Bob Fratzke
In 1975, Minnesota bowhunter Bob Fratzke introduced Winona Camo, one of the earliest macro-pattern camouflage designs tailored for serious hunters — predating industry giants like Trebark, Realtree, and Mossy Oak.
Produced by Winona Knitting Mills, Fratzke’s camo stood out for its high-contrast design, made to break up the human outline in dense woods. The garments were quiet, durable, and built for real-world hunting—especially for bowhunters who needed to get close.
While it lacked big-budget marketing, Winona Camo earned a loyal following and has since become a collector’s favorite. Fratzke’s innovation helped lay the foundation for modern hunting camo, proving that pattern design matters.
