What is the Best Camo Pattern for Turkey Hunting?

Turkey hunting requires expert concealment. A turkey’s vision is sharp allowing it to detect even the slightest movements from great distances. Choosing the optimal camouflage pattern is crucial for staying hidden when pursuing these vigilant birds. But with so many camo patterns on the market it can be challenging to select the best option for your hunting environment. This article will examine the most effective camo patterns for turkey hunting and provide tips for maximizing your concealment.

How a Turkey’s Vision Impacts Camo Selection

A turkey has phenomenal eyesight, with visual acuity 5-6 times greater than a human Their retinas contain cone-shaped photoreceptors that allow them to detect color across the visible light spectrum This grants turkeys superior ability to distinguish between colors and patterns compared to humans.

Turkeys also have a 270° field of vision, allowing them to scan for threats across a wide area without moving their head. Even the back of a turkey’s head has specialized feathers that allow it to see behind itself. With such incredible visual abilities, remaining unseen by a turkey requires true mastery of camouflage.

Matching Your Camo to the Environment

To stay concealed, your camo pattern must blend into the backdrop. The optimal camouflage differs based on the hunting conditions:

• Early season – When vegetation is still brown and sparse, patterns with more brown and black work best. Popular choices are Mossy Oak’s Bottomland and Realtree’s Timber patterns.

• Mid season – As greens emerge, transition to patterns incorporating greens, tans, browns and blacks. Good options include Mossy Oak’s Break-Up Country and Sitka’s Optifade Open Country.

• Late season – When foliage is fully green, brighter green dominated patterns work best. The best choices are Mossy Oak’s Obsession and Realtree’s Edge.

• Open terrains – In open fields, bare dirt patterns like Mossy Oak’s New Break-Up work well.

• Snow – Opt for white dominated winter snow patterns, like Sitka’s Optifade Snow or Kryptek’s Highlander.

Recommended Camo Patterns by Region

The optimal camo also depends on the habitat you are hunting. Here are top pattern recommendations for different regions:

• Eastern woodlands – Mossy Oak Obsession, Realtree Edge, Mossy Oak Bottomland

• Midwestern farmlands – Mossy Oak Breakup Country, Realtree Timber

• Southeastern wetlands – Toxey Haas Mossy Oak Bottomland, Realtree Max-5, Natural Gear Tidal Marsh

• Southwestern deserts – Mossy Oak New Break-Up, Sitka Open Country

• Western mountains – Kryptek Highlander, Sitka Optifade Elevated II

• Pacific Northwest – Kryptek Highlander, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country

Utilizing 3D Camo for Superior Concealment

Three-dimensional camo utilizes shapes and textures that mimic leaves, twigs, blades of grass and other natural elements. This works better than standard 2D patterns to break up the body’s outline. Brands like Natural Gear specialize in 3D camo suits ideal for turkey hunting. Wearing 3D camo over your normal camo garments enhances concealment.

Leafy mesh 3D suits are particularly effective when running and gunning, allowing you to vanish into vegetation. When sitting still, layered 3D camo helps distort your human silhouette. This prevents detection if only a portion of your body is visible.

Using Proper Camo Techniques

Your clothing’s camo pattern means little if you don’t utilize proper concealment techniques:

• Mask exposed skin. A turkey can detect the white of bare hands or face even at a distance. Wear camo facemasks and gloves to blend these exposed areas.

• Remain still. Movement draws the eye, so avoid excess motion when turkeys are near.

• Sit against natural backdrops. Position yourself with trees, logs or vegetation as a backdrop to blend into the scenery. Avoid open sky behind you.

• Use decoys and blinds. Decoys draw attention away from you while blinds conceal movement. Natural blinds like bushes enhance camouflage.

• Play the wind. Keep the wind in your face so your scent doesn’t give away your presence.

With the right strategy, having the optimal camo for your hunting grounds will help you remain invisible to even the wariest gobbler. Do your homework on the local habitat and research camo patterns suited for that environment. Use proper concealment techniques and you will dramatically increase your odds of success on your next turkey hunt.