it has to be seen at least once.
May 5, 2016 10:15 AM Subscribe
Do I Need Camouflage to Hunt?
Some of the very modern patterns are made by KUIU, Kryptek, Gore, Sitka, First Lite, and others. Compare and contrast. These patterns rely on visual systems other than mimicry and coloration. More complex are analyses intended to mimic ungulate vision - still not well understood. And color is only a small part. Is Camouflage Is Overrated For Deer Hunting? Rethinking the Necessity of Camouflage
Putting camo patterns head to head is a popular pasttime, with much debate on the results
The Most Versatile Mountain Camo Pattern, Part I
Maybe everything old is new again.
Much of the development of modern camo patterns has been driven by military needs, which have their own challenges, especially with technological advances.
Some of the very modern patterns are made by KUIU, Kryptek, Gore, Sitka, First Lite, and others. Compare and contrast. These patterns rely on visual systems other than mimicry and coloration. More complex are analyses intended to mimic ungulate vision - still not well understood. And color is only a small part. Is Camouflage Is Overrated For Deer Hunting? Rethinking the Necessity of Camouflage
Putting camo patterns head to head is a popular pasttime, with much debate on the results
The Most Versatile Mountain Camo Pattern, Part I
Maybe everything old is new again.
Much of the development of modern camo patterns has been driven by military needs, which have their own challenges, especially with technological advances.
Oooh, this is very relevant to my work. Thanks!
posted by Foci for Analysis at 10:32 AM on May 5, 2016
posted by Foci for Analysis at 10:32 AM on May 5, 2016
This is probably a good place to point out the current US Navy camo pattern which I've heard a number of explainations for, from "Its designed to hide oil and paint stains" to "The Navy was jealous of the cool pixelated camo of the other branches". It happens to be about 400% more expensive than the uniforms it replaced, burns freely when exposed to flame, and is unpleasantly thick and warm. Also, it probably makes it harder to see someone if they fell overboard (rumors of seawater-activated marker dye are untrue). The Navy has spent millions to develop and subsequently tweak the uniform, and is considering giving up on it entirely. Something nice and grey, as touched on I. Some of the OP's links, would be a pretty good replacement.
Basically, the Navy wears camo for the same reason as certain American cultural groups: because it looks cool, damn the consequences.
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 10:33 AM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
Basically, the Navy wears camo for the same reason as certain American cultural groups: because it looks cool, damn the consequences.
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 10:33 AM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
The section on camouflage and predators was sadly misleading.
Also lacked information on hunting theropods.
posted by blue_beetle at 10:41 AM on May 5, 2016
Also lacked information on hunting theropods.
posted by blue_beetle at 10:41 AM on May 5, 2016
Also lacked information on hunting theropods.
We use camo to hunt theropods all the time!
posted by leotrotsky at 10:45 AM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
We use camo to hunt theropods all the time!
posted by leotrotsky at 10:45 AM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
The Navy has spent millions to develop and subsequently tweak the uniform, and is considering giving up on it entirely.
The Secretary of the Navy agrees with you.
"The Navy 'blueberries' – I don't know what the name is, that's what sailors call them – the great camouflage it gives is if you fall overboard," said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus at a Thursday meeting with reporters. Mabus points to what has become a macabre joke among sailors, highlighting the dangers of a shipmate falling into the sea wearing a sea-colored uniform.
posted by leotrotsky at 10:49 AM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
The Secretary of the Navy agrees with you.
"The Navy 'blueberries' – I don't know what the name is, that's what sailors call them – the great camouflage it gives is if you fall overboard," said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus at a Thursday meeting with reporters. Mabus points to what has become a macabre joke among sailors, highlighting the dangers of a shipmate falling into the sea wearing a sea-colored uniform.
posted by leotrotsky at 10:49 AM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
blue digital camo is the dumbest idea ever
where are you going to use it to conceal yourself, when you're in the water? the sky? that just means things have gone terribly wrong and that you are dying
posted by Foci for Analysis at 10:59 AM on May 5, 2016 [8 favorites]
where are you going to use it to conceal yourself, when you're in the water? the sky? that just means things have gone terribly wrong and that you are dying
posted by Foci for Analysis at 10:59 AM on May 5, 2016 [8 favorites]
Mary Roach discusses the Navy camo in her new book, Grunt, coming out in June. Super recommended, as with all her writing. Notable for being super interesting and accessible even for the non-warmongers among us, with its focus mainly being on science, saving people, and the intersection of the laboratory environment with real world logistical issues. The Table of Contents makes it pretty clear what you're getting yourself into.
posted by redsparkler at 11:01 AM on May 5, 2016 [16 favorites]
posted by redsparkler at 11:01 AM on May 5, 2016 [16 favorites]
So if all of these animals have loads of UV sensitivity, can't they clearly see all the stuff that is only apparent to us under a black light? Like white fabric that looks bluish, yes, but also bleach residue and other chemicals that fluoresce under UV? So don't hunters stand out again -- or can they get away with it because, e.g., deer have fuzzy edge detection?
