Deer Markings Actually Glow

[maximus otter]

Many species take advantage of seeing ultraviolet (UV) light that’s invisible to humans—including deer.

The woodland mammals appear to be using UV as a way of communicating. Their scrapes—markings they make in the dirt or on wood and fill with secretions—glow under UV light that they can see and we can’t. The same goes for their rubbings, or the secretion-filled marks their antlers make on trees and fence posts. According to the findings published in the journal Ecology & Evolution, the photoluminescence is potentially a way for the mammals to find a mate.

“As we got closer to breeding season, those markings increased in visibility as deer prepared for it.”

Over three months, the team searched for white-tailed deer markings in near Athens, Georgia, during the day. By night, they investigated them with UV lights. They analyzed 109 antler rubs on trees and 37 urine-marked acres across 800 acres of forest.

The team believes that rubs’ glow may be made from a combination of plant and tree sap and secretions from the animal’s forehead glands. The scrapes’ glow is likely from urine.

“In the process of scraping the bark off a tree with their antlers, they are depositing glandular secretions. Likewise, when they make a scrape, a different gland is also between their toes.”

Deer markings actually glow

The scrapes and rubs the mammals leave behind shine under UV light humans can't see.

www.popsci.com

maximus otter

 

[NoIDeer]

Modern washing powders/liquids contain optical brightening agents to make your whites whiter. Some of us must glow like a beacon to a deer.

 

[John Gryphon]

Modern washing powders/liquids contain optical brightening agents to make your whites whiter. Some of us must glow like a beacon to a deer.

Some people will use this,I like the way of hunting and not being seen at all.

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/atsko-sport-wash-odour-residue-free-detergent-1l/p/9900111818?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=22926877126&utm_campaign=BIGW+Market+%7C+Shopping+%7C+Household+Supplies&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22926877126&gbraid=0AAAAADkZkLj9Mlf01e4JiXDV6NJG7BWv8&gclid=CjwKCAiAmp3LBhAkEiwAJM2JUOHixXs21r0LAbAliecxNNcwNH5Oa8rIJDjkoBN63rTrsqhgswGiZhoC-XkQAvD_BwE

 

[Donkey Basher]

Modern washing powders/liquids contain optical brightening agents to make your whites whiter. Some of us must glow like a beacon to a deer.

Which is why for as long as I can remember none of my stalking kit has been washed using ‘normal’ detergent.

The machine gets a rinse cycle, the detergent tray is removed & given a good clean.

Then I wash whatever needs washing using Ecover unfragranced non bio liquid (other liquids are probably available too).

 

[Mountain Bug]

I knew that rodent urine was fluorescent under UV but had no idea about deer secretions. Very interesting.

Modern washing powders/liquids contain optical brightening agents to make your whites whiter. Some of us must glow like a beacon to a deer.

I found these while shopping for my last trip. Ordered because shipping time was shorter being non liquid. Quite happy with them. Scent killing, no UV brighteners and easy to pack one or two sheets with virtually no extra weight.



Scott

 

[Smelly Yeti]

Which is why for as long as I can remember none of my stalking kit has been washed using ‘normal’ detergent.

The machine gets a rinse cycle, the detergent tray is removed & given a good clean.

Then I wash whatever needs washing using Ecover unfragranced non bio liquid (other liquids are probably available too).

I just don’t wash my stalking jacket - the deer can’t see me but they can probably smell me from a mile away!

(….. should probably clarify that I am obviously joking before folk start getting all ansty about food hygiene etc! Similarly to your advice I just use a wash with no detergent although I hadn’t thought about the residual/thoroughly cleaning the dispenser drawer so cheers for sharing)

 

[Smelly Yeti]

Many species take advantage of seeing ultraviolet (UV) light that’s invisible to humans—including deer.

The woodland mammals appear to be using UV as a way of communicating. Their scrapes—markings they make in the dirt or on wood and fill with secretions—glow under UV light that they can see and we can’t. The same goes for their rubbings, or the secretion-filled marks their antlers make on trees and fence posts. According to the findings published in the journal Ecology & Evolution, the photoluminescence is potentially a way for the mammals to find a mate.

“As we got closer to breeding season, those markings increased in visibility as deer prepared for it.”

Over three months, the team searched for white-tailed deer markings in near Athens, Georgia, during the day. By night, they investigated them with UV lights. They analyzed 109 antler rubs on trees and 37 urine-marked acres across 800 acres of forest.

The team believes that rubs’ glow may be made from a combination of plant and tree sap and secretions from the animal’s forehead glands. The scrapes’ glow is likely from urine.

“In the process of scraping the bark off a tree with their antlers, they are depositing glandular secretions. Likewise, when they make a scrape, a different gland is also between their toes.”

