Choose the best camo pattern for Elk in Colorado...
#1

I bought meself a jacket and pants in Predator Evolution, but the more I look at it, the more it seems like it will "blob" up at a distance. Then again, I have seen many Elk taken with people who wear Mossy Oak, which is perhaps the most "bloby" of the patterns. Take a look at the link below, and tell me if you think that the Evolution pattern is too concentrated. Also, if you had to choose another pattern from the link, which would it be?
http://www.predatorcamo.com/patterns.html
http://www.predatorcamo.com/patterns.html
#2
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Missoula, MT
Posts: 71

You are right about mossy oak being a bit "blobby" from a distance, but people do still take elk in mossy oak. I don't think any of Predator's patterns have that problem. They all seem to break up very nicely. I have a buddy who uses Fall Grey, and it's very tough to see him when he gets in the shadows. Other ones you might want to check into would be Cabelas Outfitter, Ridge Ghost, and ASAT. That being said, it can be very easy to get caught up in the hype of having to own the "best" camo, and I am as guilty of this as anyone. Any camo that does a decent job of breaking up your outline should be fine. I wouldn't hesitate to wear any of the Predator patterns on an elk hunt (except for the winter white)
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 510

Most of the patterns out there were made for back east. Most of them are also made for sitting still and being seen at close distance. I found some generic camo at a sewing shop that serves me better than any of the high dollar stuff for elk hunting. It is large patch green, brown and black. If I had to compare it to anything old WWII green camo. But to kill elk all you have to do is blend in, not disappear. Staying the shadows is an important part of the game, because if you walk out in the sun you spotlight your self anyway.
Gselkhunter
Gselkhunter
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722

I have always believed that the best camo pattern is the one on sale! Still believe that. My current pattern is outfitters camo. When people say that a camo pattern "blobs" out at a distance, so do trees, bushes, etc.
#8
Typical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cologne, MN
Posts: 510

I started using Natural Gear and like the pattern for most any hunting I do. I have old camo that I still use and still believe that movement and scent will give you away alot faster than camo...
#9

I prefer predator camo myself, BUT as many have suggested, a guy can use about any of them and be successful. The wind will ruin the hunt before the wrong camo will!
#10

Elk will stand there and stare at you for what seems to be hours. Only to slowly turn their head and stroll off while grazing.
But if they smell you, they're gone! Elk believe their eyes and ears, but they rely on their nose!
Camo companies have yet to see the profit in producing "conifer" patterns. Would be nice! But ubtil then, we've used most popular patterns over the years including army surplus gear, and have seen little or no difference. They just don't see the green lightwaves. BUT! They DO see light intensity. The kind of thing laundry detergent companies brag about. "Brighter brights", etc. So I never use commercial detergent. Instead, I use a soap specially made for laundering hunting clothes. It has no UV brighteners. I can't remember the name, but you'll find something comperable at Wally World or sporting goods stores.
Remember, our dads, grand dads, and on took a lot of game before all these camo patterns came along.
But if they smell you, they're gone! Elk believe their eyes and ears, but they rely on their nose!
Camo companies have yet to see the profit in producing "conifer" patterns. Would be nice! But ubtil then, we've used most popular patterns over the years including army surplus gear, and have seen little or no difference. They just don't see the green lightwaves. BUT! They DO see light intensity. The kind of thing laundry detergent companies brag about. "Brighter brights", etc. So I never use commercial detergent. Instead, I use a soap specially made for laundering hunting clothes. It has no UV brighteners. I can't remember the name, but you'll find something comperable at Wally World or sporting goods stores.
Remember, our dads, grand dads, and on took a lot of game before all these camo patterns came along.