Live Columbus-area forecast
Ohio deer movement forecast
Farm-edge and woodlot pressure dominate much of Ohio, and weather swings often decide daylight movement. The Columbus-area forecast is a useful statewide baseline, but local wind and habitat still matter.
59
Movement Index · Columbus, OH
Fair — Stick to your best spots and be disciplined. This isn't a day to gamble on a new location.
As of Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:47 PM · Confidence: High — All key inputs are reliable and well-defined. This is a high-accuracy forecast.
Get your exact ZIP forecastBest sit today
Morning stand (6:42 AM – 8:57 AM) — solid window. Be in your stand 30–45 min before the window opens.
Season phase: early-season
Best movement times
- 6:42 AM – 8:57 AM
- 6:01 PM – 8:16 PM
Today’s sit windows
Early Morning
6:42 AM – 8:57 AM
Good · 71/100
6:42 AM – 8:57 AM
Good · 71/100
Midday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Poor · 37/100
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Poor · 37/100
Evening
6:01 PM – 8:16 PM
Good · 67/100
6:01 PM – 8:16 PM
Good · 67/100
Weather snapshot
- 80°F
- Wind SSW at 12 mph
- Pressure steady
- Waning Crescent moon
What’s driving it
- Wind: 12 mph — favorable wind that tends to keep scent moving predictably without overloading deer senses.
- Rain Clearing Boost: High residual humidity (84%) with clearing conditions — deer that held tight during rain are likely to move aggressively as weather improves.
- Temperature: 80°F — warm conditions that tend to push deer toward more nocturnal activity patterns.
- Warm Front: 4°F warming trend — slight negative that may shift movement toward dusk rather than dawn.
- Season: Early Season: Deer follow predictable food-source patterns. Target mast crops and ag fields at dawn and dusk.