How a deer visually perceives its environment is a topic that has been cussed and discussed by hunters for many years. Although extensive research has been done in an attempt to decode exactly what a deer can or can't see it is still only an educated guess. The research, however, has yielded valuable information for the hunter. Applying this information in the field will help a hunter tip the balance in his or her favor.
The Research on Deer Vision
In 1992 a study was completed at The University of Georgia in Athens that used an advanced computer to interpret the electrical signals created when light enters a deer's eye and used that information to create a model of what deer see. In a 2003 Quality Deer Management Association, article online entitled "What do Deer See" by Brian Murphy, this study and its results are outlined. The knowledge gleaned from this study was vast; however, it confirmed two important pieces of information for hunters. This study confirmed that deer only possess blue and green color sensing cells (cones) on their retina, whereas, humans possess blue, green and red. This study also confirmed that deer do not possess an ultraviolet (UV) filter in their eyes. This is all well and good, but what in the world does it mean?
The Translation of the Research
Based on the information provided by the study, several deductions can be made. First, a deer should, theoretically, be red-green color blind. This does not mean that the colors red and green are not perceivable it simply means that red and green probably appear the same to a deer. Second, if a deer's eyes do not have a UV filter, then it can be assumed that a deer is much more sensitive to UV light than a human. These assumptions being made, how does a hunter apply them?
The Application for the Hunter
Knowing that deer do not possess the structures to perceive reds and oranges like humans do, all debate over hunter orange should be laid to rest. Any camouflage pattern that is has green hues and is effective at breaking up your outline will be sufficient to conceal your location. Washing your hunting clothes in detergents which contain UV brighteners might cause your clothes to have a UV glow to a deer, so using products that mitigate those brighteners certainly won't hurt.
Hunters Should Understand How Deer's Eyes Work
Understanding the science behind deer vision can give you an edge. Just keep in mind that hunter orange saves lives, and the deer don't see it. Camouflage patterns that are not washed in UV brightening detergents, that break up your outline, and contain green hues are always a safe bet. So, how do deer see you? With this knowledge, hopefully, they don't. Good hunting!
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