Wearing black while sheep hunting

[rickyw]

For all you veteran sheep hunters (dall sheep in particular), is wearing black on a sheep hunt a problem? It seems to me that if whites are helpful, black may be the opposite of helpful, and will stand out against the terrain. I have never been much of a camo guy, and just wear whatever is warm and comfortable, but I certainly don’t want to draw extra attention to myself even when I’m not moving. What has been your experience?

Thanks

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Black is a terrible choice. You look like a black bear and stand out like you are wearing blaze orange to a human.

 

[MDR]

I wear black pants and dark blue or dark brown t-shirts. Haven't needed camo yet. Just stay out of sight.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

That’s the thing, you can’t stay out of sight. Plus, you don’t know when you are or aren’t. I can’t count the number of times I’ve spotted someone off in the distance because they’re wearing black and they have no idea that they are visible. Why wear something that puts you at a disadvantage?

 

[Ophert]

I run black rain gear, doesn't seem to make much of a difference to me. I threw a white game bag over my pack and walked up to my sheep at 200 and shot it, it was bedded and half falling asleep. Maybe I shot a dumb one lol.

 

[rickyw]

Black is a terrible choice. You look like a black bear and stand out like you are wearing blaze orange to a human.

That is exactly my concern. Looking like a bear. And even if color blind, black would stand out. So far I’ve pretty much hunted in gray or browns. There’s a Nice down coat for sale but it’s straight black. Would be a great coat for sheep due to its weight and warmth, and the price is right. But the color is terrible! My current down coat for sheep is a nice stone gray.

 

[MDR]

...Why wear something that puts you at a disadvantage?

Combination of stubborn and too cheap to buy camo?

It is on the wish list though.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

That’s the thing, you can’t stay out of sight. Plus, you don’t know when you are or aren’t. I can’t count the number of times I’ve spotted someone off in the distance because they’re wearing black and they have no idea that they are visible. Why wear something that puts you at a disadvantage?

I’m not doubting your expertise in sheep hunting, but how do sheep react to bears? Do they immediately leave the zip code? Or just get alert?

Do sheep spot the black outfit as well as we do?

Is this a matter of sheep reacting to any potential threat?

I ask because I have read about First Nations disguising themselves as wolves to approach a buffalo herd to within bow range. Or African hunters carrying their rifle like a Masai warrior with his spear to get within rifle range. Might there be any advantages in looking more like a short range predator?

I also think about the number of times I have been out squirrel hunting and had a big buck watch me without running. He knows somehow that it’s not deer season and that I don’t intend any harm. Even though I am carrying a rifle and dressed the same. I think certain prey animals are very good at determining hostile intent. And that applies no matter what you are wearing.

I still believe in wearing camo or muted colors while hunting, because I think it can help make small movements less obvious. But that could be superstition as much as anything else.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I also think about the number of times I have been out squirrel hunting and had a big buck watch me without running. He knows somehow that it’s not deer season and that I don’t intend any harm. Even though I am carrying a rifle and dressed the same. I think certain prey animals are very good at determining hostile intent. And that applies no matter what you are wearing.

I think body language plays into that quite a bit.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I’m not doubting your expertise in sheep hunting, but how do sheep react to bears? Do they immediately leave the zip code? Or just get alert?

Do sheep spot the black outfit as well as we do?

Is this a matter of sheep reacting to any potential threat?

I ask because I have read about First Nations disguising themselves as wolves to approach a buffalo herd to within bow range. Or African hunters carrying their rifle like a Masai warrior with his spear to get within rifle range. Might there be any advantages in looking more like a short range predator?

I also think about the number of times I have been out squirrel hunting and had a big buck watch me without running. He knows somehow that it’s not deer season and that I don’t intend any harm. Even though I am carrying a rifle and dressed the same. I think certain prey animals are very good at determining hostile intent. And that applies no matter what you are wearing.

I still believe in wearing camo or muted colors while hunting, because I think it can help make small movements less obvious. But that could be superstition as much as anything else.

It’s as simple as this.
Black bears chase and kill sheep.
Don’t look like a black bear.