The Hidden Truth About Hunting Camouflage

It's time for us to have a talk about hunting camo, and I can tell you now it isn't quite what we've been led to believe.

[@Mike_B_724]

"The best camouflage pattern is called 'Sit down and be quiet!'" - Fred Bear Great video, Tom

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Mike, and I have to say of anyone ever understood hunting it was Fred Bear.

[@andypanda4927]

Yep! Deer, squirrel or rabbit see movement real well. Better, maybe, than us hoomans. Their hearing, definitely better. Patterns recognized as a threat is what sends prey animals running.

[@undeserved1781]

Deer have a somewhat blind spot in their center vision has to do with the position their eyes are located... they catch movement quickly... they're somewhat color blind... they're curious to a point... they live by their noses mainly... [not taking away from their other senses] don't wash the clothes you deer hunt in, in normal laundry detergent [uv brighters] it'll cause your clothing to glow to the deer [deer see well in low light and dark] they are nocturnal for a reason... if you can hear your clothes scruff the deer hear it much better... yes being still is important... just don't think a deer can't see you move just because they're not looking at you...they have monocular vision... all that said your SCENT will spook a deer faster than all the above and it's like smoke drifting in the air.

[@scottzipperer6146]

I tried it with my grandson don't work so I'll take time

[@Courage_TCDog]

Ain't that the truth

[@sethwaggoner6497]

I love how guys will wear the latest camo from head to toe and then go sit in a raised, enclosed blind! They could truly sit in there in a tuxedo or their jammies and the deer wouldn't see them either way.

[@Uncle_Krusty]

Still gotta walk to it

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Usually fat old guys who have a hard time just walking out to the dead deer.

[@tammamshud]

Well said Seth, this is the simplest and most brilliant answer i have ever heard, and i'll go one step further, all the so called "hunters" that sit in hides up trees whilst waiting for animals to come and eat the bait that has been laid for them, then to shoot the poor bastards at point blank range have the temerity to call that hunting ?????. I'm not against hunting as i am one myself but i do believe in fair stalk and if i dont see anything who cares, at least i got to walk around in the great outdoors. I know this will upset some people but hey...thats their problem not mine.

[@lumpylumpy3931]

Yep

[@ElizabethGreene]

@@tammamshud My state doesn't allow bait hunting, and I don't have practical experience with it. That said, I don't see a huge difference between planting a two acre turnip patch and hunting that vs. dropping corn from a feeder on a timer every day. Both get deer to come to an area on a regular basis. Both give the deer calories. Both support the members of the herd you don't take. I also don't see an obvious difference between food baits and scent baits. If a buck sniffs the air and comes running for horny doe pee or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it doesn't change the underlying cause that he came for an external artificial stimulus. What's the difference? (I'm not being pedantic here. I'm a very new hunter. I'm also a meat hunter, not going for trophies.)

[@eqmaverickpoet]

1) Noise discipline 2) Patience & movement discipline 3) Wear clothes appropriate to weather 4) Read the tracks, observe the game trails, & sit still out of way but in line of sight of potential shot paths. 5) Only target after you’ve identified your target is what you’re after.

[@drew9539]

Can we all just agree that wearing camo while hunting is cool. Between us I'm not going to tell my wife that it's not needed.

[@mikeymac7867]

Also designates clothes that we might get dirty with stuff I don't want on my jeans. And if you have stains on your hunting clothes from blood, mud, etc...they are hunting clothes, so it's okay.

[@011CJ]

Truth lol

[@Nollic15]

Except it’s not “cool”? I don’t wear camo and kill enough deer every year to keep me fed, like most things in America it’s just big companies taking your money for something you don’t need.

[@elonmust7470]

I'd rather be like my grandpa who's killed everything there is to kill. Never used camo...

[@dougsmith3821]

Oh absolutely. Just like everything else I do 90% of any of it is just looking cool. If u don't look cool while doin it why do it al all

[@gooddog8284]

Camo is for hunting trespassers and stalking game wardens.

[@evelynblose9791]

I'm an old guy now and have hunted all my life! I must say that as a teenager I wore blue jeans, sneakers and a flannel shirt into the woods to hunt and did that up until somewhere around 2010. I must say my kill rate was not impacted one way or the other by wearing camo. You are EXACTLY right, but it does look cool HAHAHA!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Having hunted since the 70's, I've worn blue jeans, overalls, and some camo-type jeans... (They were on sale after last year's season...!) My grandfather wore everyday clothes and good ol' Hush Puppies shoes and even smoked cigarettes while hunting. Grandpa taught me a few basic ideas, 1) understand where the deer will be moving and put yourself near that area, 2) move slowly and only when needed. As far as clothes go, I wear comfortable stuff that matches the temperature for the day. I like my jeans the most because they're comfortable, simple. Whatever camo stuff I own has all been bought after previous seasons when they were on sale! I started laughing as you mentioned chiggers! I'm sure every area in the world has some bugs that hunters have to deal with but chiggers are something southern hunters understand, annoyingly so. Great video, filled with a bunch of earned wisdom and experience! Take care and be well! Chiggers, oh yeah... LOL!

[@paraglidingnut26]

Deer do see the colors blue and yellow, just to be aware of.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

0h yeah, the '70's ! Deer hunters here were still wearing very heavy red & black checked/plaid "Woolrich" hunting duds. IF ... you were real high tech, possibly a pair of "Insulated" - "Northerner" rubber boots.. You carried a rope , a knife, a compass, a hand full of ammo and a turkey sandwich left over from Thanksgiving dinner. There were no backpacks, walkie-talkies, trail cams and video recorders.

