It shouldn’t, but it irks me when I see all these guys and gals who feel the need to paint their faces like a WWE wrestler or a college football player prepping for the big game when they go bowhunting for deer. The trendy color is black, and common designs are flames or swirls that shoot up and back over the cheeks, or “warrior” teardrops that start below the eye and streak down to the jaws.
That look works in the ring or on the field, but in a tree stand? No. In my opinion fancy paint makes you look kind of silly, and like you’ve never been there before…like you are a rookie or wannabe. And although I’m sure the face painters have never thought of it and don’t intent it, I believe it disrespects a bit the good and wholesome rite of deer hunting.
Is this the image we want to portray? Suppose a man or woman in the suburbs looks out the window one day this October and sees a guy in full camouflage, face painted like the WWE’s Ultimate Warrior, carrying a bow or crossbow and sneaking through the woods on the next lot behind their house. This hunter is perfectly legal and has permission. While the man or woman has never been against hunting, he or she might view this man as a threat, and might even call the sheriff. Don’t laugh, it could happen, we live and hunt in a different world these days.
I know a lot of hunters in their 20s and 30s see a lot of fancy face-paint jobs on TV hunting shows and the Internet, and think that is the cool way to hunt these days. This is America, you can paint your face however you like. But I ask, unless you are a child of 8-15 please resist the urge. (Kids get a pass, they can have fun painting up.)Use just enough dabs and streaks of brown, black and green grease to break the outline and glare of your face, like real bowmen have done for decades.
Agree with me, or am I being petty?
In the picture: Montana hunter Luke Strommen shoots bucks on the ground at close “wolf range” with his recurve. This is how a real bowhunter wears face paint.
Interesting topic and valid views on both sides. On lean on the viewpoint of Mikes opinion because I’m obviously a bit old school. Our group image is definitely a priority that needs to be considered by all of us, but with all the BS concerning our great sport that gives it a false persona or simply leads our next generation of young ambassadors down the wrong path, we need to pick our priorities, our battles. It’s topics like this that gets us thinking about so many aspects of our sport and the outdoor industry concerning media in general. Good job. Isn’t that what a good college professor does in the classroom? We need to check ourselves more often.
I use face paint all the time. Not a big fan of face mask unless it’s really cold and windy out. I like the open natural feel with a thin beard to break it up. Although I’ve seen guys do some differnt things on TV with it I guess I never really thought to much about it. I just streak mine on in whatever pattern comes to mind that day. Typically some diagonal lines. If someone wants to do some goofy design I guess that’s there thing.
Face paint helps break up your face out there period! Deer hunting can be a very big test of patience so paint your face however you want to keep your intensity and confidence up and keep you out there longer. How can anybody judge the way others hunt as long as it is legal. You hunt for your own experiences, not for the way others perceive it so paint up however you want and get after it. No disrespect to anyone…..everyone has the right to their own feelings.
Mike, this might be the first post I disagree with you on. You have always said that we need to stick together as a hunting fraternity and I think this is a little picky and divisive. Don’t get me a wrong I don’t paint my face to look like a wrestler, but I do have some fun with it because A. im superstitious and I know Ill always remember how I painted my face the day I shoot a boon B. I have kids that get a kick out of it and C. If I’m doing it because it’s functional I might as well have a little fun with it. Again, to each his own ;)
I wear it because my anchor point for my bow string is my nose and I don’t like the way a facemask feels, I’ve tried several kinds. It just does not feel natural to me wearing one. However I do put it on without making designs or whatever on my face. I’m usually in a hurry and don’t have time for such silliness. Some of the people that I have seen wearing face camo, must have also had a make-up artist.
I’ve worn it once or twice – its greasy in hot weather, and it wipes off on your clothes. A face mask is far more functional and also helps cover up your breath.
I get what you’re saying Mike. To me it is another example of how narcissistic some in our industry have become. It seems like a new T.V. hunting narcissist is born every other day. Everyone is waiting in line to be the next big thing…..Come on people, it’s deer hunting…not, well, WWE wrestling???
You are being petty, but you are right! all these guys and girls on TV painted up and screaming when they shoot a deer is not the right message!
see what you’re saying–but guy/gal wanna look badass, have at it
I have no problem with it. I have never worn it & have no plans to wear it. I am a face mask kinda guy. I think the TV guys do it for “Brand Recognition”. IMO, if you want to look like a dumbass, have at it!