How many of you guys that hunt ground blinds wear a face mask? And does it interfere with your anchor? I tried shooting with one on today, and since I anchor with my middle finger at the corner of my mouth it's a bit awkward. Now I'm debating on using face paint or switching to a different style mask.
I felt the same way. So this past fall I did use face paint, and kept a sealable box of baby wipes in my truck to clean up with.
Lately I have started to finish my draw with my thumb knuckle behind my jaw so I may try it with a tight face mask again.
quit wearing them a royal pain in the posterior when it comes to finding your anchor.. either use that black face paint or used to use a burnt cork and rub on my face which works very well and comes off pretty easy..a face mask caused me to loose a shot on a 165 in. buck one really cold winter day so that was the end of all face mask wearing.
When I do wear a mask its useally a half of a mask, it only goes half way up to cover up to my nose. When I'm ready to shoot I pull it down pass my chin, than take my shot. But normally I don't wear one.
I wear the face mask that came with my leafy suit and have never noticed that it effects my anchor in any way.
For pop-up blinds that are blacked out inside I use a black silk balaclava,fits snug and is comfortable, If not in a blind I use a mesh style head net, neither one messes with my anchor.
The main thing is practice with them on and get comfortable with the feel.
I wear a Predator mask, doesn't bother me at all.
I wear a fabric hood that covers both the head and face. It is lightweight and does not affect my draw or my ability to reach my anchor.
I wear a homemade mask out of deerskin and it does not interfere. It hangs loose near the mouth and the fingers slip past it.
I never could get comfortable shooting with a mask.
I used them a bit but have gone back to face paint.
The paint is much easier to take off then the old grease paint.
Mike
I use a 3/4 bandito mask with the bendable metal frame around the eyes. I have never had a problem with them interfering with my anchor. I just push in against the mask to hit my anchor.
I hunt exclusively on the ground with a ghillie and always put my mask on. Never had an issue shooting with it. I did realize the past couple of years that even with a mask I also have to put on camo make-up to cover areas that the mask doesn't cover - especially with turkeys. As you can see, my mask is pretty tight fitting so really doesn't get in the way. I anchor with the middle finger in the corner of my mouth.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz313/Petemcm/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150423_061838796_HDR_zpshqnbhaqa.jpg) (http://s839.photobucket.com/user/Petemcm/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150423_061838796_HDR_zpshqnbhaqa.jpg.html)
I use a Buff as a partial facemask in warm and cold weather. It fits very snug and does not seem to affect my anchor (middle finger, corner of mouth).
I never wear a mask while in an enclosed ground blind because i use the shoot-thru netting in the windows. If I am in a brush blind or treestand, I will wear one. I usually wear a leafy-flage suit with headnet for those times.
Bisch
Been wearing a face mask since 1970 while deer and turkey hunting. Never had a problem with anchor or visibility. The early face paints or burnt cork were a pain to remove back then. I particularly like the full mask with the flexible aluminum frame around the eyes.Its called the Quaker Boy Elite Bandit. You seldom see them in stores so I have started buying on line direct from Quaker Boy. Buy two at a time and they last me 4 or 5 years minimum. :campfire:
don't like face maskes..messes with my anchor.
I use carbomask.
Paint for me lotsa stripes
I've worn a face mask for years, many years. Thicker ones in cold weather, mesh in warmer weather. No issues with anchor.
I've used carbonmask or burnt cork for years because of eyeglasses and fog. But I also will wear a mask at times and I like the HS leafy head net, for me it works great. Trim a few leafs while practicing and go hunting! I'm not using a blind though.
I have a leafy suit so I may see if I can get a head net that matches it. Maybe it will be a little better, and if not I can still use it for predator hunting. I've already got plenty of face paint so I'll just keep playing around and see what I come up with. Thanks for all the replies!!
I have never thought of wearing a face mask. I like chewing backer and spitting just as good as hunting.
I used to have a mosquito net with a slit in it for a pipe stem. One day late in the spring turkey season the gnats were so bad that my pipe wasn't keeping up, so I took off the camo mask and put on the net and lit the pipe. A turkey came by. I spit out pipe and took a shot. The bow string grabbed the net and about ripped my right ear off.
spandoflauge head net for me,never had a problem with shooting on the ground or up a tree.
I can't do the facemask, I've tried so many different ways and just can't. I use face paint in a blind or Treestand and when it's cold I use a neck gator and beanie cap combination to stay warm.
I wear a mesh one for deer and turkeys but not for pigs. I practice shooting with it on and it's never bothered me.
Sometimes. I have less trouble with it interfering with anchoring than catching on my glasses, though. Generally prefer paint.
Been using one for around 40 years. Been washing up 3 news one for the last 6 months. They seem to be a bit stiffer when new. They should be ready for this coming season.
QuoteOriginally posted by stonewall:
I have never thought of wearing a face mask. I like chewing backer and spitting just as good as hunting.
I didn't think of that...I have the same problem!!
I have always used a face mask and practice with it on regularly. I feel exposed without it on. In my blind I have a real thin Black Mask I bought from Double Bull when they sold them. In my tree stand I always where a mesh one.
I like to use Spandofauge masks. They fit tight and work very well for me.
Grow a beard and paint your face.
"Grow a beard and paint your face."
Then I guess I have perfect snow camo :rolleyes:
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz313/Petemcm/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-01/IMG_20160120_164920305_HDR_zpsvzykrhnb.jpg) (http://s839.photobucket.com/user/Petemcm/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-01/IMG_20160120_164920305_HDR_zpsvzykrhnb.jpg.html)
QuoteOriginally posted by Pete McMiller:
"Grow a beard and paint your face."
Then I guess I have perfect snow camo :rolleyes:
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz313/Petemcm/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-01/IMG_20160120_164920305_HDR_zpsvzykrhnb.jpg) (http://s839.photobucket.com/user/Petemcm/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-01/IMG_20160120_164920305_HDR_zpsvzykrhnb.jpg.html)
I'm more setup for Fall colors, but yours aint bad.
I'm a face paint guy. Mostly be because masks interfere with my hearing which, while it itsn't the best I rely on it heavily.