(And yes, the Navy camo pattern is teh dumb.)
posted by wenestvedt at 11:04 AM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
(And yes, the Navy camo pattern is teh dumb.)
posted by wenestvedt at 11:04 AM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
I grew up hunting in the late 70s and 80s.
We tended to see folks who dressed in full camo to hunt ANYTHING short of turkey as dumbfuck military wannabes. I never wore it to hunt birds -- as the article notes, drab earth tones are fine, and you probably already have some of those. Movement was a bigger deal for doves anyway; be still and be bland and you're fine.
For deer, you're nearly always well above their eye line, plus you're wearing a huge amount of hunter orange anyway. Camo would be pointless, but of course that didn't stop folks from going out decked in full camo PLUS their orange vests and hats, about which I could only wonder "WTF?"
Turkey, though, could justify it, especially if you're hunting from the ground.
posted by uberchet at 11:05 AM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
We tended to see folks who dressed in full camo to hunt ANYTHING short of turkey as dumbfuck military wannabes. I never wore it to hunt birds -- as the article notes, drab earth tones are fine, and you probably already have some of those. Movement was a bigger deal for doves anyway; be still and be bland and you're fine.
For deer, you're nearly always well above their eye line, plus you're wearing a huge amount of hunter orange anyway. Camo would be pointless, but of course that didn't stop folks from going out decked in full camo PLUS their orange vests and hats, about which I could only wonder "WTF?"
Turkey, though, could justify it, especially if you're hunting from the ground.
posted by uberchet at 11:05 AM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
Do any of these articles call a spade a spade -- that hunting camo is 100x more about signaling your membership in a cultural tribe* than actually hiding from animals?
* And I have a measure of respect for responsible hunters.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:09 AM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
* And I have a measure of respect for responsible hunters.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:09 AM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
Favorited for a new Mary Roach book, thank you redsparkler!
posted by dr_dank at 11:15 AM on May 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by dr_dank at 11:15 AM on May 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
I just today came across the dumbest use of camo on the planet earth.
posted by the phlegmatic king at 11:16 AM on May 5, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by the phlegmatic king at 11:16 AM on May 5, 2016 [6 favorites]
Dazzle ships are my favorite camouflage (unless we're counting ghillie suits.)
posted by Fantods at 11:33 AM on May 5, 2016 [20 favorites]
posted by Fantods at 11:33 AM on May 5, 2016 [20 favorites]
Oh no I've seen much dumber uses of camo, phlegmatic king.
posted by emjaybee at 11:36 AM on May 5, 2016
posted by emjaybee at 11:36 AM on May 5, 2016
Dazzle ships are my favorite camouflage (unless we're counting ghillie suits.)
Mrs. Biscuit was getting ready to go out earlier this week wearing pants and a jacket, both of which had non-matching but bold black-and-white patterns. She paused after looking in the mirror because, she said, "I look like a crazy person." I reassured her that she was merely dressed in dazzle camouflage, and reminded her to run in a zig-zag pattern to confuse any predators.
(And looking at this ghillie suits, I can only wonder that these images have not turned up on Bigfoot Exists!!1! sites.)
posted by ricochet biscuit at 11:48 AM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
Mrs. Biscuit was getting ready to go out earlier this week wearing pants and a jacket, both of which had non-matching but bold black-and-white patterns. She paused after looking in the mirror because, she said, "I look like a crazy person." I reassured her that she was merely dressed in dazzle camouflage, and reminded her to run in a zig-zag pattern to confuse any predators.
