A study was recently published that focused on the hearing capacity of whitetail deer. This study which was recently completed by Dr. Gino D’Angelo at the University of Georgia is similar to another study that was released a few years ago. Dr. D’Angleo’s work focused on deer vs human hearing as it may apply in a hunting scenario. The earlier study was more concerned with measuring the hearing and comparing that to the effectiveness of the deer warning devices and evaluating strategies to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

According to Dr. Gino J. D’Angelo (and going against what is most commonly thought) deer do not hear much better than the average human. Audible sound waves which are measured in frequencies or hertz, cover a wide range for humans and deer. The human ear can hear frequencies from 20-20,000 hertz, with our best and most sensitive range in the 3,000-5,000 range (where most speech and communication occurs). Deer on the other hand can hear at best moderate frequencies of 3,000-8,000 hertz. Whiles its true deer hear at a much higher frequency range than we do their vocalizations are generally in the same range. How they react to this higher frequency would be the important factors to consider for hunting and the deer warning device scenarios.

For example let’s say deer could hear a alert whistle which is at higher frequency (say 16,000-20,000 hertz). While it may be true dogs can also hear this sound and react to it they are “trained” to do so. It’s not likely you average whitetail knows what this sound is much less react to it the same way as a trained dog. While is can be said a whistle mounted on a vehicle create an acoustical wave that a deer can hear, the vehicle itself already creates an acoustical wave. The higher pitched wave may travel faster-theoretically ahead of your vehicle, perhaps preventing a crash. Deer may or may not react to it, and unless they are properly trained to stop or not to run towards the source, the value in preventing deer/car collisions is likely nil (Di’Agelo’s June 30, 2004 literature review seems to agree). What has been demonstrated in a few studies is that the driver of vehicles with increased awareness of deer/car collision scenarios (to the point of mounting a whistle on their vehicle) was actually the factor that reduced the collisions. For example, looking for the deer, using the brights, driving slower, more reactive breaking. Personally, I have found these actions sometimes work and in other cases they don’t. I once had a doe repeatedly cross in front of me before we made contact. It was snowing heavily, I was already breaking and also honking the horn and flashing my lights. Lucky for both of us the contact was at low speed resulting in a big bruise for her and only an increased heart rate for me and my wife.

So what does this new found information regarding hearing in deer mean for hunters? Well probably a couple of things going right back to common sense and hunter experience. If you can hear a particular sound, it’s likely the deer hear it too. If you think you are being quiet enough, think again because the range of hearing in deer is a little bit better than yours. Deer have those great reflectors (external ears) that can channel sound and locate the direction of the source better than you can. So, walk softly and carry a big stick (gun or stick bow whichever you choose). Whatever equipment you are using take steps to minimize unusual and loud noises. I wrap my gun with insulation, my bow has numerous sound deadening cushions and wraps, plus my stands are filled with injectable foam in case I clang something of off it. You can buy a can for about 5 bucks which should be enough to fill 3-4 stands and your climbing sticks as well.

For more information check out the resources below:

Georgia DOT: Evaluation of Strategies to Reduce Deer-Vehicle Collisions

Georgia DOT: Development and Evaluation of Devices Designed to Minimize
Deer-vehicle Collisions

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