​
As prey animals, deer are well equipped to detect and avoid predators, and one of their primary tools of defense is their vision. As such, deer hunters can be more successful when they understand the strengths and weaknesses of deer eyes, according to the National Deer Association who bases this information on research from University of Georgia Deer Lab. 

Here are some interesting facts derived from this research with the first one being the 20/60 factor. As many successful hunters know, deer eyes have pupils that are wide, horizontal slits. This shape allows them to let in more light than human pupils can, especially as they open wider in low-light. It’s important for them to detect movement across a wide, horizontal view where danger is most likely to appear. While this pupil shape helps them monitor a broader area, they sacrifice sharpness. Normal human eyesight is 20/20 whereas deer have a normal daylight eyesight of about 20/60. This means they see three times less clearly than humans. If you make eye contact with a deer for what felt like an eternity, it’s likely because they’re trying to figure out exactly what they’re looking at. 

With the 20x factor, deer and humans have photoreceptors in their eyes called rods and cones. Rods are responsible for light absorption and are what animals use to see in low light, while cones are responsible for color vision and distinguishing fine details. Deer have fewer cones but more rods than humans. Thus, deer see better in low light than we do, but they see with less clarity. 

The Blue factor takes in the question can deer see blaze orange? The short answer is no, not in the same way humans see it. Deer see oranges and reds as brown or gray. This is the reason deer have a distinct advantage when moving to and from cover. Therefore, deer can see blue nearly 20 times better than humans so don’t wear blue jeans when going hunting. 

The 18x factor shows that deer have a layer in the back of their eyes that act as a mirror. Any light that is not absorbed when it first enters the eye is reflected back across the rods. This allows deer to use the same light twice, while humans only get to use it once. But the shape and location of this reflective layer is adapted to  light coming from the horizon, which is strongest at dawn and dusk. Contrary to popular belief, deer are not nocturnal. However, they see about 18 times better at twilight than we do. 

As for the 4x factor, and even though deer have lower image sharpness, deer receive and process images nearly four times faster than humans at dawn and dusk. This means they are extremely good at detecting even the slightest movement in their visual field. It’s almost like they perceive the world around them in slow motion. So, distorted patterns in camo can help you blend into your surroundings due to a deer’s poor visual acuity – but only as long as you remain still. 

And lastly, the 300-degree rule points out that because deer eyes are positioned to the side of the head, deer have a large field of vision which is about 300 degrees, leaving only a 60-degree blind spot in the back of the head. So, unless you are directly behind a deer, they can see you. Humans only have a 180-degree field of view, but we have greater binocular overlap, which also helps with focus. Deer sacrifice clarity and focus for the ability to detect danger in almost every direction at once. Even if deer have their heads to the ground to feed, their pupils align with the horizon and maintain a wide field of view although their nose is pointed downward. They can still see you move. 

Hope these deer vision facts provide some insight to a deer’s good vision. 
​

​EHD, a viral disease that’s often fatal to white-tailed deer, has hit some parts of the country extremely hard this year. Reports of EHD have come from nearby Ohio where 1,000 have been found so far. Even some Michigan deer have contacted the disease.

Here in Pennsylvania, EHD has been confirmed in a handful of counties in the northwestern part of the state reports the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). In fact, the PGC has investigated reports of dead deer in southwestern and southeastern Pennsylvania where test results are pending. 

The PGC is asking the public to report sick or dead deer, especially if several are found dead in the same area and the cause of death is not apparent such as if a hunting arrow is protruding from it. The PGC can be contacted, 24/7 at 833-742-9453.

Public reports allow the PGC to further investigate and track EHD outbreaks. EHD, or epizootic hemorrhagic disease, is spreading to deer when they are bitten by infected midges, small insects often called “no-see-ums.”

Because EHD is spread by midges, the PGC says it emerges in late summer and remains a threat to deer until temperatures drop and the midges die-off, usually at the first hard frost. But in local areas where EHD is present, deer mortality can be severe. 

