Weekly Wildlife Report and Outlook

NEW ENGLAND

(Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine)

Weather Pattern

Cold-leaning winter conditions continue, with periodic snow chances, colder nights, and limited warm intrusion. Snow cover and colder ground remain a dominant factor.

Large Game

• Deer movement is compressed into daylight feeding windows
• Cold nights push activity earlier in the afternoon
• Snow cover improves visibility but increases energy conservation behavior

Best windows:
Late morning and mid-afternoon before sunset

Small Game

• Squirrels active during sunny breaks
• Rabbits favor brushy cover near food sources
• Snow improves tracking but suppresses long movement

Fowl

• Waterfowl respond well ahead of incoming systems
• Cold reinforces migratory movement
• Wind direction more important than temperature

MID-ATLANTIC

(Pennsylvania, Virginia)

Weather Pattern

Variable and active. Temperatures fluctuate between seasonable cold and mild spells, with rain favored over snow at lower elevations.

Large Game

• Mild days reduce urgency, but weather transitions increase movement
• Rain delays activity, but post-rain windows are productive
• Travel corridors outperform feeding areas

Best windows:
Late morning after rain; early evening on dry days

Small Game

• Consistent activity in mild conditions
• Rain suppresses movement temporarily
• Mast edges remain productive

Fowl

• Active fronts improve waterfowl movement
• Overcast days favor longer flight windows

APPALACHIA

(West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky)

Weather Pattern

Active, mild-leaning, and wet at times. Rain and cloud cover are the main limiting factors rather than cold.

Large Game

• Deer move in bursts, not all day
• Rain delays movement, but movement surges after precipitation
• Soft ground improves tracking and stealth

Best windows:
Late morning and last 90 minutes of daylight

Small Game

• Activity rebounds quickly after rain
• Mild temperatures keep midday viable

Fowl

• Low cloud ceilings encourage lower flight
• Best action occurs ahead of fronts

CAROLINAS

(North Carolina, South Carolina)

Weather Pattern

Generally mild with intermittent rain. Cold air rarely locks in for long.

Large Game

• Extended feeding periods due to mild nights
• Movement favors overcast days
• Rainfall increases daytime movement once it tapers

Small Game

• Active most of the day
• Wet ground improves stalking opportunities

Fowl

• Waterfowl activity tied to frontal timing
• Wind shifts matter more than temps

SOUTHEAST CORE

(Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi)

Weather Pattern

Mild to warm, with periodic rain systems. Winter cold remains shallow and brief.

Large Game

• Feeding patterns stretch into nighttime
• Daytime movement tied to weather changes
• Front edges create best activity

Small Game

• Reliable activity throughout the day
• Rain delays but does not shut down movement

Fowl

• Migratory birds respond strongly to approaching systems
• Cooler mornings improve flight activity

FLORIDA PENINSULA & GULF COAST

(Florida, Coastal Louisiana, Texas Coast)

Weather Pattern

Warm, humid, with periodic rain and frontal passages.

Large Game

• Movement peaks early morning and late evening
• Cooler post-front days increase daytime activity

Small Game

• Active daily
• Rain has limited long-term impact

Fowl

• Waterfowl movement improves behind fronts
• Wind direction critical for success

ALASKA

Weather Pattern

Fully winter-dominated. Cold air and snow govern behavior statewide.

Large Game

• Movement limited and energy-conserving
• Activity clustered around daylight and food sources

Small Game

• Tracks easier to find
• Movement suppressed during extreme cold

Fowl

• Migratory activity mostly complete
• Remaining birds respond to wind and snow events

HAWAII

Weather Pattern

Trade-wind-driven with periodic showers.

Game and Fowl

• Wildlife behavior remains stable
• Rainfall slightly increases feeding activity
• No significant cold-related suppression

Across the eastern U.S., weather transitions matter more than absolute temperature this week. Rain and cloud cover suppress activity briefly, but movement rebounds quickly once conditions improve. Hunters should focus on timing, not totals.

OHIO VALLEY

(Ohio, Indiana, Southern Illinois, Western Pennsylvania fringe)

Weather Pattern

Highly variable and active. Temperatures swing between cool and mild, with rain favored over snow at lower elevations and mixed precipitation possible during frontal passages.

