Thermal Scout

Pro Feature

Predict thermal wind shifts for better scent control in hilly terrain. Thermal Scout analyzes weather data and elevation to forecast when morning updrafts and evening downdrafts will occur, helping you choose optimal stand positions.

What are Thermal Winds?

Thermal winds are air currents caused by temperature differences between air layers. Unlike prevailing winds driven by weather systems, thermals are predictable local phenomena that follow the sun's heating and cooling cycle.

In hilly terrain, these temperature-driven air movements can completely override the prevailing wind direction, carrying your scent in unexpected directions. Understanding thermal patterns is essential for serious hunters who want to control their scent.

Temperature-Driven
Predictable Patterns
Elevation-Dependent
Scent Management

Morning vs Evening Thermals

Morning Updraft

As the sun warms the ground after sunrise, air begins to rise uphill. This typically occurs 1-2 hours after sunrise and continues until late morning.

Your scent travels: UPWARD

Best strategy: Hunt from LOWER positions. Your scent rises away from game located above you on the slope.

Evening Downdraft

As temperatures cool in the afternoon, cold air settles downhill. This typically begins 1-2 hours before sunset and continues through the night.

Your scent travels: DOWNWARD

Best strategy: Hunt from HIGHER positions. Your scent settles below game located lower on the slope.

How Thermal Scout Works

  • 1. Select Your Locations

    Choose one or more of your saved hunting locations. Thermal Scout can compare multiple locations to help you decide where to hunt.

  • 2. Pick Your Hunt Date

    Select the date you plan to hunt (up to 14 days ahead). Thermal predictions are most accurate for dates 1-3 days out.

  • 3. Choose Target Species (Optional)

    Select your target species for tailored recommendations. Different animals have different thermal sensitivity levels.

  • 4. Review Predictions

    Thermal Scout analyzes hourly temperature forecasts, sunrise/sunset times, and elevation data to predict when thermal shifts will occur, along with confidence levels.

Species Thermal Sensitivity

Different game species have varying levels of sensitivity to scent, which affects how critical thermal wind management is for your hunt:

Very High
Elk

Extremely wary with exceptional sense of smell. Thermals are critical.

High
Whitetail Deer

Highly sensitive to scent. Thermal awareness essential.

Medium
Bear

Good sense of smell. Moderate thermal concern.

Low
Turkey

Rely more on sight. Less affected by thermal patterns.

Understanding Predictions

Thermal Scout provides several key pieces of information:

  • Thermal Flip Times

    The predicted time when thermals will shift from stable to updraft (morning) or from stable to downdraft (evening). Plan to be in position before these transitions.

  • Confidence Levels

    High confidence means strong temperature gradients that will drive predictable thermals. Low confidence indicates weak or uncertain patterns - prevailing wind may dominate.

  • Thermal Activity Rating

    Strong, Moderate, Weak, or Stable. Strong thermals require careful position planning. Stable conditions mean prevailing wind direction will be the primary factor.

  • Best For Recommendation

    Based on relative elevation and thermal patterns, each location is rated as best for morning, evening, all-day, or to be avoided.

Pro Tips

  • Arrive 30-45 minutes before the predicted thermal shift to allow time to settle in without disturbing the area.
  • When comparing multiple stands, choose lower stands for morning hunts and higher stands for evening hunts.
  • Cloudy days weaken thermal activity. Sunny days with clear skies produce the strongest, most predictable thermals.
  • Combine Thermal Scout with solunar data - hunt during major periods while positioned correctly for thermal patterns.
  • In flat terrain, thermals have less effect. Focus on thermals when hunting ridges, hillsides, and mountainous areas.