One of the most crucial parts of hunting is being nearly undetectable by your prey, lying in wait until the perfect moment. If you’re wondering if camouflage hunting apparel is worth the investment, you need to understand how the eyesight of deer works. Below is a guide explaining how clothing can increase your chances of a successful hunt.

What to Know About Deer Vision

Deer have fewer color-perceiving cones in their eyes than humans, which enhances their low-light vision but makes them less able to see reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and browns. They are, however, able to very clearly see blue. They’re also able to detect movement in a wide field of vision, thanks to rods and photoreceptors in their eyes that don’t focus on one central spot.

Even if they aren’t looking at you, if you’re in your peripheral and move, they’ll see it clearly and know something’s there. They also don’t have a UV filter, and you may be surprised to know that your clothes can emit faint UV light. Manufacturers and some detergents use color-brightening additives that give off UV emissions, making you appear to be glowing in a deer’s vision. 

How Camo Works

Deer can see blue and blue-based colors, probably making most of your wardrobe obsolete. Their ability to see UV rays also means most of your normal clothes won’t work as hunting apparel, as they’ll make you highly visible to deer if your detergent or clothing has color-enhancing compounds in it. They’ll also offer no protection against deer picking up on your movements. 

Quality camo apparel from a reputable hunting and hardware store will offer a few forms of protection. First, these clothes use colors that won’t stand out to deer, showing up as the same grays and yellows as their surroundings. Second, they emit less UV light than normal clothing, as long as you don’t wash them with brightening detergents.

Third, the patches and patterns of colors will obscure your outline. Instead of looking like one large monotone figure—like you would if you wore non-patterned clothing—you’ll appear as a series of gray and yellow blotches that blend into the background. While movement of any sort makes you highly visible to deer, camo wear will also help mask your slighter, slower movements.

Are you in the market for high-quality camo hunting apparel? Since 1946, Farmers Cooperative in Live Oak, FL, has offered a range of hunting wear, as well as everything else you need to keep your farm and home running. Their large inventory includes pet supplies, animal feed, lumber, gardening supplies, and propane. Browse some of their hunting and building materials online, and call (386) 362-1459 to place an order.