Choosing the Best Hunting Wind Detector
TOP PRODUCT
Dead Down Wind – Wind Detector
- Fits like a glove–comfort in your palm.
- See the wind. Micro ESP enzymes for visual clarity.
- Fresh & Clean. Zero odors, unlike talc.
- Stay Invisible. ESP fights scent to keep you undetected.
Even just a tiny whiff of human odor can send deer bounding away. That’s why controlling scent by checking the wind is so critical. I learned that lesson the hard way years ago when there was a big buck bedding area downwind of my setup. I didn’t realize this until I was walking out of the woods empty handed and felt the wind blowing behind me.
After my embarrassing rookie mistake, I realized I needed to get serious about wind detection. Now, I never head to the woods without my wind indicator. It helps me pinpoint subtle shifts in wind direction so I can set up a low-impact ambush spot downwind of my quarry.
To cut right to the chase, here are my top three recommendations based on personal experience.
Key Considerations For Choosing a Wind Indicator
Here are a few must-have features I look for in a trusty wind detector:
Accuracy – It needs to detect faint updrafts and downdrafts from at least 50 yards away. Subtle wind shifts matter.
Odorless – Any detectable scent compromises stealth and accuracy. Use unscented talc formulas.
Portable – Compact and lightweight enough to stash in your pack or pocket for frequent wind checks.
Durable – Has to withstand being crammed in a pack and exposed to hunting elements. Go for simple mechanics with minimal parts to break.
Affordable – You can find quality wind detectors for around $5 or less. Don’t overspend if you don’t have to.
Why Bother With a Wind Indicator?
Here’s the deal – deer have a freakish sense of smell. Their wet noses have up to 297 million olfactory receptors, compared to our puny 5 million. Scientists estimate deer can smell odors up to a mile away under perfect conditions. Yikes!
When you add our stinky human scent to the equation, it’s easy to understand why whitetails get spooked so easily. If you want to beat their nose, you need to be ultra-careful about your scent stream. A quality wind detector helps you do just that by identifying wind currents.
It allows you to set up crosswind or downwind outside of their scent cone. This can also help you avoid wind swirls that might carry odors into heavy cover. Proper wind detection takes the guesswork out of playing the wind right.
Wind Indicator Types: Old School vs. New School
There’s a few different options when it comes to wind detection tools. Let’s compare the benefits of old school and new school wind checkers.
Old School Powders
These are simple, cheap wind detectors that use talc powder to visually show wind direction. Just give the bottle a squeeze to puff some powder into the air. Wherever it drifts shows you which way air is flowing.
Pros:
- Inexpensive (~$5 typically)
- Easy to use
- Gives long, clear visual read
Cons:
- Limited range
- Can be messy
- Some have faint odors
New School Electronic Wind Meters
On the high-tech side, electronic wind detectors use ultrasonic sensors to precisely measure subtle wind shifts. LED lights clearly display wind speed and direction.
Pros:
- Detects lightest breezes
- Long range (60+ yards)
- Clear digital display
Cons:
- Expensive ($100+)
- Sensitive electronics can break
So which is better for hunting situations? Personally, I like the simplicity and affordability of old school powder wind checkers. They get the job done without costing an arm and a leg.
My Top 3 Wind Detector Recommendations
After testing different options over the years, these three remain my go-to wind checkers for deer hunting:
1. Dead Down Wind Wind Detector
If you hunt a lot of thermal crosswinds, I’d recommend the Dead Down Wind Wind Detector. It uses an ultra-fine powder made of field microorganisms that rides thermals better than talc.
One squeeze produces a long-lasting vapor cloud that tracks crosswinds and thermals like a champ. It also fully dissipates without residue or scent – a big plus. For $5, it’s hard to beat for accuracy on swirly wind days.
2. Hunter’s Specialties Windicator
This super-fine talc powder detector is field-proven and recommended by hunters everywhere. Just give the bottle a squeeze to release a puff of powder up to 30 yards away. Wherever it drifts shows wind direction.
I like the Windicator because the ultra-fine powder detects the lightest air currents. It gives a long, clear visual read to track wind shifts. And it costs less than $5! For a basic, effective powder wind checker, you can’t go wrong here.
3. Natural Wind Detectors
You can save money by making your own DIY wind detector with things like milkweed, dandelion puffs, or powdered chalk. Though not as precise, natural wind detectors work in a pinch.
I keep a small bag of dried milkweed tucked in my pack as a backup. When blown into the air, the tiny seeds float on the lightest breeze and are easy to see. And using mother nature’s own materials helps avoid unnatural scents.
Conclusion
As you can see, wind indicators are a critical tool that all hunters should carry. They allow you to identify currents and thermals to keep scent far away from a deer’s super-sniffers.
While fancier electronic wind meters have their place, I believe simple, affordable powder wind detectors get the job done for most hunting setups. Just be sure to choose one that’s odorless, sensitive, and designed to cling to thermals.
And there you have it – my complete guide to choosing the best wind indicator for your money. Now you have the intel to upgrade your system for defeating deer noses. Get out and give one of these wind checkers a try on your next hunt.
FAQ
What features make the best wind checker?
The ideal wind detector should be compact, lightweight, easy to use with one hand, and durable enough to withstand the hunting elements. Accuracy is also key – it needs to detect subtle breeze changes from at least 50 yards away. And of course, being odorless and scent-free is crucial for any wind checking tool.
How do I use a wind detector properly?
Start by standing in an open area free of obstructions. Give the wind detector a squeeze or puff and watch which direction the powder or vapor drifts. Pay attention to the faintest movements showing wind direction changes. Move around your setup area and repeat checks every 30-45 minutes minimum.
Can weather affect my wind detector?
Yes, rain and humidity can impact powder-based wind checkers. The moisture causes clumping and reduces effectiveness. Electronic wind detectors handle wet conditions well. And formulas made from microorganisms like Dead Down Wind’s powder resist moisture clumping too.
What wind speeds are best for hunting?
Ideal breezes for hunting fall in the 3-7 mph range. This masks noise effectively while still allowing you to track wind currents. Winds above 10-15 mph make it harder to detect scents and subtle breeze shifts. Gusts over 20 mph negatively impact deer movement too.
How do I make a DIY wind detector?
You can make homemade wind checkers using natural materials like dried milkweed, dandelion puffs, powdered chalk, or flour. Hold the material upwind, drop it, and watch which way the tiny particles drift. Just be sure your DIY detector is odorless and lightweight enough to catch faint air movements.
Can I use a wind detector at night?
Powder wind detectors won’t work in full darkness. However, electronic wind meters and smoke-based wind checkers often have LED lights to clearly show wind direction even in low-light conditions. So nighttime wind detection is certainly possible with the right gear.
