October Is Over. Your Decisions Should Reflect November.
If October felt like one long stretch of warm afternoons, south winds and empty sits, you’re not alone. Nick and Cole had plenty of that heading into this episode. The thermometer had been pushing into the 80s, the wind seemed stuck in the same direction, and it was hard to feel like anything was happening. But here’s the thing: November doesn’t owe October anything.
You can’t let a rough October decide how you hunt November. A quiet week doesn’t mean the next one will be quiet, especially when bucks start covering ground and looking for does. The trick is to recognize when it’s time to reset instead of dragging the frustration from one hunt into the next.
Recognize the Difference Between a Slow Hunt and a Slow Farm
Take one Saturday afternoon from the episode. One of the guys sat at Bermuda and didn’t see a deer. Meanwhile, the river setup was alive with bucks cruising and bumping does. Same afternoon. Same general property. Completely different hunts. That’s deer hunting in a nutshell.
That contrast is why one observation should not define the whole property. Visibility, bedding cover, travel routes, wind direction and the timing of deer movement all influence what a hunter sees from a particular tree. A dead sit is information, but it is not a complete census.
Avoid the Burnout Trap
The guys also talked about a mistake that’s easy to make: hunting so hard in October that you’re burned out when November finally arrives. One of them remembered reaching the second week of November feeling mentally done. That’s a tough spot to be in when some of the best days of the season may still be ahead.
An intentional reset can help. Reassess the stands you have pressured, check what your cameras actually show and make a plan for the upcoming conditions. If you have time off reserved for the rut, protect the energy and flexibility needed to use it well.
Hunt the Conditions in Front of You
Rain was moving through, temperatures were finally looking cooler, and the wind forecast was opening up some different options. Nick and Cole were excited about what could be coming, but they weren’t pretending a weather change guarantees a great hunt. It just gives you another reason to be ready.
That is the right balance. Weather can help you choose when and where to sit, but it cannot guarantee movement. Keep a few wind-compatible options ready, look for fresh evidence of cruising and resist the urge to force a stand just because you have waited all season to hunt it.
The Takeaway
A disappointing October does not have to become a disappointing November. Start fresh, stay observant and let current conditions—not last week’s frustration—drive the next decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hunt harder after a slow October?
Not automatically. Increase effort when current deer activity, wind and access make the opportunity worthwhile; do not hunt harder solely to make up for quiet sits.
Does a warm October mean the rut will be late?
Not necessarily. Nick and Cole described a frustrating October, but that doesn’t tell us the breeding calendar changed. Their observations are useful hunting context, not proof the rut moved.
Source: Killerwinds Podcast, Episode 183
Listen to the Full Conversation
This article was developed from a discussion on the Killerwinds Podcast, where experienced hunters share real-world strategies, decisions, and lessons learned in the field. Watch or listen to the full conversation for additional insights into the tactics and experiences behind these hunting approaches.
