Budget novice clothing tips

[Mike1979]

I think it only works when the chainsaw is actually running

It gets worse Rifle in one hand and a running chainsaw in the other ... I reckon some of the cut fingers would pale into insignificance

Its the same point that you have made before...a herd of fallow makes a racket moving through a wood without a care in the world. You break one twig and all you see is their arses heading off full pelt....they seem to sense our intent

 

[Olaf]

So also look at eBay and Vinted- the latter being a place where you can get some real good bargins.

Equally don’t worry about hunting specie clothing ask your guide or person taking you out if they have a spare jacket in your size - most people have spares.

Yah, you forgot to mention that he should forget to give the coat back at the end, he can then go somewhere else next time and do the same with binoculars, a thermal imager, some really good quality over trousers and so forth. …. He will be well kitted out in no time and at a fraction of the cost
Kindest regards, Olaf

 

[Olaf]

With stalking, it seems to me that you're either in the right place at the right time, or you're not in the right place at the right time.
The only thing that's going to influence that (other than pure chance) is understanding the behaviour of the particular species of deed you're targeting, not what you're wearing.
I spent my first couple of seasons stalking not even seeing deer, even though I knew they were there. Gradually though, I sussed out their patterns of behaviour, where they were most likely to be at different times of day, what they preferred to feed on at different times of year, where they were most likely to be either just before or just after rain, how their behaviour was influenced by high winds, etc etc, and my success rate started to improve dramatically. I didn't change my clothes.

Yes, I’ve found that to be very true too, changing into freshly washed clothes can give away your position to the deer. The worst is getting the fresh socks on without getting hurty feet from being stung by stinging nettles or scratching your bottom ( or even worse) on some hidden brambles.
Kindest regards, Olaf

 

[Ram]

Now that’s solid bit of advice to log on to at the end of the day!

Can’t reply to everyone individually but thanks gents, some really helpful recommendations and tips from everyone and a few laughs too. I’ll crack on and definitely find something that does the job. One less thing to think about before heading out now

 

[paulk]

Thank you everyone for the comments. I am also starting to build my stalking gear. The comments in here are encouraging - I was expecting everyone recommending Harkila and very expensive stuff. Normally in every field professionals recommend the brightest and most expensive gear(like photography, golf, running etc.). I am saving money for gear, but started with what I can afford now.

So far
1)Morakniv 511 and a Boker knife
2)Scalpel blade (I gathered this from my grandfather - he always used a scalpel knife to open the belly)
3)Decathlon Country sports jacket - It is silent, water resistant and had YKK zippers - Was also on sale!
4)Altberg Boots (and a Haix) - Will keep one of them. Footwear and Tyre are two things that are critical in my mind - Grip and comfort is important especially when carrying the load downhill
5)Kill bag - A waist bag with MOLLY compatibility - MFH one - Saw this in deercentral
6)First aid kit - Basic kit done, increasing it to cover for sprains, bleeding and splints
7)Carcass carry bag - Decathlon 100L waterproof bag
8)Molly compatible pouch, magazine holder etc.
9)Radio pouch - As I am a licensed radio amateur

I am looking for recommendations (possibly best value brands) for tick proofing, a good trouser (38 x 32) and any possible items I may be missing. FAC is still in progress by the way.

 

[Koenig]

I can’t recommend a DPM or MTP Army surplus smock to you enough. Loads of pockets highly weather resistant (especially if sprayed with Fabsil or similar) and a pair of the current issued brown boots. There are about 3/4 different versions on offer, all are good, especially in my opinion the Altbergs and Karrimor models. Wellingtons are good for really wet winter conditions. Decathlon carry pretty much everything else you might need such as a fleece etc. you want a cap or hat to cover your head and dull down your face and a pair of gloves. The free Hik Micro ones are good. You don’t need head to toe Harkila. If you’re going to do high seats in the winter the old issued snugpak jackets are very warm and can be had for £20 on eBay or Facebook marketplace.

 

[dgb]

I used a yellow hi viz rucksack and wore an orange primaloft jacket for my first stalk and a deer still ended up on the floor. My guide also had a hi viz orange pack, so perhaps colour isn’t as important as we might think.

Just wear stuff appropriate for the weather and you’ll be fine. No need to wear a waterproof fleece lined jacket in summer or forego a waterproof in the rain because it’s not quite the right colour. I’d probably leave the morris dancing bells at home, but otherwise just be comfy and enjoy it. Then you can spend more money going stalking rather than on clothes.

 

[Tim.243]

@rami
Re my first question
What have you worn in previous trips in the past say rabbit or pigeon shooting ?

Also have you ticked some off your list. ?

 

[Ram]

@rami
Re my first question
What have you worn in previous trips in the past say rabbit or pigeon shooting ?

