Is camouflage bacon really necessary?

While shopping at a local grocery store earlier this week, I was taken aback by something I found in the meat counter - bacon in a camouflage package.

I thought it was a little strange when camouflage flashlights appeared on store shelves a few years back. What good does it do to make the flashlight case difficult for animals to see while touting the light's beam being visible from a mile away?

A friend explained the camo case made it difficult for animals to see the light while it is not being used. When I asked him why not just put the flashlight in your equipment bag or pocket while it's not in use, he didn't have an answer.

While Team RealTree bacon is just branding for what is one of the most popular names in outdoors gear, I'm afraid some non-hunters might not understand.

Someone who doesn't spend much time in the outdoors might think the camo packaging for bacon is designed for people who want to cook breakfast unbeknownst to the animals while they are hunting.

I can only imagine what would happen if a deer hunter fired up a small propane stove and started frying bacon while in a tree stand. Not only will trying to cook while perched in a tree might cause the hunter to risk serious injury from falling, the smell of frying bacon would probably send every deer within smelling range running. The aroma might lure some hungry hunters and maybe a possum or two, but I doubt deer would find it appealing no matter how much camouflage is on the package.

The camo bacon package could be useful for waterfowl hunters who cook in their blinds.

But they have cooked conventionally packaged foods in their blinds for years without hurting their hunting success.

I just don't see the breakfast meats in camouflage packages being very useful to hunters while they are in the field. They would be nice conversation piece while preparing a hunting camp breakfast before heading into the woods, but that's about it.

I must admit the camouflage packaging did catch my eye and I was attempted to try the bacon until I looked on the nutrition label at the calories from fat. There is way too much fat for someone with heart disease.

If they begin making a Team RealTree extra lean turkey bacon, count me in as another customer for the brand. Adding low-fat turkey sausage to the product line would also be appealing to those of us with bum hearts who have to watch their fat intake.

It's amazing where you see RealTree brand camouflage these days.

The other day while shopping for Christmas decorations, I saw a RealTree tree skirt.

There will be a camo stocking hung by my fireplace Christmas eve that I hope will be filled with fishing supplies when I wake up on Tuesday.

I refuse to buy a camouflage flashlight, though.

There's something about trying to make it more difficult to see something you use so other hunters can see you that I just can't deal with.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 740-5746 or dennis.sherer@timesdaily.com.