[@rayditzenberger9517]

The worst case of chiggers i ever had came from cleaning the tar off the bottom of my car sitting in the grass of my yard wearing shorts in the shade of a huge oak tree. Both legs and my crotch area was infected with them. This was in east central Indiana so chiggers are not limited to the south but yes TN has them too😁

[@SlashinRound]

@@paraglidingnut26 yellow and blue make GREEN 🤣

[@jaseswinconos]

Drove down to missouri to see the garden of the gods, hiked back into them woods and got chiggers AND ticks lmao was cussing like a mf 😂😂😂 flew to the country store and got the strongest deet spray i could find and doused my feet and legs, they didnt like that too much.

[@JBDRLSOARK]

Your telling the truth I’m 71 years and I remember growing up all the men wore overalls and red flannel shirts. The camouflage came around in the 80’s just a way to make money. The deer don’t care what your wearing. As long as your still and you keep your sent down wind you should have a successful hunt a lot of times.

[@paraglidingnut26]

Be aware, deer see the colors blue and yellow.

[@lewiefrazier1041]

Never wear blue deer hunting. A biologist told me deer can see blue.......

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Yep! The old Elmer Fudd hat and coat was the "Hunter's Uniform" for many years. Worked well too.

[@elonmust7470]

My grandpa's killed everything there is to kill and he does it all in levis & a cotton tee shirt.

[@elonmust7470]

​@@lewiefrazier1041 That's stupid as hell.

[@billaheimer3147]

Chuck Adams is one of the most successful bow hunters in recent history. Check out his early pics. Green and black plaid shirt quite often. Early pictures of Fred Bear. Plaid. Here in PA it’s often cold when the hunting is good so I like merino wool. Have Filson and silent predator wools. Just this week bowhunting I went undetected multiple times with wool whipcord solid green pants, green/black plaid shirt and wool vest- mild camo pattern. I agree with you Tom.

[@wolflahti412]

I've always been convinced that in most instances the deer can see you just fine; they're leery but just don't see you as a threat. "I'll run if he makes any sudden moves."

[@TheQCollection]

Yep I camo up just like you Tom... Here in British Columbia 🇨🇦 all my game I've harvested have never complained about how I dressed...lol

[@megarth1]

I saw 4 guys getting out of their truck in identical camouflage clothing. They stuck out like a sore thumb. They hadn’t been washed and the brighteners in their pricey clothes got me laughing. I don’t think they got anything, but we’re annoyed at the blood we had on our mismatched work clothes. You are right on and deserve my sub. Great video.

[@txhuntsman]

You found me. I am that guy right here in East Texas. Good job Harrison asking the question. Asking men who have walked the trail long before you shows the beginning of great wisdom. Well done young man.

[@guydesnoyers8417]

Something very calming about watching a Tom River video... Well done,

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for video! I called in a Tom turkey. Right to my feet…I could have been wearing a red sequined dress…it would not have mattered. I do have real tree couch so my wife can’t find me

[@pikeman0357]

My dad to me that the best camo was silence and being still!! It's worked for me for 30 years..

[@Hoytman68]

Before you all throw sticks at me I do most times wear camo. But I also sit still and break up my pattern. I do spray down with scent killer but I also chew tobacco while on stand. I think one of the biggest issue is you need to sit still and your clothes need to be quiet when you move. I really enjoy your video this is my first time watching your video. I'm definitely going to subscribe. Enjoy the down to earth way you explain camo and Hunting in this video. Lots of good info for us old timers and new hunters alike 👍 To add I am mostly a bow hunter and I have been hunting for 41 years this year. P.S. You can keep them chiggers down south.🙂

[@TakeDeadAim]

Deer don't see in color like we do. It's very muted. They can see blue but others are just faded/grey. Just wear something which breaks up your shape. It's why flannel works.

[@seanoneil277]

Love it, Tom. When I got into trout fishing about 30 yrs ago, I'd read articles and hear tales about having to wear proper clothes so the trout aren't spooked by your bright colors that don't match nature. I thought I'd see if this were true, and just wore whatever colors I liked when fishing small streams. I found improving my stalking skills and where I allowed my profile to show itself had way more to do with success than the right clothes. In fact, a good cast did way more than any camo clothing ever did. Where I live we have a good mule deer population. Every Spring, the young bucks wander into my yard to eat the new grass shoots and lay under the trees. They are often in the yard when I leave the house, and they're not always spooked by my presence. They seem to show a reserved curiosity. Immediate scamper isn't their way. Assessing the threat seems to be their way. I've never hunted deer but have been elk hunting, which was a day of stalking in the snow and we didn't see a single elk. That point about vision (color or not) is very important. Marketing companies want us to think deer have the same vision and the same marketing susceptibility as humans.

[@nobodynoone2500]

Whiletail are skittish, mule deer are pretty laid back. I've walked right up to em.

[@michaelplatt8193]

Grew up super poor and have Been wearing jeans and a solid shirt mostly from goodwill for 30 plus years. But it has gotten so out of control with $80 camo t shirts. Thanks for the great video!!

[@benwelchiv]

My great grandfather had the best set up. Plaid shirt, jeans and boots, sitting on a 5 gallon bucket at the base of a big tree. Over 400 deer in his lifetime of 89 years. Confirmed by my great uncles and a burlap sack full of ears.

[@luxuryxcoffin]

He shot over 5 deer a year?!

[@benwelchiv]

@@luxuryxcoffin Alot more than that, Riley. There was a natural cul de sac on the hunt land. All of my cousins, uncles, etc... would 'manage' the herd by clanging and banging them into that area. He did say that probably 150 or so were fish in a barrel. They would cull the weak, broken, nontypical, etc... as well as if they had too many spikes. Made for some great racks and better meat. Made for a great lineage. They'd process and take the extra all around to different families. Best was a 187 green score. Look up Charles Owen and his 'Morning coffee buck' in Anderson County, SC. That wasy great uncle. Poppie's son. Most were between 140-160.

