Back in the day, if you scrolled through hunting feeds, it was a kaleidoscope of face paint. We were all trying to channel our inner special ops, turning our faces into elaborate camouflage canvases reminiscent of Arnold’s famous character “Dutch” from Predator.
I’ll admit, I was part of that scene. I’d dabble in stripes and smudges, spending a little extra time to get it “just right.” It looked cool in photos, and honestly, it felt like I was adding an extra layer of stealth.
But things change, and it’s become clear: the face paint fad, for many bowhunters, is over.
The Messy Reality Bites Back
Let’s cut to the chase: face paint is a hassle. It’s messy, inconvenient, and probably doesn’t do much to keep you hidden.
- The Smudge Factor: You’re in a stand, sweat trickling down, a bug lands on your cheek, and instinctively, you brush it away. There goes your carefully applied design. What was once a masterpiece of camouflage is now a streaky, uneven mess. If looking good was the goal, you have now failed miserably.
- The Transfer Issue: It gets everywhere. Your hands, your gloves, your clothing. And that’s not just a cleanliness issue. It’s a scent issue. You’re trying to be invisible, and now you’re spreading your human scent and the scent of Halloween makeup around like confetti.
- The Post-Hunt Scrub: Trying to remove some of the more durable face paints is like trying to remove concrete. You scrubbing, you’re using makeup remover, and still, remnants cling to your skin. It’s a time-consuming and often irritating process.
- Pore Problems: Many face paints are pore-clogging nightmares. Breakouts, irritation, and general discomfort are common complaints. And when you’re on a multi-day hunt, you don’t have the luxury of a spa-quality skincare routine. At almost 45 years old, I’m way too old to be dealing with acne breakouts like I’m in high school again.
- The Public Humiliation: Let’s face it, walking into a grocery store or gas station with half your face painted green and brown is…awkward. You get the stares, the whispers, and the occasional raised eyebrow. I’m surprised nobody has called the cops on me yet.
The Rise of Practicality
As the novelty of face paint has worn off, hunters are seeking more practical solutions. Face masks & neck gaiters have become the new go-to options.
- Complete Coverage: Face masks offer complete coverage, eliminating the need for meticulous application. They’re quick, they’re easy, and they provide consistent concealment.
- Comfort and Breathability: Modern face masks are designed for comfort, with breathable materials that wick away moisture. They’re a far cry from the bulky, uncomfortable masks of the past.
- Scent Control: Many face masks are treated with scent-blocking technology, providing an extra layer of concealment.
- Added Warmth: For many hunters, the arrival of November’s cold winds and the whitetail rut is the highlight of the year. A warm and comfortable facemask is essential gear for staying comfortable during a cold hunt.
Why Some Still Cling to the Paint
Look, I get it, not everyone’s sold on facemasks. Some people are sticking with the face paint thing instead. Here’s why.
- The Eyeglass Factor: For those who wear glasses, face masks can be a fogging nightmare. Face paint, in this case, becomes a necessary compromise. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than hunting with blurry vision.
- The Social Media Appeal: Let’s be real, social media plays a huge role in hunting culture. A well-executed face paint design can generate likes, shares, and comments, boosting online visibility. Some hunters still use face paint primarily for the “wow” factor. And some, like Nate Hosie, have built a brand around it. His look is iconic, and it is a part of his brand.
- The “Lucky Charm” Effect: I’ll admit, there’s a part of me that still associates face paint with good luck. It’s a superstition, I know, but sometimes, you just need that extra bit of confidence. It’s a ritual for some and can be a part of the mental game.
- Face Masks Aren’t Manly: Some hunters still subscribe to the “real men don’t wear masks” philosophy when it comes to braving the cold.
- Can’t Shoot: Shooting a bow accurately while wearing a face mask is nearly impossible. For those who prefer not to remove their masks to properly anchor and execute their shot, going maskless remains an option.
The Hybrid Approach
I certainly don’t think that camo face paint is gone forever. Personally speaking, I believe it still has its time and place. When the weather is warm I will often opt for the paint solely to try and remain a little bit cooler and more comfortable. Wearing a mask in 80-90 degree temps an be brutal.
And, let’s be honest, sometimes painting your face just puts you in a different frame of mind. One that harkens back to simpler times when the balance of life and death was often swayed by the success of the day’s hunt. When it’s time to kill, sometimes “war paint” is the way to go.
