Is all the camo gear really required

[Hopper Bopper]

I wear different styles of camo patterns for different natural conditions.

Even when in the hide I will still cover up in camo just in case I want to be mobile for a while but also I feel it helps if you do have some small holes in your net.

I never shoot without a camo hat and face veil. These are essential imo, the first time you lift your head to shoot without the cover the little tinkers flare off.

 

HB

[BRNDL]

I need to invest in some gear...especially a veil. I have a neoprene mask for winter but too much for this weather.

 

Just ordered 2 x realtree T shirts from flea bay at £8 a throw inc free delivery. Bargain.

[-Mongrel-]

In the hide in summer, dark trousers and drab t-shirts, I have an olive one that I favour. When it gets colder but is dry then DPM gear because I have some and it's cheap, when it gets snotty then the Ridgeline gear comes out, it's plain 'teak' which is an olive/brown. I have never noticed any real difference in the numbers decoying when I take a DPM jacket off.

 

I do have a Realtree 'fowling jacket which I bought thinking it was necessary. I was wrong and when I replace it the new one will be plain green/brown. Once again experience suggests the camo makes little difference, I used to shoot with a non camo'd mate and he had as many birds come over him as I did, whats more you don't feel a right Richard when you walk in the pub in a plain coat!

Edited August 6, 2013 by -Mongrel-

[cocknee]

Each to their own. I do not have a single item of cammo pattern.

 

Having a good hide (why do people not realise that some hides are see through?) and keeping still until the very last minute are essential. Oh and a cap or hat with a decent sized brim would help.

+1`

[KFC]

I use camo gear. A mixture of DPM and realtree, gloves and peak cap with face veil. If I can use natural cover then I prefer that otherwise I use a lightweight camo net between two convenient branches.

I always make sure there's solid cover behind me and I'm preferrably in the shade or dappled sunlight so I'm not throwing a shadow that the birds will see move.

 

As has been said, movement is the key.

 

My buddies don't always bother with camo and we shoot about the same but I do see birds veer off before they get in range of their hides if they're not at least wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

 

I even go as far as snipping off a couple of twigs from the bush behind me and stick them up each side of my hat to break up the outline of my head. The main reason that I go to these lengths is not just because of the Pigeons but because of other wildlife.

Standing stock-still in complete camo has meant I've had Tawny Owls land within three feet of my head before they realised I was there. I've had Muntjac wander within a few feet of me. I watched a Tree Creeper feeding so close to me I could have touched it.

 

If it's a case of just decoying then solid back drop and no movement is usually enough.

[Norfolk Ern]

Do have some camo, but I've found it is of no advantage over dull, drab clothing.

Better to keep still and when the moment comes, move smoothly.

Best thing I've found is getting your hide set up correctly to give enough cover whilst providing an unhindered field of fire.