[@benwelchiv]

@idahosixgun5601 for someone who doesn't know how it works, that might make sense, but the forest wouldn't have been able to keep up with the herd without it. I guess if you're not familiar with weak winters and high birth rates, along with the fact that there wasn't a grocery store on every corner and families back then had to kill what they ate; you might think so. But, who can blame you. Everything you've ever eaten has been covered in styrofoam and plastic with a sticker on it. Try feeding a wife, seven children, and your brothers and sisters' families. When's the last time you built a smokehouse and a salt room and had to hunt to survive? Closest thing you've probably ever had to pemican is a cliff bar. You know, you learn alot more by asking questions rather than passing judgment on things you know nothing about. Your statement only serves to make you seem more ignorant than you probably are. Maybe you just didn't realize or haven't that it wasn't so long ago that people lived a whole lot differently than we do now. Hard times make hard men. Hard men make soft times. Soft men make hard times. Don't be a soft man, Idaho six gun... earn your moniker and think first next time. You can do it. I believe in you.

[@urnaighean_shamhach]

40+ years ago, jeans and jeans jacket, long johns under +wool socks... Leather gloves with some wool inserts... Can't remember ever seeing anyone in camo.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

The times have certainly changed, but thankfully the deer haven't.

[@st.george8422]

This is one of those rare videos where someone is giving solid advice without trying to sell you something.

[@wdtaut5650]

I realized years ago that plaid is effective camouflage. It doesn't hurt to choose subdued colors, though red and black plaid definitely work in the deer woods. Loden green and black plaid nearly disappears in pine trees. I think red and green become more like gray or brown to deer. Deer can see blue, so I avoid blue in my hunting clothes. Since there aren't may large blue things in the woods, I figure deer see blue as something foreign. Turkeys, ducks and especially geese notice colors. Plaid still works it it fits in the surroundings. I wonder whether Scots' tartans originated as camouflage. Most of them are colors that will blend with the local vegetation.

[@rorynelson7548]

As a bowhunter that hunts from the ground, I wear a 30$ ghillie suit and face paint. I tuck into some type of vegetation. But the most important part is reading the behavior of that animal and being able to know when you can draw. Sometimes you only get one second to draw when that deer turns its head or puts its head down. But that's the rush and beauty of doing it this way. I've also never spooked a deer this way that was in range

[@joshkepp756]

100% on the gilli. Huge difference between mature bucks and small does. Cammo patterns are worthless, breaking up your outline is huge. Especially with a stick and string. You can also use brush weeds etc. One thing is modern camo has nice features like wind block and quiet material 👌 you guy's bash expensive hunting clothing and then say how you like Filson wool! Haha. Funny..

[@matthewdennis1739]

Exactly, a Filson wool coat is going to run you the same price as a Sitka jacket.

[@davidkelly715]

I went to a live recording of a Steve Rinella podcast and it was like a fashion show of all the most expensive camo jackets and vests I have ever seen. I wish I had worn a blaze orange jacket just as a joke.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Now that would have been funny!

[@russellk6415]

100% agree. I've never even owned any camouflaged clothes. I grab my backpack-chair, shooting sticks and weapon and head to the woods. I've killed many deer just sitting in my chair. Closes was at 7 yards. Nope, camo is not needed.

[@samfranks1450]

Can't beat looking up a mature deer at a close range from up under a bush way more exciting than from any kind of blind or stand

[@russellk6415]

@@samfranks1450 Yes sir. I don't do any kind of stand hunting. I hunt public land and I basically just sit with a tree at my back and play the wind. Taking deer and hogs by this method is actually not hard at all. Put me in a blind and I'd be all confused. No sir, I like the challenge of the hunt more then the filling of the tag. Filling the tag is just the bonus of the hunt. Can't break old school hunting.

[@lawdawgdirtmonkey]

New subscriber. Thanks for the video. I agree completely and just tuned in to see what was said here. Now I feel like I just sat down with my grandfather and got the common sense of the day. Great content!

[@johnsnyder5470]

Absolutely agree with you. I also discount the use of "scent control" clothing. The reality is you must be down wind or you will be smelled by deer. No one can cover up all of their body odors and the breath they exhale constantly. Either be down wind or have your scent stream above the game, to avoid detection. BTW, I have been hunting for over 60 years.

[@oldgoat1890]

I agree. I was really into trapping when I was a kid and you learn a lot about scent. I used to keep a downy feather on a thread attached to my bow so I could detect the slightest breeze. I have been on the ground and within 15 feet of 2-3 year old deer feeding and usually had a cigarette burning on a log I was sitting on.

[@russellkeeling4387]

As I understand it most animals, cows, and horses included can smell steel, oil, and other things that have scent other than just the human. Pay close attention to the wind.

[@RogerSnell]

I agree with you completely on camo. Long ago I noticed being able to see other hunters very well no matter what camo pattern they were wearing. I save a lot of money wearing regular clothes and they are just as effective in nearly every circumstance.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

I'm not a plant. I don't feel compelled to dress like one when I'm in the wilds. Until moving to "fly over country," I'd never hunted whitetail deer before. I shot my share of mule deer and blacktail deer, but always hunted in states with a "mandatory hunter orange" requirement. On my first whitetail deer hunt, I let a doe get within 15 yards of me before pulling the trigger on her. I was dressed like a popsicle from the waist up. And I was on a 500 acre parcel of public Wildlife Department land. The next day, I let a buck get within 25 yards of me before pulling the trigger on him. Both of those deer were over 75 yards away when they rounded a knoll and initially walked into my field of view and proceeded to munch on acorns from red oaks, oblivious to my presence. I haven't been turkey hunting in a while, but used to do a lot of it when living in California and never wore a stitch of Mossy Oak or Realtree while doing it. No camo when hunting squirrels, rabbits, quail, or chukar, either. I'm "that guy....." The Fudd with the lever-action .30-30 wearing a plaid orange and black shirt.