So far this year, the PGC says EHD has been detected in the following areas:

*Butler County, Muddy Creek Township
*Erie County, Mill Creek Township
*Lawrence County, Slippery Rock Township
*Mercer County, Liberty and Shenango townships

But EHD is not the only the only deer disease spread by biting midges. The related bluetongue virus (BT), which historically has been less common in Pennsylvania, has similar impacts. Infected deer often develop clinical signs about seven days after infection and die off soon after. Signs include swelling of the face or neck, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, lameness, respiratory distress, fever and excessive salivation. Some deer survive the initial infection and can develop chronic signs like hoof cracks or overgrowth. 

There is currently no treatment for EHD or BT infections in wild deer, and for diseases spread by insects, wildlife management options are limited. However, local deer populations often rebound within two to three years following an outbreak. 

Fortunately, neither EHD or BT virus has been detected in Pennsylvania elk, as elk are considered less susceptible to infection. 

Both EHD and BT can infect domestic livestock. Reports of sick livestock should be directed to Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. 
​

As the most populated small game species in Pennsylvania, squirrel hunting season kicks off Saturday, Sept 13 for a split season that runs statewide until Nov. 28 then reopens Dec. 15-24 and again from Dec. 26-Feb. 28. There’s also a Junior Hunt season set for Sept 13-27 and this would be a great time to mentor a young and upcoming hunter. 

As a benefit to hunters, squirrels are everywhere, and the hatred of birders who get their bird feeder food devoured by bushy tails. 

Small game hunters normally stake out woodlots big and small for squirrels and they’ll take a stand near hickory nut trees and other nut-rich foods like shagbark, white oaks and beech trees that squirrels love. They also forage on walnuts and acorns so some scouting is needed to locate these productive locations. 

If you haven’t tried it, squirrel hunting is essentially still-hunting as savvy hunters will set up or sit by squirrel sign and wait for the animals to show themselves. As squirrels are vocal, they can be called in using a whistle that mimics the distress cry of a squirrel, by a reed call, a squeak, bark or merely suck the back of your hand to lure them into range. 

Hunters may also do a slow stalk but if a squirrel spots you, they’ll freeze and you’ll have to wait them to move again. Of course, that’s not true of city/suburb squirrels that have will hop up to you for a hand-out of peanuts that they’ve been spoiled by caring residents. 

There’s not much debate as to what firearm to use for squirrel. Veterans prefer a .22 rifle and .22LR rounds like CCI’s Quiet-22 rounds, or better yet, a suppressed .22 rifle to as to not alarm other bush tails in the area. A few others may use a shotgun with number #6 shot, but then it’ll be necessary to pick out the shot from the squirrels delightful sweet meat. That could be a pain in the event one is missed and breaks a tooth filling or worse, a tooth when eating it. 

Preparing squirrel for a meal has often been referred to as “meals that grow on trees.” They can be prepared by braising them, in a pot pie or as sherried Squirrel. Here’s that recipe that should please. 

Sherried Squirrel:
With four dressed and cleaned squirrels, cut them up and place in two quarts of water. Add a tablespoon of salt, two teaspoons vinegar; half-cup all-purpose flour; teaspoon of salt; eighth teaspoon of pepper; two tablespoons of butter; two tablespoons of vegetable oil. For the Sherry sauce, a cut chicken broth; quarter cup of sherry (or wine), tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; quarter teaspoon seasoned salt; two-three drops hot red pepper sauce. 

In a large glass bowl, combine squirrel pieces, water, tablespoon of salt/vinegar then cover bowl and let stand at room temperature for an hour. Drain, discard liquid then pat squirrels dry. Next, heat oven to 350 and in large plastic zip-lock bag combine flour, teaspoon of salt/pepper and shake to mix. Add squirrel pieces and do the same to coat them. In a large skillet, melt butter or oil over medium-low heat. Add squirrel pieces then brown on all sides over medium heat. Transfer squirrel pieces and drippings to 3-quart casserole, add mushrooms and two cups of sherry sauce. Pour over squirrel and mushrooms, cover it and bake until tender for about 1.5 hours. 
​
This recipe can serve 4-6 people. Enjoy!