Face covering options

[Backyard]

I asked this in another forum as well.
Wondering just what is everyone's preferred face covering for elk hunting? Mask, net, camo paint, etc. or none at all?
What brand, or kind do you prefer?
Why?
Ease of use, packable, no or easy clean-up?

[ElkNut1]

I know for myself, not a thing, I can also speak for the ElkNut Crew, (5 of us) in most cases nothing at all. I have worn paints in the past but it's been many years ago. Just do not see the need. Movement gives us away not our camo, even camo clothing is not high on the list to hunt elk.

ElkNut1

[six]

Burnt cork or burnt stick ash wiped on the face. Seems to stay on better than the face paints.

[Osprey]

As a Elk hunting newby having only 2 rifle season experiece I'm looking at expanding into Archery seasons as well and the face cover has been something I've been debating. I know a human face sticks out pretty good when sun hits it but a lot of guys seem to have consistant success without it. I do have a beard . I want to avoid using the face paints as they tend to get wiped off over a days hunt which lead me to going to a face pull over. I guess the way I look at it it really doesn't hurt to go the extra step to me. I agree camo is a distant second to movement and noise for a lot of big game.

[Lefty]

ooh oh Im not sure what just happened I quoted Indian Summers post
My post credited Indian summer, So I deleted my post and both my post in IS posts disappeared
Sorry Indian Summer can you re-post the Sitka face mask

A government study shows that the most successful hunters are ones with beards. If you aren't able to grow one the new Sitka Gear Scruffy Hunter hat is good substitute until you are a little older. Works well for women too.

No way am I reposting that pic
Good thing I had just swallowed my supper before reading

My daughter had long bright blond hair,.. She wears a hat and mask.
I still carry paint. but tend to put on a mask I got a net turkey mask at Walmart,..99 cents I should have bought more, Facing into the sun I believe you need to cover your glowing face the best method possible

[Swede]

I use nothing except I will hold up my bow and observe from behind that at times.

[Backyard]

Thanks a lot for all the input guys! I can't remember seeing this subject discussed before and I've been kicking it around myself this year.
I've always been adamant about covering the face with elk and deer hunting, and usually use some sort of mask (found out that with antelope it doesn't matter). This year however, Iv'e been trying out face paint. Not fond of the smell and mess.

Mentioned on another forum was a "Buff", similar to the short Sitka mask. I think for myself in the future I'll be going either this route or just hunker down behind Swede and his bow

[WapitiTalk1]

I always carry one of the lightweight mesh facemasks with eye, nose, and mouth openings. In the early WA season, you oftentimes "must" wear one when you hunt (depending on the year) or the no-see-ums and skeeters will eat the meat off your face. During the same bad years for bugs in WA, a guy has to wear gloves also. I'll grab it out of my cargo pocket and put it on then roll it up and throw it over the back of my head/neck, under my cap; deploy when needed. I carry the same mask in ID in my cargo pocket but don't always use it. If a guy is gonna use a mask, it's recommended that you practice shooting with it on so you know how it feels during full draw.

[CurlyTail]

I think maybe I should use a face mask or paint - but I do not. I just don't like it, and I have been able to be successful without it. To me it does not make Elk hunting more fun so I don't do it. Kind of like Scent control clothing , and scent control sprays - maybe a good idea, but it is one corner that I do cut.

[longspeak74]

Beard...

[IdahoD]

When the good Lord was giving me talents and abilities, he forgot to check the beard box with me Oh well, cant have it all, right? I wore a facemask this year when I shot my elk but I don't think it's necessary. I've had elk in close with no mask on before and honestly I don't know why I decided to wear one that day, but I did. Staying in the shadows and sitting still when they are close is key with elk. I always wear one in the treestand for whitetails though because as the sun moves and you're sitting still your face may be in the sun one minute and shaded the next, so I feel it's good to have it covered.

[Bow4Elk]

Back in the old days when we first started archery hunting we used face paint. The army surplus stuff in a metal tube. It all but scrubbed your skin off putting it on. We started doing without in the early 80's and haven't used anything since. We have put our tags on more than 30 elk since then with only what growth was on our face since the start of the hunting trip. In Idaho it is too late when they can finally see you.

[elk.addict]

I have a camo hat that has a face mask built into it. It folds up into the hat and can drop down when needed. I like it.

http://www.kingscamo.com/QuikCamo-Hats--Front_p_78.html

[MidwestHunter]

I haven't been elk hunting yet, but do a lot of deer and turkey. Turkeys will spot you out pretty well here, and I have been good with wear a camo billed hat, and a lightweight screened mesh for the face covering. The mesh covering can be pulled down to your neck if you are walking, and pull it up if you feel close to any game. The hat helps keep the sun out of your eyes. And you can tilt your head down if you don't want an animal looking into your eyes. I have had good luck with white tails looking up right at me with this setup, and be unphased.

I have a beard so that helps, and put a little camo paint around my nose and eyelids.

[MidwestHunter]

ooh oh Im not sure what just happened I quoted Indian Summers post
My post credited Indian summer, So I deleted my post and both my post in IS posts disappeared
Sorry Indian Summer can you re-post the Sitka face mask

A government study shows that the most successful hunters are ones with beards. If you aren't able to grow one the new Sitka Gear Scruffy Hunter hat is good substitute until you are a little older. Works well for women too.

No way am I reposting that pic
Good thing I had just swallowed my supper before reading

My daughter had long bright blond hair,.. She wears a hat and mask.
I still carry paint. but tend to put on a mask I got a net turkey mask at Walmart,..99 cents I should have bought more, Facing into the sun I believe you need to cover your glowing face the best method possible

Lol, sounds like money well spent on that beard/success study 8)