If you still have a tag in your pocket for Iowa, Illinois, or the Dakotas, you might want to cancel your New Year’s plans. Meteorologists are predicting a massive cold front moving through the Midwest this week, bringing a potential 20-degree drop in temperatures.

For the late-season hunter, this is the trigger we have been waiting for.

Mature bucks that have been nocturnal due to gun season pressure will be forced to get on their feet early to consume calories. When the thermometer drops this hard, energy conservation goes out the window—they have to eat to survive.

The Strategy: Focus heavily on high-calorie food sources like standing soy, corn, or brassicas. If you can withstand the temperatures, get into the stand by 2:00 PM. The movement will be early, and it will be concentrated. This is likely your best odds of seeing a shooter before the season closes.