Hunter's Moon: name origin, symbolism and the October full moon
The Hunter's Moon is the full moon that follows the Harvest Moon, most often in October. Origin of the name, link with the blood moon, hunting season and simple gestures.
Key points
| Definition | The full moon that follows the Harvest Moon: most often the October one |
|---|---|
| English name | Hunter's Moon |
| First recorded use | 1710 (The British Apollo), according to the Oxford English Dictionary cited by Wikipedia |
| Other names cited | Blood Moon (Conway's list), Moon When the Rice Dries, Moon When the Leaves Fall, Freezing Moon |
| Indicative dates | 26 October 2026; 15 October 2027 (Paris time, indicative calculation) |
| Not to be confused with | The “blood moon” of a total lunar eclipse: a quite different phenomenon |
The full moon after the harvest
The Hunter's Moon (Lune du Chasseur in French) is, by definition, the full moon that follows the Harvest Moon, that is, the one closest to the autumn equinox. It therefore falls most often in October, and sometimes in early November, depending on the year. Like the Harvest Moon, it has a precise definition, which sets it apart from most popular names tied to a month.
| Year | Hunter's Moon (Paris time) | Preceded by |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 October, around 5 a.m. | Harvest Moon of 26 September |
| 2027 | 15 October, around 3:45 p.m. | Harvest Moon of 16 September (night of 15 to 16) |
This is an indicative calculation, accurate to within a few minutes; check an ephemeris. Note that clocks go back to winter time on 25 October 2026.
Why “hunter”?
The name is attested in English as early as 1710, in a periodical, The British Apollo, which applies it to “country folk”, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. The Old Farmer's Almanac explains it this way: game grows fat for winter, and this is the time to hunt and lay in supplies. Another explanation often given is practical: the fields had just been harvested, so they were clear, and game was easier to see by moonlight. Since the Moon rises at about the same time on several evenings in a row at this season (see the Harvest Moon), there was light early in the night. This explanation is plausible, but it remains a popular one.
North American almanacs give other names for the October moon: Moon When the Rice Dries (Dakota), Moon When the Leaves Fall (Anishinaabe), Frost Moon (Ojibwe), Ice Moon (Haida), Migration Moon (Cree). In D. J. Conway's list (1995), October is the Blood Moon; the 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac also uses “Hunter's Moon”.
Not to be confused with the blood moon
The phrase “blood moon” can refer to two very different things. Here, it is a name for the autumn full moon, unrelated to its colour. In the media, “blood moon” mainly refers to a total lunar eclipse. The Moon then turns copper red, because sunlight, filtered through Earth's atmosphere and bent around it, still reaches the Moon: the blue wavelengths are scattered, and the red gets through. It is a physical phenomenon, not a seasonal name. See lunar and solar eclipses.
A Hunter's Moon may be in eclipse in some years, but this is not the rule: most full moons miss Earth's shadow.
October in the countryside
In October, the trees turn red, the nights grow cooler, and stags bellow (the rutting season, in September and October). In France, the hunting season opens depending on the department, often in autumn, and is governed by dates set locally. If you walk in the forest in autumn and winter, find out about drive-hunt days and wear clothing that stands out, such as bright orange or yellow. Whatever your view on hunting, caution is essential: this is a safety point, not a debate.
On 31 October, neo-pagans celebrate Samhain, and on 1 November, Catholics celebrate All Saints' Day (Toussaint). Depending on the year, the Hunter's Moon falls a few days before or after. See Celtic festivals and Christian festivals.
The October sky
The October full moon is moderately high: about 50 to 55 degrees above the horizon in Paris, to the south (give or take 5 degrees, depending on the year). Its moonrises remain close together: the daily delay is still small in the first few days, which gives several evenings in a row with a Moon clearly visible early. Of course, the cloudy autumn weather limits the chances of seeing it.
Symbolism and simple gestures
In modern practice, the Hunter's Moon evokes attentiveness, preparation, determination, and the idea of “going out to get” what one needs. It is linked with instinct and focus. These are modern images; they say nothing about the future.
- Prepare winter supplies: jams, preserves, firewood.
- Gather leaves, acorns and chestnuts for decoration. Acorns and horse chestnuts are not for eating: they are toxic to dogs, and to children who might eat them.
- Listen to stags bellowing with a guide, at night, without a bright torch.
- Light a candle in a glass candle holder or lantern, away from dry leaves and curtains.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Hunter's Moon and the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox; the Hunter's Moon is the next one, a month later.
Is the Hunter's Moon the blood moon?
No. The “blood moon” of the media is a total lunar eclipse, which turns red. The Hunter's Moon is a seasonal name.
Why “hunter”?
Because game is fat before winter and the fields are clear after the harvest, which makes hunting easier, according to common explanations. The term is attested as early as 1710.
Is the Hunter's Moon always in October?
Almost always. In years when the Harvest Moon falls in October, the Hunter's Moon can arrive in early November.
Should you be concerned about walking in the forest at this time?
It is the hunting season in many French departments. Find out about drive-hunt days and wear bright clothing.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to The Wheel of the Year.