JOHN DAY Hunters arent the only ones getting their HECS on.

   The specialized clothing developed by John Day businessman Mike Slinkard is getting attention for many other uses.

   Accomplished hunters from throughout the country say Slinkards Human Energy Concealment Systems Inc. (HECS) clothing allows them more success.

   Divers, surfers and underwater photographers also are finding that with HECS Stealth Screen fabric, they find it easier to get close to fish, and they are less noticeable to sharks while in the water.

   The clothing may also benefit the military. It is currently being tested by the Special Forces.

   HECS fabric is designed to reduce or cloak a humans electromagnetic signal. The fabric is woven of carbon fibers in a grid pattern that blocks up to 90 percent of the bodys electromagnetic (EM) energy emissions, said Slinkard.

   It is proven that many animals can sense the faint energy fields produced by the heart and major muscle movement. These fields are very similar to the EM field of the earth, which science has been aware of for years as the mechanism for the internal compass animals possess. This same mechanism is capable of sensing the human EM field.

   In the last few years, many outdoorsmen and women claim their hunts are more rewarding while wearing the companys long-sleeve T-shirts, pants and headnets either outside or beneath other clothing.

   The HECS website shows video footage of       animals exhibiting calm behavior in the midst of hunters wearing the clothing.

   The company slogan is Get your HECS on. So far, 3,000+ sets have been sold, for people to do just that.

   Slinkard has seen a difference in his hunting, while wearing the attire.

   I have been blessed with success in my hunting career, but since using HECS, my success has never been better, he said.

   In 2009, when we were in full test mode of the final HECS garment, I had my best hunting year ever taking 13 big game animals with bow, all on film, including two mule deer bucks scoring 169 P&Y and 182 P&Y.

   HECS has changed the way I hunt, and has increased my success greatly. Other hunters are now reporting the same thing.

   The HECS website features testimonials from hunters from throughout the country.

   I was truly amazed at how the HECS technology worked! Although I still had to hunt the wind, I was able to get away with more movement and ultimately close the distance on some great trophy animals, wrote Trevon Stolzfus, outdoor writer for the television shows Outback Outdoors and Hardcore Hunting. The most remarkable thing was most of them knew I was there, they were just not alarmed at my presence.

   I was a bit suspicious of this sixth sense talk, but I decided it couldnt hurt I shot my best whitetail and bull elk in the same month, wrote Dan Staton, author of the book Train To Hunt.

   The first clothing produced by the company was produced in Next G-1 camouflage. The suit is also now available in charcoal grey.

   Slinkard has his sights on other applications for HECS.

   Last year, the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation tested HECS prototype wetsuits, and has provided their endorsement of HECS technology and fabrics.

   We are greatly impressed with the reaction of wildlife to the electromagnetic field-cloaking wetsuits. HECS-equipped wetsuits consistently allowed us to get closer and stay near free-swimming specimens, said the Foundations Cailin Maki. During tests, most species were unaware or uninterested in the divers wearing HECS material.

   Because of the endorsement, wetsuits and surfwear made of HECs material will soon be available for purchase, said Slinkard, noting the clothing will be useful for divers, surfers and underwater photographers.

   Xcel wetsuits of Hawaii will launch a HECS wetsuit in 2012. HECS will sell Xcel the fabric for its wetsuits, which are sold worldwide, he said.

   The John Day company also is working with a firm from Virginia Beach, Va., that deals with the military, Slinkard said.

   There is good interest from several branches of the military. We hope to be able to capture a part of the business soon, as there seems to be a natural application for the technology in many realms of the armed services. Obviously, this would be a great boost for HECS as we try to build a worldwide technology brand, he said.

   The HECS technology and fabric, which is dubbed Stealth Screen, has five patents pending, said Slinkard.

   Currently, HECS fabric is produced in Taiwan, and sewn in China. However, if military business is acquired, Slinkard hopes to move production to John Day. Military products must be made in America, he noted.

   The clothing is sold to retail customers by phone, online, and at Winners Choice Bowstrings. In John Day, local dealers are Andys Plumbing and Sports and Jonnas Hair Care.

   Slinkard founded Winners Choice Bowstrings, his first business, in 2000. The avid pro-level archer and hunter said he was frustrated with the products available, and ended up producing his own string that doesnt stretch, separate or rotate. The bowstrings are constructed in the facilities at the industrial park near Grant County Regional Airport.

   Customers who order by phone or online, receive their product in three days or less, said Slinkard.

   Our quality sets us apart from the competition. Our process allows us to make a string that will not stretch, has no serving separation, and will not allow peep sight rotation, he said.

   Currently, the company employs 26 people. HECS clothing and the bowstrings are shipped from the John Day facility.

   Slinkard hopes to be able to increase the number of workers in Grant County as the enterprises unfold.