When you’re bowhunting, getting close is everything. Every small detail matters. Your movement, your scent, the wind, and what your target species sees. When you don't have an option to stay in the shadows and have to stalk in bright, open conditions, there’s one thing that often gives hunters away before anything else: your face.
Spika ambassador Dylan Smith recently summed it up perfectly:
“In a nutshell, I was inside 60 metres of a couple of dozen deer for a few hours. I crawled across open ground slowly. I had multiple younger deer come to check me out but I stayed still, and while they were half alarmed, the mature deer didn’t take notice. I was also crawling towards the sun, so besides protecting me from the sun, the veil prevented my shiny face from standing out to the deer.”
Dylan’s experience highlights a key point that many bowhunters learn the hard way, your face can be the brightest, most visible thing in the bush.
Sunlight and Movement: A Hunter’s Giveaway
When you’re stalking into the sun, the glare lights up anything reflective or pale and that includes skin. A bright or sunlit face can flash like a signal mirror to wary game animals. Combine that with subtle movement as you crawl or shift position, and you can quickly lose your edge.
Even the best camo clothing can’t help much if your face is glowing in the sun.
Face Veils and Neck Gaiters: Small Gear, Big Difference
A lightweight face covering or built-in veil adds an extra layer of concealment that can make all the difference. Whether you prefer a neck gaiter that you can pull up when needed, or a hood with an integrated veil, these simple additions help break up your outline and reduce that bright contrast that deer pick up easily.
They also provide bonus protection from sunburn, insects, and dust, especially when stalking over open country.
Choosing the Right Face Covering
When selecting a face covering for hunting, look for:
- Breathable, lightweight fabric. You’ll be wearing it for hours.
- Camo patterns that match your environment.
- Moisture-wicking or quick-dry materials to stay comfortable in the heat.
- Versatility. A gaiter can double as a headband, beanie, or dust guard.
Many of Spika’s performance tops and jackets now include built-in face veils, so you’ll always be ready to close in without fumbling for extra gear.
In the End, It’s About the Little Things
Stalking close with a bow is one of the hardest and most rewarding challenges in hunting. Success often comes down to the small decisions. How you move, where you crawl, and how well you blend in. Covering your face might seem like a minor detail, but as Dylan’s hunt shows, it can be the difference between being spotted and nailing the stalk.
Gear up smart. Stay covered. Stay hidden. #GetOutside
Kids Terra Puffer Jacket - Biarri Blaze
Kids Valley Jacket - Biarri Blaze
Mens Valley Jacket - Biarri Blaze