(And looking at this ghillie suits, I can only wonder that these images have not turned up on Bigfoot Exists!!1! sites.)
posted by ricochet biscuit at 11:48 AM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
Oh no I've seen much dumber uses of camo, phlegmatic king.
posted by emjaybee
Kind of afraid to ask...
posted by the phlegmatic king at 11:50 AM on May 5, 2016
posted by emjaybee
Kind of afraid to ask...
posted by the phlegmatic king at 11:50 AM on May 5, 2016
All the hunters I knew in western Maryland had a very simple policy about hunting deer: camo is fine, but your scent and movement matter of a whole lot more. A couple of them would even dispense with camo clothing altogether, opting for a well-concealed tree stand to do the job for them.
posted by Aya Hirano on the Astral Plane at 11:51 AM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Aya Hirano on the Astral Plane at 11:51 AM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
Kind of afraid to ask...
posted by the phlegmatic king at 11:50 AM on May 5
I give you... CamoFormal
posted by emjaybee at 11:56 AM on May 5, 2016 [9 favorites]
posted by the phlegmatic king at 11:50 AM on May 5
I give you... CamoFormal
posted by emjaybee at 11:56 AM on May 5, 2016 [9 favorites]
wtf
posted by Foci for Analysis at 12:01 PM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Foci for Analysis at 12:01 PM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
So if all of these animals have loads of UV sensitivity, can't they clearly see all the stuff that is only apparent to us under a black light? Like white fabric that looks bluish, yes, but also bleach residue and other chemicals that fluoresce under UV?
Nope. Fluorescent dyes aren't extra-reflective to UV light - in fact they absorb a bunch of UV light, so they can re-emit it as lower-energy visible light. Critters that are sensitive to UV light can detect patterns of varying absorption/reflection in that range. A classic example of this is flowers, which have marks on them visible to bees, but not to us, even under a blacklight.
posted by aubilenon at 12:05 PM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
Nope. Fluorescent dyes aren't extra-reflective to UV light - in fact they absorb a bunch of UV light, so they can re-emit it as lower-energy visible light. Critters that are sensitive to UV light can detect patterns of varying absorption/reflection in that range. A classic example of this is flowers, which have marks on them visible to bees, but not to us, even under a blacklight.
posted by aubilenon at 12:05 PM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
The other thing I'll add -- and it's somewhat of a drift -- is that the sudden use of camo as an urban/hipster fashion item (sometime in, what, the 90s?) was especially baffling to me. Growing up in Mississippi, camo meant redneck, and I couldn't parse it any other way.
posted by uberchet at 12:08 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by uberchet at 12:08 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
My favorite useless camo is Navy digital camo, in blues and greys. They allow you to stealthily blend into a background of absctract tile mosaics and that's about all it's useful for, apart from giving Army quartermasters uncontrollable gigglefits.
posted by Slap*Happy at 12:09 PM on May 5, 2016
posted by Slap*Happy at 12:09 PM on May 5, 2016
UV: She flutters in place. At fifty feet the kite hovers, head down, tail spreads and contracts to keep her on target. She searches the glowing lines of mouse piss, looking for the brightest trail. Mousey lunch. Mousey lunch. One line shines brightest. Perhaps in a moment or two the mouse will forget to look up before he darts to the next shrub, far too far from its burrow, or maybe his beady little myopic eyes won't notice the overhead commotion. Then she will stoop on nearly silent wings--one little squeak, and she brings fresh mouseburger back to the nest. The little one has feathers now, so, this time maybe she'll let him take the mouse apart for himself.
posted by mule98J at 12:20 PM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by mule98J at 12:20 PM on May 5, 2016 [5 favorites]
I could purchase a set of mossy oak and blaze orange lingerie at a large local store within 15 minutes if felt like it. Wife doesn't want it, though.
posted by LionIndex at 12:33 PM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by LionIndex at 12:33 PM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
I think digital camo only helps you blend in on minecraft servers.
posted by tilde at 12:50 PM on May 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by tilde at 12:50 PM on May 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
I just spent 45 minutes futilely searching for this article read around 2006, so you will have to trust me.
Some dude recruits an animal vision scientist to help develop a 'deer vision' Photoshop filter.
He takes pictures of all kinds of fancy camo in the field and applies the filter to see which one makes you more invisible to deer.
He is standing in some of the pictures wearing Street clothes, and notices they are not that bad as deer deceiving camo.
He tests more clothes.
He finds out that loud Hawaiian shirts beat most camo and are comparable to the most expensive camo gear.
He ends in a sad note saying he would love to go deer hunting in Hawaiian shirts and golf pants, but will continue to spend thousands in camo gear since it is the price of admission to a bunch of cultural stuff that he likes.
I don't know enough about animal vision and image processing, but I think that 10 years later technology has advanced enough that one could build a phone app to real time simulate deer vision using the phone camera. Near infrared
and UV may be an issue, but maybe it could be good enough for practical use.