Also have you ticked some off your list. ?

bold of you to assume I’ve been shooting before I do a bit of hiking so wear some goretex hiking trainers, shorts and carry a waterproof jacket. If it’s cold, then some thermal layers, but mostly just get on with it because I’m constantly moving and warm. Figured stalking is a bit slower pace and has more complications so wanted to make sure I’m equipped before rocking up in shorts and t shirt.

Yes list is looking better, @monarman has kindly offered up some tops and bottoms which will get me started. I’m not far from The Quartermaster Military Store so will try on some Altberg Defenders there and check out other small extra bits like a hat.

 

[Tim.243]

bold of you to assume I’ve been shooting before I do a bit of hiking so wear some goretex hiking trainers, shorts and carry a waterproof jacket. If it’s cold, then some thermal layers, but mostly just get on with it because I’m constantly moving and warm. Figured stalking is a bit slower pace and has more complications so wanted to make sure I’m equipped before rocking up in shorts and t shirt.

Yes list is looking better, @monarman has kindly offered up some tops and bottoms which will get me started. I’m not far from The Quartermaster Military Store so will try on some Altberg Defenders there and check out other small extra bits like a hat.

It is not bold just a question, you could have been ferreting before with the clothes being very similar.
As I said the night before I was in Jeans and a army desert camo shirt @£5.00 stalking muntjac, wind the clock back 50 years I would have had Jeans on out ferreting.
Those previous experiences of ferreting rabbits pigeons has made more difference than what I will wear this evening out stalking which will be
Black cargo trousers Keen boots same army shirt snood cap.

Good luck

 

[Sika98k]

Yes, I’ve found that to be very true too, changing into freshly washed clothes can give away your position to the deer. The worst is getting the fresh socks on without getting hurty feet from being stung by stinging nettles or scratching your bottom ( or even worse) on some hidden brambles.
Kindest regards, Olaf

Freshly washed clothes invariably have Optical brightners in the powder or liquid. Apparently this makes the clothing more visible to animals.
I have taken to choosing washing powder that doesn’t have brightners. I can’t say it’s improved my success rate but heyho

 

[VSS]

Freshly washed clothes invariably have Optical brightners in the powder or liquid. Apparently this makes the clothing more visible to animals.
I have taken to choosing washing powder that doesn’t have brightners. I can’t say it’s improved my success rate but heyho

My stalking clothes only get run through the washing machine without any powder at all, for the same reason. Just water.

 

[Olaf]

My stalking clothes only get run through the washing machine without any powder at all, for the same reason. Just water.

I agree with that too, the problem is that even without washing powder there is enough surplus from the last washes to still leave your clothes smelling of chemicals and glowing with bright colours. Which is why I choose to stalk completely naked, with only a hat and neck tube to cover my face and a pair of gloves. The gloves are purely for the afore mentioned reasons.
Kindest regards, Olaf

 

[VSS]

I agree with that too, the problem is that even without washing powder there is enough surplus from the last washes to still leave your clothes smelling of chemicals and glowing with bright colours. Which is why I choose to stalk completely naked, with only a hat and neck tube to cover my face and a pair of gloves. The gloves are purely for the afore mentioned reasons.
Kindest regards, Olaf

Grow a beard and then you can dispense with the neck tube.

 

[Tim.243]

Grow a beard and then you can dispense with the neck tube.

Who are you identifyings today as?

VSS xy neutral

 

[VSS]

Who are you identifyings today as?

VSS xy neutral
View attachment 431060

I think I must've mislaid my hat that day

 

[Olaf]

Grow a beard and then you can dispense with the neck tube.

I have a beard , it’s a really nice one, sometimes I comb it so I look like the Barry Gimps from the wee wees. The problem is that my teeth are so white and sparkly that I still need the neck tube.
Kindest regards, Olaf

 

[Olaf]

Who are you identifyings today as?

VSS xy neutral
View attachment 431060

I really like what you have done with your hair there VSS, that’s such a practical solution and totally removes the need for a hat.
I’m now thinking that if I also plaited my hair , just like that , I could sort of droop the ponytail across my mouth like a really nice big moustache and secure it to the back of my head with a twig or something. It would mean I could do away with the hat, AND neck tube at the same time.
Do you not find that the pearl necklace gets all tangled with your binoculars though?
Kindest regards, Olaf

 

[VSS]

I really like what you have done with your hair there VSS, that’s such a practical solution and totally removes the need for a hat.
I’m now thinking that if I also plaited my hair , just like that , I could sort of droop the ponytail across my mouth like a really nice big moustache and secure it to the back of my head with a twig or something. It would mean I could do away with the hat, AND neck tube at the same time.
Do you not find that the pearl necklace gets all tangled with your binoculars though?
Kindest regards, Olaf

You think that's a pearl necklace?
Don't you recognised a tactical bino harness when you see one?

 

[Olaf]

You think that's a pearl necklace?
Don't you recognised a tactical bino harness when you see one?

I see …… so what’s that attached to your hunting vest next to the Tactical bino harness then? Is it a Tactical 6.5 creedmoor cartridge dispenser?
Kindest regards, Olaf