Should I wear camo or not?

[davtackett]

Yesterday I tried walking without stopping and I had the same reaction, turkeys flying across the river about 50 yards in front of me, and I saw running deer tracks when I circled around to work my way back. Everything seems to be very afraid of humans in that area. I saw coyote, fox and other wildlife tracks. I had better luck back in the days when I used to hunt. I also think my camera shutter sound spooks everything within 50 yards or so. I am basically going for walks for exercise, so maybe someday I will get lucky and they won't be so afraid of me.

[Grizz1]

Have to agree with duckladad, camo is about blending into your surroundings whatever they might be. Having been a farmer and hunter for over 45 years I'm convinced that wildlife notice a predator/danger quickly and react to that danger to stay safe. Articles have been written by the thousands on how to pattern trophy deer and the fact is in a populated area the deer pattern human behavior from the time they are born and become experts in a short time. Nearly everyday I have deer,turkey,and many other animals and birds at very close range as I feed livestock and complete my chores. Can almost always drive a tractor, pickup or ATV right up to these animals but as soon as I stop motion they see me as a predator. That applies to a Canon camera as well as a gun or bow. We just act differently when trying to get the shot and it shows.
When I'm hunting I opt for the Camo and try to disappear rather than rely on luck. In the Mid West my favorite is Seclusion 3D Chamois or fleece. Soft quiet material is very attractive to burrs and stick tights so it can be a trade off depending on the area you are in.
You could experiment first before buying Camo, you probably already have clothing that will blend into the area you are hiking in. The best camo for one area will not work in another, it is alll about blending into your surroundings.

[Huntbear]

Originally Posted by davtackett

Yesterday I tried walking without stopping and I had the same reaction, turkeys flying across the river about 50 yards in front of me, and I saw running deer tracks when I circled around to work my way back. Everything seems to be very afraid of humans in that area. I saw coyote, fox and other wildlife tracks. I had better luck back in the days when I used to hunt. I also think my camera shutter sound spooks everything within 50 yards or so. I am basically going for walks for exercise, so maybe someday I will get lucky and they won't be so afraid of me.

Instead of walking around, find a central place that has a lot of sign of activity. Sit down against a tree, with your camo on, so your outline is broke up. Then be patient. The animals will relax and the shots will come. You may sit for up to 2 hours, but if you are patient it will happen. Movement is your enemy, as well as scent. If you have to move, move very slowly, and quietly.

[TenaCJed]

I am currently reading a book by Moose Peterson called "Captured". He basically does not believe in camo and has never used it. For him it is a matter of reading the animal, slow precise movements, and sometimes setup where they are moving to and wait for them to come to you. I have never used camo, but I also do not have a collection of great photos like Moose does!