question for jersey guys

[Chris S.]

When do you guys go and cut the marsh grass to camo your sneakboxes the grass is still greenish and stays a little green up til mid november or so depending on temp. Can I cut it anytime and it will just turn brown. Or should I wait till the last min. That way it matches the best. I plan on using grass mats as a base and marsh grass over that to kinda blend. What do you guys do that use natural marsh grass. The season won't start for me til nov 5th but I will hunt a few days in a zone that opens on oct 15th. And want my boat ready. Thanks

 

[Mike]

Chris,
Great question. Guess it all comes down to preferance. I have used the woven palm mats in the past with good success, but wanted to give raffia a try on my latest boat. In the past I've waited until the season opener is very near. I try to scout my spots just before the opener and after my ride, I'll stop to cut some marsh grass with a machete to mix in over the top of the palm/raffia or whatever your using. By the time the 2nd split opens up, it'll brown up just like the surrounding grasses so you can just let it fall away or take it off and rely on your base layer. Keep a machete in the boat up under the front deck where it's out of the way so you can adapt your rig's camo to whatever your backdrop may be that day.

 

[SCOTT SALZER]

I agree with Mike. You can cut it down now. It will brown a little quicker than the live stuff, but not so much that it makes a difference to the birds. That's what I do every year.