Looking vs. Seeing
By Kevin Estela
“If you’re looking at everything, you aren’t seeing anything.” Let that sink in. On a hunt, when someone asks, “Do you see that?” it’s easy to scan everything and focus on nothing. In low-stakes situations, that might not matter—but in high-stakes moments, it can cost you. There’s a major difference between looking at everything and looking for something.
This month, I’m sharing a few strategies to help you see more—whether you’re working solo or with a partner. I recently trained with my colleagues at Obsidian Spear Group (Trainers and Competitors Sponsored by Wiley X) at our local range. For armed professionals who rely on their Wiley X glasses daily, the ability to see—not just look—can be the difference between going home or not.
Specificity Matters
In emergency response, a “scene survey” is standard—but what does “safe” really mean? On an icy road, safety might mean watching for skidding vehicles. In the backcountry, it could mean spotting unstable terrain beneath an injured hiker. Don’t fixate on the obvious threat—scan for the next one. The danger you don’t see is often the one that gets you.
Near vs. Far
One of my favorite training tools is the “Kim’s Game,” used in hunting prep. Students scan terrain for hidden objects, often focusing too far out and missing what’s right at their feet. It’s natural to fixate on the distance, but threats—or targets—can be near, too. Whether spotting game or clearing a room, don’t forget to scan both near and far.
Peripheral Vision
Our central vision sees detail. Our peripheral vision detects motion. In the treestand, I’ve often spotted deer in my periphery while staring into the woods. If you constantly move your eyes trying to see everything, you’ll strain them—and miss more. Instead, hard-focus on one spot and let your peripheral vision work for you.
Large to Small
When directing someone to a specific point, work from big features to small. In urban areas, you might say, “white car, driver-side wheel.” In the wild, use natural markers step-by-step: “See the downed trees?” “The forked trunk?” “Halfway down, 5 yards below—there’s the deer.” This method ensures your partner sees what you see.
Common Language
In firearms classes, we teach students to see an empty chamber, not just look for brass. Miscommunication can lead to dangerous assumptions. Clear, shared language—like “six o’clock,” “northwest,” or “to your left”—helps partners act fast and accurately. The more you train together, the quicker your team will process visual cues.
When it comes to observation, be deliberate. Don’t just look—see. The difference can be life-saving, and with practice, it becomes second nature.
