Deer vision differs significantly from human vision. They possess dichromatic vision, meaning they primarily see two color wavelengths compared to the three humans perceive. Their color range is limited to blues, yellows, and some ultraviolet light. For example, while humans may see a vibrant orange hunting vest, a deer likely perceives it as a shade of yellow or gray.
Understanding a deer’s visual limitations is crucial for hunters and wildlife managers. This knowledge influences hunting strategies, such as camouflage selection. Historically, hunters have utilized brightly colored orange vests for safety, relying on the assumption that deer cannot perceive this color well. However, recent research suggests that deer may be more sensitive to blue wavelengths, potentially impacting the effectiveness of certain camouflage patterns.
