Well if you're hunting the island they are blacktail not mulies (similar in some ways but completely different in others). With hunting on the island the most important thing to hace for clothing is good rain gear. Stuff you are comfortable wearing all day every day. The nastier the weather the more these deer tend to move around. Goodluck, and it would be a good idea to have a tag for a bruin too. I tend to run into them more often then deer over here.
Vancouver Island mule deer - camo necessary?
- Thread starter Silveragent
- Start date
Camo isn't a necessity a good waterproof coat is (or something that will keep you warm when wet ) There are a lot of deer out and about, some slash crawls we have been seeing 15-17 doe/ doe/fawn combos with a good sprinkling of spikes and small bucks around too . Spotting the little bastids is the hard part good luck and stay away from bright colours and you should be good .
It's not required but it helps your odds for sure. I personally wear camo when I'm hunting and scent cover, anything that helps improve my odds is a bonus I figure. I've had animals and people walk right by and be none the wiser, can't say it would of happened if I was wearing earthy colours. It's like saying trip weighs work for salmon fishing so why use down riggers? All sports change and evolve, it's just a matter of being acceptful to new ideas and concepts.
ET
ET
Camo can help you get just a little bit closer. I shot my deer every year without it when I first started out. Now I camo up, get a heck of a lot closer and still get my deer. Got a doe and fawn to within 20 feet last year just lying still on the ground in Predator camo, fully descented. Cool experience.
Also keep in mind that if your camo doesn't suit your environment you may as well be waving a big red flag around. Over here in the poplar bluffs an open pattern works well in the fall. Guys walking around in dark Realtree and Mossyoak stand out like a sore thumb. Doesn't stop them from buying it like it's going out of style though.
Just wear clothes that blend in a bit where you're going. Warm and dry are the most important part, good luck!
Also keep in mind that if your camo doesn't suit your environment you may as well be waving a big red flag around. Over here in the poplar bluffs an open pattern works well in the fall. Guys walking around in dark Realtree and Mossyoak stand out like a sore thumb. Doesn't stop them from buying it like it's going out of style though.
Just wear clothes that blend in a bit where you're going. Warm and dry are the most important part, good luck!
Re VI hunting.
I really only wear some camo clothing because...
Extra pockets in the right places.
The ability to hide from other hunters, lol.
Another set of clothing I can get muddy and wet.
Other then that methinks there is really no need on this island.
Paying attention to wind direction and sound is more important IMHO.
Also warm and dry.
I have had VI deer walk into me while I was wearing a blaze orange forestry jacket with reflective stripes, I was standing in the middle of the deactivated service road checking my GPS, it made us both jump, lol.
There is an old hunting saying I read in a vintage hunting book...
A deer sees every man as a tree stump and a turkey sees every tree stump as a man.
I really only wear some camo clothing because...
Extra pockets in the right places.
The ability to hide from other hunters, lol.
Another set of clothing I can get muddy and wet.
Other then that methinks there is really no need on this island.
Paying attention to wind direction and sound is more important IMHO.
Also warm and dry.
I have had VI deer walk into me while I was wearing a blaze orange forestry jacket with reflective stripes, I was standing in the middle of the deactivated service road checking my GPS, it made us both jump, lol.
There is an old hunting saying I read in a vintage hunting book...
A deer sees every man as a tree stump and a turkey sees every tree stump as a man.
EcoHeliGuy
Member
- Location
- Vancouver island
If you wear camo make sure there isn't an ounce of green in it. Deer see moving green like we see yellow. Go to a hunting store and find camo with out any green and you'll realize it's all about marketing to the wallet and not for cover. Grab browns and tans if you feel you need it.
Just remember the hunting is great in places like NB where hunters orange is mandatory. How much orange do you see in the woods?
Just remember the hunting is great in places like NB where hunters orange is mandatory. How much orange do you see in the woods?
I like my camo. Its warm, has lots of pockets (to carry rangefinder, binos, water and jerky for the long waits) and most importantly, unlike many other clothing, is very quiet even when moving. I also wear a camo stetson to keep the rain or snow from dribbling down my neck and also helps when the sun is directly against your eyes. The only non-camo part of me are my boots, which are dark green. When I am sitting for long hours, I like to carry a roll-up foamie. This is amazing for lying down in wait and falling asleep. Its not camo though, but I figure it can't be seen since I am on it. On cold windy days and wet ground, there's nothing like the roll-up foamie for lying on.
Buy good camo and wear it for every hunting trip. It can be cheap if you're not fussy. I got all mine used off craigslist. Even if you don't get anything, years from now, at least you can tell your grandkids when they look through the photos...oh and hear was grandaddy on one of his hunting trips. Wow...grandad, you used to go hunting?? Cool! Better than, but my dad wears jeans and a jersey to go to work too.
Buy good camo and wear it for every hunting trip. It can be cheap if you're not fussy. I got all mine used off craigslist. Even if you don't get anything, years from now, at least you can tell your grandkids when they look through the photos...oh and hear was grandaddy on one of his hunting trips. Wow...grandad, you used to go hunting?? Cool! Better than, but my dad wears jeans and a jersey to go to work too.
EcoHeliGuy
Member
- Location
- Vancouver island
I too buy camo gear for all the hunting benifits built in. I don't buy camo gear for camo. I like my wool plaid shirts for camo
Most of my camo is ebay clearance well after hunting season save huge if you know what you are looking for.
No matter what, find what works for you. Camo or not, quiet, snag free, breathable, waterproof , comfortable clothing goes a long way to keeping you in the field longer.... Which equals more chances at game.
save huge if you know what you are looking for. No matter what, find what works for you. Camo or not, quiet, snag free, breathable, waterproof , comfortable clothing goes a long way to keeping you in the field longer.... Which equals more chances at game.
I have the new Sitka down pour in digital forest ... The camo colour had nothing to do with my purchase , although my hunting partner said he can lose me in the timber at 50ft in the stuff.
If you don't have any camo don't worry about it , focus on comfort and quiet ... Good luck , your gonna need it on the island
If you don't have any camo don't worry about it , focus on comfort and quiet ... Good luck , your gonna need it on the island
boomer 243
New member
- Location
- Eagle Hill , Alberta
X2 I still use my wool pants and stain field seems to work fine in AB all season just go slow a couple steps at a time into the wind and you will be fine pausing and glassing works good to hide under a cedar tree at the side of a setting wait wait and wait
EcoHeliGuy
Member
- Location
- Vancouver island
A painters throw-away tyvek over suite makes no sound and is breathable an white FYI
Most often I just where a black and white check to break up a solid outline.
One day I was in a store and saw what I thought was a camo jacket across the room. I went over and found it was a very unique camo print.
Apparently pronghorn are not afraid of penguins.
One day I was in a store and saw what I thought was a camo jacket across the room. I went over and found it was a very unique camo print.
Apparently pronghorn are not afraid of penguins.