[@Dcm193]

Being a fudd isn’t a good thing

[@JimRodgers]

Staring at the pile of KUIU clothing I bought this year and shaking my head... :) Great video, nice to see a dose of reality injected into the subject. Disclaimer: I really like the performance features of KUIU here in the Pacific NW. We get so much wet weather that modern performance fabrics and technology are great to have.

[@snakeriverscotto]

Totally agree with you on this point. In SE WA, I archery hunt in 100F temps in early September for mule deer. Modern fabrics are amazing to keep you cool and lightweight over the miles. Solids or camo, I don’t really care either way anymore.

[@richmcintyre1178]

Tom said the magic word, marketing. I've always said, "When Marketing Starts, The Truth Departs". I am 73 and I never had a dead animal tell me that it didn't like the way I was dressed.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

LOL, I had a friend look at camo I was wearing one time and he started laughing and said they haven't made that pattern in 20 years. I didn't know we were suppose to also stay up to date on our camo? For him it was almost like the expiration date had expired on it or something. Stuff like that is when know marketing is at work!

[@richmcintyre1178]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Tom, you silly old fool. Everyone knows that deer read Field and Stream. They are up to date on all of the latest Camo trends. Turkeys on the other hand can't read so they are much easier to hunt. I think I've got that right??

[@johnclark5695]

I have passed the 3/4 century mark, I taught hunter ed for over 20 years, I live in the forest and am out every day, I have deer, elk, black bears, mt. lion, bob cat , wolves and coyotes, that I see regularly and at close range, 25 yards or less. I wear a pair of black jeans and a green sweat shirt or a dark colored jacket in the cold weather. I have been a bow hunter most of my life and grew up on the exploits of Fred Bear and Howard Hill. If you are not moving and have the wind in your favor, it makes no difference what you are wearing. Camouflage clothing works on the battle field, so unless you are hunting other hunters, save your money. Good video..j

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks and thanks for mentioning Fred Bear. I used to love watching reruns of his hunting adventures but I haven't thought of him in years. It's nice to be reminded of him and just how good he was.

[@kenk7252]

As a 76 year old geezer, this is good info. I hunted in northern Wis, the mtns of Colorado, and here in deep south Texas. Camp just breaks up your pattern. Or plaid.

[@ChrisC-oy9qp]

Dropping some serious knowledge about marketing and money. Insecurities and ignorance will have us empty our pockets. Thank you for the good advice.

[@godoit3795]

Down to earth honest opinions, that's why I enjoy your videos. Cheers Tom

[@leeadams5941]

Love this, why, I've been hunting since I was barely a teen, and Im 74 now. My granddaddy taught me and he did not have camouflage ...I'm not sure there was even camouflage back then. What did I hunt in mostly? A plaid shirt and Dickys..if I needed a jacket I used an old military field jacket..After I retired from the military I used my old BDUs..when they wore out I went to the Army/Navy surplus and got some more or I went to Salvation Army or Goodwill and got some from there..You mentioned blousing your pants...most Army-Navy stores will carry what we used in the military...boot blousing bands..works good and last a long time..Thank you for putting this up, I for one think the marketing folks have bamboozled a lot of hunters into spending a lot more than needed...and I for one would rather spend the money on ammo and rifles...God Bless and again thank you. BTW the only color that Deer see well is BLUE so leave off the jeans..

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

How very true. I been using ex army khakis for years as work clothes. Yard work hiking car repairs work shirts work pants. Best 100 I spent at an auction. Camo? Yeah sure I bought a multicam one. Purely for pockets

[@thomascommons1767]

Wearing green and black plaid shirt. Faded blue jeans I have had bull elk walk 5 to 10 yards. I would put skunk scent on my work boots. Calling coyotes always blue jeans and plaid shirt. . Grandfather wore his tan pants and plaid shirt or jacket. My brother in-law wore his blue pants and shirt almost always got his deer.

[@PenDragonsPig]

British DPM saved me from being seen poaching for 20 years or until I didn’t need to poach any more- but that’s camming for humans. For animals never wash your kit with anything with colour brighteners- it will turn you into a fluorescent beacon. Commercial camo appeals to human sense of camouflage. It’s like the hottest new fishing lure- looks fantastic, looks like it should catch fish but it can’t out fish an earthworm.

[@jamesbailand4311]

Aye, camo is for the human eye Earth tones, in wool or just matt get it done.

[@mrmatt7210]

Good advice shared. Limit your movement, hunt above a deer's normal field of view and wear something which breaks up your pattern. Note: Deer are not color blind and can see the color blue . For this reason I wouldnt wear Jean's while ground hunting unless I was behind cover. Flashes of white are a warning signal to a deer, and for this reason I would refrain from wearing an item of clothes which has patches of such on it. Camo clothes can be ridiculously expensive, but the benefit of such is often overlooked. Purpose designed hunting clothes often has an abundance of deep pockets and is insulated. The benefit of todays insulated clothing is it assists in providing you warmth and a better range of movement over multi layered clothing in cold weather conditions. One tip which makes a difference (my opinion) Wear a face mask to break up your face. The one thing all predators have in common are eyes which face forward. Deer focus on such to determine a potential threat , but covering your face will often have a deer which noticed you to become at ease or disregard your presence.

[@russellkeeling4387]

It has been tested and they can also see the color green but green is a color they see all the time blue is not unless they are looking at the sky.

