Do you really need camo for deer hunting or can you just use plaid flannel? – The Okayest Hunter

By Will Bowen | PUBLISHED Might twenty third, 2023

Hundreds upon 1000’s of items of camouflage sit on cabinets at huge field shops and looking retailers throughout the nation. The range is tough to prime within the looking trade and creates polarizing narratives amongst America’s hunters. “I wouldn’t put on (insert your least favourite camo right here) if my life trusted it” or “I owe my largest buck to (insert your favourite camo right here)” are frequent sentiments. However while you step again and give it some thought, is your camo sample actually that vital? 

I’ll go forward and spoil the ending, I say NO. Nonetheless, in saying that, I do really feel that camo as an entire is vital, however the sample, oftentimes is irrelevant. Let’s step again and assume for a minute about what the aim of camo is: 

To interrupt up the human define
To assist you to mix in with the designated atmosphere
A car for looking firms to promote merchandise

Okay, the final level was somewhat jab at out of doors retailing and never fully true, however it’s one thing to consider. Are the camo patterns that you simply wore previously actually not as efficient as the latest and finest? I assume in a research-based technical sense, possibly, however do they, in and of themselves, result in extra harvests? One among my favourite historic looking pictures is that of Mel Johnson in 1965. For people who don’t know, on this image Mel is holding two issues, a recurve bow and the world report archery typical whitetail. Additionally it is value noting that he’s sporting his favourite camo on this image…..a crimson plaid shirt and blue denims.  

I do really feel that camo is a vital device however not an entire necessity. However, camo in newer years has advanced in additional methods than one. 

Camo is Typically Used as a Fad Extra Than a Device

How typically do you see folks in public carrying camo? If you’re from a rural space like I’m, you may assure that you’ll encounter not less than one individual a day carrying it. And the humorous factor is they won’t even hunt! Camo has turn into the image of an out of doors life-style and the kind of camo you put on is usually a standing indicator. Be sincere, what’s your first thought while you see a man strolling across the restaurant carrying $300 camo jacket? He’s not braving the weather or fooling a critter’s eye whereas consuming. Greater than doubtless he’s simply happy with his jacket and hopefully his ardour for the outside, however you may’t inform me something about that state of affairs provides to his credibility as a hunter. 

I don’t need to sound fully adverse. I really like seeing camo and varied out of doors manufacturers represented within the public. It’s a way of life, put on it proudly, but when we as hunter’s are going to make use of camo as a standing image, I say we return to buffalo plaid. Camo is a device and is supposed to be loved. Do you agree? 

Being a Profitable Hunter Doesn’t Rely upon Camo

I’ve killed a number of bucks in the previous few years carrying a inexperienced plaid button up and no deer have seen me due to it. If I do my half as a hunter, the sample of my shirt ought to mix simply advantageous. Searching requires hiding out of your goal. I don’t rely on camo; I rely on cowl. A dense cowl behind you and a few outline-breaking cowl in entrance of you is the ticket. In case your cowl is satisfactory, spooking sport is much more troublesome.

I need to end this text by saying I’m not selecting on the camo junkies. It’s my private opinion that particular camo patterns are one of many least vital features of a profitable hunt. I like a handsome sample simply as a lot as the following man however like a number of issues in looking, it’s simply not that vital. Taking the time to be taught endurance, woodsmanship, and demanding considering abilities is what’s going to make you a profitable hunter. There’s no price ticket or argument about that.