Okay, let me state this right off the bat: I’m not talking about face masks to lower your risk of contracting Covid-19. I’m not touching that controversial topic with a 10-foot muskie rod.

I’m referring to face masks designed to hide your shiny cheeks, nose and chin from the eyes of a wary whitetail. I understand that many of the deer hunters you see on TV and on YouTube skip a face mask, or in place of one, they go with some scary face paint scheme inspired by a NFL linebacker.

Note: Remember that many of the deer properties you see featured online and on TV are one step above a petting zoo — okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. These whitetails on heavily managed private paradises are wild, yes, but they aren’t as nervous as the ones you’re pursuing every weekend.

Does camo (or black) face paint do the job? Certainly, especially when it’s uncomfortable to wear even a lightweight face mask due to heat. But face paint can be a hassle to remove. I’ve also seen YouTube tips where hunters burn a wine cork and then rub the char on their face (after letting it cool, of course). Others do the same with old charcoal from a campfire. If these solutions work for you, knock yourself out. Again, you’ll have to clean up afterwards with soap and water, or wet wipes.

If you’re like me and would rather not use face paint or charcoal, then check out these four face masks. With this system, I’m comfortable deer hunting in temps from below zero to 80 degrees.

1. Spando-Flage Shortcut Face Mask

When the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, I like a Spando-Flage Shortcut Face Mask. Click here to watch the company’s 1-minute video and you’ll understand the unique properties of the Spando-Flage material. These masks are comfortable, and when it’s really hot, you can cut out a hole in the fabric for your mouth. The fabric will not unravel when cut.

2. Buff CoolNet UV Neck Gaiter

In temps of 50 to 70 degrees, I like a lightweight Buff camo neck gaiter. Specifically, I wear a Mossy Oak Break-Up Country model that features the CoolNet UV fabric. It is stretchy enough to pull over my ears, too, when I want a little extra warmth.

3. KUIU Ultra 145 Merino Neck Gaiter

When it’s a bit colder, about 30 to 50 degrees, I switch to a KUIU Ultra 145 Merino Neck Gaiter. The 90 percent merino wool and 10 percent nylon is a comfortable combination that dries quickly. It’s available in three camo patterns and one solid (gray). Like the Buff gaiter, this one from KUIU is easy to stretch over my ears when needed.

4. First Lite Tundra Cold Weather Balaclava

Last but not least, when staying warm on stand is a challenge, I grab my First Lite Tundra Cold Weather Balaclava. It has a merino face mask so I can breathe comfortably, as well as an ultra-warm synthetic shearling liner to keep my head warm. Of course, for maximum warmth, I wear a stocking cap over this balaclava. Because the Tundra fits a bit loose around my neck, there’s plenty of room to first put on the KUIU gaiter. This is cold-weather layering at its finest! (Click here to see a short video highlighting the features of the First Lite Tundra Cold Weather Balaclava.)

Final Thoughts

In my experience, one primary key to standing comfortable when waiting on a whitetail is to keep your neck, face and head warm. And it makes little sense to wear camo from head to toe but leave your face uncovered. Your cheeks, nose and chin will shine against a dark backdrop, even on a cloudy day, so do whatever you can to cover them up.