bow hunting ghillie suits
No one seems to want to argue that the term “ghillie” comes to us from the northern part of the British isles. There is however some discussion on the origin of ghillie suits from that point. Supposedly the first ghillie suits were used as portable hunting blinds by Scottish gamekeepers (or poachers).
During the second Boer War the British adapted the ghillie suit to military use. It must have been successful, because it has been used in the military in every war since. Primarily used by snipers and recon operatives, and for obvious reasons neglected by the masses of troops, who have opted for camouflage patterns on more traditional clothing.
Things have come full circle as today ghillie suits are again being worn by the more determined and successful hunters and by some paintballers. Some “purists” will spend many tedious hours building their ghillie suit from scratch. An admirable undertaking, but not very practical since excellent suits can be purchased at a price far less than that spent in time and material as a DIY project. Online stores such as Ghilliesandstuff.com carry a variety of ghillie suits in all sizes and patterns. If one just likes the idea of a do-it-yourself suit, then kits complete with instructions are available at the same places.
Bowhunters after wild turkey can especially benefit from a ghillie suit. Instead of popping up from behind a blind and rushing your aim, one could wear their blind. There are suits made for the particular needs of bow hunters and in either left or right hand models. A bow hunter might also opt for a ghillie poncho. Use a half blind for the bottom half and a poncho up top.
Paintballers could also find the ghillie poncho suits their needs, as it allows for a much greater range of mobility. There are ultra light full body suits that also lend themselves to the man on the move. In paintball circles there are always the “Rabid Running Rickeys” who would be better advised to just get a good set of camouflage clothing.
In the early days , by the very nature of a ghillie suit, they were really dangerous fire hazards. For some time now most of them have been treated with a fire retardant substance. The newer suits are manufactured from fire retardant materials. And that is another argument against building from scratch.
If you are determined to build one yourself, don’t make a career out of one suit. Use an old jumpsuit or an old pair of pants and heavy shirt or jacket as the base. Attach appropriately colored strips of cloth to it by whatevers means you prefer( sewing, glueing, etc.). Cut slits in it for vegging it in the field. A heavy spray with deer urine and you’re in business. Dump it in the garbage when you get thru with it and make another one next time.
Happy woodsying!
James Mizzell
About the Author:
I am James Mizzell, owner of 3 websites; www.ghilliesandstuff.com www.peggyspretties.com www.melanesianskincare.com I am retired, living in Florida and working on another site.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Ghillie Suit
Ghillie Suits
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