Ground Blinds

[deadeye]

How many bowhunters actually hunt consistently out of a ground blind? I have a real nice Double Bull blind, but only use it for turkeys. I don't feel safe enough to leave it out brushed in in any timber, which means setting it up and brushing it in everytime - be it the same location or not.

Any experiences with ground blind hunting???

Input is appreciated.
THANKS

 

[Shovelbuck]

That's the only way I've hunted for quite a few years now. I put mine up in late August and take it down in mid Jan. I will generally move it a couple times in that time frame. I don't brush it in all that much, just pick a good spot for it to blend in. After it's been there awhile all the critters get used to it. I'm hoping to get another one for this season so I don't have to move it. I use an Ameristep penthouse and if it gets stolen I'm not out nearly as much as a DB costs.

 

[Rudd]

GEEEZ Shovel.......How many rounds that bruiser hold? I stopped counting at 50.......Love that avatar.

 

[deadeye]

Shovelbuck,
Have you hunted out of a treestand? I think you can see so much better out of a stand enabling you to get ready earlier. It also seems that you can get a clearer shot off from above. Just trying to find out why people hunt from blinds. If you don't like to get off the ground, that is understandable too.
Do you leave most of the windows up to keep your scent in or do you leave them down all the time?
I would agree that leaving them up would be the way to go.
Do you think putting one up a few times a season would hurt you since you can't leave it and let them get used to it?

 

[Shovelbuck]

8 seasons ago I fell and tore up both legs pretty bad, so I don't go up anymore. I usually have just enough window open to see whats coming and another one just open enough to get an arrow out of. I usually have mine set up in an area that has it tucked into a tight spot that allows me to see left and right and shoot straight ahead. I gave up trying to set it where I can shoot all directions. I generally can only shoot 2 directions. My blind is an older model without the shoot through screen. I did miss a couple deer last year because I missjudged the arrows path and shot through the fabric.

As for scent, I spray the inside walls with scent eliminater and haven't had any trouble I do think it's an advantage to leave it up. If you are looking to fill the freezer with a doe you shouldn't have a problem, but a mature buck will give you trouble if it's only been there a day or so.

 

[deadeye]

Sorry to hear about your accident Shovelbuck. Knowing it happens to people just like ourselves is a good reminder to always be careful and wear a safety belt - even if they are a pain in the butt.

I know I am used to hunting out of a tree. When I turkey hunt out of the ground blind, I find it harder to judge distances as accurately. Even turkey hunting I try to tuck the blind in between trees or brush and usually am lucky to shoot three directions. Unless I set up in an open field.

Never thought of spraying the inside of the blind. That makes good sense. I usually wear scent lok, but spray helps too.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[M350]

I feel ground blinds always have a place in the bow hunters' game plan. This 150+" was shot at 20 yards from the ground in 2000. It never could have happened from an elevated stand.

Open CRP fields and brushy fencerows are the ultimat set up for a surprise attack on an unsuspecting monster. Play the wind game and you can get away with murder or is it just BLIND LUCK.

 

[spinefxr]

M350: Did you use a decoy on that hunt?

 

[M350]

YEP I SURE DID---DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE PRE-RUT.