Facemasks while mule deer or elk hunting

[Racethesunset]

I don't go with a beard. I'm one of the weird guys who does a full body shave down! No hair brings me good luck!!

Scientifically speaking, the full body shave allows the pheromones that the bigger bulls go crazy over to be released.

 

[Ross]

Going with paint here something about it I like and if I went with beard I would look like Santa with more grey than black

 

[bowuntr]

Facemask... when you're close it definitely makes a difference... Ed F

 

[HellsCanyon]

Facemask... when you're close it definitely makes a difference... Ed F

X2... I think breaking up the shape of your face/head is what does it. It's amazing how many times I've screwed up by making eye contact with an animal at close range. They have evolved imho to notice things like a pair of eyes staring at them and with a facemask you're less inclined to attract attention to yourself.

I think littlebuff told me one time a bull said the equivalent to "You got a purty mouth...." and he's been trying to grin one in close ever since!

Mike

 

[justin davis]

Hellscanyon brought up a point....eye contact!!! I have a clean shiny face but not making eye contact is key. It's amazing what the power of eyes can do.

Had a stare down with this guy at 20 yards after I let out a call to stop him broadside.. Did not have anything on my face. I did however not make eye contact until he turned.


15 yards from this buck. No eye contact made. No paint or face mask.


11 yards from this guy.


These are three examples of up close to critters. Key for me being eye contact. I am a firm believer in camo (predator camo or asat) to break up the human form.

 

[wapitibob]

I never worried about it in the 70's and 80's and had elk at less than 20 yards all the time. I think times are different now and I have elk pick me out if I wear one camo pattern but not others. I think they recognize our faces now too.

 

[rodney482]

Love the one firstlite makes, when I come to full draw I use my thumb to pull it out of the way.

 

[Shrek]

if I went with beard I would look like Santa with more grey than black[/QUOTE]

You and me both brother. Mine is 3/4 white and I'm only 44 !

 

[vcb]

Never wore a face mask. Wanted too but couldn't feel my anchor completely. Usually a little paint for me when backcountry.

 

[Rizzy]

I notice a big difference when I'm wearing a face mask, it seems like the animals have a harder time recognizing you and they linger more.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Can't say I have noticed a difference in animal reaction either way, but I have a hard time finding my anchor with a face mask so I generally grow out the beard and throw on some paint.