Editor’s Note: Hank Parker is the host of three television shows, “Hank Parker 3D” on the Pursuit Channel, “Hank Parker’s Flesh and Blood” on the Outdoor Channel and the “Hank Parker Outdoor Magazine” fishing show on the Pursuit Channel and NBC Sports Network. Parker won the Bassmaster Classic in 1979 and 1989 and is an avid outdoorsman.
The real test of any camouflage is to sit still, while a deer or turkey is looking straight at you. During turkey season, a gobbler may see some portion of my silhouette, because I haven’t sat beside a tree wider than my shoulders. Being a big, tall, fat guy, finding a big tree to sit in front of is a problem for me. Sometimes I have to sit in front of a pine tree, if a turkey gobbles too close, and I don’t have time to move and find another tree. The base of a pine tree only may be 12 inches in diameter, and I’m 36- to 38-inches wide. So, my silhouette may stick-out. Often in the spring when a gobbler comes in to my calling and sees that big blob at the base of a skinny pine, that turkey will sit there and stare at me for what seems like days. Finally, he’ll be convinced what he’s looking at is some natural bush or brush that’s grown-up in front of that tree. Then, the gobbler either will continue on the path he’s traveling or come-in closer, thinking the hen he’s heard may be behind that bush at the bottom of the pine tree. This is the reason I am such a fan of Mossy Oak Obsession. Many hunters will wear dark camouflage in the spring, but I don’t believe they’re as invisible as I am in my Mossy Oak Obsession.
When I’m deer hunting, I really believe in being one with a tree. I’m very particular about the type of tree stand I use. I like a tree stand that allows me to sit-up against the trunk of the tree and become a part of the tree. By wearing Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, I feel I can appear to be part of the tree. You may not believe this, but when I’ve been sitting still in a tree wearing Break-Up Infinity, I’ve actually had squirrels jump on my shoulder. Evidently they’ve thought I’m a tree limb. If I can fool a squirrel from up close, I’m pretty sure a deer can’t recognize me from far off.
Day 2: Outdoorsman Hank Parker Has Learned That Camouflage Includes Sitting Still and Being Quiet
Tomorrow: Mossy Oak’s Hank Parker’s Never Ending Deer Hunt for the Big 8 Buck
