Have you ever asked yourself if the green light on the feeder scares the hogs that you are trying to attract? Feeling lost on whether hogs see red better than green as advised by some or vice versa? You're not alone. Selecting the right color of light for hog hunting is not always very easy.
This blog explores hog vision in detail, from their vision at night and whether hogs respond to both red and green lights differently. We will also outline the advantages and disadvantages of each color to assist you in determining which one is ideal for your next hog hunting trip.
Understanding Hog Hunting Lights
With that being said, we should first explain the use of lights in hog hunting and the different types of lights out there.
Purposes Of Hog Lights
Hunting lights serve several crucial functions:
- Navigation: They assist the hunters in moving around in the dark, as well as avoiding any dangers or barriers that may be present.
- Spotting: Targets are flooded with light so hunters can recognize an animal before they fire.
- Safety: They can be used to identify yourself to other hunters, to avoid meeting unexpectedly.
Normal Colors Of Hog Hunting Lights?
Hunting lights come in various colors. The most common colors for hog hunting lights are:
- Red: And thus it was thought to be less exposed to hogs, so hunters could get closer to them to shoot.
- Green: It is seen as offering better visibility for humans than red while possibly not being jarring for hogs as well.
Can Hog See Green Light?
Some hunters have somewhat contradicting opinions on hog vision, as it is a general topic.
The answer to the question is probably YES. The information thus fed to the eyes might make the green spectrum seem less lit or less clear as observed by a human.
The bigger factor may be the degree and the rate of change of the source of light. Any light no matter the color is disturbing to hogs if applied suddenly and it is okay to use any bright lig
Here's what you need to know:
Limited Night Vision: Hogs also compared to humans see less in the dark. They are not as adaptable to night vision as some animals because they do not possess the reflective layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum.
Color Perception: Hogs cannot be considered completely colorblind, since their vision is dichromatic, though they have only two cones in the eyes instead of three as humans do. This equates to lower levels of color vision, especially during nighttime driving.
Can Hogs See Red Light?
There's some debate. Since hogs are mammals, they only have dichromatic vision, which means that they can distinguish fewer colors as compared to humans.
They may have issues with the red light. This is why red lights are often used by hunters for night hunting of hogs and other predators.
Should You Choose Red Or Green Light For Hog Hunting?
Red vs. Green Light for Hog Hunting
- Red: Traditionally thought to be invisible to hogs, allowing for better observation without spooking them. However, some hunters believe they can still see it faintly.
- Green: Less disruptive than white light, but hogs might be more likely to notice it compared to red. Offers better visibility for hunters than red.
Which Light Should You Choose?
Both of the lights are widely used by hunters. It depends on your own hunting styles and preferences. Here are the things you should consider:
Spook Factor: Red seems less likely to startle hogs initially. This is because red light has a longer wavelength, which is less sensitive to the type of photoreceptor cells in a pig's retina.
Visibility: Green provides better light for hunters to see. Humans have more cones (photoreceptor cells for color vision) that are sensitive to green light than red light. This allows hunters to better distinguish details and colors in the environment with a green light.
Recommended Green Motion Light for Hog Hunting
Here we introduce the KalKal Hog Hunting Lights - a great solution for farms and areas plagued by rising hog populations. These powerful lights boast green and red wavelengths, specifically chosen to attract hog attention without spooking them.
The wider coverage area, achieved through an upgraded arc structure, ensures no hog goes unseen. And with a long-lasting, built-in battery, you can hunt from dusk till dawn without worry.
KalKal Hog Lights are built to endure the elements, featuring durable, waterproof construction and a solar charging system that keeps your electricity bills low and your land safe.
Whether you're a farmer protecting your livelihood or a hunter exercising your rights, these Green Hog Lights are the ultimate solution for hog control. You can choose based on your own preference.
Can You Diy Hog Light?
This is a guide to creating a green filter for your flashlight or spotlight for hog hunting. Remember, pre-made options might be safer and more reliable.
Safety First!
- This involves using a hot iron and oven. Always wear oven mitts and handle hot items carefully.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using the iron.
- Check your local hunting regulations regarding spotlights and colored lights.
Materials You Need:
- Green plastic bottle (e.g., Sprite, Seven Up)
- Scissors or knife
- Iron (or heat gun)
- Oven
- Oven mitts
- Flashlight or spotlight
- Duct tape
Instructions To DIY Hog Light
- Green Plastic Canvas
Cut the top and bottom off the green plastic bottle. And then cut the remaining side open and lay it flat.
- Shape the Plastic:
Ironing: Place a sheet of paper or cloth over the plastic and iron on the hottest setting briefly. You only want to flatten it, not melt it.
Heat Gun (alternative): If you have a heat gun, use it on low heat to flatten the plastic instead of the iron.
- Shrink and Thicken
- Preheat your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (175-200 degrees Celsius).
- Bake the plastic sheet for 10-15 minutes. The plastic will shrink and become thicker.
- Use oven mitts to remove the hot plastic and flatten it again on a heat-resistant surface.
- You can repeat baking for a thicker and more rigid filter (optional).
- Light Fitment
Place the plastic sheet on your flashlight or spotlight and trace the light's head. Cut out the traced shape from the plastic sheet.
- Attach the Green Filter
Secure the green plastic filter to the flashlight head using duct tape.
Conclusion
Hogs have very little night vision but do have some color range; probably they can pick up both red and green LEDs. Understanding the matter in a nutshell, I can state that hogs get alarmed any time they receive short light flashes.
For the spook factor though, red might well be just that little bit better to start with. However, the green earns better visibility for hunters.
Finally, all these options boil down to this one question: what is most important to you? If spooking is to be minimized, then red might be preferable. If better visibility for yourself is important, select green. For convenience choose pre-made hog lights with such options as the presence of motion sensors, as well as protection from precipitation.