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Most shooters either use red or green light for deer hunting at night instead of using white shades or other alternatives. It is not that these lights are more potent than the latter; however, the effect they have on the deer’s instinct makes them a preference. Unlike white light that will spook away your target, the red or green lights provide you with adequate illumination without scaring away the prey.
Both shades are productive in night time deer hunting; however, one holds an upper advantage. This article will compare both light shades and try to finalize our piece with the best between the two. Of course, most of our arguments will be based on facts from reliable sources and experiences from experiences with the two. I can also guarantee that you will have enough knowledge of how different shades of light react to the deer’s retinal organ by the end of the piece.
Red vs. Green Light for Deer Hunting
When comparing the two, red or green light for deer hunting, most hunters prefer the red light over the green light, but why?
Why Choose Red Light?
Of all the possible light settings, red is the color a deer sees worst. It is because of this reason that whenever I head out to the words in dark conditions, I prefer a red shade over any other. In all my years of using this filter for lighting, I never felt disappointed enough to switch to a different option. I remember one time I pointed the light at the deer for almost three minutes without noticing, and that is how sufficient the light is.
The red shade perfectly outlines your target layout, giving you a clear shot in the night time. The view provided is clear and precise enough to guarantee an eighty percent chance of making a successful attempt. You will also remain undetected long enough to get a clear shot of the target, increasing your productivity in the season. If I were you, I would forego all other shades and focus on the red one for deer hunting.
Why Not Green Light?
According to Cohen, green closely follows white in the best colors a deer can pick out from a distance. It means that if you shine green light onto a deer intending to get a clear shot, chances of you making the shot are meager. It is because immediately you shine the light onto the deer, it becomes wary that there is immediate danger lurking and hence makes a run for it. The reaction time may be slower than that of a white filter; however, it is enough to guarantee the animal an escape.
The deer’s retinal composition limits the deer from distinguishing between green shades and other different light patterns. It cannot differentiate between the green, yellow, and UV color since its eye characteristics limit it.
On the other hand, deer see blue best from their visual composition. Blue is even more visible than white or even green. This is important because not only is the illumination vital, but also your choice of clothing. You may use the perfect light setting but mess up your attempt since your dressing was too bright. Bright costumes reflect light, and they may reflect your light directly to the target giving away your position; hence be keen on what you wear. Camouflage clothing is best!
Why is White Light not Advisable for Hunting?
When comparing shades of light, white is among the brightest. Therefore, it is logical to be using it instead of other lesser options. Why do they forfeit superior options and opt for inferior elements to add to their routine? It is because of the effect each of the options has on the instincts of the deer. White light is too bright that, unfortunately, it may spook away the target before a successful attempt.
To entirely grasp this concept, you need to have an overview of the retinal composition of the deer. Its eye receptors are susceptible to bright lights. They will come to their attention almost immediately when the rays pass along their route. Since this species feeds at night to avoid danger, its first instinct will be to alert its companions and bolt off to safety. The whole escaping activity happens too quickly, and before you know it, you missed the target!
Unlike white light, other dull filters work best for hunters who prefer setting camp at dawn or dusk. These shades have proven fruitful in dark environments since the deer takes time to notice that there is light onto them. The target outline is also clear enough for the hunter to acquire a killing shot from a few meters away, making it very hard to miss.
However, it is essential to note that this only works for the deer. Different species react differently to the numerous available hunting lights. One common aspect between all these species is that white light is the most noticeable filter and should be avoided if stealth is included in your strategy.
Are Deer Scared of Lights?
Yes, a deer is scared of lights, especially bright lights. You may have heard of deer-related accidents at the range where a deer freezes in front of an oncoming car or jumping over the vehicle, resulting in an accident. In such a scenario, it is not that the animal was self-conscious of the outcome, but it got spooked by the vehicle’s headlights and reacted as it did.
However, the severity of their reaction of the deer to the lights varies according to different shades. Blue colors are most noticeable by their eyes, while the red color is almost non-existent to the deer. It may seem like an advantage, but this composition gives the species a better vision at night.
Conclusion
Notably, the red shade is best for deer hunting, especially during the night, as it increases your chances of a decent score. White light, on the other hand, is a bad choice for hunting. It may also be best to consult your friends on what they use and how it works for them before deciding.
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36 years old, been hunting and fishing my entire life – love the outdoors, family, and all kinds of hunting and fishing! I have spent thousands of hours hunting hogs and training hunting dogs, but I’m always learning new stuff and really happy to be sharing them with you! hit me up with an email in the contact form if you have any questions.
