| When I first wrote
"Modern Wildfowling" back in 1980, I complained that most
wildfowlers had to make do with waxed cotton waterproofs that were
too heavy and far too dark for aiding concealment on the marsh.
Especially in late winter, the predominant colours are those of
faded straw shades and the traditional coat stuck out like a sore
thumb.
By the time I wrote "Fowler in
the Wild" I was able to report that some modern breathable
fabrics like Goretex or Ventile had led to great improvements in
wildfowling clothing but we were still left with the problem that
almost all garments were far to dark in colour.
Nowadays the situation has improved
dramatically. New camouflage patterns have been developed
specifically for wildfowling (or waterfowling as our American cousins
call it) and a range of excellent jackets, trousers, hats, etc. are
available. Over in the USA you can even get armchair and settee
covers in those patterns for your living room! And, I suppose, the
daftest idea I saw in an American sporting superstore was a
camouflaged wallet. Just imagine dropping that in the reeds!
My own favourite pattern is Mossy Oak
"Shadow Grass" which is just about as faded as you would
want. It blends in even better when it gets some real estuary mud on
it. I have been using an outfit in this pattern for the past four
years and am delighted with it.
Also available is the Realtree
equivalent which carries the name "Wetlands". This one
seems just a trifle too bold to my eye but, again, it should improve
with weathering and exposure to the saltmarsh.
Now, at last, there are clothing
ranges available, from a variety of manufacturers, which really do
suit wildfowling and the good news is that they are increasingly
becoming available in the UK.
|
Mossy Oak "Shadow Grass"
Realtree "Wetlands" |
