How to Bowhunt With a Ghillie Suit
Bowhunting requires patience, stealth and concealment for success. Since the first camouflage clothing in the 18th century, advancements have been made in the camouflage patterns and clothing for added concealment. One of the biggest advancements was the design of the ghillie suit--clothing that was originally designed by the military for snipers. Bowhunters have since adapted the ghillie suit into their clothing, but wearing a ghillie suit doesn't guarantee success in the field. However, following a systematic approach for bowhunting with a ghillie suit can improve the odds for success.
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Instructions
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Wash the ghillie suit in scent elimination detergent. Deer and other game animals have a keen sense of smell and removing the odors from the ghillie suit increase your chances of being undetected as the animal presents a shot opportunity. After washing the suit in scent elimination detergent, store in a scent-proof bag and leave it outside to attract natural outdoor scents.
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Cut excess strands of fabric from the bow arm with a scissors. Bowhunters require clothing that doesn't affect the shot by catching the bow string. Use a scissors to cut loose strands from the bow arm--the arm that grips the bow.
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Create natural cover that blends with the surroundings. For bowhunting from the ground, use pruners to cut small branches, limbs and foliage to create a small ground blind that conceals your position and covers any movement. Some ghillie suits have the capability of attaching additional foliage directly to the clothing. For example, while hunting the early archery season you can use green bean stalks while hunting next to a soybean field.
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Change the color of the ghillie suit throughout the archery season. One of the most important factors to a successful camouflage pattern is blending in with the surrounding colors. Archery seasons in some states open as early as August while the leaves, plants and crops are green and can last until December when the forest turns into a mixture of brown colors. Select the color of the ghillie suit based on the time of year.
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Match the ghillie suit to the bowhunting method. Some bowhunters prefer spot-and-stalk hunts where they are active and walking through the hunting area. While others prefer staying in one position hunting from a ground blind or tree stand. Ghillie suits are available to match these bowhunting techniques with fabrics of different weight to accommodate active or sedentary hunting styles.
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Tips & Warnings
Scent elimination products are available at sporting goods and hunting stores.
Practice shooting while wearing the ghillie suit before the hunting season. A compression sleeve may have to be worn on the bow hand to eliminate fabric from affecting the bow string.
Follow local and state hunting regulations while hunting with a ghillie suit.
References
- Photo Credit daguet 01 image by Luc PATUREAU from Fotolia.com
