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Whether you are an archery hunter or a fisherman, the different phases of the moon can affect the movements of the wildlife. Some deer hunters, along with some fishermen, truly believe their odds of seeing deer or catching more fish can be determined by the different phases of the moon.

The amount of moon that you see over time is called moon phases. Actually the moon moves from west to east, even though it looks like it rises in the east and sets in the west. The reason for this is because of the location of the sun, earth and moon. When the moon seems to get brighter or increasing in size, this is called waxing. When the moon is decreasing in size or losing light, this is called waning. This is only true in the Northern Hemisphere; it’s the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere.

In 1936, John Alden Knight, started researching on the theory of using Solunar Tables. He found through his research, the sun, moon and tides affected the way wildlife behavior was affected by moon phases. These Solunar Tables are now published in many sports magazines, including archery hunting magazines and also on the internet. There are also many books that have been written on this theory. If you would like to visit or purchase the current moon phases, here are a few places on the internet that have that information for your hunting or fishing location: www.espn.go.com/outdoors - www.primetimes2.com - www.solunar.com

Most archery hunters know that deer and other wildlife tend to feed during dusk and dawn and throughout the night. Dusk and dawn are the normal times for archery hunters to be out in the field, but by using the Solunar Table it may change your theory or hunting habits. The moon changes its position in the sky every twenty-four hours. The movement of the moon will either rise or fall about fifty-five minutes earlier or later. What increases the activity of deer or other wildlife is the effect of the moonrise or moonset along with the exact monthly phases of a new moon or the full moon. Hunting is good when a Solunar Period falls within thirty to sixty minutes of sunrise or a sunset. If there is a moonrise or moonset at the same time as a sunrise or sunset, hunting is even better. The best time to hunt is when all of these times occur during a full moon or a new moon.

Solunar Tables can then be used when you calculate your geographic location, either east or west of your time zone. The tables will help you on your archery deer hunt to learn your best times of the daylight hours to actually hunt. But, you must keep in mind that other factors will also have effect on your archery deer hunt, such as weather or hunting pressure in your area. Try using Solunar Tables; it might just work out right for you and your hunting buddies. My youngest son has a watch that has the table built right into it, and we do try to use it as much as possible. It does seem to work! GOOD LUCK!

Ted Lake JustNorth Outdoors Columnist My name is Ted Lake and I'm building a website in memory of my dad Deuaine Lake. This site is all about Archery and Archery Hunting. My dad started me when I was 5 years old (1956) and I've continued to teach both my boys the same respect for the sport of archery. Please feel welcome to visit my free website at http://www.complete-archery-information.com