Sunrise or Sunset Hunting? Optimal Times for Pursuing 10 Types of Game
Martin Banks 08.15.23
The time of day you hunt can significantly impact your success. Although most animals are active around sunrise or sunset – this behavior is known as “crepuscular” – the best time can vary depending on what you’re pursuing. So, we are going to discuss the most optimal times for hunting 10 common types of game in the United States in regards to sunrise or sunset hunting.
Sunrise of Sunset Hunting – Small Game Animals
“Small game” refers to animals that weigh under 40 pounds at full maturity. Participation in this hunting style declined in the late 20th century, but it has seen a resurgence in the 2010s and 2020s as these species have repopulated public hunting lands. Here are the most optimal times to hunt for popular small game animals.
1. Squirrels
Squirrels are crepuscular, just like other rodents. Sunrise and sunset are bright enough for them to look for food but dark enough to hide from predators. They spend most of the day in the treetops avoiding the ground because they’re primary targets for large birds. You could hunt for squirrels all day, but you’ll have the most success at dawn and dusk.
2. Rabbits
Rabbits have similar activity patterns to squirrels. They come out of hiding around dawn and dusk to search for food, then quickly retreat to their dens. It’s also worth noting that rabbits don’t enjoy cold temperatures. Dawn is the chilliest time of the day, so you’ll probably have more success hunting rabbits during the warmer evening hours.
3. Ducks
Duck hunting is basically a contest to see who can wake up the earliest. Ducks and other waterfowl species are the most active in the early to mid-morning hours, leaving their nests well before the crack of dawn. However, you can find duck activity at any time of day if you bring a hunting dog who can swim and find those hard-to-reach nesting areas.
4. Turkey
Turkeys move in small groups from wooded areas to nearby fields around sunrise to look for food. Early morning is your only real opportunity to hunt these cautious birds. You must reach your hunting blind before turkeys start moving around because they’re easily frightened and steer clear of loud noises.
5. Pheasants
Ring-necked pheasants are the most active around sunrise and sunset. Both times of day have their advantages. Hunting in the morning gives you more visibility from a distance, while going out in the evening provides a better chance of seeing them returning to their feeding areas. In any case, hunting pheasants in groups is best because these quick birds are difficult to chase.
Sunrise or Sunset Hunting – Big Game Animals
Big game hunting is more popular than small game hunting, and understandably so. Most hunters are looking for one of two things — trophy animals or meat for the upcoming winter. That’s why these five big game animals get most of the attention from the hunting community.
6. Deer
Deer prefer to feed during the twilight hours before sunrise and after sunset. The main reason why deer are more active in the dark is because they have excellent night vision. You must reach their feeding and bedding areas in open fields before they retreat into the woods during the full daylight hours.
7. Elk
Elk are also crepuscular animals that are most active around dawn and dusk. However, that behavior changes during the rutting season in the early fall. Elk become much more aggressive in September and October, especially the bulls. They spend all day chasing groups of cows and making lots of noise with almost no regard for predators.
8. Moose
Moose and elk have similar behaviors. They’re notoriously elusive for most of the year and only appear around sunrise and sunset, but the mating season is the exact opposite. Moose are so aggressive during the rut that they’re known to attack humans without provocation. Mothers with small calves will also charge if you get too close.
9. Bears
Although bears are apex predators, unlike the other game animals on this list, they still prefer to feed around sunrise and sunset. Your best bet is to hunt for bears just before dawn when they initially wake up. You won’t see much bear activity during the day because they like to nap in the afternoon sun before feeding again in the evening.
10. Wild Pigs
Wild pigs are an invasive species in the southern United States, so you should feel free to hunt them anytime. You’ll probably have the most success in the evening because they tend to exhibit nocturnal feeding behaviors due to lower temperatures and less human activity. During the day, large groups of pigs huddle together deep in their wooded bedding areas.
Sunrise or Sunset Hunting – Increase Your Hunting Success
As you can see, most small and big game animals are crepuscular species that prefer to feed around sunrise and sunset. Following this tried-and-true principle will increase your hunting success. However, you must know how their behaviors change based on the location, season and weather conditions for your best chance of success.
