Jacshelter camo hide

[Mexico]

Hi
I've just aquired one of these popup hides for my wildlife photography. I wondered if anyone knew anything about these hides? Who manufactured them? Who sold them? How to put them away again???

I don't know how many of you use a hide of some description? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the one you use. I must admit I was rather frustrated when searching the Internet for a hide (or blind, as the Americans call them). There is sooo much choice over in the states and at amazingly low prices. It's the postage that kills that option though.

Thanks,
Mex

[nightshade]

I was recommended the Sniper Ground Blind even with postage it was reasonable
I prefer however to wear my camo! but have used the 12x4 camo nets along with
hide poles which work out quite cheaply

[ron1863]

I also used to trawl the web for photographic hides, clothing etc until I found several sites selling army camouflage tents, clothing etc at a fraction of the price.

Here's one of the sites:

Camo Net, Camouflage Net, Camouflage Equipment Basha Army Waterproof DPM

[Mexico]

Nightshade
Thanks for the tip on the hide. Do you find wearing camo is often enough? I do have camo but don't seem to have too much success with it, even with scrim over my head!

Thanks for the link Ron, I think a new scrim or two is going to be on its way fairly soon!

Mex

[peterjclarke]

I usually wear camo because the stuff from army surplus shops is much cheaper than the equivalent from a hiking/outdoor store. Animals generally don't care what you are wearing as long as they don't see you as a threat. If you are wearing a red shell suit then you will not just look daft but scare away any wildlife you wish to photograph. What you need to do is break up the human form and also conceal any movement. Camo does neither! A hide whether camo or not is the best option. I use a green dome tent bought for £25 from homebase and it works just fine. I also have a 8' x 8' scrim net which was £15 and I use this to hide the hide from curious human beings who might want to speak to the person in the hide/tent. I also use a semi permanent wooden hide which I move about my dad's garden and this works a treat. It's treated with creosote and looks like a small garden shed. I was asked once if I was going to camouflage it, but there is really no point because as long as the birds do not see me moving inside it works just fine. There is a company in the states who markets Scent Lok camo clothing which is supposed to trap your scent but its very expensive and in my opinion totally useless. I have even used a white old canvas toilet tent as a hide and it worked fine for garden birds. Remember most of the companies who make hides and non-military camo gear really just want to sell their products.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by peterjclarke

I usually wear camo because the stuff from army surplus shops is much cheaper than the equivalent from a hiking/outdoor store. Animals generally don't care what you are wearing as long as they don't see you as a threat. If you are wearing a red shell suit then you will not just look daft but scare away any wildlife you wish to photograph. What you need to do is break up the human form and also conceal any movement. Camo does neither! A hide whether camo or not is the best option. I use a green dome tent bought for £25 from homebase and it works just fine. I also have a 8' x 8' scrim net which was £15 and I use this to hide the hide from curious human beings who might want to speak to the person in the hide/tent. I also use a semi permanent wooden hide which I move about my dad's garden and this works a treat. It's treated with creosote and looks like a small garden shed. I was asked once if I was going to camouflage it, but there is really no point because as long as the birds do not see me moving inside it works just fine. There is a company in the states who markets Scent Lok camo clothing which is supposed to trap your scent but its very expensive and in my opinion totally useless. I have even used a white old canvas toilet tent as a hide and it worked fine for garden birds. Remember most of the companies who make hides and non-military camo gear really just want to sell their products.

Hi Peter

How big are the holes that you cut in your wooden hide? I have an old shed in the corner of one of my fields and I intend to turn it into a hide. The buzzard often comes down close to this shed to feed and I want to be able to photograph it.

Kerry

[peterjclarke]

Kerry, The 'hole' is about 50cm by 25cm and this allows me to have the whole of the lens inside the hide and move it very gently to compose the photograph. I often hang a bit of scrim netting inside so that it prevents the birds for seeing me move about and I can still see through the netting. I've built a flap like in an R.S.P.B hide that swings down so that I can close it when not in use to prevent the inside getting wet.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by peterjclarke

Kerry, The 'hole' is about 50cm by 25cm and this allows me to have the whole of the lens inside the hide and move it very gently to compose the photograph. I often hang a bit of scrim netting inside so that it prevents the birds for seeing me move about and I can still see through the netting. I've built a flap like in an R.S.P.B hide that swings down so that I can close it when not in use to prevent the inside getting wet.

Thanks for this info Pete. I will need to get hold of some scrim netting and put my husband to work cutting the hole.

Kerry

[jasongallier]

Hides are indeed excellent but no one has remarked on "bags hides" which are a middle ground solution that I have had many successes with.

A bag hide is not a ridged hide nor clothing but is more flexible than the former and better at hiding you and your shape than the later.

It is a heavy camo material that is thrown over you and camera. Correct use is important and it is best to set up and sit still in it. Any movement will show up and so it could scare animals/birds away. However if you make yourself comfortable and sit still you can get very close to wildlife. I have had Fallow Deer approach sooo close that they came within my minimum focus (1.4m)! If things just aren't happening then you can easily move to a new location. You can even creep closer to your subject if you do it verrrrry slowly.

