CLASSIFIED! What I am about to tell you is top secret, and could end my career. There were turkeys scattered across the field like fireflies, and I was in the worst situation imaginable—I got busted!
I got busted just as many others because of the turkeys number one defense. EYESIGHT! I used to take it for granted, but realizing how intricately complex a turkey’s vision is has undoubtedly helped me succeed in the field. For years now, I’ve loved talking about this subject at seminars, radio shows, and podcasts. In this blog, we’ll cover all the essential information you need to know about the vision of wild turkeys, its significance, and how it affects you as a hunter. Now that the majority of these “secrets” have been revealed, you should tell your friends about this information, especially the younger generation and aspiring turkey hunters.
Without getting too technical, here’s what you need to know about the incredibly complex retinas of turkeys and their avian relatives: experts claim that turkeys and their retinas have the most complex retinas of any vertebrate!
That is a big deal! Consider all those times you got busted and never moved or even blinked. It’s definitely something to consider: does your camo have UV brighteners? Are you a visually appealing target for turkeys to focus on? Why not use a black light to inspect your camo and purchase a UV neutralizer spray or clothes wash if needed? You could easily spend a day’s salary on personalized turkey loads or a few packs of broadheads. This is a simple fix to an issue most hunters don’t even realize exists.
The burning question: Do turkeys see hunter orange? This has been a long-standing debate among turkey hunters with varying opinions and anecdotal evidence. Let’s delve into the science and real-world experiences to uncover the truth.
The Science Behind Turkey Vision:
- Monocular Vision: Unlike humans with binocular vision, turkeys have monocular vision, meaning each eye focuses independently. This provides a wider field of view but sacrifices depth perception.
- Color Vision: Turkeys possess tetrachromatic vision, meaning they see a wider range of colors than humans, including ultraviolet light. This allows them to distinguish subtle variations in foliage and identify potential threats.
Do Turkeys See Hunter Orange?
The answer is yes, turkeys can see hunter orange. Its bright, unnatural color stands out against the natural background, catching their attention. However, their monocular vision and limited depth perception might make it appear as a large, blurry object rather than a specific threat
Factors Influencing Turkey’s Reaction to Hunter Orange:
- Movement: Turkeys are highly sensitive to movement. Even the slightest twitch can spook them, regardless of the color they see.
- Distance: The farther away the hunter is, the less likely the turkey is to identify the orange as a threat.
- Individual Variation: Like humans, turkeys have varying personalities and levels of alertness. Some might be more easily spooked by hunter orange than others.
Tips for Using Hunter Orange While Turkey Hunting:
- Wear it strategically: Position the orange vest or hat where it’s visible to other hunters but not directly in the turkey’s line of sight.
- Minimize movement: Stay still as much as possible, especially when turkeys are nearby.
- Use camouflage: Combine hunter orange with camouflage clothing to blend in with the surroundings.
- Consider alternatives: If you’re concerned about spooking turkeys, try using a hunter orange flag or marker placed away from your hunting location.
Real-World Experiences:
Many turkey hunters have reported success while wearing hunter orange, while others claim it spooks turkeys. This suggests that individual turkey behavior and hunting techniques play a significant role.
While turkeys can see hunter orange, it’s not a guaranteed deterrent. By understanding their vision and behavior, hunters can minimize the risk of spooking them while staying safe and visible to other hunters. Experiment with different strategies and observe the turkeys’ reactions to find what works best for you. Remember, ethical and responsible hunting practices are always paramount.
5 Things to Know about the Turkey’s Vision
FAQ
What color do turkey see?
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