Author Topic: Open discussion on camouflage (Read 980 times)

Alan · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2019, 04:35:31 AM »

I don't consider myself an expert on camo or what animals see and hear. But in the last few years, there has been a surge in animal senses research. The data is readily available on line for all to read. If you're interested, here is a bit of info on deer: https://www.grandviewoutdoors.com/big-game-hunting/whitetail-deer/scientific-facts-about-how-deer-see-and-hear

With respect to the linked data... Travis is certainly correct about movement (i.e. his comments on Ghillie suits). But I have doubts about his comments on turkeys. I've seen turkeys hump a decoy that looks more like a ferruginous hawk, than a turkey! Maybe its raging hormones, but you'd still think they're as blind as bats (which aren't by the way). We also tend to think, that all birds have excellent eyesight. Birds of prey certainly do, but pigeons have poor eyesight past about 75 yards. What gives pigeons an advantage, is their ability to learn specific threats, and even the ability to recognize faces!

What I'm saying here is, every animal we hunt, possesses a unique set of safeguards, even regional ones. Recognizing those safeguards, is what gives us an edge, no matter how we accomplish that goal.

steveoh · « **Reply #16 on:** January 10, 2019, 09:24:54 AM »

If deer and other critters have heightened UV vision, then I'd certainly want to know if the camo I'm wearing is Fluorescent. Some fabric detergents add a brightening component that causes Fluorescence of your camo clothing. I reckon an ultra violet light shining on your camo gear could indicate the Turkey's are busting you in all your camo loveliness.

Then there is the fragrance that a lot of detergents have.

So, is your:
1. Clothing Fluorescent?
2. Does your detergent have whiteners and brighteners that cause Fluorescence?
3. Does your detergent ad perfumes that give you away way before you see a critter to hunt?

steveoh · « **Reply #17 on:** January 10, 2019, 12:04:05 PM »

Some light reading:

https://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/hunting/2003/06/what-deer-see

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/big-buck-zone/2014/07/video-new-study-sheds-light-what-deer-see

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/tom-turkeys-terrific-vision/

Funny, it's really hard to find true facts on the subject. Most of these articles appear to be written for search engines, or rely on anecdotal evidence.

Steelhead · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2019, 02:49:08 PM »

I can't help but hear my old hunting mentors spinning in their graves. Their choice of scent of blockers was usually Canadian whiskey, vodka, pot, bacon, and cigarettes.

Funny how technology, gadgets, and modern convenience has taken outdoor sports to another level.

steveoh · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2019, 03:06:00 PM »

I did my very first hunting when I was in the 6th grade in South Carolina. I was there for a year while Dad was in Vietnam. I became friends with two brothers David and Mark. The three of us would spend hours and hours in the woods shooting critters with bbguns and my Diana .177 springer. Both brothers were accomplished hunters and actually depended on the meat they brought home. (very poor family). They showed me how to sit absolutely still under the Mulberry tree and wait for the Mocking Birds to come feed. Mocking Bird tasted pretty fine cooked up in the bacon grease coated iron skillet they borrowed from their Mom. Squirrel, Bull Frogs, Pigeon, Dove, Crow and Sparrow all found their way into that frying pan.

Neither boy wore Camo, but they sure kept themselves fed. I often think of those two. Unfortunately I waited too long to re-connect with them, as both have passed on to the great hunting grounds. I regret not finding them and thanking them.