On a recent PBS hunt in Ohio, I was sitting in a stand when I thought of a different type of hunting tactic. It was unseasonably warm and I was hoping for cold weather.
Last year, I mistakenly left my heater body suit to close to my wood stove. I was hoping to get it covered in smoke cover scent but ended up melting a apple size hole in it. I immediately ordered a new suit which left my old one hanging in my hunting closet. I went to the local goodwill and bought a kids polar fleece jacket, cut the sleeves and repaired the hole. Next, I sutured ghilli netting with four pound test fishing line to my old suit. I shoe glued the suture contact points as seen in the pic below.
I took one of my polar fleece hats an attached netting to match.
I then started the process of making my heater body suit into a ghillie. I attached synthetic thread, burlap, and rancho safari material to my suit.
I then made a draw shield out of carbon arrows and attached the ghillie material to it as seen below.
I then experimented with pictures to see how it would blend with my woods. Tonya took several pictures at different angles to test the effectiveness of the suit.
I wanted a method that you could hunt anywhere in the woods, stay warm and be effective. If anyone that knows me, knows that I hate being cold and thats why I like my heater body suits.
Another method that I employ is a polar fleece vest with pockets sewed into the back. One above each kidney and one in the middle. I put those body heat pads into to the pockets and I stay warm under the most miserable conditions. I usually have hot hands in each pocket to keep my hands warm. It usually has to be pretty cold for me to do this.
Another important aspect of the system is a comfortable chair that you can take anywhere and set up on uneven ground. I bought a millennium chair and it is perfect. I tried to use a ground blind bow holder but prefer a telescopic bow holder attached to a tree. I set up my chair next to a tree that adds to my concealment. I then hang my bow out in front of me so I have easy access and I can hide behind my draw shield. With little time, you can set up several ambush spots throughout your hunting area.
I will post a video of the finished product in action. I usually roll my suit up and put straps around it I purchased at Walmart. Before I put the suit on, I lay it down and leaves attach to the suit. Tonya walked our four dogs past me at 3 yards and they were unaware of my presence. I store it on my wood in my wood shed.