What colors should you avoid wearing while turkey hunting?

When turkey hunting, it is essential to wear colors that do not trigger a turkey's natural instincts or alert them to human presence. Turkeys have excellent vision and can see a range of colors, particularly those in the spectrum of red, black, white, and blue, which are part of their environment. Wearing these colors can create contrast with the natural surroundings, making it easier for turkeys to spot hunters.

Turkeys are especially alert to colors that mimic the plumage of danger or that stand out against natural foliage. The colors red and white, in particular, can resemble the bright markings of a turkey’s head, which could cause a turkey to be more cautious. Black can absorb more light and create shadows, making it more noticeable. For these reasons, wearing red, black, white, or blue increases the likelihood of being detected by wild turkeys, which can negatively impact your hunting success.

Selected colors such as green, gray, and brown blend into natural settings, making them less detectable and are thus better choices for camouflage during turkey hunting.