My destination was a narrow-cut line in the heart of big timber. It was the peak of the Whitetail rut, and I knew the bucks would be traveling looking for hot does. After a quick five-minute set-up, I was concealed in my portable ground blind, ready for what could be a long vigil.
Almost immediately, I was greeted with the sound of snow crunching underfoot as four doe broke from cover and stepped out onto the narrow corridor just 30 yards away. Curious but unalarmed, they paused briefly to inspect the camouflage blob. Unphased, they continued on their way. A half-hour later, and off to my right, I heard heavier footsteps working back and forth in the woods. I readied my rifle on the shooting rail. Eventually, the sound faded, but I anticipated that the buck would cross the linear corridor in short order.
Then it happened. Sixty yards away, the buck stepped into the open. I grunted, stopping him on the edge of the line. With just enough time to identify six tines on his left antler and at least five on his right, I promptly centered my crosshairs on his chest and squeezed. At the report of my 7mm Rem Mag, he bolted. I had just experienced a textbook ground-blind hunt for deer.
Highly Popular
Portable blinds are more popular than ever with today’s hunters. Why? I think it’s because they seem to make us invisible to game. Check any hunting supply or hardware store and you’ll quickly see that the options for ground blinds are many and varied. From single- to multiple-person units, most blinds are camouflaged structures with windows that allow you to vanish under cover of the shadows inside.
Many different designs are available. Most are the pop-up style, box, or tent-like portable units and some are much more elaborate, even robust in design. Regardless of style, most of today’s blinds are done in camouflage to allow the hunter to seemingly disappear. Some are even constructed of scent-elimination materials that mask human odor.
Whether you use a gun or a bow, several aspects should be considered as you determine which blind design best suits your hunting style and when and where to use a blind.
You’ll want to consider placing your blind within comfortable shooting range of game trail intersections, on ridges and in other natural movement corridors, as well as at funnels and sometimes even on field edges. As you scour the area you plan to hunt, make both mental and written notes on topographic maps to identify which spots might be solid choices for locating a blind.
Blind Options
When using a portable ground blind, you’ll want to consider several things before crawling inside. That includes the type of blind, the placement and the brushing of the blind itself. There are also other things to be considered: accessories, what to wear…all these factors play an important role in successful blind hunting.
Every now and then I get creative and construct a blind using natural cover. A few years back I found portable panels with ghillie suit material. They fold up into easy-to-handle bundles and with three of them, I can put together a brilliant hide in a matter of about 20 minutes.
One of our favorite semi-portable ground blinds is the Warrior Down and Out Ground Blind. Read our review here.
When I do this, I first find a likely location, put up the camo screens, and cut the necessary trees and branches to make it look as natural as possible. It’s usually no more than three feet or so in height and can often accommodate a couple of hunters. I generally make my blind big enough to accommodate a folding chair. I like natural ground blinds because the scent of the cut leaves and branches helps mask my odor. There are downsides, though. In most instances, unless your blind is constructed under the canopy of big evergreen trees, it won’t offer much overhead protection. You’ll also find that your human scent is easily carried downwind because you’re out in the open air.
Many companies make blinds, and they offer differing dimensions, configurations and variable fabrics and camo patterns. Each model and style is designed for a specific purpose. They are also available with a variety of shooting windows. Some even offer a shoot-through mesh (for archers), adding concealment.
Well-known among North American hunters are the Double Bull products, blind, and those made by Ameristep Each of these well-established companies makes different lines of blinds, all of which are constructed of camouflage fabric with a variety of shooting windows. Different styles have variable dimensions, but all are designed for a specific hunting application. Some weigh as little as a few pounds, while others weigh more than 22 pounds. They are lightweight and portable, typically weighing only a few kilograms.
For archery hunting, I’m a big fan of Ameristep’s Carnivore blind. It is durable, fast and simple to set up, and it has plenty of shooting windows to facilitate almost any hunting situation.
Alternatively, one of my favorite rifle hunting blinds has a built-in shooting rail. Unfortunately, the manufacturer is no longer in business. Other commercial varieties are complete enclosures accommodating one or more people.
Portable pop-up and hub-style blinds are fast and easy to use, and they have revolutionized the ways many of us hunt. Most of today’s portable blinds are easy to put up, durable, and have different shooting window options. Most are also so portable and lightweight that they can be carried on your back and erected in less than a minute. I own several different brands and models. I like them all, but my favorites have shooting rails built into the internal frame.
