Live Des Moines-area forecast
Iowa deer movement today
Iowa’s ag–timber edges reward hunters who pick weather windows. Use today’s Des Moines-area Movement Index for a same-day read, then open the app for your exact ZIP and stand timing.
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Movement Index · Des Moines, IA
Good — Stick to your best spots and be disciplined. This isn't a day to gamble on a new location.
As of Monday, September 7, 2026 at 10:52 PM · Confidence: High — All key inputs are reliable and well-defined. This is a high-accuracy forecast.
Get your exact ZIP forecastChange location in the app
Best sit today
Morning stand (6:21 AM – 8:36 AM) — prime window. Enter before first light and be settled before shooting light.
Season phase: early-season
Best movement times
- 6:21 AM – 8:36 AM
- 5:48 PM – 8:03 PM
- 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Movement periods
Early Morning
6:21 AM – 8:36 AM
Good · 80/100
6:21 AM – 8:36 AM
Good · 80/100
Midday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fair · 46/100
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fair · 46/100
Evening
5:48 PM – 8:03 PM
Good · 76/100
5:48 PM – 8:03 PM
Good · 76/100
Weather snapshot
- 73°F
- Wind ESE at 12 mph
- Pressure steady
- Waning Crescent moon
Top movement factors
- Wind: 12 mph — favorable wind that tends to keep scent moving predictably without overloading deer senses.
- Rain Clearing Boost: High residual humidity (72%) with clearing conditions — deer that held tight during rain are likely to move aggressively as weather improves.
- Cloud Cover: 56% cloud cover — reduced light and stable thermals that can make deer more comfortable moving during daylight.
- Temperature Trend: Temperatures holding steady — no cold-front signal. Food-source timing and wind likely matter more today.
- Season: Early Season: Deer follow predictable food-source patterns. Target mast crops and ag fields at dawn and dusk.