What's that blob?
 

With all of the leaves off the trees this time of year I think we stick out like a sore thumb in a tree stand. I would like to hear what some of you folks think and what ideas you might have reguarding outline breakup. I'm thinking of using those little screw-in branch holders. Anyone ever use them and if so did they help?

RE: What's that blob?
 

Get higher in the tree. Move less. Wear open big blocked camo.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I feel like a big pimple on a super modles butt.I've been standing up most of the time glued to the tree.I also thought about sticking some branches behind me.I have 2 stands I haven't hunted much because of this too.

RE: What's that blob?
 

OBTW, for those screw in limb holders or whatever. Old artificial christmas tree limbs work great fora screen and can be left out all year.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Around where I hunt, there are still some bushes with leaves on them. I trim a few branches off them and pull them up to my stand along with my bow. I attach them to the tree with my safety belt that goes around the tree. I also stick some in the front of the treestand platform in the grill. It's worked quite well and I've even had times when I had to prune out shooting lanes in my brush!:D

RE: What's that blob?
 

It's simple, ASAT especially in the 3D wear.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Stand more than sit.Around here I like having the holly trees behind or next to me...stay green all year. We still have some leaves left but not for long.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I choose my stands based on back-ground. Peramanent stands always have a pine of some sort in the back gound. With a climber you have to adjust as the seasons change.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Rob/PA said it all.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I'm not buying that ASAT comment, I love my 3d leafy suit dont get me wrong. But if you dont have some background cover they will still pick you off real quick, ASAT isnt some magic camo that is invisible to deer. I always try to look for a tree that has a smaller treenext to it, thesmaller trees branches canhelp break you up. Other than that try placing branches around your stand, I like the fake X-mas tree branches idea might have to try that.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Lefty, I know that ASAT isn't the end-all solution, but if there are any limbs in the background from the field of view that the deer sees, it's pretty darn good. I've worn mine every time I've been out this year, and have yet to be spotted by a deer. Some of them have gotten wind of me, but never were sure they saw me. As long as there are limbs in the skyline above you, the ASAT works like a champ.

DaveH, instead of buying some of the camo material and putting it on my gun hunting treestand this year, I'm going to try your idea of using some branches with leaves. I had thought of doing that before, but your response was enough to make me actually do it. ;)

RE: What's that blob?
 

Branches should help.

RE: What's that blob?
 

You can do like I do and hunt off of the ground, its a whole new challenge. There is a big difference between having a deer 5 feet from the base of the tree and having one five feet form your face.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Yeah, I like hunting off the ground too, but when you're gun hunting in the mountains, a tree stand gives you the best view. There are certain places I can see from a treestand that I just can't see from the ground. You're right though- ground hunting is a totally different experience.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I know what you mean, but you'd realy be surprised.......Predator Fall Grey is the answer! Go alittle higher and with a Predator Fall Grey of a ASAT pattern. You dissappear!

GoodLuck!

RE: What's that blob?
 

Don't think so. No camo in the world will work without blending into the surroundings. Yea, it's a good product but like anything else out there on the market it won't work by itself.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Good ole' Michigan pine and evergreen trees!

RE: What's that blob?
 

For those late season hunts with no foilage on the trees try Sticks N Limbs camo. It blends in very well with the branches and sky. If you have any darker evergreens in the back ground you will stick out. Other wise this camo works very well.
www.bowhuntingstore.com

Konk

RE: What's that blob?
 

I use naked north patern by Moutain Prarie. Hunt high in a tree, try to get into the crotch of a big red oak is the best. Plan for sunrise or sunset pending on your hunt.

RE: What's that blob?
 

You'd be surprised how invisible you are to game. Yes, sitting in a tree with no cover etc, they might look at you for a second but they'll dismiss you all but immediately. Until one wears it, one doesn't understand....I wouldn't preach it if I didn't wear it or believe in it....I've talked to, waved at and moved intentionally on game I wasn't interested in to test it...simply put, they just can't figure you out. It truly does amaze me. Sure it's not magic, and ya'll can be skeptic but those that wear it, understand what I'm talking about...

RE: What's that blob?
 

Actually I'd put money down on ASAT up against any camo on the market in a stand alone situation for animals, animals not humans and it'll out conceal the others.....so again, my answer is ASAT..it's simple.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Hey PA Bowyer, are you sure you're not the Rob who owns ASAT? We huntedin Alberta with the same outfitter this Nov.:)

RE: What's that blob?
 

