Whilst shoots are still allowed to take place this winter a number of safety measures will have been implemented to ensure they are COVID-secure. You’ll likely find hand sanitiser on the beater’s wagon, elevenses will be a socially distant affair, and face masks will be de rigour.
Face masks are an important part of minimising the transmission of COVID-19 on a shoot day. There are many scenarios when a face mask should be worn on a shoot: by beaters getting into the same wagon, by the manager of the game cart, or by the gamekeeper when instructing people at the start of a drive. Even if you aren’t attending a shoot this season you will still have to wear a face covering by law when visiting a gun shop, or in the supermarket when you are picking up the ingredients for dinner.
There are plenty of face masks on the market, but here are eGunroom’s top picks for a COVID-secure shoot day.
GCWT Fluid Repellent Multi-Use Face Mask
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust have been researching and developing game and wildlife management techniques for the past 80 years. Show your support fort the Trust by buying and wearing a GWCT mask on your shoot day.
John Norris Country Face Mask
John Norris, the large country clothing retailer, are producing their own 100% cotton, washable and reusable face masks. They have all been treated with an antimicrobial and water repellant finish. Every mask comes with one filter and it features a 5 layer filter system that filters out 95% of dust and particles. There are 8 different designs from plain black to red polka dots. However the stand out designs for the field have to be the red and green pheasant designs, and the camo one.
Huntsman Face Mask
Huntsman, the Savile Row tailor, has been making “the most extraordinary clothes for discerning gentlemen and ladies” for over 171 years.
The Huntsman Face Masks are handcrafted in the UK using 100% Egyptian Cotton and are available in a choice of 5 colours. The double-layered design allows you to house your own filter if desired. These are machine washable.
UNIQLO AIRism Mask
Founded in Japan in 1949 as a textiles manufacturer, UNIQLO has expanded into a global brand with over 1,000 stores around the world today.
The AIRism mask is sold as a pack of three. It been constructed using a three-tiered structure. The first layer of AIRism Mesh fabric is smooth and breathable. The second layer filters out up to 99% of particles. The third layer also uses AIRism mesh fabric for even better breathability and comfort. These masks are machine washable.
Under Armour SPORTSMASK
Under Armour is an American sportswear company that was founded un 1996 so they know a thing or two about producing garments for sporting pursuits.
This mask has been designed especially for athletes to wear all day. It gives you the airflow you need and keeps you cool. This mask is also manufactured using a three piece, structured design: a water-resistant outer shell, a breathable spacer, and an interior layer made from UA Iso-Chill fabric that has an anti-microbial treatment to keep the mask fresh. The UA Iso-Chill fabric, which is used on the ear loops will feel cool to the touch for as long as you wear it. The structured design of the mask keeps it off the face and lips for added comfort and breathability. Includes a washable, anti-microbial carrying pouch with locker tag to mark your name.
Disposable Face Mask
Whilst these three layer face masks may not have the style or technical credentials of the others above, they do come in a box of 100 and are disposable. These are a great option to keep in your truck, the shoot lodge or beaters’ wagon and can be readily available to hand out to anyone who may have forgotten to bring a mask.
