I say it is NOT necessary. Our fore-fathers hunted without modern camo and they took deer just fine. Remember those red and black checkered wool coats? People wearing blaze orange seem to take deer every year too. Heck many of the Indians didn't use anything more than a friggen loin cloth! They did begin to experiment with wearing hides and moving right in with the herds though.

MOVEMENT is the key with animals like deer and even turkey. Staying still is better that having full camo. Camo just allows you the freedom to get away with some minor movements. How many times has it been said that if you remained perfectly still, you could hunt wearing a tuxedo! Based on some of my experiences, I believe that statement to be absolutely true.

I'm being somewhat hypocritical in saying that it isn't necessary though since like you, I still spend money on camo. IMHO, the best pattern out there is Predator.

-Mike