Hunting in Ghillies

[Dave Bowers]

I was wondering if anyone here wears a ghillie suit for hunting? And if so could you give me your opinions on it. I've worn them before while in the Corps and that style wasn't too comfortable. But I had saw several model geared toward the bowhunter and have been considering getting one.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Being in the corp you should be able to make your own... just remember less is best... You will also have to cut smaller pieces where the bow string passes. I'm going to sew some wool cutting to an old shirt to ghillie it up some.

[Jack Denbow]

Last year I hunted some wearing a Shaggie Longcoat. I liked it a lot and plan to use it more this year as these old bones don't like climbing trees as much as they used to. Here is a deer's eye view of one of my set-ups.
 

[Bill Carlsen]

I got one from Cabelas and after trimming to clear the bow string it works great.

[Eric Krewson]

I have a Rancho Safari suit. I hunted in it some last year and during this years turkey season. One doe caught me moving, turkeys didn't notice me at all.

I have the light weight version and it is still too hot to hunt in if the temp is over 60 degrees.

[Dave Bowers]

Ok so some trimming will be in order? That was one of concerns.

mysticguido, yeah I have made them before, but I just dont have the time it takes to build one.Thats why I am considering buying one. I need all the edge I can mustersince I'll be on public land this year....lol

Thanks for the replies.

[Talondale]

I have the Rancho Safari short coat and found that to be enough, and much cheaper.  Yes, definitely trim the arm.  I thought I had done enough but missed a turkey this spring when my string caught a strand.  Also take in consideration wind.  Those strands that are out of the way on a calm day may be reaching into your string when the wind is up.

[Orion]

I had a Rancho Safari that I had used a little last year.  Was planning to use it much more this year, but someone broke into my cabin and stole it and lots of other stuff about a month ago.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

be careful on state land here in jersey.... if the bears don't get you thinking your there new mate, the non-trad hunters will....

[rbbhunt]

Check with  www.arkansasquartermaster.com,  they have a light weight one that you can get in woodland and desert camo.  I have one of each, one for early season and one for late season hunts.  A little trimming and they work great.  They are a little cooler as the base is a mesh and no other liner.  One hint though, get suspenders for the pants.

[OkKeith]

Hey Dave,

I have one of the Rancho Safari ghillies (bought it used for $100). It is the pants, top and boonie hat type of set. It is made up of strips of non-cotton (or cotton blend, definitly not 100% cotton) camo cloth. I am pretty tall so the jacket is not as long as I like, but it works just fine.

The non-cotton cloth doesn't soak up in the rain too bad. As far as effectivness, I think it is hard to beat. Even compared to a blind.

I have several spots in the woods where I hunt, that I already have a few dead branches stacked around to sit in. Not a full brush-blind by any means, just a good spot with some front cover and a backdrop. I have done well with this set up.

Here is a picture of my suit in action. This is actually my niece. We were taking turns wearing it and doing a little hide and seek.
 
We have one really large field (80 acres) with several little wetlands in it where we hog hunt and shoot a few ducks. The grass is anywhere from knee high to over head high and the outfit works well there too.

I have a buddy who bought one of the cheapy string material type of ghillies, and he wasn't to happy with it (I think it is made more for wanna-be paintballers). It was sparsely made and the jute string is heavy dry, and unmanageable wet.

Guess what all the rambleing adds up to is, they work VERY well for me. I managed to luck into a very high quality set for a good price. After having used one for 3 or 4 years now, would I buy one for full price? Knowing what I know now, you bet!

I think the Rancho ones are the best quality, and (I think) they actually make the Cabela's brand. Another buddie bought the 3/4 jacket so he wouldn't have to mess with pants and has really liked it.

Hope this is type of info you wanted.
OkKeith

[Dave Bowers]

Thanks for the info all, I think I am gonna go with a shaggy from rancho safari? But I am not totally positive.

[Kevin L.]

Up here, Maine Military Supply has two models. I finally wore out my old one that I made at Benning, so I'll probably make another for this year. I just hate the thought of "breaking it in". I'm not as young as I was the last time, LOL.

Forgot the link:  https://www.mainemilitary.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=98

They're good folks to deal with and have a LOT of stuff.

[B4NZ41]

I wear a 3D camo leafy suit thing. I like it because  it's quiet, by itself it's lighter weight than a pair of jeans (so it's nice for warm weather), I can wear a bunch of warm stuff underneath it, and it costs about as much as any other set of decent camo  pants and jacket.

Plus it looks cool.  :D

[sendero25]

Dave, I have a 2 piece Synthetic Ghillie,
It looks similar to the one in Cabelas, it is made of string instead of burlap strips.
It is a great suit so far, no see-um screen material against the skin with netting sewed to that. Totally bug proof.
The strings are tied to the net.
The biggest drawback is it HANGS ON EVERYTHING!
Not a great stalking suit if you have thorns or vines.
Check out Miles Tactical online, my suit costs $139.00, they have other models including a bow hunter that has no string material on the bow arm and across the chest.
Hope this helps,
John

[sendero25]

Dave,
Miles Tactical web site is  www.theghilliesuits.com
John

[mjh]

I bought a Bushrag kit.  Go to Bushrag.com  Light weight synthetic material mix and match to blend to your location. Kit was eay to put together and of resonable cost. Have used it two seasons now and when ground hunting its my go to set up. Used to use a blind alot but use th Ghillie now.

[Tbilisi]

Just curious.  How many have been close to deer and actually shot deer while wearing a gillie?

[fireman_3311]

I've killed 2 deer, while wearing my Rancho Safari ghillie...one at 17 yds, and the other at 10! Plan on killin more this fall with it!!!

[ozy clint]

hey jack denbow, thats you on the left isn't it? LOL