[@spencermurphy5796]

I wear Swiss Alpenflage camo in the late season and I wear Czech/ East German Raindrop "Strichtarn" in the early season. Got both sets at a local flea market for $60 dollars and that came with 3 rucksacks, 5 small shoulder bags and a webbing harness. My local bass pro sells one pair of coveralls for $110. I've seen old men with plaid and denim overalls sitting under a shade tree shoot deer at distance of 15 yards and the deer never knew what hit them. I've seen guys wear $2,300 sets of camouflage and go 3 years without getting a tag filled. Same goes with the fanciest bows and guns. I have an old flintlock that outperforms some of my friends new inlines and I hunt with a $15 164 year old Snider Enfield and still get more deer tags filled than my friend with his $1,100 Ruger American. People who follow the market and the television/ internet experts always spend crazy amounts of money on these things because companies expect them to.

[@spencermurphy5796]

@Colin Killian I have an 1883 Martini Henry which was rechambered for .45-70 government in the 1890s have to use blackpowder ammo though. I have 4 Lee Enfields. I have a 1895 Lee Enfield LE Rifle, I have a 1915 SMLE MkIII, I have a 1943 Savage US property No4 and I have a 1945 No5. Great rifles I also have an 1896 US Krag and a 1944 Masuer 98K to go along with my collection. Love Milsurp rifles if they can stand wars they can stand a hunt.

[@letsdothis9063]

I thought the Ruger American was a budget gun? But I can definitely see that price with a scope.

[@ojglass2084]

Great video. Thank you very much. I new everything that you explained. There a lot of young and old hunters that have no idea or are completely wrong. Thank you for setting them straight. Safely is everything. If you know your environment, meaning terrain and weather. With a personal locator beacon (PLB), you can't go wrong. Also never go alone into the woods.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I have to admit that as I've gotten older I don't enjoy hunting alone near as much as I did when I was younger.

[@14goldmedals]

Tom, I hunt deer in north east Alberta, Canada. November is rifle season and I usually wait for some snow on the ground. But I found my perfect setup after 40 years! Hooded jacket and bib overalls, insulated and water and wind proof and most importantly, REVERSABLE. Regular generic camo on one side and white with some printed branches on the other. Well designed pockets on both sides. No big brand name price either. You new hunters spend good money on boots that match your conditions. Way up here I wear gortex Danners until it gets too cold then wear felt packed Sorels for extreme cold. Both pairs of boots have lasted 25 years. Never cheap out on your feet, you only get two.

[@rayditzenberger9517]

Bibs are great for cool and cold weather. Uninsulated carhart bibs are great for brush busting even in warmer temps

[@Steelcowboys]

Tom you are right I decided to ditch camo this year and just went in my hiking gear that I got from wal mart and I had just as much luck this year than I have in previous years with high end camouflage.

[@derekheuring2984]

I went on my first hunt in 1966 and have hunted for decades, never wore camo except for duck hunting. I choose my clothing for the expected temperature and weather and always layered so I could adjust as the day warmed up. The only common thread was I wore wool pants and wool sweaters so wet or dry, I remained warm.

[@TrehanCreekOutdoors]

Here's the first thing to remember about hunting and what should be worn for hunting clothes. I live in Jackson, MS, which has a hot semi-tropical climate. Much of our deer season is warm, with early bow seasons being downright hot...often 90 degrees or more. What's my point? Primitive man thousands of years ago likely hunted deer naked in the warm periods. Native Americans which came next in history wore a little more clothing but a loincloth still doesn't provide much camo. Did these people kill deer...and do it with extremely primitive methods? Yes, they did. When the Pilgrims arrived with their guns, it was the natives who taught them how to hunt effectively. Do you think the native Americans suggested the pilgrims purchase the most expensive scent control breakup pattern camo suits? There wasn't any camo to buy! For all but the last 50 years or less, hunters have taken deer and other game without needing to rely upon camo. But they knew how to hunt...and that doesn't mean sitting in an elevated shooting house overlooking a bean field. In fact, the settlers who came to America were so efficient at hunting that they very nearly wiped out the population of several species, including deer, turkeys, and bear. And they did that without using expensive trademarked camo patterns. Many times, all these hunters did was find a comfortable spot to lean back against a tree and wait. Yes, they did try to sit where the wind would blow their scent away from them but that was about all they did. I know how people hunted back before this crazy idea that you wont kill deer unless you spend $500 to outfit in camo head to toe. I'm about to be 69 years old and I hunted well over a half century ago. And I killed deer without any fancy camo! Skip the camo and hunt naked if you want to. Or wear a loincloth. Or wear whatever you want to. The deer don't care what you wear. Deer are not going to flee upon seeing you unless they interpret you as a threat to them. If you are not moving and particularly if you are seated and still, deer will normally remain relatively calm. Wildlife instinctively sees any living creature who is seated or lying down as not being an immediate threat to them if they are standing on their own feet. One of the reasons the guy in this video didn't scare the deer who clearly spotted him is that he was seated and still the entire time. Deer just don't react most of the time to that profile. A standing, moving human however is another matter.

[@josephstanczak4340]

This is the most common sense, real life advise ever! I've experienced much the same, bow hunting, musket, etc., in a stand or stalking. Scent control IMHO is more important than camo.

[@paraglidingnut26]

Completely agree.

[@ryandavids1129]

Always. Had many blown stalks, and the It's always that smell that sends them bolting! I'm sure they heard or even seen me at times, but once you're winded, it's over.

[@johnl5974]

Another wonderful video. Thanks. Years ago, in Field & Stream or was it Outdoor Life - a 1" side bar of advice. Don't move and stay downwind, it doesn't matter what you wear or smell like. I'll bet the advertisers didn't laugh. It was too late, I had already bought two tubs of clothes. But none in the last 20 years. Now, I wear a lot of orange. It isn't spooking deer I'm concerned with.

[@bentaylor216]

Just came back from Namibia. The PH wore denim shorts and a green t shirt. Very successful hunt. I wasn't wearing camo either. Never have done. Another great video. 'Technology doesn't make us good hunters'. Amen.

