The Hunter’s Moon is the first full moon to occur after the Harvest Moon, typically in October or November. It was given its name as it signaled to prepare for the upcoming winter by going hunting. Furthermore, animals were more easily visible as most crops were cleared around the time of the Harvest Moon.

The full moon in October is also known as the “hunter’s moon” because it marks the beginning of the hunting season, signaling to hunters to begin preparing for colder conditions, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The “hunter’s moon” follows the “harvest moon,” a moon phase that signals the best time for harvesters to reap their crops.