The Ultimate Guide to Camouflage Netting

The Ultimate Guide to
Camouflage Netting
The most extensive guide to date on the
features and benefits of choosing the
right camo netting for your next hunt.
AbatureOutpost.com |
770.558.4784
Who is this
guide for?
If you’ve ever tried to purchase camo netting
before you know how daunting the task can
be. With so many different patterns, pricing
and features, it can be difficult to choose the
perfect net to keep you concealed on your
next hunt. We here at Abature Outpost have
set out to create this guide to help ease some
of the pain.
Table of Contents
1. Regions and Species (NE, SE, MW, W)
2. Pattern
3. Resistance to the Elements
4. Noise reduction
5. Size
6. Make the investment
Different camo for
different regions
Different regions of the United States
may require vastly different camo netting
patterns. The surrounding terrain will
dictate the camo pattern that will keep you
concealed from your prey until you deliver
that deadly strike.
If you are planning a hunting excursion to
another area of the United States it would be
best to do your research ahead of time about
the terrain you will be hunting. Nothing
levels the playing field between you and your
prey like the perfect camouflage net … and
nothing will make you stand out more than
using a camo pattern that does not fit your
surroundings. Ultimately, the choice is yours,
but the following region-specific sections
should be a solid guide for you to use as you
plan your hunts for years to come.
Northeast Region
From stalking the black bear or the white tail deer in the deep
northern forests to pitting wits against upland birds such as pheasant,
grouse, and partridge, hunters have ample opportunity to bring down
high quality game.
Prairie Grass
Killer Kamo
Digital Woodland
Green/Brown
Flyway
Snow
For those looking for upland birds, the prairie scheme of camo netting
may be ideal for concealing any signs of human presence such as
vehicles and stands.
White tail and black bear hunting grounds may be more suited to
the digital patterns or the green/brown mix, depending on the
surroundings. As always, you want a camo net that will match as closely
as possible, to the area you will be hunting. Keep in mind the seasonal
changes of the Northeast and select the proper camo netting pattern
for not only the area you are hunting, but also the time of year. Fall
hunts may require a pattern with more browns to blend into the autumn
leaves. The later in the fall your hunt is, you may even need to move to
a snow pattern of camo for the best concealment.
Southeast Region
Typical hunting adventures in the Southeast include Eastern turkey
hunting, quail, duck, wild boar, and many other animals and birds.
There is a wealth of upland bird hunting in the southeast, and variations
of prairie camo and even some green/brown variants will work very well
for this type of situation.
Digital Prairie Grass
Realtree MAX-4
Digital Woodland
Military Green/Brown
Broad Leaf Flyway
Broad Leaf Woodland
Reed patterns and green/browns can be great choices for waterfowl
hunting in the southeast, and even certain prairie camo netting patterns
may blend in well, depending on your particular hunting adventure.
These camo nets are water resistant and are light weight. It is important
to stay comfortable and dry making it easy for you to move from one
location to another the entire hunting season.
When using a camo net in an area around a lot of moisture, such as
hunting waterfowl, purchasing a net that also resists mold and mildew
is definitely a good investment. Not only do mold and mildew create an
unnatural smell, but they can cause discoloration and fading. Unnatural
smells are a big deterrent, as most hunters know. And camo netting that
is faded an discolored does not provide the concealment you want in for
your hunting trips.
Midwest Region
Midwestern hunters cover a wide variety of species including waterfowl such as ducks
and geese, upland birds such as grouse and partridge and turkey, and bigger game such
as white tail deer, coyote, and bear.
If you’re in the far northern part of the Midwest, hunting white tail in the forests of
Michigan, Wisconsin, or Minnesota, a digital pattern might be for the best. Keep in mind,
though, seasons in the northern most areas of the country have a more drastic change
than elsewhere. As fall approaches, you’ll want more of a green/brown pattern in your
camo netting.
When you are duck hunting, or hunting for other waterfowl in most northern areas keep in
mind that if you are using camo netting to disguise a vehicle or ATV, the pattern you need
in those areas may be more woodland. The pattern you need for your blind would be
better as a prairie or flyway pattern. Keep a close eye on the surroundings to make sure
you are hidden.
Green/Brown
Digital Woodland
Water resistant will keep you dry and comfortable during your hunt. The netting will not
be weighed down with water when you decide to move, or when your hunt is over.
If you are upland bird hunting in Iowa a dead duck pattern may help you blend in much
better which uses browns and grainy yellows.
Dead Duck
Flyway
Sage Brush
Digital Prairie Grass
Desert
Sage Brush
Snow
Southwest Region
Targeted species in the southwest include Mule deer, Elk, Mountain Lions, and Antelope.
You may even enjoy a big game hunting adventure and pit your skills against a big horn
sheep. In many of these locations, you’ll want to choose either a desert pattern in your camo
netting, or a sagebrush pattern, depending on the exact area where you will be hunting.
Also be aware, however, that some mountain locations will be snow covered, or partially
snow covered, during hunting season. If you are embarking on a mountain adventure, a
snow pattern camo netting will work great. Also keep in mind the weight of the netting you
have selected. Odds are that you will be packing everything in to where you will be hunting,
and that distance in itself can be difficult for many hunters. There are many light-weight
camouflage nets on the market that are suitable for hunts such as these.