If you know the image processing math, let me know. I have access to tons of Android app development resources.
posted by Doroteo Arango II at 1:01 PM on May 5, 2016 [12 favorites]
Some dude recruits an animal vision scientist to help develop a 'deer vision' Photoshop filter.
He takes pictures of all kinds of fancy camo in the field and applies the filter to see which one makes you more invisible to deer.
He is standing in some of the pictures wearing Street clothes, and notices they are not that bad as deer deceiving camo.
He tests more clothes.
He finds out that loud Hawaiian shirts beat most camo and are comparable to the most expensive camo gear.
He ends in a sad note saying he would love to go deer hunting in Hawaiian shirts and golf pants, but will continue to spend thousands in camo gear since it is the price of admission to a bunch of cultural stuff that he likes.
I don't know enough about animal vision and image processing, but I think that 10 years later technology has advanced enough that one could build a phone app to real time simulate deer vision using the phone camera. Near infrared
and UV may be an issue, but maybe it could be good enough for practical use.
If you know the image processing math, let me know. I have access to tons of Android app development resources.
posted by Doroteo Arango II at 1:01 PM on May 5, 2016 [12 favorites]
I appreciate reading some of the new scientific work behind it - now - but back when I used to hunt I never wore camo, mainly because that was the signal of the worst type of person: a dude. (Aka an out of state hunting rookie). That's changed quite a bit now, I think, but yeah, either way, a cultural identifier.
Kind of afraid to ask...
posted by the phlegmatic king at 11:50 AM on May 5
And as further proof that camo is just proof of a cultural tribe as CPB said, here you go: pink camo products.
(While looking for waders at Cabela's one day I had a conversation with the head of the fishing dept. there that made me realize that at one point in time there must have been a conversation like this: Heya, how do we get the gals out there interested in hunting? Maybe we should work on education programs that get women out there without the burdens of sexism and the patriarchy? Naw, we'll just make everything with pink camouflage! All the ladies love pink! While we're at it, let's make some rifle stocks pink too! *grumble grumble*)
posted by barchan at 1:32 PM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
Kind of afraid to ask...
posted by the phlegmatic king at 11:50 AM on May 5
And as further proof that camo is just proof of a cultural tribe as CPB said, here you go: pink camo products.
(While looking for waders at Cabela's one day I had a conversation with the head of the fishing dept. there that made me realize that at one point in time there must have been a conversation like this: Heya, how do we get the gals out there interested in hunting? Maybe we should work on education programs that get women out there without the burdens of sexism and the patriarchy? Naw, we'll just make everything with pink camouflage! All the ladies love pink! While we're at it, let's make some rifle stocks pink too! *grumble grumble*)
posted by barchan at 1:32 PM on May 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
You can sit anywhere, wearing anything, and cows will gather around you, before running away when you move. Cows are idiots. I don't trust the thoughts of a person who takes a cow's opinion seriously.
posted by howfar at 1:44 PM on May 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by howfar at 1:44 PM on May 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
I would enrobe myself in dazzle if it were socially acceptable available in giant rolls. Seriously— I'm a weird camo enthusiast, which probably arose from my penchant for power clashing and unusual patterns, and the whole hiding-in-plain-sight aspect of dazzle really speaks to me. Mostly I like the angular military patterns, and other visual deception ephemera like the Ghost Army.
posted by a halcyon day at 2:44 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by a halcyon day at 2:44 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
I give you... CamoFormal
so, like… instead of a cummerbund, do you get a great big belt buckle, or
posted by DoctorFedora at 2:57 PM on May 5, 2016
so, like… instead of a cummerbund, do you get a great big belt buckle, or
posted by DoctorFedora at 2:57 PM on May 5, 2016
Movement was a bigger deal for doves anyway; be still and be bland and you're fine.
That's exactly how I handle dinosaurs and so far I have a perfect track record when it comes to not being eaten by dinosaurs.
posted by dephlogisticated at 3:07 PM on May 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
That's exactly how I handle dinosaurs and so far I have a perfect track record when it comes to not being eaten by dinosaurs.
posted by dephlogisticated at 3:07 PM on May 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
My grandkids love to wear their pink camo.
