Deer and Elk vision/UV

[Mark]

I've read a lot about the vision of elk, deer and other animals, specifically UV and the ability to see UV spectrum. I've used UV blockers on specific pieces of clothing to prevent UV glow. Recently I stumbled across this article pertaining to UV and sunscreen.

http://petapixel.com/2013/04/19/a-beginners-guide-to-uv-reflectance-in-photography/

Forget the article and the photography lesson, the interesting thing is the picture of the guy wearing sunscreen vs. no sunscreen photographed with a UV camera. If elk and deer see UV like the camera does I would venture to say that sunscreen on ones face would be the best blocker and camo a guy could use. Right? I the picture with sunscreen his face appears completely black to UV vision. Pretty amazing really.

If so, we can do away with face paint and face masks.

Thoughts?

 

[Alabama]

I don't know. It looks more reflective to me. I know it looks black but it looks glossy and may make you easier to spot. Interesting pictures. Thanks for sharing. I don't know anything about it, so it's just my opinion based on 3 photos. I've used laundry detergents that contain no UV brighteners for years because I heard the same thing about big game and especially turkeys.

 

[OregonJim]

Interesting, I'd like to see how much sunscreen was on his face.
This was 50 spf so I'm sure the results would be less with an average spf.

Not sure I want to use bullfrog as cammo but it would keep the nose from peeling!!!!!

 

[Mark]

Food for thought. If nothing else it's good to know sunscreen has the added bonus of camouflage to UV.

 

[Hucker]

So, what about the fragrance from the sunscreen? What is worse: the potential UV glare on your face, or the smell of sunscreen?

 

[Gr8bawana]

The last face with sunscreen is quite shiny, seems worse than using nothing at all. If you are hunting with a rifle it makes no difference
anyway because you're not that close. If you are bow hunting you shouldn't be out in the open anyway without a facemask of
some kind using whatever cover is available.

 

[HuskyMusky]

I think the bigger problem is modern dyes that contain UV brighteners already and while clothes wash might help, natural dyes w/o uv brighteners would be better.