For your mule deer hunts, a sagebrush pattern may be more natural-looking. Again, keep
in mind the weight of the netting you select. With some careful selection and research, you
will find a camo netting pattern that will work perfectly for every hunt you will take in the
southwest. Of course, keep in mind the desert patterns. While your hunt may not be taking
place directly in the desert, the colors in the terrain in which you find yourself may dictate
that the more brown, desert pattern, is a great compliment.
Killer Kamo
Digital Woodland
West Region
Praire Grass
Military Green/Brown
Broad Leaf Woodland
In the west, you might choose from many different species and types of hunts such as upland birds,
waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, elk, mule deer, white tail deer, wolf, black bear, and even
mountain goat. Again, a wide variety of different camo netting patterns will be needed for this
various hunts.
Upland bird hunting such as pheasant, grouse, and turkey is very popular in many of the western
states. Prairie patterns of camo netting work well in for these hunts. When you are hunting fall
fields, these patterns will help keep you hidden from your prey. Selecting a camouflage net that is
noiseless is a good idea, especially if you will be covering a blind or stand that you will occupy for
long periods of time. You will not have to worry about accidentally rubbing up against the netting
or moving around and making unnatural rustling sounds when you select a camo netting that does
not rustle or create a great deal of noise.
If you are putting camo netting on a stand or blind that will remain standing for a length of time, it may be
best to select a camo net with a mesh backing. The mesh does not add a lot of weight, so you will be able to
carry it a long distance to your hunting area. The mesh backing on some camo netting makes the net more
durable and helps it hold up to the elements. That makes mesh-backed netting a perfect choice for any
stand or blind that will be in the elements for the entire hunting season.
Keep in mind the areas in which you will be setting up. If you are in a forest hunting for bear, a
RealTree® pattern may work very well. As the summer turns to fall, a green/brown pattern is
probably a better choice.
Realtree MAX-4
Snow
Green/Brown
Broad Leaf Flyway
White tail and mule deer are much sought after in the western states as well. A green/brown pattern
may work well as much of the terrain is mountainous and contains mostly pines. Snow camouflage
netting may be a good choice for some mountain hunts as well. While you may be a great distance from
your prey, and hunting through a long-range scope, you will still do well to conceal yourself as much as
possible. So, for snow-covered mountain areas, snow camouflage is a great way to go, and selecting a
water-resistant camo net will not only keep you more comfortable, but it will mean your netting will not
get bogged down with water and too heavy for you to carry long distances.
The pattern can make all the difference.
The first thing you will want to look at when selecting camo netting is the
pattern. There are several patterns in the market today such as woodland,
broadleaf, snow, sagebrush, green/brown, desert, prairie, and others.
Be aware that camouflage netting is not a “one size fits all” selection.
You don’t want a “flat” looking pattern, but one that looks more 3D. There
are several on the market that will fit this bill. No matter which camo
style you choose, you will want the most realistic looking design that you
can find. Many of the new 3D designs, from even a short distance, look
incredibly realistic. That will greatly improve your chances of having a
successful hunt. It goes without saying that if your prey can’t see you, you
will have a much better chance.
Camouflage netting that resists the elements.
Durability is an imperative trait of a winning camo net. The last thing you need to worry about when hunting is if
your camo can endure the harsh elements. Another thing that goes hand in hand with durability is resistance to
mold, mildew, and fading. Not only do molds and mildews discolor inferior camo netting, but the smell is definitely
not natural and your prey will smell you up to miles away.
Camouflage netting can be cleaned with a hunting soap or a mixture of baking soda and water, and they should
be cleaned any time they are soiled. At the same time removing mold and mildew can be very difficult at best.
Most hunters agree that it is better to spend the extra money on netting that is resistant to these issues.
You also want your netting to be made from a material that will not fade. Faded camo netting does not look
realistic, and it won’t keep you concealed from your quarry. Fading is a definite enemy of camo netting, so look
for a netting that is fade resistant and you will enjoy happy hunting for years to come.
Noise reduction.
Unnatural noise during a hunt can quickly bring things
to an end. Some camouflage netting will rustle and
make a great deal of noise. The good news, is that
camo netting technology has come a long way in the
last few years. You can find netting on the market that
is very quiet and virtually rustle-free.
While this won’t ensure you a successful hunt, it will go
a long way toward keeping you hidden and concealed
from any birds or animals that you hunt.
Size matters!
Size does matter! Camouflage netting comes in many different sizes. It
is important to consider the size when selecting a camo net. One size is
perfect for concealing a blind or stand for just one person along with their
belongings. A larger size is necessary to cover a larger area such as your
ATV or truck. Concealing every clue that humans are present can be very
important and the right camo netting makes that very easy to achieve.
Make the investment!
You get what you pay for.
There is a wide variety of different camo nettings. The cheapest, as with
most things, is not always the best. If you are an avid hunter you will want
to spend the extra money on quality camo nets that will stand up to your
adventures. Here is a list of questions to consider when buying your camo
net. Good luck on your next hunt!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What is the terrain?
Do you need different camo netting for different species?
Can it resist the elements?
Is it durable enough for my hunting excursions?
Is it mold resistant?
Is it water resistant?
Is it comfortable to move around in?
What size do I need?
Will it allow me to move around quietly?
Is it scent-free?
AbatureOutpost.com |
770.558.4784