Pick the biggest tree possible and do not be outlined against the sky. No matter the camo, when you are "skylined" the chances are much higher of being seen by deer. Being parallel with trails is also paramount. This time of year especially andfacing the deer trails, well we stick out like a fungus on the side of a tree. I also start hunting on the ground more often using brush, fallen down trees and stumps in the background and foreground. You might be amazed at how many deer will look into the trees as they slowly make their way along trails toward feeding areas after encountering hunters all season.

RE: What's that blob?
 

You are so right in everything you said couger.

RE: What's that blob?
 

No, different Rob, but I know who your talking about and he needs to wake up a bit.....

Good post Cougar Mag.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I disagree with the ''get higher in the tree'' responses. Next time your in the woods look up 15 feet in a tree and then look up 30 feet in that same tree. Most of the time you will have more background at 15 feet. The higher you get the more likely it becomes that the skyis your background. I used to hunt at 25-30 feet and get picked off alot. This year I've stayed around 15 feet and have had only one deer check me out and even it eventually kept going and offered a shot. The only advantage I see to hunting high in a tree is keeping your scent above the deer, but if you play the wind correctly this is not a factor. When you stay a little lower in the tree you have more background and a better shot angle. I used ASAT camo for the first time this year and I think it helps too. Just my $.02.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Hey C-WOODS, I agree with what you said and it makes sense!

RE: What's that blob?
 

PA Bowyer, what did you mean when you said he needs to wake up? Imet him for the first time up in Alberta. He seemed allright.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I like to pick my stands where there is atleast one hemlock/pine tree very close by.I think this really helps when the leaves fall.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Coug nailed it...

Then, take a peek at this pic as well. How's this for late-season disappearing? Obviously, there's some on here that swear by their ASAT, but this one's the pattern for me:

RE: What's that blob?
 

In terms of camo, ASAT, Predator or leafy can all help. I use both Predator and leafy this time of year depending on the spot,but there's no subsititute for good background cover and placement. Also you gotta stand most of the time and it's much more critical toSTAY STILL!!! The good news is that if you pay attention, you should see the deer much farther out and therefore have the opportunity to get into position before they get close enough to bust you.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I'm not down playing the effectiveness of ASAT, I wear it every hunt and love the stuff, but its not a cure all. I was on a hunt the other week, I was running late getting into the woods and I didnt go all the way to the tree I usually hunt. I just found a tree and scurried up it, once up there I realized I was pretty out in the open but I didnt want to move as the sun was already coming up. Sure enough I have a nice buck come in out of some thick cover, I'm 25' up in my tree andthe buck is at 8 yards, I slightly moved to be in position to draw when hegot behind a tree. As soon as I moved his head shot straight up, I froze but the gig was up, he got the hell out of dodge. My ASAT 3d leafy suit didnt save me from my poor decision to climb a bare tree and leave myself out in the open. ASAT is awesome and with some cover behind you, I agree you can get away with a lot. But I dont care what camo you have on if you are
silhouetted with no background cover a deer will bust you.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I like to huint in spruce trees this late in the year.This way you have year round cover.Also helps to cover up your scent.

RE: What's that blob?
 

All that pine, spruce and hemlock is great if they growin your area. These trees aren't in my area so much. That's why I'm going to try the screw in branch holders. These should help alot in breaking up my "blob" like appearance.I have some beech branches that still keep thier leaves cut to fit so I think this should work.

RE: What's that blob?
 

Another thing to take into account is mature deer have usually already busted other hunters in trees, and will spook a LOT easier when they see something suspicious in trees.
I go up 25' and wear mossy oak stuff mostly. I'm okay as long as I'm STILL...I'd LOVE to try the ASAT stuff...if someone wants to donate a set. :)

RE: What's that blob?
 

I think MQ1's pattern is the best for the almost always gray skys we have in Mich. I try to use an open pattern if Ihunt above 15' if I am lower 12' to ground level I'll use darker andI have some old camo(military) netting I use for cover front or back depending on what cover is around me. It's suprising how much movement you can get away withbehind camo cover. I also use a cover scent and try to match my surroundings (cedar/earth). When hanging stands I usually try for something with background behind me (that's why the 10'-12' stand heights).

RE: What's that blob?
 

keep alot of break up behind you....some times i use that camo mesh stuff if i can't get a good cover any other way.

RE: What's that blob?
 

I'm with talondale...go higher and be more conscience of your movement.

Kelly