Which Camo Pattern Should You Choose?

by
posted on April 7, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
qa_ah2015_fs.jpg (22)

undefinedQ: There are so many camo patterns to choose from today that I'm not sure which one to buy. Can you help?

A: Despite what you may see in ads, no single pattern is optimal in all environments. The most important thing to think about is matching a pattern to your hunting location and its landscape.

If you are planning your hunt in the American West or Africa, choose an open pattern like Realtree Max-1 or Cabela's Zonz Western. Striped patterns such as Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades and Predator 3D Deception work well in reedy and brushy terrain. On the other hand, blotched patterns like Cabela's Seclusion 3D and Realtree Xtra Green blend with leafy, deciduous terrain. If snow covers the landscape, go with something that has a good bit of white in it.

You may want to consider mixing patterns. Turkey hunters sometimes choose one type of camo for their trousers and another for their jacket or shirt. Wearing this combination, their bottom half blends with the ground while their torso matches a tree trunk when they set up to call. For the utmost concealment, don't forget to camouflage your face and your equipment, as both can reflect sunlight.

Latest

Ledehunter With Dog
Ledehunter With Dog

Public Opportunity on Private Land: Walk-in Access Programs

State game managers have come up with an array of walk-in access programs for private lands. These state-led initiatives partner with willing landowners to open thousands—sometimes millions—of acres of land to the public at little or no extra cost. Read on for some of the best options in the country.

Early Spring Turkey Tactics that Work

A hunter strokes the paddle on a box call emitting a loud yelp into the predawn air. The thunderous reply has blood boiling at both ends of this dance. What now? Read on for some early spring turkey tactics that work.

New for 2026: Imperial Whitetail Sorghum Select

Hunters and land managers looking to add additional feeding opportunities now have a new option: Imperial Whitetail brand Sorghum Select from the Whitetail Institute. This blend combines two premium hybrid sorghum varieties to deliver a high-yielding, palatable, nutritious grain crop.

Hunting Adventure: Pursuing the Prince of the Plains

A veteran of many safaris finally hunts the game atop his wish list. Follow along with Scott Haugen as he stalks sable through South Africa.

New for 2026: Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig

Always scrambling to find the right call in one of a thousand pockets? The Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig eliminates that problem by putting everything front and center, exactly where it should be.

First Look: Mossberg Special Edition 590 Bliksem

Mossberg has released its 590 Bliksem, a Special Edition pump-action firearm created in collaboration with Christian Craighead and his brand, Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.