What Colors Can Deer See? Blaze Orange, Blue and Camo

What colors can deer see? Deer see the world mostly in blues and yellows. They are far less able to pick out long-wavelength colors such as red and orange, which likely look brown or gray to them, but they are more sensitive than people to blue and to the ultraviolet glow of clothes washed in detergent with UV brighteners. University of Georgia deer researchers summed it up for the National Deer Association: deer "cannot see blaze orange the same way that humans see it."

Below we explain how deer vision works, which colors to avoid in the woods, why blaze orange is still required in many states, and why movement and outline matter more than color. Shop the full deer hunting shirts collection for camo designs and personalized gifts.

What colors can deer see, and how does deer vision work?

Deer have fewer cones (the cells for color and fine detail) than people, and they lack the yellow filter that the human eye uses to block ultraviolet light. According to the National Deer Association article by Dr. Karl V. Miller and Dr. Gino D'Angelo, that makes their view "grainy" compared with ours, with less detail, while short-wavelength blues are enhanced, especially at dawn and dusk.

Deer also see nearly 300 degrees around them without moving their heads, with only a small blind spot behind, and they are very good at picking up outlines and movement. That is why a hunter who moves at the wrong time is spotted even in the best camo.

Can deer see blaze orange?

Not the way we do. In the researchers' "deer goggles" comparison, oranges and reds turn to brown or gray. That is good news, because many states require hunters to wear a set amount of solid fluorescent orange during gun seasons so other hunters can see them. Always follow your state's hunter orange rules; the exact amount and the seasons differ by state.

One important note: a hoodie with an orange or camo print is not a substitute for the solid blaze orange vest or hat your state requires. Our elk hunting camo guide explains why patterned orange camo does not always qualify.

What colors should you not wear deer hunting?

• Blue: deer are sensitive to short wavelengths, so blue jeans and blue jackets stand out more to a deer than to you.
• Clothes washed with UV brighteners: many household detergents leave brighteners that can glow to a deer. Hunters often wash hunting clothes in a UV-free detergent.
• Large solid light patches: a big white or pale block can break up the woods around you and catch a deer's eye when you move.

What color is hardest for deer to see?

Reds, oranges and browns are harder for deer to tell apart from the woods, which is why blaze orange and earthy camo work together. Even so, deer rely on movement and outline more than color. A pattern that breaks up your shape, a background behind you and slow movement do more than any single color.

Does camo matter if deer see color differently?

Yes, mainly for outline. Camo patterns with light and dark blotches break up the human shape so a deer is less likely to recognize it, especially for bowhunters who need to be close. Rifle hunters at longer range in a stand often care less, as long as they stay still. Read our deer hunting shirts guide for how hunters choose shirts for the season.

Where our deer hunting hoodies fit in

Our deer hunting designs are all-over printed camp and gift apparel, not certified technical hunting gear or a replacement for required hunter orange. The Hoodie style is polyester with a soft brushed inner fleece, ribbed cuffs and hem and a lined hood, according to the style description on each product page. Most designs can be personalized with a name, which makes them a popular present; see our gifts for hunters list for more ideas.

Prices vary by style; the price shown is the lowest option on the product page.

Browse every design in the deer hunting shirts collection.

FAQ

Can deer see the color orange?

Not the way people do. Researchers explain that orange likely looks brown or gray to deer, which is why blaze orange keeps hunters visible to people without standing out much to deer.

What color is invisible to deer?

No color is truly invisible, but reds and oranges are hard for deer to tell apart from the woods. Staying still matters more than color.

What colors should you not wear deer hunting?

Avoid blue clothing and clothes washed with UV brighteners, which deer can notice more easily than people.

Can deer see pink camo?

Deer do not see pink the way people do, but pink camo, like any pattern, is still noticed when you move. Follow your state's hunter orange rules during gun seasons.