And I just roll my eyes.
posted by BlueHorse at 3:07 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
And I just roll my eyes.
posted by BlueHorse at 3:07 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
While we're at it, let's make some rifle stocks pink too! *grumble grumble*)
Pink AR-15s have been a thing for a while now, but at the gun show I went to recently the tacticool guys were into ARs with grey and green patterning. Useless as camo but great for cultural signifying.
posted by Dip Flash at 3:27 PM on May 5, 2016
Pink AR-15s have been a thing for a while now, but at the gun show I went to recently the tacticool guys were into ARs with grey and green patterning. Useless as camo but great for cultural signifying.
posted by Dip Flash at 3:27 PM on May 5, 2016
plus you're wearing a huge amount of hunter orange anyway.
isn't the whole existence of "hunter orange" predicated on the assumption that there are people out in the woods with guns who will shoot at something without knowing what it is?
posted by ennui.bz at 4:58 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
isn't the whole existence of "hunter orange" predicated on the assumption that there are people out in the woods with guns who will shoot at something without knowing what it is?
posted by ennui.bz at 4:58 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
the phlegmatic king: "I just today came across the dumbest use of camo on the planet earth."
They make camo condoms. Which I don't care how you slice it is either weird or disturbing or both six ways from Sunday.
posted by Mitheral at 5:08 PM on May 5, 2016
They make camo condoms. Which I don't care how you slice it is either weird or disturbing or both six ways from Sunday.
posted by Mitheral at 5:08 PM on May 5, 2016
I took deer the last 3 years wearing blue jeans and a Carhart jacket. In the Ozarks, camo wasn't a thing until an archery tag got you an extra deer per year. Back then nobody was a very good archer so they needed to get close to get a clean kill. Bitchin' about people wearin' camo seems as pointless as getting cranky about kilts or cross dressing, but whatever.
Turkey hunting is different, I need good camo or a .25-06 with a 12x scope. Its easier to just raise a few Bourbon Reds each year.
posted by ridgerunner at 5:16 PM on May 5, 2016
Turkey hunting is different, I need good camo or a .25-06 with a 12x scope. Its easier to just raise a few Bourbon Reds each year.
posted by ridgerunner at 5:16 PM on May 5, 2016
...isn't the whole existence of "hunter orange" predicated on the assumption that there are people out in the woods with guns who will shoot at something without knowing what it is?
Nope, it was that somebody could shoot without realizing that someone was directly behind the target. Bad Mojo when that happened.
That's not to say there ain't assholes that will take a sound shot. If you're going to get out of the tree stand and stalk game, you might ought to wait until after opening weekend.
posted by ridgerunner at 5:31 PM on May 5, 2016
Nope, it was that somebody could shoot without realizing that someone was directly behind the target. Bad Mojo when that happened.
That's not to say there ain't assholes that will take a sound shot. If you're going to get out of the tree stand and stalk game, you might ought to wait until after opening weekend.
posted by ridgerunner at 5:31 PM on May 5, 2016
That's not to say there ain't assholes that will take a sound shot. I
There are also a lot of people who will shoot at movement in the brush. I've heard it called "reconnoiter by fire" -- shoot a few times and see what comes out.
It makes you want to wear bright orange year round.
posted by Dip Flash at 9:00 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
There are also a lot of people who will shoot at movement in the brush. I've heard it called "reconnoiter by fire" -- shoot a few times and see what comes out.
It makes you want to wear bright orange year round.
posted by Dip Flash at 9:00 PM on May 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
Blind shots happen, and some folks brag about them, but they're achingly stupid and can lead to a much less pleasant day. Not to put too fine a point on it, but shot placement matters for many reasons -- you want an immediate kill, sure, but the right shot will also make the cleaning process both simpler and drastically less awful.
posted by uberchet at 9:23 AM on May 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by uberchet at 9:23 AM on May 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
Anyone hunter who shoots a gun without knowing exactly what they are shooting at should be put in jail. And that's straight from my father, who has hunted all his life, including wild turkeys. I went hunting with him once, because I felt that since I ate meat, I should experience all parts of the process. Both in the class I took to get my hunting license and in everything he told me, you should not only know what you are planning to hit, you should know what is behind it and where any missed bullets will go and what they could hit. Both for the sake of being an ethical hunter that kills cleanly (he once spent half a day and a tag he didn't want to use tracking and finishing off a crippled deer that some bastard had shot and then couldn't be bothered to do the work of mercy), and so that you do not hurt anyone else who might be in the area.
I am always utterly horrified when I read news stories where someone has been hurt or killed by a hunter and the hunter just shrugs their shoulders and says "oh, I shot at a sound in the bushes", and the authorities take that as a fine excuse and don't charge them.
posted by tavella at 9:52 AM on May 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
I am always utterly horrified when I read news stories where someone has been hurt or killed by a hunter and the hunter just shrugs their shoulders and says "oh, I shot at a sound in the bushes", and the authorities take that as a fine excuse and don't charge them.
posted by tavella at 9:52 AM on May 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
More important cultural signifiers than camo (at least for distinguishing people who fill their tags vs people who complain about how terrible modern hunting relugations) are:
Actually has a hunting license they carry year around and also has their tag for whatever particular desirable game they claim.
