Stalking wildlife: I thought about headlining this "Hunting Wildlife" but figured the outcry would be impressive, so... Since I can't find a dedicated wildlife sub-forum, maybe the...

nikonnate Loc: Woodbury MN

I thought about headlining this "Hunting Wildlife" but figured the outcry would be impressive, so...

Since I can't find a dedicated wildlife sub-forum, maybe the right eyes will find this. For you wildlife shooters, how many of you are using ghillie suits for camo? I'm building one but it is turning in to way more of a project than I had ever intended, and I have a couple in mind - the current one is a Woodland color, dark greens and olives, some lighter shades, a couple tans, browns, and black shadows. I'd like to grab one for fall (mostly grays and browns, some rust and orange and gold) and spring (light greens) but without investing ALL THAT TIME again, do any of you have sources for them? A winter one would be cool to have but eh, later.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

nikonnate wrote:

I thought about headlining this "Hunting Wild... (show quote)

Check on line, many start around $45 or less...eBay, Amazon has numerous suits for sale, just depends on how much you're willing to spend....got me thinking of one now.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

(No worse that "shooting wildlife"...)

Quixdraw Loc: x

I think you are overthinking this - Mil Surp - Woodland or Desert Camouflage, depending on where you are going, face mask or scarf - paint is a mess. The other route is good quality hunting clothing, more expensive, but maybe more comfortable Cabelas, Scheels, etc.

vonzip Loc: cape cod

I agree with blaster. Ebay has a ton of them at reasonable prices and all colors. vz

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I think you're going way off the deep end. Earth tones are the key. Browns, greens, greys, muted colors of plaid etc. Move slow and quiet. Pay attention to wind direction. Use a scent killer spray. Maybe some camo face cream. No need to go overboard. One thing that's really important that most people overlook is to wash those clothes in brightener free ultra-violet killer detergent. Get it from any outdoor store. Most animals are far more sensitive to ultra-violet than humans and you will stick out like a sore thumb in the woods if you don't do something to combat it.

rick_n_wv Loc: Charleston WV

Retired CPO wrote:

One thing that's really important that most people overlook is to wash those clothes in brightener free ultra-violet killer detergent. Get it from any outdoor store. Most animals are far more sensitive to ultra-violet than humans and you will stick out like a sore thumb in the woods if you don't do something to combat it.

Yea, ultra violet and scent neutralizer are two biggies. Another thing is to have soft clothing. While jean material may hold up better it will also make a lot of noise when you are against brush.
One more item if you really want to not spook critters is to use a rubber band or something on the bottom of your pant legs. It may sound silly but the oil from your body below the waist leaves a lot of scent on the ground. So if you back track or set up overlooking where you traveled you have greatly reduced your chances. Ask someone who has worked with K9.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

nikonnate wrote:

I thought about headlining this "Hunting Wild... (show quote)

When I shot in the North, I had a mobile blind, a tent that was ghillied. I would find out when and where my pray hung out, then I would set up at midnight, sleep in the tent, and be ready in the morning with my tripod and lens sticking out through a special opening.
Now, I am in Florida, where the birds pose for me all day long. I wear sun protection clothing with a big white panama hat and the birds just do their thing and I do mine. No como needed.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

nikonnate wrote:

I thought about headlining this "Hunting Wild... (show quote)

I would be aware of when various hunting seasons start.

Mr. B Loc: eastern Connecticut

I just wear muted colors/camo when I want to move fast. If I'm in a "hot" area for whatever I'm trying to shoot I use a blind and a stool. Much more comfortable being able to move a bit and sit, stretch, etc. on a long wait. Just make sure the stool is three-legged. Anything with four legs has to be on totally level ground to be stable. The blind also lets you set up your tripod in advance. The link to the blind is the one I have and I'm very happy with it. The one for the stool is Cabela's replacement for the one I have that was made by Timber Ridge. Unfortunately Timber Ridge no longer makes a three-legged stool. Hope that helps.

https://www.ameristep.com/browse/ground-blinds/view-all/outhouse

https://www.cabelas.com/product/camping/camp-furniture/camp-chairs-stools/pc/104795280/c/104267880/sc/558326880/browning-dakota-chair/1916245.uts?slotId=40

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

quixdraw wrote:

I think you are overthinking this - Mil Surp - Woodland or Desert Camouflage, depending on where you are going, face mask or scarf - paint is a mess. The other route is good quality hunting clothing, more expensive, but maybe more comfortable Cabelas, Scheels, etc.

Canisdirus

For birding ... naked is best.
Just kidding.... it doesn't matter for birds .. they know where you are at all times...and ...don't usually care.
Most land animals don't see red very well ... since red isn't an abundant color in nature.

It's more about staying quiet ... they will forget you are there if you sit still ... and ...shut up.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I use mute brown/Karki clothing

fetzler Loc: North West PA

If you are in hunting season wear balze orange for your safety. Many mammals have poor color vision birds on the other hand have excellent color vision.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

billnikon wrote:

When I shot in the North, I had a mobile blind, a tent that was ghillied. I would find out when and where my pray hung out, then I would set up at midnight, sleep in the tent, and be ready in the morning with my tripod and lens sticking out through a special opening.
Now, I am in Florida, where the birds pose for me all day long. I wear sun protection clothing with a big white panama hat and the birds just do their thing and I do mine. No como needed.

This works well but the OP's title was "Stalking wildlife" as in moving around.