Camo Clothing Article

The basic need of all turkey hunters is to stay hidden from a turkey's probing eye, yet remain in an exposed position where it is possible to shoot effectively regardless of where the birds decides to present itself. Camouflaging your clothing and gear is the only way to do this. A hunter wearing complete camouflage who has the discipline to sit Motionless will virtually disappear in the landscape, even from a turkey. Staying motionless requires comfort. Using a Self-Inflating Sport Seat or a Niff-T Seat makes it possible to remain comfortable and motionless for a long time.

Clothing and gear that is not camouflaged will probably be noticed by a turkey. A hunter in complete camouflage may get away with an ill-advised move, but one who is not camouflaged will be constantly spooking turkeys.

Color and Quietness of the fabric are the SECRETS to selecting proper outer clothing. Try to match the color of your clothing to the color of the surroundings. The experienced hunter has several outfits to match the changing foliage. In early spring, before leaf-out, use predominantly brown or gray colors. As the woods begin turning green, change to a normal woodland color. When leaves have opened fully, a pattern with a heavy green emphasis is best. When snow is on the ground, you should be dressed in a white camouflage outfit. None of the dozens of patterns on the market now have been proven superior. Most of the camo clothing manufacturers have excellent patterns that will work when matched to the terrain you will be hunting in. I understand the manufacturers' need to come out with new patterns every year. I buy new camo when my old outfits have faded or I have torn them up. But, I can still dig out my Vietnam jungle fatigues and bag just as many turkeys as when I'm wearing the new patterns. Pick Your Poison.....it's the best advice I can give on camo pattern selection.

The type of material your clothing is made from is important in determining the quietness of the garment. If the garment is not quiet, it won't be hanging in my closet. New cotton clothing or cotton/nylon blends are very noisy when you move. You must be NOISELESS, not just quiet, when you make a movement. The SECRET is to select 100% cotton, brushed denim, wool, Saddle-Cloth, or fleece garments. I don't like fleece, however, because it won't stand up to the pounding I would give it. Blended fabrics are made to withstand tears, like my Vietnam Camo, but are not particularly quiet. These fabrics, and anything new, should be washed several times to quiet down the material. If the colors fade, you have made a purchase of poor-quality clothing.

3-D camo clothing is becoming popular with some turkey hunters. Wear one of those outfits around town and you'll look like the Monster From the Blue Lagoon driving down the road in your camouflaged truck. You'll be known around the county as the Camo Clown. These three-dimensional outfits, with pieces of cut cloth attached, are very effective, but aren't required for consistent success. I have one, but rarely use it unless I want to scare little kids at Holloween.

My favorite outfit for turkey hunting, except for extremely hot days, is a 100% wool camo two-piece outfit. Nothing is quieter and warmer than wool and the best quality wool garments are very water resistant as well. During rainy conditions, I wear a super light weight water repellent rain suit under the wool. It is possible to stay comfortable in wool from well below zero up to 70 degrees F. if you wear the proper long underwear. In extreme cold, use heavy-weight polypropylene. It will not absorb body moisture, thereby keeping your skin dry and warm. During moderate temperatures, use silk or lightweight polypropylene to wick away moisture at a slower rate. For warm temperatures, use 100% cotton underwear, which will hold body moisture next to your skin and cool you. Wool is pricey...but worth every penny when the chips are down out in the woods. A good quality wool outfit will last at least 20 years....probably less expensive over that period of time than the less expensive outfits that you will go through.

Like I said before, PICK YOUR POISON, but make sure your clothing is quiet and blends in with the terrain.