Can see their toes without sucking in their gut (this is the big one-if you are in good enough shape to shape the game away from roads you don't usually have much extra weight on you).
cares more about shoes than fancy off road tires (and those are boots, above the ankle and so worn the orginal color is lost in time) and cares much more about the right binoculars than either one.
Does NOT own an ATV (and especially one of them new fangled side by sides)
Dresses in layers that may or may not be camo but are: well made, well worn and usually has blood stains and mud so ground in that washing doesn't get them out, also has lots and lots of pockets. Military BDU style pants in Khaki (or brown) and fleece anoraks are usually a good sign.
Has a competent (but not heavy) rifle with a scope (or really good peep sights on it) that costs more than the rifle and has to reload their own ammo because they practice enough they can't afford factory ammo. And spends more than that on their binoculars (most important single piece of equipment), if a bowhunter uses sights but can shoot without them and has a traditional archery tackle they practice with on a regular basis.
Their binoculars may cost more than the car they left parked at the edge of the wilderness area
Their knife is no longer than about 4 inches and is razor sharp.
Has more than one method of starting a fire in the hunting pack.
NOTE: This is for hunters who use western (off the rockies) public lands.
posted by bartonlong at 3:11 PM on May 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
Actually has a hunting license they carry year around and also has their tag for whatever particular desirable game they claim.
Can see their toes without sucking in their gut (this is the big one-if you are in good enough shape to shape the game away from roads you don't usually have much extra weight on you).
cares more about shoes than fancy off road tires (and those are boots, above the ankle and so worn the orginal color is lost in time) and cares much more about the right binoculars than either one.
Does NOT own an ATV (and especially one of them new fangled side by sides)
Dresses in layers that may or may not be camo but are: well made, well worn and usually has blood stains and mud so ground in that washing doesn't get them out, also has lots and lots of pockets. Military BDU style pants in Khaki (or brown) and fleece anoraks are usually a good sign.
Has a competent (but not heavy) rifle with a scope (or really good peep sights on it) that costs more than the rifle and has to reload their own ammo because they practice enough they can't afford factory ammo. And spends more than that on their binoculars (most important single piece of equipment), if a bowhunter uses sights but can shoot without them and has a traditional archery tackle they practice with on a regular basis.
Their binoculars may cost more than the car they left parked at the edge of the wilderness area
Their knife is no longer than about 4 inches and is razor sharp.
Has more than one method of starting a fire in the hunting pack.
NOTE: This is for hunters who use western (off the rockies) public lands.
posted by bartonlong at 3:11 PM on May 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
That ghillie suit though. There were quite a few Green Men in them this Beltane at Glastonbury.
posted by glasseyes at 3:14 PM on May 6, 2016
posted by glasseyes at 3:14 PM on May 6, 2016
I didn't know what they were until this thread. I thought they'd hand-knitted them out of ferns or something.
posted by glasseyes at 3:18 PM on May 6, 2016
posted by glasseyes at 3:18 PM on May 6, 2016
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*comes in from having a dry one on the veranda*
*adjusts codpiece*
Yeah, even if you're completely utilitarian, you get that. Went to Cabela's, tons of folks there being all rugged and outdoorsy eating their curly french fries. Store guy came out of a field of flannel - hats, shirts, logos - asked me if he could help me. I said I was looking for a gambrel.
- blank. stare. -
Game hoist?
- games? -
Deer hoist?
- ...? -
Hunting department? (He looked vaguely at the firearm section - 'cos y'know, nothing to hunting but blasting away at the forest with abandon Elmer Fudd style)
Uh...butcher tools?
He knew where that was. The department I mean, not what I needed. Y'know, eventually your equipment becomes someone else's lifestyle or fashion which becomes someone else's oeuvre. Some metalevel celebration of the event through representation which someone else strives to associate with, I dunno, beef jerky or something they call pemmican but isn't, or other 'outdoorsy' products.
And you're in this sort of associative world with no connection at all to the original thing itself. (surprised Baudrillard hasn't come up - consumers being the prey of objects defined by code, all that)
I wouldn't care if it didn't drive actual equipment from the floorspace.
posted by leotrotsky at 10:28 AM on May 5, 2016 [9 favorites]