Large Game

• Deer activity tied tightly to pressure changes
• Mild nights reduce feeding urgency
• Movement improves ahead of fronts and after rain exits

Best windows:
Late morning after rain; last hour of daylight on dry days

Small Game

• Consistent activity during dry periods
• Rain temporarily suppresses movement but improves ground stealth afterward

Fowl

• Waterfowl respond strongly to frontal timing
• Overcast skies extend flight periods

GREAT LAKES

(Michigan, Wisconsin)

Weather Pattern

Colder and more winter-like than points south. Lake influence maintains cloud cover, periodic snow, and colder nights.

Large Game

• Movement favors midday when temperatures recover slightly
• Snow cover improves tracking
• Animals conserve energy during prolonged cold

Small Game

• Reduced activity during snowfall
• Rebound during clear, cold days

Fowl

• Strong migratory push tied to cold fronts
• Wind direction critical near open water

UPPER MIDWEST

(Minnesota, Iowa)

Weather Pattern

Cold-dominant with brief mild intrusions. Snow cover and frozen ground common.

Large Game

• Feeding windows are short and daylight-focused
• Cold nights increase afternoon movement

Small Game

• Tracks visible but activity reduced during extreme cold
• Best movement during sunny breaks

Fowl

• Migration largely complete
• Remaining birds respond to wind and pressure shifts

NORTHERN & CENTRAL PLAINS

(Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas)

Weather Pattern

Mild intrusions are common this week, but wind is a frequent factor. Precipitation remains limited overall.

Large Game

• Mild days extend feeding windows
• Wind direction matters more than temperature
• Activity improves near shelter belts and terrain breaks

Small Game

• Active during calm periods
• Wind suppresses visible movement more than cold

Fowl

• Wind-driven movement dominates
• Frontal timing more important than precipitation

SOUTHERN PLAINS

(Oklahoma, Texas)

Weather Pattern

Warm and dry overall, with periodic wind and low humidity.

Large Game

• Movement peaks early morning and late evening
• Daytime movement improves after fronts

Small Game

• Consistent activity throughout the day
• Dry conditions improve visibility but increase noise

Fowl

• Migration active near fronts
• Cooler mornings enhance flight

ROCKIES

(Colorado, Wyoming)

Weather Pattern

Classic mountain winter pattern. Snow in higher elevations, variable temperatures on adjacent plains.

Large Game

• Movement restricted in deep snow
• Lower elevations see increased activity during mild windows

Small Game

• Activity limited during storms
• Post-snow periods productive

Fowl

• Elevation-dependent activity
• Wind corridors influence movement

INTERMOUNTAIN WEST

(Utah, Idaho)

Weather Pattern

Active Pacific-driven pattern with recurring snow in mountains and mixed conditions in valleys.

Large Game

• Movement improves during breaks between systems
• Valley animals adjust quickly to mild periods

Small Game

• Active during dry windows
• Snow depth controls behavior more than temperature

Fowl

• Migratory movement tied to storm timing
• Lower flight ceilings during overcast days

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

(Oregon, Washington)

Weather Pattern

Wet and active. Rain dominates lowlands, snow persists in higher terrain.

Large Game

• Activity concentrated during dry breaks
• Animals favor timber and edge habitat

Small Game

• Rain suppresses daytime movement
• Activity rebounds quickly after precipitation

Fowl

• Strong flight activity during systems
• Wind and rain increase movement

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST

(California, Nevada)

Weather Pattern

Active storm pattern with rain in valleys and snow in higher elevations, especially the Sierra.

Large Game

• Movement improves ahead of storms
• Post-rain feeding windows are productive

Small Game

• Activity suppressed during storms
• Dry breaks offer best opportunities

Fowl

• Waterfowl respond strongly to incoming systems
• Wetland areas see increased activity

Across the central and western U.S., weather timing matters more than temperature alone. Wind, precipitation breaks, and elevation drive wildlife behavior this week. Hunters should plan around system edges, not fixed calendars.

Wildlife does not read forecasts, check apps, or follow scripts. Weather influences behavior, but animals will always make their own decisions. This report offers probable patterns, not guarantees. Follow all state regulations, hunt safely, and adapt to real-time conditions in the field.