Face paint or face mask - or neither

by **erictski** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 1]

What do most guys go with for elk hunting. Face paint or a mask...or nothing.

i could never get used to a mask.

by **ElkNut1** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 2]

For many years now nothing on my face! Not against covering face, just haven't seen the need for it!

ElkNut1

by **Lefty** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 3]

I carry a mask and camo. But dont wear either until needed.
I will put my mask on if I am glassing, I dont want a shiny face on the hill.
If I believe Im in the elk I put on paint

by **JohnFitzgerald** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 4]

I wear a pull up face mask. Use it 50% of the time.

jf

by **>>>---WW---->** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 5]

Nothing for me. I have never been busted because of it. Movement is what gets you, not color. For that reason, I do wear gloves. If you think about it, your hands are always moveing quite a bit.

by **foxvalley** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 6]

Facepaint all the time. Never want to take any chance they might see me.......I need all the help I can get.lol

by **WapitiTalk1** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 7]

Facemask for me. I carry it in my cargo pocket and deploy it as the need arises. I do use it quite a bit in some hunting areas due to the bugs. Nothing will blow a hunt quicker than swatting at carnivorous black gnats and skeetos.

by **Goneelkn** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 8]

Face mask, i wear it around my neck and pull it up when i need it.

by **sockeye** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 9]

Mesh mask around my neck, will pull it up when needed.

by **erictski** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 10]

sounds good guys.

i have always been a face painter...just feel better about my chances of being seen, as my white face can get shinny...

so ill probably do at least a couple of lines on my face each day...just for my own satisfaction...

not to mention putting the face paint on really sets my engine for the hunt, whether treestand hunting whitetail or ground hunting turkey.

by **Buckriser** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 11]

Face paint all the way! makes me feel bad a$$. :twisted:

lol!

by **HurricaneHuge** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 12]

As other guys have said, I've started to get away from both over the years because the need for it doesn't seem to be there. That being said, the best face paint I've used has been Carbo Mask. The stuff dries dull so you don't have any shine from the paint, it's lighter weight/more breathable than a lot of the stuff out there, spreads on you face easier, and comes off extremely easy (no rubbing your face raw to get it off).

by **iRem** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 13]

I do both face paint while I'm on the move and face mask as I sit and wait!

by **Broken arrow** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 14]

Would be interesting to see some pics in black n white of a plan face, face paint, and a mask. Hmmm maybe I'll work on that.
Say 10yds?

by **foxvalley** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 15]

That would be a cool experiment broken arrow

by **Buglemaster** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 16]

Mask for me. I've used paint , but cannot stand it for very long. The mask is alot more comfortable & convenient. Probably killed more animals without anything on my face tho. Over the years , I have noticed how much easier it is to spot another camoed hunter without any face covering. The posts above are right in regard to movement more than bare skin blowing the set up.A bare face really shines in direct sunlight.

by **JohnFitzgerald** » 07 03, 2012 • [Post 17]

Broken Arrow - If you need help turning regular pictures into B/W post them and I'll get it done. I'd be really interested to see the difference. Just PM me if you need help.

by **>>>---WW---->** » 07 04, 2012 • [Post 18]

Here is an option for you guys that prefer paint but don't really like the feel of it on your face. Get some green, brown or black liquid food coloring. Put it on straight as it comes from the bottle. You won't know it is even there. During the day, as you sweat, it will run and you will have different shades of what ever color you chose the wear. It won't rub off on your pillow either. LOL! It will come off but if takes alot of scrubbing with soap and water.

I tried it a few times with green and ended up looking like Swamp Thing on TV. So don't over do it. Just a stripe of it here and there is plenty. A stripe under your eyes, across your forehead, on your nose, and maybe a little on your cheeks should do it. Once you start to sweat, it will spread and be different shades.

by **cnelk** » 07 04, 2012 • [Post 19]

Just use a bit of charcoal on your face to break down the highlights

by **cnelk** » 07 04, 2012 • [Post 20]

My face with 'total black out' paint

My face with 'striped paint'

My buddy and I with 'no paint'

by **erictski** » 07 05, 2012 • [Post 21]

looks like your got bigger bulls while wearing facepaint...hmmm...maybe there is something too that...

JK...nice elk you got in those pics...

by **cnelk** » 07 05, 2012 • [Post 22]

Ha,,, not sure about that or not.