Deer markings actually glow

The scrapes and rubs the mammals leave behind shine under UV light humans can't see.

www.popsci.com

maximus otter

Interesting post - thanks for sharing

 

[Mountain Bug]

Which is why for as long as I can remember none of my stalking kit has been washed using ‘normal’ detergent.

The machine gets a rinse cycle, the detergent tray is removed & given a good clean.

Then I wash whatever needs washing using Ecover unfragranced non bio liquid (other liquids are probably available too).

I usually run a load of normal laundry with these sheets (my work clothes can always use a little scent killer) and then wash hunting stuff in the next load.


Scott

 

[eldon]

Modern washing powders/liquids contain optical brightening agents to make your whites whiter. Some of us must glow like a beacon to a deer.

I mentioned something similar around 11 years ago in a Rotararian presentation I gave on Deerstalking.
My powerpoint slide said...... are you using the right washing powder?
And showed a washing machine.

That created some curiosity!

I also had a slide about jaws, teeth and cusps ......... that created some interest when I found I had a dentist in the audience .

Lol

 

[RJD]

I usually run a load of normal laundry with these sheets (my work clothes can always use a little scent killer) and then wash hunting stuff in the next load.


Scott

Sorry don’t understand ..

 

[Mountain Bug]

Sorry don’t understand ..

In order to clean the residue of my wife's unicorn fart scented laundry detergent out of the washer, I first run a load of my work clothes through with scent killer detergent sheets (pictured above) before doing a load of my hunting clothes with the same.



Scott

 

[Apthorpe]

In order to clean the residue of my wife's unicorn fart scented laundry detergent out of the washer, I first run a load of my work clothes through with scent killer detergent sheets (pictured above) before doing a load of my hunting clothes with the same.



Scott

Your wife's a unicorn?? Nice catch! If a little unconventional...

 

[Tim.243]

I usually run a load of normal laundry with these sheets (my work clothes can always use a little scent killer) and then wash hunting stuff in the next load.


Scott

I have never needed to use any of the scent sprays or scent washing products for my kit, the first part of my plan is the weather (wind direction) I think once last year it changed and I was busted (but made a move and caught a deer out)
For this afternoon the wind is 8mph coming from the South so I will pick a piece of ground so I can use that Sth wind, next week it will have a lot more East in it as the temp chart reflects that, the East is perfect for my Nth Essex Fallow ground but then the walk to the seats you have low winter sun behind me and no leaves in the hedge for cover.
I have one field I shoot a good number of deer from and often knock of 50 yds using the shadow cast by the low winter sun from the big oaks
It make a 200 yard shot 50 less. Just like in farming the conditions are key "if you think the wheat is ready to cut then wait 1 more week"

 

[Mountain Bug]

I have never needed to use any of the scent sprays or scent washing products for my kit, the first part of my plan is the weather (wind direction) I think once last year it changed and I was busted (but made a move and caught a deer out)
For this afternoon the wind is 8mph coming from the South so I will pick a piece of ground so I can use that Sth wind, next week it will have a lot more East in it as the temp chart reflects that, the East is perfect for my Nth Essex Fallow ground but then the walk to the seats you have low winter sun behind me and no leaves in the hedge for cover.
I have one field I shoot a good number of deer from and often knock of 50 yds using the shadow cast by the low winter sun from the big oaks
It make a 200 yard shot 50 less. Just like in farming the conditions are key "if you think the wheat is ready to cut then wait 1 more week"

Many years ago, my permission was a farm whose owner would grant access to anyone who was interested in killing deer. As such the ground was overrun with mostly unskilled hunters and the whitetails were paranoid like a whore at Sunday mass. If pressured or the area was intruded upon the deer would simply leave for a few days. I began to take my scent control seriously and it made a huge difference in keeping animals on said ground.
I didn't fool myself into thinking that a deer couldn't smell my presence but it kept the threshold of scent low enough that they didn't spook from it. My regimen included scent killing shampoo/body wash and laundry detergent, chlorophyll breath tablets, rubber boots and an application of scent killing spray on my outerwear and especially my boots at every outing.
I many times observed deer directly down wind of me that were nervous but didn't run off. I also observed these same deer that would cross just the track of other hunters, come to a screeching halt and run the opposite direction, meanwhile they were often observed following my track until they ended up under my tree stand.
Nowadays my ground has a consistent NW wind 99% of the time and the deer aren't pressured meaning that I can usually just work the wind to a successful outcome. This doesn't mean however that I want my hunting clothes to smell like a "Spring Meadow" or a "Tropical Breeze".


Scott

 

[Mungo]

Modern washing powders/liquids contain optical brightening agents to make your whites whiter. Some of us must glow like a beacon to a deer.

I can’t remember the last time I washed any of my stalking gear…

 

[BenBhoy]

Kestrel can also see UV & rodent urine glows

 

[Smellydog]

Kestrel can also see UV & rodent urine glows

I wondered why the swoop at my pecker when out Ben...