Can game animals see reflective stripes?

[Hyphen]

I understand the many benefits and uses of reflective stripes/tape on gear and clothing and while hunting. I want to be seen by hunters but not game. During daylight hours, I’m pondering whether game can see the reflective strips I’m wearing. Anyone come across a solid answer? Elk are primary concern right now, but I’m going rifle, not archery so it likely doesn’t matter.

 

[BFR]

I would imagine that anything that reflects the sun will definitely draw their attention so any movement would be seen. As for actually seeing the color, that’s above my pay grade.

 

[Jimbob]

I would never use anything reflective when hunting. I am conscious of how the rising or setting sun is hitting my binos and spotting scope so I certainly would not want reflective stripes on me all day. There is a reason why staying in the shadows helps so much.

I would say reflective clothing is much worse than just bright colors. What colors animals see if debatable, black and white mostly and maybe some blues is what I've read. However, all animals can see light ha ha. Reflective stripes will just reflect the sunlight causing everything to see it.

 

[full choke]

I don't have any reflective clothing, but I do have some reflective paracord pulls on my packs. Never seemed to be an issue.

 

[Wapiti1]

I've had antelope, elk and deer react to reflections on things like rifle barrels, binoculars, and my idiot partner wearing sunglasses while I was calling in a bull. That bull froze and stared at him for about 5 minutes before departing.

The reactions varied from the animal scooting out at a high rate of speed, to a pause followed by continuing on as if nothing was wrong. Some just stand there for a while and may leave, or may continue.

It isn't like there aren't reflections and reflective things in nature. In the instances where the animal scooted, I suspect the flash of reflection was interpreted as movement and they spooked. In other cases, maybe they didn't see anything further and decided no issue.

I wouldn't have reflective things if possible on my animal facing side. Little things like zipper pulls or logos on your boots, I don't think are an issue. Those reflective zipper pulls are awesome at night just like reflective tent cords keep me from face planting around camp.

Jeremy

 

[Desk Jockey]

Reflective strips reflect IR and UV in addition to visible light. Unscientific answer, but based on the understanding that animals are more adept at detecting visible light and that some of them have IR/UV sensitivity, I am going to say, yes.

 

[Nate_Beres]

If you're talking about retroreflective items like arrow wraps, guy lines, ect. Your good.
I did my homework before adopting wraps.
When it comes to something metallic, glass or glittery, is bad.
The reason is that it only reflects light directly back to the source.
Unless your deer/elk is wearing a headlamp or holding a flashlight, it doesn't stick out any more than the static color.
The sun is too far away to act as the "source" it's more like ambient light. This is why when the sun is setting behind you, street signs don't light up. But when you turn your lights on, it does.
I read an article about deers vision and blue being easy to spot.
Hope this helps

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Desk Jockey]

Effects of reflective warning markers on wildlife - PMC

Light pollution has become one of the top issues in environmental pollution, especially concerning how secondary light pollution, such as from traffic reflective materials, influences animal distribution and behavior. In this study, 15 camera traps ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

a bit dry but it addresses the issue. short version is some animals do see the reflection.

 

[Hyphen]

Thanks. I’m specifically deciding if I’ll take the sewn in stripes off my blaze vest. They are the silver fabric type. I’m glad Desk Jockey notes the IR and UV sensitivity. I did doctoral research on UV signals and detection... but for a very different application, although I did study how everything looks different when exposed to either of those light bands.

 

[Rich M]

You can get legal orange vests for less than $10. Leave the strips on your safety vest and get a hunting vest.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Thanks. I’m specifically deciding if I’ll take the sewn in stripes off my blaze vest. They are the silver fabric type. I’m glad Desk Jockey notes the IR and UV sensitivity. I did doctoral research on UV signals and detection... but for a very different application, although I did study how everything looks different when exposed to either of those light bands.

sounds like you are better equipped to answer the question than most. Was just reading about an application of reflective streamers to power lines to deter Bird strikes.

as mentioned above, I’d buy a new vest. $10 Wally World works fine. I like one from orange aglow. It is in my pack almost all the time and goes on when I get an animal down (turkey or bow deer) when orange isn’t required.

Blaze Orange Hunting Vest

The Orange Aglow Signature Mesh Vest is the lightest fitted vest on the market, weighing only about 2 ounces! It will dry quickly and we have all sizes!

www.orangeaglow.com

 

[Hyphen]

sounds like you are better equipped to answer the question than most. Was just reading about an application of reflective streamers to power lines to deter Bird strikes.

as mentioned above, I’d buy a new vest. $10 Wally World works fine. I like one from orange aglow. It is in my pack almost all the time and goes on when I get an animal down (turkey or bow deer) when orange isn’t required.

Blaze Orange Hunting Vest

The Orange Aglow Signature Mesh Vest is the lightest fitted vest on the market, weighing only about 2 ounces! It will dry quickly and we have all sizes!

www.orangeaglow.com

Thanks. I have several vests, I just want to wear this for sentimental value.