I just posted the pics to show that face paint doesnt matter... wear it if you want,,, dont if you dont want

by **Freebird134** » 07 05, 2012 • [Post 23]

cnelk, it looks like your bigger problem--like mine--is the glare on those glasses! I worry about them much more than the rest of my face.

by **cnelk** » 07 05, 2012 • [Post 24]

The glare is the flash of my camera - dont think elk have that capability

by **dreamingbig** » 07 05, 2012 • [Post 25]

Mostly neither for me. I will wear the face mask when it is convenient. Paint is a pain to remove in the backcountry. I hate getting it on my sleeping bag etc.

by **elkaholic** » 07 05, 2012 • [Post 26]

Face paint for me. Never could get used to the mask..

by **Freebird134** » 07 06, 2012 • [Post 27]

cnelk wrote:The glare is the flash of my camera - dont think elk have that capability

But a little sunlight does. I'm always worried about that random "shine" as I turn my head. One reason I almost always wear a brimmed hat!

by **bowpackerrob** » 07 06, 2012 • [Post 28]

Light weight pullup face mask. just never have liked the paint.

by **HurricaneHuge** » 07 06, 2012 • [Post 29]

Deer season last fall I started using my neck gaiter as my facemask. Really liked that option. Hauling butt in the Mountains might not be as comfy with it around your neck, but the Kuiu and First Lite gaiters are thin enough that I could see those being a good option for when you just need to pull up the mask on set-ups.

by **mattstanton** » 07 06, 2012 • [Post 30]

face paint. Makes me feel like rambo!!! (grin)

by **Calibowhunter** » 07 08, 2012 • [Post 31]

Face paint for me. I have a hard time shooting with a facemask and besides, face paint just looks cool! 8-)

by **elkmtngear** » 07 08, 2012 • [Post 32]

I wear a lightweight beanie cap that pulls down quickly into a full camo face mask. You can tie it back, and it fits your face so it doesn't screw with your anchor point. Works for me, helps wick sweat in heat, and provides a little head insulation in cold conditions

Best of Luck,
Jeff

by **Swede** » 07 08, 2012 • [Post 33]

I have several colors of face paint and some masks too. I wear none of it.

by **Ridgernr** » 07 09, 2012 • [Post 34]

Face paint here, I have had mask get in the way of drawing .

by **elkohalic** » 07 13, 2012 • [Post 35]

I use a half face mask about half the time. It keeps my neck from getting sunburnt the other half.

by **elkoholic** » 07 23, 2012 • [Post 36]

I use face paint. I just think I look hardcore in it! Lol..

by **bullrub** » 07 25, 2012 • [Post 37]

i agree with elkoloic. It just seem the right thing to use.

by **Freebird134** » 07 25, 2012 • [Post 38]

I'm just going to use a beard.

by **Goneelkn** » 07 25, 2012 • [Post 39]

Wish i could, mine's all white, grey, or whatever you call it!

by **pointysticks** » 07 25, 2012 • [Post 40]

i love a mask. after a few days of mouth breathing thru it..not so much love.

face paint, i tried for the first time last year. i discovered that i rub my eyes when i am nervous..i touch my face alot. not so good for a face painted face.

i did however watch my buddy obscure his face with his bow..he got so close to a couse deer...he just put the bow up to break up his face contour and eyes. it worked beautifully!! then i watched him let the arrow go, when he was barely starting the draw..the arrow plunked off and clattered on the rocks. couse deer blasted out of there.

by **John_09** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 41]

If you buy face mask, you may end up with being bored by using same mask every time. Therefore, I suggest you to get body paint. With body paint, you can paint your body in any way you want and anytime.

by **jmez** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 42]

Neither, just wear a brimmed cap.

Used to wear a mask all the time and never cared for them. Couldn't find it one am turkey hunting and shot a gobbler at about 5 steps staring right at me. Haven't worn one since for any type of hunting.

by **Toby** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 43]

i have used paint more than masks, don't like either, now I hardly ever use anything.

by **Indian Summer** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 44]

Freebird134 wrote:I'm just going to use a beard.

Yep! Works every time. Now that mine is multi colored it really does the job.

Sweat pouring off your face is bad enough... I can't see how you guys can stand face paint. I'd rather use a mask. But I guess if you want to look as cool as Chris Brackett go for it.

it's all about movement. Don't move and they won't see you. if they are that close: Shoot 'em for cryin' out loud!

by **zpd307** » 03 04, 2014 • [Post 45]

good information here. I don't use a mask either. I don't like the feel, they always rotate a little and start digging into the corner of my eye. my buddy swears that you have to have one... I don't want to deal with the mess of face paint. I would assume its greasy.

by **Wyo67** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 46]

Neither. By time he gets to where he can see me, my face should be behind the bow...

by **WindedBowhunter** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 47]

I prefer a face mask, as it's easier to put on and take off for me.

I don't have an issue with it shooting my bow as they are pretty close to the face and not loose like a bug net.

I use the First Lite Windriver and Sitka Balaclavas