[@paulparkinson1379]

One thing I love about KZbin is that we all get to compare notes across the country and even though I have not Hunted I have spent enough time in the woods to know that the animals stare at me until I move then they knew I'm real and they go. One night I had been sitting motionless for some time in a chair in a dimly lit dirt floor basement. I heard a rat come through a hole in the wall behind me and work its way along the wall and decided to do an experiment .remain Motionless stare straight ahead at 12:00 and move only my eyes. When that rat poked its head out and stared at me long enough to know it was waiting for something. I moved my eyes from 12:00 too about 11:00 and that little rat turned tail and fled as quick as can be. That is how intently animals focus on eyes. Thank you for the solid info

[@johnreyes7810]

great eye opener. plus I could listen him to him talk all day.

[@TheBamayaker]

Great video! The hunting product marketing companies want to separate us from our money more than help us be successful in our hunts .

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

Great video. The truth is you can wear anything hunting and the deer won’t spook unless you move. Staying motionless is the key.

[@bobvonbuelow9983]

mil surp! My pants don't match the shirt and neither match the jacket but all break up my outline. I think the pants and shirt were $3 each and the 'field jacket' under $10. Works for me, at least theoretically. However, I wore a forest green shirt and khaki pants on my latest successful mule deer hunt and there I relied on the DON'T MOVE tactics. Great video!

[@scoutingadventures4222]

You are so right! Very refreshing. Thanks for posting.

[@johnpatterson9829]

Tom, I very much enjoyed your video, thank you. Remember, fishing lures catch fishermen, not fish.

[@endusererror]

My first year deer hunting, I grew up water fowl and bird hunting (dove, upland, etc). Waterfowl you absolutely need to be camo'd out face and all, as birds eyesight are far more advanced. Now what i've found in my first season deer hunting....they don't give a damn what you are wearing. I wear all black because I'm hunting out of a box blind so I want to become the shadows and guess what, taken multiple does already in 1 month using my crossbow and other than just being very quiet, they don't ever see me. Can't wait to see what happens when I get up in a tree stand.

[@davidjustice1848]

I was thinking about this the other day during an early doe hunt. Got one in the middle of a road like you were wearing jeans and a blue sweatshirt. Sat still and watched one way. Been busted a lot in the past swiveling my head in camo cause I was supposed to be invisable. You can't buy experience,thanks for sharing yours for free.

[@walterquick8649]

Broke my BANK!! fooled by the ?? learning as i go!! Your mentorship is GREATLY NEEDED!! Thank You and your fans

[@invictus3598]

You make a very valid point regarding the art of marketing camouflage. Now, I think knife hunting might be the exception! Several years ago I actually had a mule deer walk within 2 (Two) yards of me as I froze in a small clearly on an animal trail. I wasn't wearing a stitch of camo - just my hunter Orange! I quess the deer just thought I was just another synthetic bush! Aaaahhhhaaaaahhhhh!

[@williamchristy3063]

For rifle hunters, distance is our friend and camouflage. For bow hunters, camouflage is a must because of the close proximity to game animals. A rifle hunter, I bought my camouflage hunting cloths at Army Surplus. My military camouflage is durable with lots of pockets. I can blend in with my surroundings at a distance when needed. They work for me. Camouflage is the difference between a deer dismissing you as natural or staring at you trying to decide what in the world you. Broken pattern cloths work well too, but camouflage is created for a specific use, and they fit the need well. Camouflage is made to fool the eye, that's why military use it. The controversial debate over what to wear can go on and on. The bottom line is to wear what suits the hunter.

[@derrick_builds]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. New to hunting and this helps a lot.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I'm really glad it helped Derrick. And good luck out in the field.

[@08logcabin]

great presentation. I noticed the sun is at your back; that is also a important part

[@yeetyeet8365]

So refreshing. Old vintage hunting clothing plad wool etc. Nice and a single shot 35 Whelen. Much more fun and old school hand warmers. Nostalgic

[@davidg301]

Love the 35 Whalen. My first big game rifle 30 years ago

[@waynehajek6346]

Yes, I remember those old lighter fluid fueled Jon-E hand warmers. They did provide a little comfort to the hands on those cold hunts back in the early 50's when I was a kid, while "still" hunting.

[@mikeboone4425]

I've Never worn camo hunting in my 59 years of hunting . I do own camo but it has been 2 down jackets purchased at Good Will at almost free prices for what they were . The rest of the camo about 4 shirts have all been gifts . Happy trails

[@daniedutoit2277]

All the way from South Africa. I fully agree!!! No camo for me. I realy like your video's and make sure I watch them all. Thank You. God Bless.

[@RodNaugler]

Love how you had to check if you were wearing the blaze orange hat or not.

[@freedomlover2646]

I agree with ya about the camouflage patterns and movement. Scent control matters. The first lite, sikta, etc the high end stuff is great for layering up with still being breathable, lightweight, warm.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And that was my thinking. The high end stuff is really good stuff. I just wanted to make sure people that couldn't afford the high end stuff understood that it wasn't necessary.

[@oldgoat1890]

Application is everything. There were no camo clothes other than surplus when I started bowhunting. I used a yellow plaid shirt and French Army solid green pants. When it got cold I used an old field jacket. Hardly anyone hunted from a tree. "Deer don't look up!". The older deer do now. You are right, deer really pick out movement. I usually wear full orange in rifle season. I try to crawl into a pile of logs or a blowdown and try to stay low. I used to smoke like a freight train so I wore brown cotton gloves and moved my hands slow. Once the leaves are down, look how far you can see a squirrel twitch it's tail. Deer see just as far. I never believed deer are totally color blind. If you sit in front of a hemlock tree(Christmas tree for you city folk) dressed in orange, an experienced deer will pick you out. They see something. On the other hand, if you are in snow dressed in orange, deer are totally blind to it. Look at it this way. If you think deer are color blind try this. Sit in the woods before day light. When it gets light enough so that everything looks black and white, look at someone in orange. They actually appear to glow. I have been spotted by deer on dark, overcast days too. Glasses are a problem. I have had deer, squirrels, and even grouse walk right up to me and stare at my dark glasses. Spooked deer will take off right away. Never figured out what to do about that. Good video, tackle scent products next. The biggest problem for tall fat people is all the orange clothing is imported and only fits little kids,

[@azcarteranderson]

They've done plenty of studies that show deer can see blue reasonably well and some variations of blue green. Orange red and yellow are no problem.

