Is putting a mannequin in your stand going to far?
QUESTION: I’ve got a question for you about deer sight. While in a treestand, do they perceive you as a blob or large object? Or do they perceive your clothing pattern/detail and not so much on the exact image of your body? I hope this makes sense. Also, I’ve seen articles about putting up a mannequin of some sort in the stand while you are not there. Would this work so the deer get used to seeing an image of a human there? – Gordie Y.
ANSWER: While your question might seem a bit silly, I have contemplated the same thing myself. It’s impossible to give you a precise answer because we really don’t know what deer perceive or, more importantly, what they comprehend.
It also depends on circumstances. For example, if it were midday and you had the sun at your back, you would probably appear as little more than a shape or blob. In low light, when a deer’s vision is much more acute, they might be able to pick out more detail if they lift their head up, which they do. And if you move, they’ll nail you.
It’s also a good idea to have plenty of cover around to break up your silhouette. The idea of putting up a human decoy is not without merit. Anything different, whether it be a human, a structure (like a ground blind) or a shape will draw their attention until they become accustomed to it. A friend who is a bear guide has actually done what you suggest and has even asked his clients to send clothing they’ve worn ahead of their hunt so the bears will get used to that person’s scent.
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