Ground Blinds

Ground blinds are makeshift or temporary structures located on the ground that conceal the hunter. They can be as simple as a natural blind built behind a tree, bush, log, or rock or as sophisticated as a portable, enclosed camouflage-cloth blind.

• Blinds usually are located close to game food sources, game trails, or watering holes.
• Ground blinds should be used instead of a tree stand when you should not be climbing, such as during inclement weather.
• Ground blinds should always be located:
  • Downwind or crosswind of the spot where you expect to see your quarry because your scent will be carried at ground level and downwind of your blind
  • Away from the sun
  • Where the foreground and background are safest
• Blinds can be fashioned out of native vegetation or rigged from a roll of camouflage cloth or netting, which stores easily in a pack.
• Always clear away all ground cover on your blind’s floor to prevent noise from your foot movements, but remember to replace the ground cover before you leave the site.
• A small portable stool or plastic bucket makes the wait more comfortable.
• When hunting from a ground blind, it is especially important to use camouflage face “makeup” or camouflage head nets and gloves.

Advantages

• Can be set up ahead of time along trails or set up quickly at advantageous spots during a hunt.
• Provide effective camouflage or may conceal the hunter totally, allowing more time to prepare for the shot.
• Provide an element of surprise that is lacking when hunting from a tree stand.
• Offer a safer alternative and a better shot angle than elevated stands.
• Can purchase commercially manufactured ground blinds, which are readily available.

Disadvantages

• Make human scent and movement at ground level easier for game to detect.
• Offer limited visibility and shooting lanes.