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UV glow problem on camo

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2.2K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  Byzantine  
#1 ·
Here is an update to my previous thread on the camo UV reflectivity issue.

I have been trying to figure out why this last hunting season was terrible for me while previous seasons were always very productive.

In my other thread you can see lots of discussion of the UV reflectivity issue with some camo and I found some of my clothes that glowed.

Today I took my black light to the garage and checked my Summit 180 tree stand and my old Hunter's View treestand. This last season was my first in the Summit. Guess what, the old Hunter's View looks black but the Summit glows like a neon sign. Add to that the fact that the Summit is a 180 which faces the tree and I had that UV glowing back of the seat pointed out into the woods.

I got a replacement seat pad for the Summit a while back because one of the snaps broke on the original but I had not installed it yet. I checked the replacement seat and it looks black. Evidently Summit had a UV problem with some of their seats and fixed it. At least I have the fix in hand.

To read more about camo and UV reflectivity you can look at my previous thread:
http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1189898

I am amazed by all this stuff I have that was glowing. It is no wonder the deer were busting me from far off and often startled at first glance when they saw me. I never would have guessed the deer were seing UV and that my stuff might glow until the ASAT company brought it to my attention.

I am convinced this UV reflectivity problem was a major contributor to my lousy season and I will be sure to avoid UV reflective camo, clothes, and detergent from now on.

Best wishes.
 
#2 ·
Good post AD! Very informative and enlightening!

I guess it's time to get a UV light! I'll check my gear and then stand "au natural" in front of a mirror. This may explain a few other "life experiences". ;)
 
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#3 ·
Yesterday I picked up a fluorescent UV Black light bulb* and used it to check out some items. Results are as follows:

Camo jacket, pants, gloves, hat, backpack: No UV glow from any of the items
Blaze orange hats: UV glow present
Anything white: UV glow present
Vanes on arrows: UV glow present on Blazer vanes, nothing on VaneTec vanes.
Levi blue jeans: No UV glow present

Note: At a NH Bowhunter Education course I recently attended (mandatory in NH unless have copy of old archery license - I didn't have my 1965 copy), one of the instructors was very adamant about blue jeans giving off a UV glow. Advised not to hunt deer with blue jeans! Nothing going on with my jeans - could be dependent upon manufacturer.

I was surprised to see the arrow vanes glow so brightly (emphasis on bright!). This could really get deer's attention, especially if arrow is moving.

No glow on me. ;)

* This fluorescent bulb is the Super Saver (Energy Efficient CFL) "coiled" Black bulb by Sylvania, 60 Watt replacement using 13 Watt 120V. Power was more than adequate - lit up the room. Purchased at Lowes $5.87 reg, on sale $4.95.
 
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#5 ·
Interesting that you mention Blaze Orange. Blaze orange is the worst fabric on the market today for the ultimate in UV reflectance! And camo blaze with black elements on the fabric is no better. We all bowhunt during gun seasons and are required in most states to wear at least a vest to be legal. Atsko has solved the blaze orange problem with the use of UV-Killer spray, but we have taken it a step further. We have developed a new blaze orange that meets all reflectance safety standards, that is totally "dead" in color to a deer's eyes! It is infuzed with UV-Killer directly into the fabric and it incorporates a revolutionary digital camo pattern printed in UV blocked inks to break up your outline. But here is the payoff...it looks like a solid blaze orange vest to human eyes. This technology will change the way you look blaze orange forever. If we have to wear something blaze orange while bowhunting during a firearm season, this is the vest we all should be using. Check it out at Atsko.com.
 
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#7 ·
That vest is sweet, didn't know about it but I'll be getting one before gun season. I've been using Atsko Sport-Wash and U-V Killer for a few years, the stuff is great. If something glows, no need trashing it, just wash it and spray it, the glow is gone. I never thought of checking my treestands and ground blinds but I will now.

peace.
unloaded
 
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