[@pantherkoch4]

My dad smoked 3 packs of cigarettes a day until it killed him and hauled two thermos of coffee every-time he went in the woods. No camo just a plaid red jacket. Killed a deer every single year and 2 sometimes if he had the time to hunt. You are correct Tom!! Movement and silhouette are what it’s about. Vertical and lateral lines. Great video!!!

[@tomlodge5885]

Fred Bear... :D Plaid works and has worked for me for 20 years... I have some red, but tan or even green plaid can work well too... I've spent more time learning how to walk in the forest instead... walking slowly, glassing. I've a friend here in Hawaii who could hunt in a white t-shirt and still get game... :)

[@rjohnsoneod]

I was in the Army for over 20yrs. Wore camo uniforms nearly the entire time. A fellow soldier who loved to hunt, had written books, developed broadheads, hunted with rifle, pistol, bow, and crossbow. We talked about not seeing any hunters in camo until about the 70s. He said that he has camo but he never went out to buy just camo. He said he had gear that he used for hunting but only to keep from getting his good clothes messed up and to keep from mixing his bloody smelly clothes with his good clothes. When he needed a new coat or something to hunt in, he would buy camo but if non-camo was on sale or a better price then he would get non-camo. Eventually he hunted in all camo but more because it kept his hunting clothes segregated from his family's good clothes. He said the only advice he gave about camo was that no matter what color you may have on, just try to wear something that was not a solid. Have a pattern if you can since the woods are not a solid color and while the animal may see you, the pattern will confuse them and maybe make them curious.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And I agree with everything he said.

[@Odood19]

My routine for deer season is walk in with jeans and longjohns, an undershirt and an unbuttoned flannel. Once im in the stand i button up, throw a sweater on, and then put on my bib and parka. Otherwise i'd be drenched with sweat in 20-30 degree weather and thats miserable. Only thing i dont wear on the outside is blue and white colors, but i don't think that matters. This year I got my buck while eating a sandwich wrapped in tin foil, so the real secret is to shoot before they can see or hear you. This buck was pretty distracted by a doe and was about 200 yards downhill. Excellent cover cannot be over emphasized.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Those dos tend to get a lot of bucks in trouble! And congrats on the buck.

[@justinwilliams9452]

I been meaning to get a lumberjacks wool flannel. I recently found a bunch of vintage hunting clothes in the dumpster at my storage unit. I got Timber Ghost bibs and two matching button down shirts a pair of brand new leaf pattern pants tag was ripped out. A 80s tree bark pattern button down and a orange one pc jumper.

[@pehenryjr]

Thanks a whole lot! This was very informative. I really enjoy when people share wisdom like this SUBSCRIBED!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Henry, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@DDGVET4]

I share your thoughts on camo. I have deer on my property and it doesn't matter what I'm wearing. As long as I move slowly and deliberately and don't make movements that startle them I blend right in. Granted they are used to seeing me and don't startle easy but there have been times I have eased up on them without them knowing I'm there til I have gotten really close and I wasn't wearing camo.

[@jeffmwoods]

brilliant video, right up my alley. thanks

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Carhartt duck, hooded coat cuts the wind better than any other coat I've tried. It's doesn't shed rain worth a darn. It's not breathable, so you can get sweaty in one. Here on the Great Plains, wind is the biggest concern.

[@stephenland9361]

Back in the mid 90's my hunting partner and I got into bow hunting. We figured this called for camo and out we went covered head to toe, face masks included. One trip my buddy brought along his video camera and without me knowing, he took video of me still hunting through the bush. I would take one or two slow steps and pause for several minutes, moving only my head to see all around. Later we watched the video and damn!!, every time I stopped moving, I seemed to disappear. "Magic!" But take one step and there I was, as obvious as if I'd switched on neon lights. Lesson learned. If you don't want to be seen, don't move. But if you have to move and most hunting involves getting around, it doesn't matter how good your camo is. You will be seen if deer are looking your way. A deer's visual system is acutely sensitive to movement. (So is ours'.) So choose your clothing for warmth and weather protection. If it's a camo pattern for the same price, okay. But don't think any camo will make you 'unseeable'.

[@Earendur08]

There's only two things you need to do to be hard to see to deer. 1 - don't move. 2 - have a broken up outline. Camo has its uses in breaking up your outline, but it can be done without.

[@southernmarksman]

Much obliged, Tom! I’ll check out the Army / Navy surplus store sometime this week. God bless!

[@josephr2766]

M65 field jacket has served me well since early 90’s and now my son uses it.

[@myparceltape1169]

Best place for a cheap overjacket. It will get torn, but so what...

[@southernmarksman]

@@josephr2766 I went by the store today and picked up a woodland camo field jacket for $25! Also got a set of BDU pants for $20. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@robertrobert175]

So true, my hunting attire, western shirt, wrangler jeans, Justin boots. Most of the time riding 2 stroke motor cycle to my area. Have shot deer from running cycle. You are right about staying still. Try this at home, stand still at a wall, your wife or child will walk past without seeing you. I have had a bobcat walk by at 2 feet. The cool guy has the kill.

