It was estimated that around 11.5 million people hunted in 2021 on average. This means that around 4% of the US population hunts as a necessity or a sport.
If you're interested in the history of hunting camouflage, you aren’t alone. Many hunters are intrigued by how camo came to be and how it evolved.
The reality is that the early forms of camouflage were very different. Modern options for hunting camo provide more functions and more diversity.
Keep reading to find out more about the history of hunting camouflage.
Where Did Camo Begin?
camo gear is something that has been around for a very long time. It was first created to protect animals and soldiers during battle.
It worked by mimicking the colors and patterns of their surroundings. This allowed them to remain hidden during battle, increasing their risk of survival.
Before camo, military uniforms signified different units. It was more about showing what side you were on, rather than blending in.
Although, their version of camouflage did not look like what we have now. The first type of camo was a solid khaki color to appear more like the soil.
This was first sold in 1848, a drastic change from the bright red and green uniforms previously used. Over time, the French became big fans of using camouflage to protect their soldiers.
The first camo uniforms came to be in 1929 from the Italians. This was a pattern that was more similar to what we consider camo today.
History of Hunting Camouflage
The early forms of camouflage were often used for battle by soldiers. Even today, the military still uses plenty of camo suit and gear options for specific units.
But the benefits of camouflage are most often found in hunting. This is the area where camo evolved the most when it became useful for hunting prey.
Hunting camo came to be in the 1980s when a man made a camo pattern to look like twigs and leaves over bark. This created a 3D camo effect that took off fast.
Bill Jordan made this design and he was able to make a success of it. As the years progressed, camouflage patterns evolved into different shades and images.
Today, there is an endless amount of camo patterns available for hunters. These camo patterns allow you to choose the right pattern for the situation.
How Hunting Camo Has Evolved
Now that you know the history of hunting camouflage, how has it evolved? We already know that it has become a hunting necessity, but what are the changes that have been made?
Camouflage today is unrecognizable when compared to the first few options. A lot of science has gone into how camouflage is designed for better hunting.
This is why you have to be very picky about the kinds of camouflage you choose. They are not made equally, and different camouflage is going to be better depending on your situation.
Appearance
There are four different kinds of camouflage patterns you usually have to choose from. This includes concealing coloration, disguise, mimicry, and disruptive coloration.
Some patterns are meant to mimic the surrounding landscape. For instance, if you were hunting in the woods, you may choose camouflage that looks like bark and branches.
If you are hunting in a desert landscape, you may choose a khaki and brown splotched camouflage. No matter where you are hunting, you want to choose camouflage with similar colors.
At the heart of camo, it is centered on helping the hunter to become one with the environment. Without this, you would stick out like a sore thumb and attract too much attention.
Keep in mind that there are some more versatile patterns than others. QuikCamo offers both Mossy Oak and Realtree camouflage patterns.
These were the two original camouflage patterns that were designed in the 80s and 90s.
Uses
The functionality of 3D camo has also changed significantly. A lot of gear that is now made has a strong functional aspect.
For instance, QuikCamo offers a variety of options that are perfect for hunting. This includes its collapsible hunting hat and mask combo.
This is a camouflage hat with a mask attached to completely disguise your face. When you are not using it, it collapses and can be stored in a backpack or pocket.
Multi-functional camo gear is especially useful when you are hunting. It limits the gear you have to carry and gives you more options in one.
Why is Camo a Hunting Essential?
If you are a hunter, having a hunting camo checklist is essential. Thie right type of hunting gear can make or break your hunting trip.
This is more than simply having a hunting outfit. This pattern helps you to blend in with your surroundings and hunt more efficiently and safely.
Break Up the Shape
A lot of animals are able to identify different shapes in their surroundings. They may not be able to focus on you specifically or even notice different colors.
But the majority of animals are able to identify an unusual shape nearby. This is part of why camo is so vital, as it breaks up your natural physical shape.
The splotchy pattern of the camo distracts the eye and breaks up any visible lines. This is why camo is not just about the colors, it is about the pattern and texture.
This will help you to integrate more with your surroundings so you aren’t spotted by your prey.
Blend into the Background
There are plenty of animals that are able to identify different colors. This can put you in a bad position if you aren’t wearing actual hunting gear.
Hunting gear is designed to help you blend in with the colors of nature. This will help you to not give off any color signals that could scare away animals.
It also protects you by helping you to stay better disguised so that other animals aren’t hunting you.
Choosing the Right Camo Gear
Now that you understand how camouflage works, you need to choose your gear. You want to make sure you are buying high-quality gear that is going to help you in the best way.
You should choose this gear according to specific things about your hunting trip. This will guarantee that you will have more success and stay safer.
Here are some details to consider before making the purchase.
Season
You will need to understand the season that you will be hunting in. This is because the landscape changes, and you may need a different style or color of camo.
The camo jacket features should match the landscape. If you are hunting in winter, you may need to lean towards lighter camo shades to blend in with the snow.
You also need to choose options that will keep you warm in winter or cool and summer.
Landscape
You should be familiar with the type of landscape you are going to be hunting in. You will want to choose a camo pattern that helps you to disguise yourself in that area.
This will help you to stay hidden during long hunting trips without interrupting nature. You don’t want to scare away smaller animals, as that can scare away your target prey.
Species
The type of animal you are hunting will also determine the camo you choose. This is because different animals are more sensitive to different things.
An animal may be able to identify shapes before they recognize colors. In this case, you would want to choose a camo that distracts from the shape of your body.
If the animal is more sensitive to natural colors, you need a camo that matches the surroundings. Choosing your camo according to the animal you are hunting will help you to be more successful.
History of Hunting Camouflage Over Time
There is a lot to the history of hunting camouflage when you go back in time. Camo gear has been around for a long time, just not in the form that we imagine.
If you are going to be buying gear like fingerless hunting gloves and jackets, you need to do a bit of research. There are many camo patterns available that are suitable for specific things.
It is also a good idea to buy functional gear that reduces what you need to bring with you.
Are you interested in buying high-quality camo hunting gear for your next trip? Contact us today at QuikCamo to shop by gear type and season.
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