For Thursday, November 12, 2026, deer hunters around Meridian and East Mississippi should have favorable weather for spending time in the woods. Cooler morning temperatures and a mild afternoon make both hunting periods worth considering.
My pick: Early morning
Best deer hunting times — Meridian and East Mississippi
Morning hunt
5:45–8:30 AM
Top hunting window around first light and sunrise.
Midday movement
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Worth staying in the stand, particularly near bedding areas and travel corridors.
Afternoon hunt
2:30–4:55 PM
A good opportunity to catch deer moving toward evening food sources.
Thursday's weather forecast
72°
High
40°
Low
5%
Rain chance
Skies: Partly sunny.
Sunrise: 6:21 a.m.
Sunset: 4:55 p.m.
Moon phase: Waxing crescent, approximately 12% illuminated.
Moon overhead: Approximately 2:26 p.m.
Major solunar period: 1:33–3:33 p.m.
Minor solunar period: 9:11–10:11 a.m.
Mississippi Wildlife and Parks+2
Scotty Ray’s hunting advice
Get into the stand by 5:40 a.m.
Focus on hardwood bottoms, acorn flats and trails connecting bedding areas to food.
Consider staying through midday, especially if bucks are cruising.
Be back in the stand by 2:15 p.m. for the afternoon hunt.
Overall outlook: FAIR TO GOOD for spending time in the woods.
One reminder: Solunar periods and moon phases are estimates, not proven predictors of whitetail movement. Mississippi wildlife research has not found a reliable relationship between moon phases and deer movement. Wind direction, food availability, hunting pressure and local breeding activity matter more.