White out = Lights out!

Jeff Burleson

Deer will feed more often and more heavily after a snowstorm because much of their food is hidden and they expend lots of energy in the cold.

North Carolina is not a northern state, and significant snowfall rarely occurs during the deer season. However, arctic blasts occasionally show up in December, converting the landscape into a winter wonderland.

Deer and other wildlife feel the change in weather conditions immediately, shifting their travels towards any stable food source, so a major snowfall in December is a Christmas present for deer hunters.

Even though deer become somewhat nocturnal in the late season, heavy snowfall will change their feeding sessions, promoting more activity during daylight conditions. In fact, deer will feed more during the day and night.

Not only does the snow bury much of their food, the cold weather and snowy conditions require deer to consume more energy to stay warm and survive.

Hunters can really take advantage of these weather anomalies by hunting over main food sources and trails leading to and from the major best food sources around.

Ironically, heavy snow cover exposes travel routes very clearly. If hunters are unsure of fresh versus older trails and tracks, snow will quickly reveal which paths are active.

Watch the weather and take advantage of any snow arriving during deer season. Does, small bucks, and even the mature trophy animals eluding hunters all season will venture toward food and will become vulnerable.