Year-Round Hunter in December: Winter Deer Hunting Tips for Success

I have been in this position. However, if you take a short reset and shift your focus, there is still plenty of time to get that big, mature buck that you have been chasing.

As we close out our monthly "Year-Round Hunter" series, here are some December hunting tips to help you make the most of this part of the season.

What Do Deer Do in December?

In December, deer enter the post-rut phase of the year. Deer (especially the bucks) are worn down, and they need to recover. To do this, they will focus on resting more and moving less, bedding down in thick cover to avoid the cold wind, and mostly only traveling from their beds to food and back.

At this time, deer will be targeting leftover crops in the fields and near their bedding areas. I will not lie: it can be difficult and discouraging hunting a mature buck in December because the movement is way down. If you can find where they are consistently eating, it becomes much easier to put together a plan.

Deer will also herd up in December, which provides safety in numbers and additional warmth.

What Animals Can You Hunt in December?

If you decide you can't spend any more time sitting in the stand, other animals are still out there to hunt in December. Permitted animals vary by state and region. Check your local laws to determine what to hunt in December.

Most states offer three options for hunting whitetails in December: archery, muzzleloader, or late-season firearm. If you're interested in small game, consider rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, or foxes.

For waterfowl hunters, ducks and geese are moving in many flyways. In the Midwest or upland bird country, pheasants, grouse, quail, and even doves in some areas are legal to hunt at this time.

Here's another one of my late season hunting tips: consider predator hunting, which can benefit future hunting seasons. Many states have December hunting seasons to control coyote, bobcat, and mountain lion populations. 

If you're lucky, some states even allow late-season elk hunting in December.   

What Do Hunters Do in December?

There are many good December hunting tips to help you stay busy late in the year.

Obviously, there is still plenty of time for winter deer hunting. Shift your tactics to prepare for hunting in post-rut times by focusing on food sources such as standing cops, acorn flats, and winter food plots. December is also a great time to scout for fresh deer sign—tracks, droppings, and beds—to understand their winter patterns when snow is on the ground.

As I noted, this is also a good time for a change of pace. You may be able to hunt small game, birds, and wild game, in addition to hunting coyotes, bobcats, or mountain lions, to do your part in predator control.

If you decide that hunting season is over, December is an ideal time to reflect on the season. Think back on good memories, figure out what you did well and what needs to be changed moving forward, and get all your gear properly stored away as you plan for the next hunting season.

What Are Some Good Tips for Hunting in December?

December hunting tips begin with what you wear: dress in layers to stay warm and dry. Wearing huge, bulky clothes also restricts your movement.

If you decide to keep getting back into the stand, then focus on late-season crops, acorns, and heavy browse, or set up just outside heavy cover where the deer will want to hole up. Look at fresh snow to learn about deer travel patterns, and figure out the best spot to ambush.

Sudden temperature drops will also prompt animals to move more in the daylight. Time your hunts accordingly; evening hunts are usually ideal in the winter, as deer will feed heavily in the hours before nightfall.

Use HuntWise to Be Efficient in the Cold

I don't know about you, but being out in the stand or blind for long periods in the cold and snow can make a hunt seem to last forever. A hunt in any weather is a good day, but minimizing my time in the cold is always preferable to long hours outdoors when I can't get warm. 

The best way I know to make a winter hunt more efficient is to use HuntWise to target the best hours to be in the stand when I'm most likely to see bucks move around. Using HuntCast and WindCast to pick the most ideal conditions (even in the coldest months) helps you spend less time outside hoping a buck walks by when you can pinpoint the best location and time to be out there and increase your chances of bringing home a winter buck. 

HuntWise is the key to late-season success (and getting back home to warmth more quickly with a buck in the back of the truck). 

Scout and Plan for Late-Season Success with HuntWise

When hunting in December, make sure to scout heavily and stay patient. Deer are on much higher alert this time of the year due to hunting pressure, so don't get too anxious and blow up their patterns.

Finally, be sure to stay safe. Cold weather makes everything more dangerous, so plan accordingly. This is an area where HuntWise can give a real edge with weather predictions, potentially tipping the scales in your favor.

Good luck with deer hunting this winter!

If you don't have HuntWise yet, get it before the season ends! 
Plan your peak season or late-season hunt for free during your 7-Day Free Trial. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about winter deer hunting!

Q: What do deer do in December?

A: In December, deer conserve energy by limiting movement, focusing on feeding, and often group up in sheltered wintering areas.

Q: What animals can you hunt in December?

A: The animals you can hunt in December vary by region. However, common December seasons include deer, elk, waterfowl, upland birds, and some small game. Always check local regulations.

Q: How to hunt deer in the winter.

A: To hunt deer in the winter, hunt near food sources, move slowly and quietly, use warm scent-blocking layers, and take advantage of late-season deer patterns.

Q: Where to hunt deer when it's cold.

A: To find and hunt deer when it's cold, look for thermal cover such as south-facing slopes, cedar or pine thickets, and areas close to reliable food like cut cornfields or mast.

Q: Do deer move when it's extremely cold?

A: Yes, deer move when it's extremely cold. Low temperatures can trigger increased daytime movement as deer seek food, though they still minimize unnecessary travel.

Don't forget our other Year-Round Hunter Series blogs! 

Stay active every month of the year with the insights below.