That said I have tried stalking with it and it is all about the approach not the camo and so wearing woodland colours is just as effective.

I bought mine from Wildlife Watching Supplies - Wildlife photography, Nature photography, Photo blinds

Jason

[nightshade]

The first things to be seen on a person are Hands and Face,
these can be seen from almost a mile away.Cover these and
your sucess rate will increase(along with subdued clothing)

[joekid]

oh i dont know about that , ive got all sorts of cammo gear, gloves and veils, its fine untill you move about, then the games up!,last week after a walk i came back over some fields with lots of shy Rabbits i had my red and black mountain climbing coat on its warm but bright, and got close enough to photograph bunnies,once you get into position , keep the camera close to your face so you dont have to make much movement ,thats the big giveaway,with foxs too they will stare you out ,if you dont flinch they will go about their business,even in my red coat.

[geordie1970]

Originally Posted by peterjclarke

I use a green dome tent bought for £25 from homebase and it works just fine. I also have a 8' x 8' scrim net which was £15 and I use this to hide the hide from curious human beings who might want to speak to the person in the hide/tent.

Right I've just bought a quality green dome tent from ebay for £6.50 I just need to know where to get some cheap scrim to cover it any ideas

Just seen some 6 x 6 for a tenner on ebay and 4.99 p&p don't know if that will be big enough

[joekid]

ive seen it in most army surplus shops,in different colours, i tear it into strips and hang it from my fishing brolly/beach shelter will do fine£6.odd from lidl the different shades look pretty natural or weave it through some tank netting for a more portable solution,you can lie down and pull it over you like a big mossy rug,weather depending?

[peterjclarke]

I got my scrim from World of Surplus British Army Surplus | Army Navy Surplus | Army Surplus | WorldOfSurplus | an 8"x8" bit for £15.

[geordie1970]

Cheers Peter just ordered 1

[mack4165]

the first time i seen 1 of these jacselters about 6 years agow then you could buy 1 any ware in glasgow for £20 all the markets were selling mostly for fishing i bought mine on ebay for £25 including p+p about 2 years agow since then iv looked every ware for spare as wouldent be without it dont last forever cant seem to find 1 any place + i have searched the net a few times if any 1 sees them let me no please

[Mexico]

Mack
I don't believe somebody else out there has heard of one of these let alone owning one. I was beginning to think I'd bought a dogs dinner (for more than £25). Having used one for a bit, I guess you've figured out how to fold it back up? I hope so as I've not used mine in anger as once I'd opened it I couldn't close it again! I've managed to get it flat by folding in one side and collapsing it onto itself. I just can't get the knack of the final 'figure 8' foldup to get it back in its bag! Any suggestions, or copies of instructions greatly received!

I'd also be interested in how successful you have been using the hide. It doesn't look as good as most of the American hides, shadows being my biggest concern. Any pointers again much appreciated.

Thanks,
Mex

[nightshade]

I cannot remember where I have seen it,there is a site that shows
how to collapse a portable light box which is similar to your hide
it may have been on e-bay they were illustrated step by step
instructions

[Gandalf]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I cannot remember where I have seen it,there is a site that shows
how to collapse a portable light box which is similar to your hide
it may have been on e-bay they were illustrated step by step
instructions

I may be completely off-base here but would this be the site you mention perhaps: -
TableTop Studio Ltd

If not, please disregard.

Cheers,

[mack4165]

Originally Posted by Mexico

Mack
I don't believe somebody else out there has heard of one of these let alone owning one. I was beginning to think I'd bought a dogs dinner (for more than £25). Having used one for a bit, I guess you've figured out how to fold it back up? I hope so as I've not used mine in anger as once I'd opened it I couldn't close it again! I've managed to get it flat by folding in one side and collapsing it onto itself. I just can't get the knack of the final 'figure 8' foldup to get it back in its bag! Any suggestions, or copies of instructions greatly received!

I'd also be interested in how successful you have been using the hide. It doesn't look as good as most of the American hides, shadows being my biggest concern. Any pointers again much appreciated.

Thanks,
Mex

hi mexico when you have it folded into each other have the point away from you holding the curved parts on both sides fold as if putting your arms under your arm pit you will see it going into figure of 8 its hard to explain really need to see it hope this helps + i only youse mine for fishing

[Mexico]

Mack
Thanks for the advice and sorry for the delay in a response. Unfortunately my house was flooded back in July on that "wet" Friday. We lost most things through the ground floor of the house and, of course, the garage. My computer bought it during the flood so checking the site has been a little difficult. Also, my hide was flooded up to a depth of about two feet so has now been written off so I need to buy a new one!

It's good to check back on the site to see what's been happening. I've recently found a Badger sett where the Badgers are quite tolerant of humans, so I'm hoping to get down there soon and perhaps take some pictures. Anyone who has photographed Badgers have any tips?

Thanks,
Mex