Quail see orange?

Stickmark

FNG
Joined
Feb 5, 2023
Messages
84
When hunting quail, in the desert, shrubby backcountry hills, alone, am I disadvantaging myself by wearing a tan shirt with blaze orange shoulders, and a blaze orange hat?
 
Joined
Oct 6, 2022
Messages
44
Location
PNW
In my experience, it is all about how much pressure the birds get. If they are pressured hard, the movement of a human regardless of what they are wearing will get them to bust early.

If you are worried about what you are wearing try and hide yourself using the topography given.
 

chemist

FNG
Joined
Jun 26, 2023
Messages
64
Location
WA
I wear orange bird hunting. I am more concerned with me not going shot than me shooting a bird.

Birds definitely see color and actually see more colors than humans with tetrachromic vision. Something that appears camo to you may pop to a birds eye due to them seeing deeper into the UV.

That said, if you are concerned with them seeing you, use topography to block your approach.
 
OP
Stickmark

Stickmark

FNG
Joined
Feb 5, 2023
Messages
84
Just wondering. Been quite sneaky, terrain wise, but oh boy, that orange is visible.
Still getting plenty of action. Really enjoying this upland game.
 

mxgsfmdpx

WKR
Joined
Oct 22, 2019
Messages
6,676
Location
Outside
When hunting quail, in the desert, shrubby backcountry hills, alone, am I disadvantaging myself by wearing a tan shirt with blaze orange shoulders, and a blaze orange hat?
They run through my backyard here in the desert daily. I wear orange nearly daily. They are still stupid and don't care.
 
Joined
Jan 16, 2025
Messages
4
The weather is a key factor into bird seasons and how they move. In the PNW for me i notice they wont try to fly out unless your really crashing around in the brush during freezing temps but during spring they tend to try to run and fly out before I am around there area.
 
Joined
Feb 20, 2023
Messages
52
Location
Upper Michigan
I’m a ruffed grouse/woodcock hunter (not quail). That said, the birds know you are there regardless of which color clothing you wear: especially if you are hunting with a dog. You seldom are able to sneak up on them undetected. The real question is really more to the point of how you get them airborne within shotgun range. That means a thoughtful, careful approach so they don’t flush wild and working the habitat/terrain such that they don’t feel secure attempting to run out of range.

Happy Hunting.
 
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