Opinions.

[Random 8]

Interesting theory on the eyes. We have binocular vision like a wolf or cougar. Ask any rabbit hunter, the eyes are absolutely a key marker for predators to key in on. Makes sense that the orientation of our eyes would trigger an instinctive alarm reaction. Like you, I've noticed little response, even sometimes a positive curiosity response to my scents or dog. I have tested this with a game camera. A fresh gut pile, dog poop, coyote scat, repeated human urination on a scrape, bug spray, all have attracted a curiosity and/or territorial response from whitetail deer and coyotes/wolves. They will often sniff it intensely and then urinate on the location.

 

[Captcurt]

I suspect that there was something about your clothes, a glint of sunlight off the rifle or scope, etc. that caught their attention. They may have heard something or seen a small movement. I honestly think deer now associate camo as a threat. And while the orange I assume you were wearing may not have jumped out to them, they could probably see something out of place.

I'm not sold on the UV in clothes. For one thing it would only be an issue in the dark and for a few moments at 1st light or last light. I tried washing my clothes in some of the special detergent when this 1st came out and didn't note any difference. I've had game spot me at a distance before and I couldn't figure out why. Gotta wonder about how many spotted me and I never knew they were there. But I've had too many walk within very close range with me sitting out in the open with no special treatment to my clothes.

I too have had deer in my face at eye level while wearing orange, but these pickoffs have bugged me for years. On this hunt I was about 150 yards across a field with the sun behind the mountain behind me. I was in dim light with 15 feet of light brush between me and the field. The deer were on the east side while I was on the west and the wind was blowing from south to north between us. They pointed me like a birddog. I had the same thing happen under the same conditions before. I am going to test the UV theory this next fall.