If there are any folks on here that, like me, are tired of being cooped up with the cold, rainy weather, I'd like to offer up a DIY craft project that can help you better dream about warmer weather and gobbling birds. To start, I have been a convert for many years to 3D camo like you find in the leafy suits. I have done some non-professional testing through observation of traditional camo and the 3D stuff at various distances. IMO, there is no comparison. The 3D stuff is heads and shoulders better than any of the camo out there. There is a reason that armed forces snipers use the gilli suits. And, through field use, I am convinced that the 3D lets you make a few more "mistakes" in movement with a gobbler looking at you.
But, one of the issues is that most of the leafy suit stuff just isn't very durable. If you hunt around saw briars, it won't last long. So, for years, I have been adding the 3D effect to my traditional camo turkey garments. I used the Sneaky Leaf stuff for a long time, but, it has gone out of production. My search for a replacement led me to Amazon where I found a product that is even better. A company that manufactures leafy suits sells their scrap in a 50 strip bundle: https://www.amazon.com/Arcturus-Loose-Leaf-Bundle-Camouflage/dp/B09C2SQ52N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FSE6EORVVU0M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O6L3Hgol8YbqTMZW8Meu7Z_aSgcFtgOeVIHX-qqirOA0lghNHaS6iLRGu4i88V-kZGqOvdXL-tGubok7cmA88g.ejarWH7WsCs6mxwQVB90MGeL11xcmfbiTrZBf4UeBw4&dib_tag=se&keywords=arcturus+3d+loose+leaf+bundle&qid=1740106797&sprefix=Arcturus+3D,aps,114&sr=8-1&th=1. I like the all season hardwood the best, but the summer green is great to add to turkey clothes as well.
The strips are about 18" long and have negligible weight. There are a couple of ways to use them. If you, or a significant other, are good with a needle and thread, the strip can be sewn onto a garment as it comes from the bundle. That is probably the quickest way to use it.
I am not skilled with the needle, so I opt to use a different method. I first cut each strip in half folded just to make it easier to deal with. I then cut the half strips right down the middle with scissors. I have found it quickest to do the whole bundle before I move on. After splitting the strips, I then take the half of half strips and cut them into either one or two "leaf" sections. It is sort of mind numbing stuff I do while half-azz watching something on TV. I store the "leaves" in a large ziplock bag for later use.
Once I have done the prep work, I glue the "leaves" onto my garment with Fabri-Tac glue: https://www.amazon.com/Beacon-Fabri-Tac-Permanent-Adhesive-Bottle/dp/B00A459606/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1D4GJL0UXMXTO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fgewWX8ByBhraDjaskN6Y8z-rHFhTgJuGWndn5eHuIkfBKDejtRz64j5bwKIfYrHgN2PG4zHem37qjsa0FDcY6OM8PtaQmXbQwRaBbmm-GDENcSQy1B3US454m60O9IsbNKadZHZQdvCx0R4DwkMLdCwrkEeeMnJtyLjIqI7hxFL-kv02WRMaPgGJ1aUMyZHe3blriOMwNpa68TGHKcz3_IbaxHwE3v0wQup8Q4GG3enW1JqWDLtvLdO6qGk4L1xLl7bgxbIU3-91_qYI9TvxfsEIYixISIJYTO_zbdkCWDYS1RgQnEEHhCGFr8asIHOg3rPC22QK2Ar3gxSTaxwpv0f_hVKlEN5J-rF-dcxUkEVYFIQlCvs0RJ45i0W9dGi5X7uiqSyHZJ2CYfeR_lDfU6RoNe5DvSpc_MzDJBv4Ym1yK06hgh_KGK80PloXGFX.vFlR-g8yiGkMYF5rcejA1uTKg7mHI9Nmp_wEhZBGEdo&dib_tag=se&keywords=fabritac+glue&qid=1740107683&sprefix=Fabritac,aps,92&sr=8-6&th=1
This glue hasn't degraded any of the clothing I have used it on. It sticks the "leaf" on where it takes a pretty good pull to get it off. Yes, I still lose some to briars, but, not as many as you might think. The gluing is a little messy, and you will get some on your fingers. But, it is sort of like Elmers in that if will peel off your fingers easily. My wife of almost 40 years just rolls her eyes as I do it as she has known for a very long time that I am certifiable when it comes to turkeys. To me, the custom garment is worth it in the end. One bundle will more than do a garment. I suspect you can do pants and shirt from a single bundle. I have also "3Ded" packs and turkey vests.
