Hunting after the Ice Storm

[J Dean]

We'll the ice has stopped and we are cleaning up, but the weather will be cold for a while which means all this ice isn't going anywhere fast.  So what are your thoughts or techniques for hunting now that the bush is covered in ice and walking is difficult and NOISY.  Do you think the deer will be moving in these conditions?

John

[Jerry Jeffer]

They will move because they have to eat all the time when it is cold.

[Stone Knife]

Could be very dangerous in the woods with ice and the possibility of falling limbs.

[KSdan]

Deer will be hammering food (same thing here right now).  Find the food!  Dress warm.  Set up early.  Make sure everything you have is quiet-including drawing arrow on the rest, feet on a stand, clothes, etc etc.

[Sarah]

Hunted in conditions exactly like you describe two weeks ago at a spot where deer regularly pass through in the afternoon (like clockwork). Everything had been coated in ice a day or so prior. The few deer that I did see were extra spooky and not following their usual patterns. They had no interest in making a bunch of noise walking around on the ice.

[njloco]

Look at the positive side, dragging your kill will be a lot easier.

[Bladepeek]

Originally posted by njloco:
Look at the positive side, dragging your kill will be a lot easier.

Maybe! We just took our granddaughter out sledding in Michigan. The toboggan was fine, but the saucer just broke through the ice crust and stopped dead. I think a deer will do the same. It (the ice crust) will almost, but not quite support you before you break through. Each step is tiring and, as mentioned before, NOISY!!

[TooManyHobbies]

If they do move, they won't be sneaking up on you. You will hear them from 100 yards off and you can be up and ready. Good luck.

[Pokerdaddy]

Was out this afternoon.  Bladepeek is spot on, the ice crust over the snow would almost support my weight, then I would crunch through LOUDLY.  Tried lots of different stepping methods, all with the same result.  Ended up slowly making my way to an ambush point, setting up early and waiting.  In the end I didn't see any deer but the woods were beautiful with the sun peeking out and a half inch of ice covering everything.

[Birdbow]

John,
 Since you're in Canada, the deer there, like here in New Hampshire are familiar with moose. Whenever it's noisy in the woods (leaves, brush, crusty snow, etc.) I've had success moose calling occasionally while moving in a stop-and-go fashion to my stands. Have walked right up on bedded deer in this manner. Also, before snow falls, I use a turkey mouth call while moving with the same result. Good luck! Todd

[goingoldskool]

During the ice storms here, the deer seem to like the wide open spaces more so than the woods.....  especially if the wind kicks up and limbs start falling.  Safer for you as well!

Rodd

[HARL]

Friend of mine was out tonight and had 9 does come through !!They walked in his trail .

[Bear Heart]

My dads place near williamston , Michigan is pretty devastated.  Can't go in the wood because trees are still dropping.  Powerlines down everywhere.

[Bear Heart]