Solunar Calendar Predict Wildlife Activity and Hunt Smarter

Any experienced hunter understands that timing is the difference between filling a tag and going home empty-handed. Though equipment, habitat, and weather are all significant elements, there’s one under-considered variable that truly makes all the difference: natural solar and lunar cycles.

The Solunar Calendar is one of the most reliable systems based on this principle—forecasting when animals will be most active by tracking the moon phase and sun position. Whether you’re hunting whitetail deer, elk, wild hogs, or even fishing for trophy bass, knowing and applying the Solunar Calendar can dramatically improve your chances.

What Is the Solunar Calendar?

The Solunar Calendar is a scientific system that predicts fish and wildlife activity based on the positions of the sun and moon relative to Earth. It was developed by John Alden Knight in 1935 after observing that game animals exhibited more activity at certain times of the day.

The term Solunar is derived from:

• “Sol” = Sun

• “Lunar” = Moon

By correlating lunar phases with solar influence, the calendar highlights Major and Minor Activity Periods when animal movement is most likely to spike.

Knowing Solunar Periods

The Solunar Calendar identifies two types of daily activity windows:

1. Major Periods

These occur when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot (on the opposite side of Earth). These periods typically last about 2 hours and are regarded as the most productive for hunting or fishing.

2. Minor Periods

These occur when the moon is rising or setting and usually last 1 to 1.5 hours. Although not as active as Major Periods, they still offer increased wildlife movement.

Bonus Tip: Many solunar forecasts align these periods with sunrise and sunset, creating “super active” times when both lunar and solar forces peak.

How the Solunar Calendar Works

A standard Solunar Calendar includes:

• Date and Day of Week

• Moon Phase (New, Full, First Quarter, Last Quarter)

• Sunrise and Sunset Times

• Moonrise and Moonset Times

• Major and Minor Activity Periods

By analyzing these data points, hunters and anglers can plan trips during peak movement windows—whether for feeding, migration, or mating behavior.

Why Solunar Times Influence Animal Activity

The science behind the Solunar Calendar lies in gravitational and environmental effects. Just as tides are influenced by the moon and sun, these forces also affect the biological rhythms of animals—particularly nocturnal and crepuscular species.

Here’s how it helps hunters:

• More Movement: Game animals are more likely to feed, move, or interact during solunar periods.

• Better Daylight Activity: Around the New Moon, animals may feel safer moving during the day.

• Less Guesswork: Knowing activity times minimizes wasted effort during inactive periods.

Using the Solunar Calendar for Hunting

To get the most from solunar theory, follow this step-by-step strategy:

Step 1: Identify Your Target Species

Different species respond differently to lunar influence:

• Deer: Most active at dawn and dusk; enhanced activity during major periods.

• Hogs: Primarily nocturnal; activity increases during full moon phases.

• Predators (Coyotes, Bobcats): Highly sensitive to moonlight, especially during full moons.

Step 2: Read a Solunar Chart

Use printed calendars, online platforms, or hunting apps to check major and minor times in your area. Focus on periods that overlap with twilight, especially around a New or Full Moon.

Step 3: Factor in Local Conditions

Solunar times work best when paired with:

• Weather Changes: Cold fronts or falling barometric pressure can either suppress or boost movement.

• Wind Direction: Game avoids movement when wind patterns are erratic or unfavorable.

• Seasonal Behavior: Consider food scarcity, rutting activity, and local migration patterns.

Step 4: Plan and Implement

• Morning Hunts: Arrive 45–60 minutes before a major period near sunrise.

• Evening Hunts: Set up before minor moonrise periods that overlap with sunset.

Solunar Calendar Apps and Tools

Thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to calculate these times manually. Try these trusted apps and tools:

• HuntStand – Combines solunar activity with GPS mapping, wind, and weather data.

• DeerCast – Offers tailored lunar activity predictions for whitetail hunters.

• HuntWise – Provides pressure and topography data alongside solunar info.

• Solunar Calendar Pro App – Excellent for anglers and hunters alike; customizable to your location.

• Mossy Oak Moon Guide – A reliable printed or digital guide used by many big game hunters.

Does It Really Work?

Short answer: Yes—if used correctly.
The Solunar Calendar gives you scientific insight into animal behavior, but it’s not a standalone magic formula. Success still depends on:

• Being in the right location

• Playing the wind

• Using low-impact access

• Understanding species-specific behavior

Hunters who ignore solunar data might miss prime activity periods. Those who use it wisely often find themselves in the right place at the right time.

Tips for Solunar-Based Hunting Success

• Keep a Journal: Track your results with notes on moon phases, activity periods, weather, and sightings.

• Sync with the Rut: Use solunar times during the rut to catch increased buck movement.

• Deploy Trail Cameras: Confirm solunar activity patterns with actual animal photos.

• Avoid Pressured Areas: Even perfect timing fails in over-hunted zones.

• Stay Flexible: If movement is slow, adapt to updated solunar data and reposition accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Solunar Calendar is not just an old-school theory—it’s a proven system, grounded in science and used for generations by successful hunters and anglers. When applied with knowledge and strategy, it becomes a powerful planning tool that eliminates guesswork and improves efficiency in the field.

If you’re serious about maximizing your hunting time and effectiveness, learning how to interpret and trust solunar data might just be the edge you’ve been looking for.