Camo or gentleman stalker ?

[Utectok]

So over the years if been for cammo, when I started, then against cammo and all about field craft (not least because looking like a military sniper scares the whatnot out of dogwalkers). Then last year on an estate I shoot on I was told my hat and jacket was too dark by the head stalker and I thought mmm interesting. Anyway I dug out some old digi cam stuff and have been using that. What I’m noticing is the roe deer, my usual fare, give me a bit more of a good stare if their spooked before they disappear. You know, the run 30m stop and look thing. Anyway often these few seconds of extra attention can lead to their down fall.
What’s the SD massive think cammo or gentleman stalker? I’m enjoying cammo at the moment but who knows?

 

[Klenchblaize]

A lightweight DPM Arktis "Hot Climate Shirt" is perfect for Summer woodland stalking. I wouldn't wear matching DPM trousers though.

K

 

[Utectok]

Before anyone mentions that the idea is not to spook deer, I do know that, but with the best will in the world it does happen and most of the places I shoot want deer shot so I have to shoot what and when I can!

 

[Utectok]

A lightweight DPM Arktis "Hot Climate Shirt" is perfect for Summer woodland stalking. I wouldn't wear matching DPM trousers though.

K

Quite dark though?

 

[User00056]

I wear either a Realtree, or woodland leaf patterned jacket over hard-shell green trousers, and either my Aigle wellies, or Le Chameau Mouflon boots, depending on terrain. I've never really been one for out and out camo', bar the couple of years I spent with my shotgun as a youngster. I honestly think economy of movement and awareness of the wind leads to more success than trying to visually blend in

 

[Klenchblaize]

Quite dark though?

For open hill stalking but down here the woods can be dark & deep.

K

 

[JockStalk]

Movement more than colour or pattern I’d say. For clothing just remember not all uk country looks the same eg turned bracken vs dead grass vs tree bark vs heather vs deep snow etc etc

 

[Camelfarm]

I wear a mix of cam and solid colour and don't have that different a result with either. Darken hands and face with gloves and a headover thingy seem to make the most difference for me, which is logical really - been referred to on here as semaphore hands which are very noticeable.

I only wear cam because I had loads lying around from army days and its very cheap to replace, also pretty sturdy and no tears if you rip or lose it.

 

[opticron1]

So over the years if been for cammo, when I started, then against cammo and all about field craft (not least because looking like a military sniper scares the whatnot out of dogwalkers). Then last year on an estate I shoot on I was told my hat and jacket was too dark by the head stalker and I thought mmm interesting. Anyway I dug out some old digi cam stuff and have been using that. What I’m noticing is the roe deer, my usual fare, give me a bit more of a good stare if their spooked before they disappear. You know, the run 30m stop and look thing. Anyway often these few seconds of extra attention can lead to their down fall.
What’s the SD massive think cammo or gentleman stalker? I’m enjoying cammo at the moment but who knows?

Opposite scenario for me.....a good few years ago I was out on the hill, as usual wearing my cosy prologic camo jacket and my "olive" much loved (and washed) moleskin breeks. One of the keepers gently suggested that the moleskins were more likely to scare the deer rather than blend in due to the fact that they were off white and stood out like a sore thumb!
Back to more sober clothes on the hill now and swede team gear for the woodland, but as you say, the real skill is the field craft and being able to get close to the quarry.
Occasionally still wear a tie on the hill, but that's to give the stalker a laugh usually!

 

[Rake Aboot]

Wore a seeland keeper suit in realtree for years and years
Now wear plain green and a stoney creek camo waterproof when required

Actually just bought tweed breeks and shooting waistcoat and for late summer it might just be the ticket

 

[Bowland blades]

deer are colour blind , but are said to have some vision of pink and blue.

 

[Utectok]

deer are colour blind , but are said to have some vision of pink and blue.

That’s true but not tone blind right. I mean if you break up your outline ? ?

 

[Bowland blades]

That’s true but not tone blind right. I mean if you break up your outline ? ?

if you dont pressure deer in an area they do amazing things yet they learn quick when pressed

 

[slider]

Just drop clothing does me fine, although I did get row on a highland estate stalk for wearing a black beanie.

 

[Sako75Hunter]

The clothes I hunt in tend to be in earthy monotones (ie each garment one colour only): beige, green, grey, etc., but also don't make me look out of place if I stop off for diesel or a coffee on the way to or from a hunting ground. I also want to be able to wear the same clothes if I'm not hunting without worrying about it.

So no camo or any other hunting-specific gear for me!

 

[maximus otter]

I very rarely wear camo of any sort.

Depending on conditions (warm to cool) it’s usually:

a) Dark green cotton shirt with faint tartan pattern (Game Fair, £15)
b) Swanndri Ranger ¼-zip Ranger shirt in brown check.
c) UK army surplus Smock, Lightweight, Thermal in khaki.
d) Swanndri Bushshirt in green.

- Usually teamed with a pair of Rohan polycotton cargo pants.

All bought cheap, secondhand or from charity shops.

maximus otter

 

[Tim.243]

So over the years if been for cammo, when I started, then against cammo and all about field craft (not least because looking like a military sniper scares the whatnot out of dogwalkers). Then last year on an estate I shoot on I was told my hat and jacket was too dark by the head stalker and I thought mmm interesting. Anyway I dug out some old digi cam stuff and have been using that. What I’m noticing is the roe deer, my usual fare, give me a bit more of a good stare if their spooked before they disappear. You know, the run 30m stop and look thing. Anyway often these few seconds of extra attention can lead to their down fall.
What’s the SD massive think cammo or gentleman stalker? I’m enjoying cammo at the moment but who knows?

Deer see movement always have always will. They lock on to the movement then dial all their senses, I friend was wearing gloves pigeon shooting, I asked why he said so they don't see my hands. You have a 30" set of barrels and will be standing up over the hide to shoot. He took the gloves off and shot better than with them on.
I shoot a good number of deer in the last hour so Asda black cargo trousers a just fine, I have a Barbour wax coat close to black (green) keeps the wind out so just stand and wait.

 

[Cris]

Its been said before, deer see in shades of grey. So colour is less important and something thats breaks up you outline. Could be camo or just drab colours matching the general geography and vegetation.
Amazing how these so called professionals hill stalkers don’t get it.

 

[timbrayford]

Cammo is for fooling people, not deer

 

[geoshot]

Mixed order these days. Have gone through the gammut pretty much like you by the sounds of things - full camo to plain green and just about everything between
Now I have a Kuiu Verde jacket which I wear with plain green trousers
Winter I wear a smock which has a faint check pattern and plain brown trousers
Often I just wear whatever I pull out of the cupboard, even tweed on occasion
I don't think it matters too much