We always talk about how bad the swirling wind is in Alabama yet there are millions of hunting stories told on here about a deer being down wind and not smelling me/you/them. In how many of these stories do you think the deer was actually upwind at the time because of the swirling?

I think this can be true. Anything is possible when the wind is swirling. The direction you feel on your face may or may not be what's happening 30-50 yds out. That's why we all hate swirling winds!

I hunt several stands that no matter the wind or direction of approach by deer...they will not smell you. Even directly downwind. Because the drafts caused by the up/down terrain causes the scent to be carried up and away, no matter the direction.

They are all near the top of hills, usually on the south side of the tops, prolly 30-40 feet below the tops. Stands are all under 20 feet high. Killer stands.

troy

Me and my GF hunted Oakmulgee Saturday morning and while sitting on a ridge over looking a HW bottom we had 5 deer pass in front if us. Now the strange part is the wind was blowing in the direction of the deer so I can only guess that we were just high enough to escape their noses. I suspect that when the wind is swirling and you have a deer in range and you are not detected it is because the wind just happens, for a short time, to be in your favor. Just my humble opinion.

Took me years to get a handle on the wind in moutains of Jackson Co. I love to hunt saddles and hog back ridges in the AM. If you have a calm or lite wind it don't matter. The rising thermals on both sides come together and act like a chimney when they reach the top. Takes the scent straight up. Out on the end of a point,just before it drops off can be good also. The head of a hollow very near the top of the moutain same way.I don't like hunting in hollows that much though.

Had one bust me last weekend from it swirling, then not 5 minutes later another deer walked the same line and never knew I was there.

Best way to combat swirling wind is hunt where several trails come together like spokes to a hub. So deer can come from several directions. If you're hunting on one trail, and you're on a flat or bench then you gotta be very mindful of the wind. Use the deer and topogaphy to your advantage.

I just find it interesting how many people are amazed at whatever product they may be using and it's ability to fool deer's noses.