If you decide to give it a try, I have found that gluing with the "leaf" facing up is best as gravity causes it to fall away from the garment and really move in any wind. Again, the added weight is very slight. It does add a little rustling noise if you move so it isn't the best for bow hunting garments. But, for turkey and deer hunting from the ground like I do a lot, it is pretty darn effective. Good luck with my off season time killer!
Total cost of the materials for a couple of garments is around $35. Cheap fun that works.
But, one of the issues is that most of the leafy suit stuff just isn't very durable. If you hunt around saw briars, it won't last long. So, for years, I have been adding the 3D effect to my traditional camo turkey garments. I used the Sneaky Leaf stuff for a long time, but, it has gone out of production. My search for a replacement led me to Amazon where I found a product that is even better. A company that manufactures leafy suits sells their scrap in a 50 strip bundle: https://www.amazon.com/Arcturus-Loose-Leaf-Bundle-Camouflage/dp/B09C2SQ52N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FSE6EORVVU0M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O6L3Hgol8YbqTMZW8Meu7Z_aSgcFtgOeVIHX-qqirOA0lghNHaS6iLRGu4i88V-kZGqOvdXL-tGubok7cmA88g.ejarWH7WsCs6mxwQVB90MGeL11xcmfbiTrZBf4UeBw4&dib_tag=se&keywords=arcturus+3d+loose+leaf+bundle&qid=1740106797&sprefix=Arcturus+3D,aps,114&sr=8-1&th=1. I like the all season hardwood the best, but the summer green is great to add to turkey clothes as well.
The strips are about 18" long and have negligible weight. There are a couple of ways to use them. If you, or a significant other, are good with a needle and thread, the strip can be sewn onto a garment as it comes from the bundle. That is probably the quickest way to use it.
I am not skilled with the needle, so I opt to use a different method. I first cut each strip in half folded just to make it easier to deal with. I then cut the half strips right down the middle with scissors. I have found it quickest to do the whole bundle before I move on. After splitting the strips, I then take the half of half strips and cut them into either one or two "leaf" sections. It is sort of mind numbing stuff I do while half-azz watching something on TV. I store the "leaves" in a large ziplock bag for later use.
Once I have done the prep work, I glue the "leaves" onto my garment with Fabri-Tac glue: https://www.amazon.com/Beacon-Fabri-Tac-Permanent-Adhesive-Bottle/dp/B00A459606/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1D4GJL0UXMXTO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fgewWX8ByBhraDjaskN6Y8z-rHFhTgJuGWndn5eHuIkfBKDejtRz64j5bwKIfYrHgN2PG4zHem37qjsa0FDcY6OM8PtaQmXbQwRaBbmm-GDENcSQy1B3US454m60O9IsbNKadZHZQdvCx0R4DwkMLdCwrkEeeMnJtyLjIqI7hxFL-kv02WRMaPgGJ1aUMyZHe3blriOMwNpa68TGHKcz3_IbaxHwE3v0wQup8Q4GG3enW1JqWDLtvLdO6qGk4L1xLl7bgxbIU3-91_qYI9TvxfsEIYixISIJYTO_zbdkCWDYS1RgQnEEHhCGFr8asIHOg3rPC22QK2Ar3gxSTaxwpv0f_hVKlEN5J-rF-dcxUkEVYFIQlCvs0RJ45i0W9dGi5X7uiqSyHZJ2CYfeR_lDfU6RoNe5DvSpc_MzDJBv4Ym1yK06hgh_KGK80PloXGFX.vFlR-g8yiGkMYF5rcejA1uTKg7mHI9Nmp_wEhZBGEdo&dib_tag=se&keywords=fabritac+glue&qid=1740107683&sprefix=Fabritac,aps,92&sr=8-6&th=1
This glue hasn't degraded any of the clothing I have used it on. It sticks the "leaf" on where it takes a pretty good pull to get it off. Yes, I still lose some to briars, but, not as many as you might think. The gluing is a little messy, and you will get some on your fingers. But, it is sort of like Elmers in that if will peel off your fingers easily. My wife of almost 40 years just rolls her eyes as I do it as she has known for a very long time that I am certifiable when it comes to turkeys. To me, the custom garment is worth it in the end. One bundle will more than do a garment. I suspect you can do pants and shirt from a single bundle. I have also "3Ded" packs and turkey vests.
If you decide to give it a try, I have found that gluing with the "leaf" facing up is best as gravity causes it to fall away from the garment and really move in any wind. Again, the added weight is very slight. It does add a little rustling noise if you move so it isn't the best for bow hunting garments. But, for turkey and deer hunting from the ground like I do a lot, it is pretty darn effective. Good luck with my off season time killer!
Total cost of the materials for a couple of garments is around $35. Cheap fun that works.
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