Regardless of which style of blind you prefer, it’s a nice advantage to have walls and a roof over your head as well as protection from the sun, wind, rain and snow. Likewise, the ability to add a portable heater is always welcome in extreme cold conditions.
When and Where to Use Blinds
Selecting the right ambush site can make or break the hunt. Keep in mind that deer and other ungulates are attracted to two things: Food and protective cover.
Blind hunters commonly look for important habitat features like heavy cover for bedding, water holes, funnels, ridges, valleys, pinch points for transitional movement, and of course the best source of readily available food. You can’t go wrong focusing on trails near the most protein-rich food source.
If your shooting range extends out to several hundred yards, look for ridges or hilltops with the greatest vantage point overlooking heavily used travel corridors. If you’re setting up on a cut-line, open clear-cut, or a food source, consider placing your blind right on the edge or at the end of the line or clearing to blend in as well as possible with the topography.
Most importantly, put your blind in a spot with the best visibility. If you’ll be hunting in open fields, then corners, hidden bays or coves can often be great spots to set up.
Get Experience
Learning when and where to place and hunt your blind is a skill that can only be learned through experience. As you decide where to place your blind, determine whether it will be used for bow or gun hunting. Archery hunting from a blind requires clear shooting lanes out to 40 yards. Blinds used for rifle hunting may be placed at greater distances from trails or along cut lines with the objective of maximizing visibility and providing the best possible shot opportunity.
Attention to detail is imperative. Once you’ve determined your site of choice, knowing how best to position your blind can again make or break the shot opportunity. Extra care should be taken to position the blind at just the right angle to maximize shot opportunities.
When possible, set your blind at least a week prior to hunting that location. Use foliage such as branches with leafy cover or grasses to brush up the blind for realism. The more the blind blends in with its surroundings, the better your chances of going undetected.
Be sure to set up your blind in position as much as a week prior to hunting that location. Most importantly, consider whether you want to hunt that location as a morning or evening spot. Consider how you will get to and from your blind, and how you can do that without spooking feeding deer in the morning or bedded deer during the daytime.
Be certain to also consider the prevailing winds. Winds shift and change, but in most circumstances, particularly with stable weather, wind comes from one direction. The locations where I do most of my deer hunting in Alberta and Saskatchewan have prevailing winds that typically come from the Northwest. If you’re able to avoid sending your scent toward the deer you’ll be hunting, be sure to do so.
Brushing the Blind
A common mistake made by hunters who are using portable pop-up blinds is using them directly out of the box and failing to “brush” (camouflage) them with habitat. Whenever you buy a new blind, it’s a good idea to put it up in the yard and let it air out for a few weeks. New product smells are unnatural but will dissipate with exposure to the elements. I know some people who actually coat their blinds with scent eliminator spray then rub dirt or pine needles on them for that effect.
It’s equally important when you’re putting your blind up in the woods to brush it with leaves, branches, grasses or other natural elements to add dimension and realism. Remember that deer and other animals live there. They can tell immediately when something is out of place. Your goal is to make the portable blind look and smell as natural as possible.
crossed a narrow cutline only 30 yards away from the blind
Accessories, What to Wear
To hunt comfortably in a portable ground blind, you need a comfortable chair. I’ve tried several over the years and the ones I find most practical in a blind are the three-legged folding models with a triangular-shaped seat and back support.
Alternatively, I like using a four-legged folding chair (with padding for long sits), but they take up more space. Sitting in a blind for hours on end can be challenging, so you’ll want to make your blind as comfortable as possible. If you’re shooting from a sitting position inside the blind, an adjustable shooting stick can be an asset.
As for what to wear, much depends on the weather and the light conditions. While portable blinds will protect you somewhat from wind, rain, and sun, you still have to dress accordingly. The inside of most portable blinds is dark. Wearing black clothing and head covers can help minimize the chance that the game will spot you inside. Camouflage clothing can be worn, but black apparel is often more suitable.
Give it a Try, Be Safe
If you’ve never used a portable ground blind, it’s time you gave it a try. As options go, there are many models on the market. Do your research and find the one that best suits your needs. Beyond these basics, remember to always consider safety. Sitting in a portable ground blind hides you from the deer, but it also hides you from other hunters. Always position blinds well away from anyone else’s line of fire.
