nearby fields. These include both manmade and natural watering holes.
Understanding the current weather conditions at their origin, route, and destination will help you anticipate when they’ll arrive and how long they’ll stay.
These migration patterns could shift left or right by a few weeks, so pay attention to the weather.
Pay attention to the migrations.
Understanding game migration patterns of both large and small game is key when it comes to hunting successfully.
Knowing where game will be during a specific season can make all the difference in your chances of having a successful hunt. Whether you’re new to hunting or a seasoned expert, being prepared and informed about how the animals you’re hunting for behave can give you an advantage.
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