QUOTE: That's why I asked. Are they a macho thing or do they serve a purpose? :UNQUOTE

I believe they are only a macho fasion statement, for the most part! The one worn by Capstick had a metel madalion on it that reflected flashes of light like a signal mirror! Berets do not shade the eyes, so I don't know why anyone would want to wear one to hunt in!

I've always hunted before in a Baseball type cap, but have just had cancer surgery, and have been advised to wear a broad brimmed hat, and long sleeves from now on! I have my Dad's Stetson 5X beaver safari hat, with a real zebra hat band, and turned down fore, and aft, like Stuart Granger's, in "king Solomon's Mines"! Now I guess I'll be ridiculed for trying to make a fasion statement in the hunting pictures from now on!