Most archery seasons open in September or October. But some states fire up in August — velvet bucks still on summer pattern, temperatures in the upper 90s, humidity that makes the air feel like a wet blanket. And even where the season doesn't open until fall, those first few weeks feel like summer anyway.
The question right now isn't how to stay warm. It's what to wear when it's 90 degrees. Here's the answer.
What You Actually Need
Gear that breathes so you don't show up to your stand soaked and spend the whole sit uncomfortable. That rules out cotton and anything that traps heat. What's left is a short list of lightweight pieces that move with you and handle the conditions.
The Core System
Four pieces. This is the foundation — everything you need for a hot weather sit, all in the ASIO Early Season System. This is a system built in the hot, humid swamps of South Carolina.
The anchor piece. Breathable enough to wear when it's pushing 100°. Built-in face mask and hood covers your face, keeps bugs off, and handles concealment all in one.
Four-way stretch with zip vents in the legs. Open the vents on the walk in to dump heat. The stretch lets you rotate for a shot angle without fighting your pants.
Light enough to forget you're wearing it. Full tactile feel on your release, full grip on your bow.
Add-Ons to Round Out the System
Depending on your setup and conditions, these pieces layer on top of the core.
When concealment is the priority. Foliage is thick in early season and 3D breaks up your outline better than flat camo when leaves are still on the trees. Breathable mesh base so it doesn't add heat.
For setups where a full hoodie is too warm. Covers your face and neck — what deer notice most. Pair it with the hat and you're covered without the extra layer.
Long sleeve performance shirt for when you want coverage without the hood. Works as a standalone or base layer on days that aren't quite as brutal.
Short sleeve for maximum airflow on the hottest days. Pair with the face gaiter and hat when you want to stay as cool as possible and layer up before the sit.
Tips from Joe for Hunting in the Heat
Joe Miles hunts some of the hottest, most humid early season conditions in the swamps of South Carolina. A few things he does that are worth knowing:
Hunt evenings, not mornings. Early season, deer are on summer feeding patterns. By the time morning light hits they're already back to bed. Evenings are where the action is — catch them coming off the bed toward food before dark.
Treat your clothing with DEET. In the heavy timber where early season deer live, mosquitoes can be brutal. Joe treats his whole system with 40% DEET before heading out. The lightweight hoodie's tight enough weave that bugs have a hard time biting through it anyway — DEET on top handles the rest.
"It's going to be brutally hot. But it's velvet season and it's time to go."
Joe Miles
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The Early Season System
Hoodie, pant, glove, and hat. Everything you need for hot-weather whitetail sits. Built and tested where the heat doesn't quit.
Shop Now →Questions
FAQ: Early Season Bowhunting Clothing
What should I wear for early season bowhunting?
A lightweight hoodie with a built-in face mask, lightweight pants with stretch and ventilation, a lightweight glove, and a breathable hat. That's the core kit. Add a leafy jacket for extra concealment, a face gaiter if you want less coverage than the hoodie, and performance shirts for layering options.
When does early season bow hunting start?
Depends on your state. Some states open in August, most open in September or early October. Either way, those first few weeks are warm and it is critical to have light, breathable gear that wicks away moisture.
Do I need a leafy jacket for early season?
Not required, but it helps when foliage is thick. A 3D leafy breaks up your outline when leaves are still on the trees. Get one with a breathable mesh base so it doesn't trap heat.
Shop the ASIO Leafy Jacket →How do I handle mosquitoes while bowhunting?
Treat your clothing with 40% DEET before you head out and wear a hoodie with a built-in face mask and hood. Lightweight hunting fabric is already hard for mosquitoes to bite through — DEET on top handles the rest.
Should I hunt mornings or evenings in early season?
Typically evenings are more productive in early season. Deer are on summer feeding patterns — by morning light most are already back to bed. Catch them in the evening coming off the bed toward food. That's where the action is.
Season opens soon. Get the kit right now so it's ready when you need it.
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