[@hermanthegermancctv5988]

Great video and absolutely right. Hunted for 50 years in a cheap pair of Khaki workman's overalls, which after a few years had bleached nearly white. made no difference. One of the most wary game animals in South Africa is the greater Kudu, who is not known as the grey ghost of the bush for nothing. I used to glass them from a high point during the first day or two and note their movements, after which I ambushed them on the routes they followed. Just wound my web belt around the top strand of a barbed wire fence and sat on it behind a small thorn bush, waiting for their approach in the late afternoon. I shot more than one from a range of 30 yards, They never even knew I was there because I could sit completely motionless while they approached even if it took an hour or more...Movement is definitely the key just as you say......

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks for sharing that Herman. I always appreciate hearing about how animals act, or react, in different areas and your area is about as different from mine as it gets, but we've still had similar experiences.

[@rolling_heavy]

Special gym clothes- As a man who often lifts in jeans and a t-shirt, thank you sir. Feels good to be validated by the wisdom of an elder.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

You are very welcome! And thank you sir for showing others that it really is possible to workout in regular cloths! Many wouldn't have ever believed it if they hadn't seen someone actually doing it. LOL

[@colmmythen8740]

I completely agree with ya Spend a lot of time in camo while working and it sometimes involves a high degree of camo/ concealment , I dont want to be wearing it while I'm out hunting all day either 🤣 with the exception of fox on open ground ,we use a camo hid when decoying crow/ pigeon over crops but for anything else movement is the main giveaway I've walked within 30 or so yards to deer in blue Jean's and orange plaid but been spotted by a fox from a couple hundred yards out while completely camod up and laying motionless with favorable wind , some animals are just smarter than others , even within the same species group from my experience but for the most parts the only requirement for camo I've found was predator calling and that's not always necessary

[@mikehagan4320]

Every Whitetail, Mule Deer , Antelope and Elk I've ever Taken. I was Wearing Blue Jean's and a Carhartt work Coat. though water proof clothing has been added to my Hunting clothes. And I long ago Stopped wearing Tan Colored Carhartt Coats and Vests. ( I don't want to Be the Same Color as Deer or Elk in Hunting Season.) Another Great Video Tom! Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.

[@antoniofreeman8264]

I really appreciate this video. Life is always better with the truth and it’s certainly set me free. I am new to hunting. I want to spend the money on good quality gear but I don’t want to just throw away those dollars on stuff I don’t need. Glad I found this video.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

I try to tell people this all the time. Glad someone else is telling the truth. I work in a gun store and I get people come in and say oh I need to get the such-and-such pattern for my gun. I asked them oh does that mean the ducks have already figured out the other patterns. I have found that camouflage it's just a fashion statement. I really don't know how we were able to kill anything 30 to 40 years ago without camouflage. Keep up the good work

[@jfsinc]

Best explanation I have seen. Thank you.

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

Clothes with the same Tone as the surrounding brush is all you need, most important thing is DONT MOVE. Thats why most people that just wear jeans, just don't feel like they need to change, jeans has the same colour tone as the bushveld.

[@geraldc5165]

True. I've never worn camo. Stillness, natural cover and knowing how to walk through the woods.

[@briankelly2886]

Camouflage is for game that shoots back, and perhaps waterfowl!I like my forest green or plaid wool( green or red).And even when I bowhunted , successfully I might add, I always had a blaze orange vest as minimum!BTW I am a Stillhunter 95% of the time, occasionally sitting at the base of a convenient tree for lunch or a little rest!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

"Camouflage is for game that shoots back", I think that was a great way of putting it!

[@hon.mr.ronburgundyiiiesq.2096]

This seems like ancient wisdom... and I would think your point on waterfowl may be worthwhile too because I feel like bird's vision is extremely good (or at least better than a deer's).

[@scottwhitemyer5501]

Preach it brother, soo true, great to hear the truth again!!!!!

[@leeriutzel4780]

I believe that hunting/fishing shops are for hunters & fishermen. Cuz I learned long time ago, fish seem to like live bait, & hunting requires a weapon, usually something warm(I'm in northern Minnesota) & know About your pray, & ALWAYS down wind & I prefer next to a water source, as everything needs a drink. Sure I have camo, but mostly knowledge passed down to me from great hunters & fishermen, not gander mountain!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I love that last part, "knowledge passed down to me from great hunters and fishermen, not Gander Mountain".

[@hettro-cv6082]

Great information! I had more deer walk up on me wearing solid blaze orange. If you are still and with the right wind direction, of the game they won't see you. Only some animals see in color. Woolrich hunting cloths worked because pattern broke up the outline of your body. I like the blaze orange camo pattern because you can be seen but your shape is broken up. And if you beside a tree or brush unless they smell you they will never see you.

[@stevedunn7001]

Best camo that I learned is, wear what you want except white. Cover your face with a turkey mask and your hands with gloves and do not have light colored shoe soles. 50 years of hunting and still getting deer from the ground and in the air. Be as still as you can that is the main key.

[@trevorlee6303]

Couse Deer here in Arizona are extremely hard to spot and they don't have any camo pattern on them. Great video.

[@LordNemoTGH]

I have been hunting white tail for over 20 years and I don't use any camouflage unless it's cold enough to out on my heavy jacket. Even then it's because the jacket is warm and not the pattern.

[@Tipi_Dan]

Kudos for your honesty and insight. Used to be, the full camo suits were the domain of bowhunters only. Within the last 10 years they have become popular with all hunters. I think they look ridiculous.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

You're right Dan. I had completely forgotten that it started with the bow hunters but it absolutely did.

[@juanbarturen2726]

My best friend in Tennessee, always wears the same brown work overawls . And yes good boots. Gas station camo cap. He hunts my 40 acres. Never has a problem

[@graynotescartridgebox]

Yeah go run a marathon in your jeans. Tell my how much your clothing matters. Any broken up pattern helps. And you want quiet clothing. Avoid blues because deer see blues. Also avoid UV brightener in your detergent. Also mature deer are more keen than are young deer like featured in the video.