It's a personnal choice. I've been bowhunting for 36 years. The first year or two I used my army camo sticks. Then I switched to gloves and a mask. In the beginning I made my own. I'd be lost with out it now. I like it because it keeps a lot of bugs at bay and also helps to keep out some of the chill on cold days. Heck, on real cold days I wear a balaclava and a camo mask. I do cut out one big opening for my eyes so my view is not obstructed in anyway. If this is your first year with the bow in NY how can you hunt the early bow season which starts the 27th. You have to have a bow license from last year to hunt those 4 days.