[THE_HUNTERIAM]

Been wrestling with this for years. Can squirrels see blaze orange? Anyone out there using blaze camouflage for deer have squirrels not notice you? I know birds like crows an turkeys sure can see it, always hunted in camo or drabs for squirrel but for safety would like blaze in moderation. Thanks! :thumb:

 

[illegal_immigrant]

All animals see some degree of color. They just see less of it than we do; the rods and cones in their eyes just have a different ratio than our own eyes.

 

[Deadstream]

I know they can see your movements really easy but I've had squirrels walk right in front of me while deer hunting (wearing blaze orange) and as long as I didn't move or make any noise they just went about their business. I did read a study some years ago that deer see blaze orange as a bright gray because they don't see into the red/orange color very well. They also mentioned that they can see blue as we see blaze orange so no blue jeans while hunting. Maybe squirrels see about the same.

 

[Sneeky]

If the squirrels see it it doesn't seem to bother them. I have them come right up to me often while hunting in blaze orange.

 

[ridgerunner1965]

i think squrrels see blaze orange.and they like it.when im deer hunting i see tons of squrrels and they come rite up to me.they sit on my blind and mess around and look at me. when i go squireel hunting after deer season in camo. they run like hell and wont come anywhere near me. whats up with that?

 

[Lost_ID]

Gotta agree with Illegal-Immigrant up to a point.
I'd add this caveat, if some animals are color blind and see in shades of gray, they ARE able to recognize and associate the particular shade represented by orange.
Hel, my dog recognizes my favorite hunting cap! Same shape as many others I have, so it must be color, or their interpretation of color.

 

[Buck-Ridge]

I think they all see blaze orange. If you are still squirrels will ignore you even if they know what you are. With full camo on I have had squirrels try to step on me in tree stands never had this happen wearing orange. I think deer see it too.

 

[Medic73]

I can not add anything to the OP, but I would like to add that (for deer hunting, at least), I always wash whatever I'll be wearing with a NON-UV Brightener Detergent.

Deer and perhaps other animals see the UV brighteners as a bright glow that looks very un-natural to them. I also use the scented (I usually use the Fresh Earth Scent) Detergent and Dryer Sheets just in case.

I know that some animals like Turkey and other birds do not seem to worry about your scent, but I believe it's better to be safe than sorry and I wash ALL my hunting clothes in the scented, non-UV Hunting Detergent, and put them right away in the plastic bag Scent Safes, so they won't collect any unwanted odors.

I will also make sure to fill the gas tank at least the night before heading out while wearing regular clothing, and then take a shower and wash my hair with the hunters soap/shampoo.

Is this all overkill, especially for animals like squirrels? maybe, but my feelings are you practice like you mean it for real. IMHO, it makes you a better hunter and woodsman when you do it this way.

What are your thoughts on this?

Medic73