Pursuing white-tailed deer in temperatures above average presents unique challenges and opportunities. This typically occurs in the early season, often before the rut, when temperatures are still high. Hunters may encounter deer behaving differently than during cooler months, focusing on food sources near water and seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Early season hunting can provide advantages, such as higher deer populations before the main hunting pressure begins and the opportunity to harvest a mature buck before the rut alters their behavior. Historically, this period may have been less popular due to discomfort, but modern gear and strategies make it a viable and rewarding pursuit. This can also be a crucial time for population management in specific areas.