Why You Should Use WindCast for the Best Wind Direction for Hunting

Why is it better? Because it uses real-time data to forecast wind direction before you get into the field. With these insights, along with HuntCast, you can plan your entry into your tree stand and make sure you're downwind from the game you're after — so animals can't smell ya coming.

Let's talk about what WindCast is and why using the best wind direction app for hunting helps you avoid detection in the field.

Why Wind Direction Matters in Hunting

Why does wind direction matter, anyway? If you're an experienced hunter, you know it's one of the most important factors to consider when planning your hunt.

However, if you're a new hunter, you may not yet understand that walking into a hunt location without checking the wind direction first can immediately alert that big buck in the area that you're there — and send them running in the other direction.

In other words, wind direction can lead to a successful tag out if you understand it and use it to your advantage.

Let's look at three crucial ways the wind's direction impacts your hunt.

1. Scent Control

You may be using scent blockers in the field to help mask your scent, but you also need to use the wind direction to hide your natural smell.

Deer and other game animals have an excellent scent of smell. They rely heavily on this to detect predators, including hunters like you. Hunting with the wind blowing toward the deer or other animals in the area is a common mistake that alerts your target and causes it to leave.

However, a windy day doesn't mean you have to cancel your hunt. Using WindCast in the HuntWise hunting app tells you the wind's direction during different times of day. With that information, you can make your approach when the wind blows in the right direction. You can also set up in a downwind position so animals don't know you're there.

2. Set Up in the Best Spot

Even if you get into your stand or blind using the wind in your favor, if you set up in a location where the wind carries your scent directly toward animals in the area, your cover is blown.

Good wind management allows hunters to remain undetected while waiting in a stand. WindCast is a great tool to use when setting up a tree stand during the off-season or when picking a tree for your saddle on the day of a hunt.

When you're in the best spot in your hunting location, the wind works in your favor and increases the chance of a successful hunt.

3. Animal Behavior Patterns

Because the wind can give you away, when animals smell you, they move in a different direction. You'll (probably) never see a buck catch a whiff of you and want to come in closer for a better smell.

Therefore, the direction of the wind influences how game animals move through the terrain. They'll often travel into the wind to detect potential threats ahead.

Again, this is where WindCast can help you plan your day. Start your day in the ideal spot based on wind direction, then adjust your position based on how the wind direction changes throughout the day.

WindCast helps you always stay ahead of the wind and use it to your advantage.

How WindCast Helps You Determine the Best Wind Direction for Hunting

So, how does WindCast help? It takes the guesswork out of which way the wind blows to help you plan your hunt. Let's take a closer look.

When you mark a Hunt Area in the HuntWise app, you can then dig in to learn everything you need to know about it for an efficient day in the field.

As we mentioned, WindCast uses real-time data to predict wind speed and direction in your hunt area. Depending on your subscription level, you can take advantage of our Ideal Wind Report. Set your stand locations and ideal wind, then let WindCast tell you the best days and times to hunt from each stand.

You can also use the wind direction information with your map overlays to "see" how the wind looks from various spots you've scouted and marked in the app.

But Does it Really Work?

The WindCast feature is just another feature that makes HuntWise the best wind direction app for hunting. Our friend and HuntWise Field Team hunter Cody Barhorst can tell you it does!

He says:

"The WindCast feature will show you which direction the wind will be blowing along with the mph, kind of like a general weather app. However, it will show you a map of the property or properties you are hunting, with all of your stand location pins that you previously set and a representation of how the wind will be blowing through the woods.

You will be able to see exactly where the wind will be blowing every hour.

It will also give you a comparison of which of your stands will be the best to sit in based on the wind direction. It knows this because when you put a marker down on the map of a stand location, it asks you to click the ideal wind directions for that location.

Then, it's up to you how you use that information! HuntWise shows the current temperature, sunrise and sunset, wind speed and direction, along with the percentage of precipitation. HuntWise combines everything you need into one app — and most of it is on one screen to make it simple for us hunters." 

Stop Guessing and Use the Best Hunting App for Wind Direction Every Season

Whether you're looking for the best wind direction for deer hunting, hunting ducks, hunting turkeys, or anything else you hunt throughout the year, there's no need to guess at it. HuntWise and the WindCast feature do the "guesswork" for you by using real-time information and real forecasting to deliver accurate wind speeds and directions to plan your hunt.

Many hunters (like Cody) never hit the field without it! Risking being detected by animals because your wind picks up your scent can essentially render your day in the field over and unsuccessful before you even get set up.

So, don't take the risk! Stop guessing and use the best hunting app for wind direction every season.

You can also try it — risk-free — for your first week after downloading HuntWise!