How to Read a Solunar Calendar

A solunar calendar, otherwise referred to as a solunar chart or table, is used by fishermen and hunters to help predict when fish and wildlife will be the most active. The calendar is based on the solunar theory developed by John Alden Knight in 1926. Knight proposed that animals and fish move according to the position of the moon in relation to their bodies. Several solunar calendars are available to use for fishing and hunting, and all have similar attributes.

Instructions

1

Locate the day that you plan to hunt or fish on the calendar. This is often located horizontally on the top of the calendar or on the left side listed vertically.

2

Locate the moon data on the day you've chosen. This is typically listed as "moon data," "moonset" or "moonrise." Look for the indication of moon position and time within the data such as "overhead moon time" or "underfoot moon time." For fishing and hunting, the moon position plays a critical role in activity, according to the solunar theory. A directly overhead or directly underfoot moon generally spawns greater activity.

3

Identify the moon phase. This is listed on all solunar calendars. These will typically have a success percentage listed under the phase. For example, a prime day to hunt or fish will be a full moon or new moon, while the least successful days are a quarter or three-quarter moon. This is because the moon and sun's gravitational pull is strongest when directly above or below the head.

4

Identify the major and minor periods. These are listed in time frames, typically under the moon phase data. These indicate the peak times for predicted activity based on the position and phase of the moon and the time of sunset. For example: A calendar day that has a 100 percent success prediction rating or a "best" rating will have a major or minor period that occurs within 30 minutes to an hour of sunset, and the moon will also be setting, which adds to the peak rating. The major or minor periods are often underlined or in bold to indicate the best time to hunt or fish on a particular day.