Tips on Bowhunting With Ground Blinds

Ground blinds are camouflaged, tent-like enclosures which protect hunters from weather elements and hide them from the animals. The ground blind has become an almost forgotten hunting aid due to the popularity of tree stand blinds. Many hunters have a variety of tree stands available but maybe only one or two blinds if any. Break up the monotony and bring out the ground blinds, you'll be surprised at the options that ensue.

  1. Be Practical

    • When mobility is an issue, such as hunting with an elderly, handicapped or otherwise disabled hunter, use a ground blind. Simply place the blind in an area accessible by ATV or vehicle, and place over a hunter confined to a wheelchair. Ground blinds are also great when taking younger hunters along with you. It provides adequate shelter from the elements, and if they're not interested in the hunting, they can color and play with toys. This allows you to hunt while spending time with your family. Make sure there's plenty of room to maneuver in the blind, and remember that comfort is important. You want plenty of room to draw back your bow and a comfortable place to stay if your wait is long.

    Plan Carefully

    • Take into account the type of animal you're hunting when setting your blind. When you're setting up for deer hunting, you'll want to place the blind weeks ahead of time. It will take the deer a while to become accustomed to the new feature---the animals will be very wary at first. Giving them a few weeks to observe the blind will allow the ground blind to become a part of the deer's everyday surroundings. Try to make sure it's scent free when you put it out---if deer smell you, they'll bolt and avoid the area. When it comes to turkeys, you can set the blind and hunt the next day. Turkeys won't really notice or even care, they'll initially be spooked but will soon forget you're there. Set the blind up the way you intend it to be when you're hunting. Changing parts of the set up will alert the keener animals such as deer. They'll notice that something has changed and won't stick around to find out what.

    Scout the Site

    • Make sure you scout your site very well. One obstacle when it comes to ground blinds is objects that may hinder your shot. Downed trees, ridgelines and small hills can get in the way of you and your intended target. You'll want to know the animal's patterns and regular movements to ensure you've found a good set up and that you'll have a good shot. Don't forget to take into account the wind patterns as well. Make sure when you go to scout, you chart the wind. This allows you to set your blind so that you're in prime shooting position.