After being in the field deer hutning for 3 seasons, now.....my views on camo have changed. I used to think that camo pattern was EXTREMELY critical to "success". I still do....but I think there are other factors that play bigger roles.

No. 1 - SCENT CONTROL

If the average hunter knew he could spend 5% of his annual camo budget on improving this area of his pursuit.....and would commit to it.....I think he'd be far more "successful". For every story of not being busted on stand (due to a camo choice).....I wonder how many times that same hunter is busted per season by deer he never sees. I pay more attention to this than ever, now......and I admit to not starting out that way. I think I'll become more and more fanatical about this as I mature as a deer hunter. I am STILL guilty of going in when I have a less than perfect wind. Discipline on behalf of the hunter has probably been the demise of more deer than any other aspect of hunting (discipline in this area of hunting).

No. 2 - Comfort

A comfortable hunter is a hunter who'll likely stay on stand, longer. I have camo, now, that I use for different times of the year. THIS is where I've learned to spend the few extra dollars. The Wolfskin Enigma is great for certain times of the year.....but quite honestly a hinderance in the early season temps of NC. Luckily....with the advent of the Ultimate camo....I have the best of both worlds, now. Kudos to the men taking the chances with these companies. Home runs.

No. 3 - Camo Pattern

If No. 1 and No. 2 are followed religiously.....I think a hunter could be successsful in blue undies. What's "cool" or "hip" is becoming less and less important to me. I honestly have never killed a buck that saw me, first (the day I killed him). I still contend the camo patterns are for US (for the most part). Are there some that are better than others? Sure. I mentioned the two I trust, implicitly.

To me hunting is about stacking the odds in your favor as much as possible. In the woods....we are at a distintict DISadvantageunless we do this, and do so in a disciplined manner.

Anybody's goal (besides me) to hunt LESS (but smarter)in '08? I honestly believe I won't see a downtick in "success". I'm thinking quite the opposite will be true.

For you veterans.....this is old news. For guys starting out (like me)....it's lessons learned. I contend that some of the best time spent CAN be on the couch......in lieu of in a tree.