A saying that many young hunters hear in their hunting education is this, "When the wind is chasing, the hunter stays home!" Does this old adage still apply today, when both equipment and clothing are much better suited to withstand harsh weather conditions?

Hunting in the wind

Many hunters have learned during their training that they should not go out into the field when the wind is strong. According to our Gunfinder experts, hunting wild boar in bad weather is more about the right hunting strategy and equipment than the weather itself.

It is true that the saying "When the wind is blowing, the hunter stays at home" is justified. However, we must keep in mind that hunting has evolved over time and today modern technical tools are available that offer us hunters real added value. These include not only devices such as thermal imaging cameras and attachments, but also modern, lightweight and robust hunting clothing. So old hunting wisdom must always be considered with regard to technical progress.

We at Gunfinder are of the opinion that the old adage applies mainly to the raised hide, where the hunter stays in one place for a long time. If the wind is strong and changeable, the human scent will be more dispersed around the hide, which may alert the wild boar to the hunter's presence. Wild boar have an excellent sense of smell, so a weathered spot may be less promising.

When stalking wild boar, on the other hand, weather is not as critical; wind can actually increase the chances of hunting success: A loud background noise caused by the roaring wind as well as groaning trees, cracking twigs and rustling grass and grain stalks so quickly drown out the sounds the hunter makes while stalking. The important thing here, of course, is to go against the wind. The best way to hunt hogs at the stalking ground is to create two stalking paths, which allow the hunter to approach the stalking ground in opposite directions.

However, it is important to note that the saying "When the wind hunts, the hunter stays at home" may well be valid when stalking. In this case, the wind can spread the human scent over a wide area and scare off the sows. When stalking, on the other hand, there may be a good chance because the distance between the hunter and the game is greater and the scent is not felt as strongly.

It is also important to consider local conditions, such as the presence of deer, as sows can be unnerved by the scare of a deer. Another advantage of wind is the background noise that can drown out the hunter's stalking.

However, safety considerations should not be neglected during inclement weather. During thunderstorms, it is advisable to get to safety as soon as possible, since a rifle can act like a lightning rod.

In conclusion, don't be put off by old adages and don't automatically rule out hunting in bad weather. With the right hunting strategy and the use of modern equipment, there can be a good chance of hunting success even in stormy weather.

Hunting in the rain

In heavy rain, wild boar can break well and inconspicuously. As an impervious hunter with appropriate rain gear, it becomes easier to stalk sows.

Especially with overcast skies and light drizzle, moon phases in the field lend themselves to a promising stalk. This weather could be considered perfect for the sow hunter!

It is important to remain flexible and not to shy away from a stalk when the black-tailed deer are at a greater distance from the hide. Important for hunting success are above all rainproof clothing, boots and, if you do this more often, a polymer shaft instead of a more delicate wooden shaft.