Camo for the Maine woods?

TomFromTheShade · 08-21-2005, 01:36 PM

I'm going bear hunting in Maine this fall (sept 11-17) and I wanted to know what camo would be best. The guide said that he likes the mossy oak darker colors, but i wanted some more opinions.

Allseasonhunter7 · 08-21-2005, 03:30 PM

i think theres some pines and mostly hard woods but i was like 7 and im 15 now so i dont remember much

skinnerdawg · 08-21-2005, 08:23 PM

seeing how the wood's in maine are about the same as those here in ny just about any pattern will do(not water fowl ie... corn stalk marsh weed pattern)

some folks tend to go with a summer pattern(those used by early season archers) which have more green leaf pattern's than your typical late season(brown,black,and orange) fall patterns.

you are going in the right direction in asking the guide... also will you be hunting from a ground blind... elevated tree stand... or a fully enclosed blind? these would also dictate as to how(pattern) you will dress. also at that time of year how far along is the leaf change? just a thought and my opinion.

tanzian · 08-21-2005, 08:36 PM

As a veteran of many many Maine bears hunts, I can tell you this.... Weather it is Realtree or Mossy Oak, doesnt matter squat as long as it breaks up your outline a bit. Blackies dont see depth and detailthat well. What matters most is staying very still. If they catch movement, they are gone, and no camo pattern hides movement. I also would advise some kind of scent locking suit under your camoas bears have a great sense of smell. Also, take both insultated and non insulated camo as the temperature can vary widely that time of year. Rain gear is also a must as well as a bug suit unless you like feeding the black flies.

TomFromTheShade · 08-21-2005, 08:57 PM

It will be some tree stand hunting and some ground bling hunting. The guide said that all of the baits and the stand/blind areas are specifically set up to make it very hard for the bear to get down wind of you. I have invested in some scent blocking soap, deoderant, and spray for my clothes. Using this stuff do you think that it would still be necessary to use the scent blocking suit? Also, the guide told me that the bugs aren't bad by the third week of September. Is he bull****ting me, or are the bugs not that bad? I was on a fishing trip in Canada a few summers ago and I caught the worst mosquito devouring of my life while I was outside the cabin at night trying to scare my friends.

TomFromTheShade · 08-21-2005, 09:00 PM

Also, I decided to go with the Mossy Oak new break up pattern. I just got the un-insulated coveralls so I can put my warmer layers underneath if I need to. I also ordered a size larger than I usually wear so I will be able to wear insulated underwear, plus a layer of clothes if I need to.

liquidorange · 08-21-2005, 09:57 PM

i would go with one of those 3-d leafy mesh type suits. it will help against the bugs and you will be able to wear extra cloths under it if it gets cool . they have alot of skeeters and tiny-tiny gnats that bite like hell called n0-see-ums .i have several maine bears hunts under my belt and im heading up next week. the bugs should be a bit less in a couple weeks but what ive found is if your hunting a ridge its not as bad as being next to a swamp but your guide will put you in the best spot for action. they probably use blinds and ladder stands. i always let the outfitter know in advance that i will be bringing my tree lounge climber and set up playing the wind. i tell them to not even worry about setting a stand up for me. its better that way because im familiar with the stand and its very comfortable for long sits. your gonna probably head out at 3pm depending on drive time. if you bring your own climber it gives you more options like hunting higher than the average ladder stand. if you get up 25 foot im sure that will help with scent control. another thing i like to do is wait for the guide to pull up with the truck at night rather than getting down right at the end of light. this way the bears in the area dont figure me out.GOOD HUNTIN!

T_in_PA3 · 08-22-2005, 05:25 AM

I know guys that have taken bear in jeans and t-shirts. Movement is the big key to avoid being caught.

Rob/PA Bowyer · 08-23-2005, 02:08 PM

Without question my choice would be ASAT especially in the Leafy 3D suit......your talking all terrian, on the ground and in a tree, Mossy Oak blends too much in my opinion and makes you appear too dark, especially in a dark enviroment where limited light doesn't contrast what little color MO has. In contrast, either in low light or bright, ground or tree, ASAT will conceal and break up your outline like no other. But, good luck...bears have terrible eyesight until you move, watch the wind and noise and you'll do fine.