I was thinking about making my own ghillie. My question is though, is there a certain material that can be used that won't catch/snag everything you walk by? I have a hard enough time in regular camo getting through the osage, locust, and wild roses. Any pointers?

Ghillie suits have always peeked my intrests.  Would love to hear stories if they work

They work.. Ive had turkey and deer almost close enough to touch.. I dont put mine on until i am were i want to hunt. It snags just about every limb or thorn you walk close too

Kinda what I figured. I wanted to still hunt with one but my guess is i'll fight it the whole way through.

You'll find yourself moving more slowly and more carefully!

I agree with Andy,
I have still hunted with mine and had success.

You may want to try the commercial leafy suits if you're going in tight areas. The burlap/yarn/cotton styles seem to collect every twig, briar and burr you go near. Maybe that's why they are so effective..you pick up the local natural camo so you really blend in.

I just go super slow and pick my path ahead of time. A little extra natural camo along the way is good.

I have a Cabelas leafy suit. I had a small buck walk within 6' of me last fall, but it does pick up burrs like crazy.

In January of 2010 in Wisconsin ,I had an 8 point Buck ,1 foot away from my head sniffing me !,What a rush ,I jumped he jumped ,I must Have laughed  for half hour ,In 26° below zero weather ,They really work .

I have also purchased  a "bush in a bag" From big Jim it works really well and is very versatile.


Carl

I too have to think it could be a very effective way to hunt, the info here could inspire me. I also have to smile and wonder is it a full circle traditional thing that is coming back around from many years ago and......does that explain the legend of BIG FOOT??

I've used it for years and enjoy the up close and personal experiences.  I've stalked through fields, and hardwoods, but would never attempt any thick stuff.  Every little twig jutting out would catch onto something.  One thing to consider is to just use the head cover, in my case the boonie hat that I coverd with netting and added jute bundles to, when still hunting in thick stuff.  I roll mine up tight and pack it in.  When I get to my spot, I put it on and become the bush.

The first gillie I got was ranchero's long coat with burlap.  When sitting at one spot I just carry it.  Even when running and gunning for turkey I just carry it.

The burlap long coat model is almost too warm for turkey and early deer hunting.

The burlap model long coat you can not craw with it on and I have found myself in situations when I needed to craw. So I purchased Ranchero's jacket with hood and pants in the polyester material.  It is much cooler and I can now craw if needed.  They roll up easily and compactly while still quick to put on.  I use the Ranchero long arm guard and it takes more time to put it on than the coat and pants.  I am really please with their products and would highly recommend.  Cost for jack, pants and arm guard about $200.00 and well worth the investment.

I carry a small nylon camo stuff sack I picked up somewhere for cheap.  I roll it up and stuff it in there when I have to go through the thick stuff.

osage, locust, and wild rose... there's just no simple way to go through that... especially the rose.

I only put it on when I get to my stand. Otherwise it worse than velcro.