Clothing
I
recommend full camouflage from head to toe. I don't use
orange. I personally feel it's not needed during archery
season. Deer are color blind but do notice brighter colors
as brighter shades of gray. My favorite is cheap
camouflage coveralls from K-mart. I like coveralls because
they go on fast, are warmer because no air can get up
inside a jacket, and bugs or ticks can't get at you. You
can go up from here to higher priced, better insulated,
scent lock type coveralls. The scent lock type absorb body
odors and may help. If your after trophy bucks, take a
serious look at scent lock clothing. The bigger bucks are
the smartest and if there is any hint of danger, they
approach from down wind. These have got to help. Rubber
camouflage boots are recommended to block foot odor (some
need these more than others). If you don't have
rubber boots, try putting plastic bags over your socks.
For your head, a simple hat is not good enough. Get
something with camouflage that covers all of your head and
neck with an opening for your front face only. I prefer
something with a visor or brim in front to block rain and
the sun from your face. Face netting and face paint could
help. Face paints might help if a close deer spots you. If
you get spotted by a deer and don't move, many times the
deer will not spook. If the deer has a hard time seeing
your painted face, the better for you. Camouflage gloves
are necessary too. If it's warm in your area, you might
want to carry your hunting clothes and put them on at your
stand to avoid getting too warm. Keep your clothing quiet.
Be very careful of plastic buckles, game calls or anything
else in your chest area that could make a noise. I
recently had a large 8 point within 20 yards when my deer
call hit the arrow nock. The deer looked right at me then
ran. Don't forget to wash your cloths occasionally. After
2-4 hunting days, your cloths will give off more body
odor.
Take your State's
Hunter's Safety Course and Get your License
Most
states offer an archery hunters safety course. I can't
remember the hours required, but the New York State Course
lasted 2 - 3 days and there was a test at the end. Most of
the information in the course is safety related. They
generally let you shoot different bows and set up a tree
stand. It can be a lot of fun especially with a friend or
two.