Blinds, Bows, and Gobblers

[Gobble Doc]

For you archery hunters, are you typically using a blind when hunting gobblers?  For instance, I've got a pop up blind but have typically opted not to use it because either I want to be mobile or I don't want to spook birds.  We also have a piece of camo burlap that we use as something quick to set up.  Do any of you just sit below a tree like when using a shotgun and then raise and draw the bow when the bird is not looking or do you think you pretty much need to use a pop up blind when using a bow.  Thanks for any suggestions. 

[NWTFhunter]

This will be the first year that I hunt for them with a bow, and was just thinking about those exact things.  I feel if I set up the blind, I will be stuck there. I like to be able to move if needed, and I will be hunting a narrow but long creek bottom this year.  Hopefuly it all just works out.

[turkeydancer]

Although you can draw from the open when the bird has his back to you, especially if fanned out in strut, it does make it a lot harder especially if there's more than just his eyes looking.   A  simple ground blind or your camo burlap should do the trick of concealing your draw versus taking the chance of getting busted.  But that's a choice you alone have to make, and that may be the challenge you want to accept to make the harvest extra super special.
 

[carpsniperg2]

I have killed several birds over the years with my bows. Never once used a ground with any luck. I like to be more moblie. I just get something in front of me from where the birds are working for. Most of the time they will catch you drawing so you have to be a little quick on the release. Most times they will watch for a second,  then do there nervous wing twich thing and then take off. Gives you a couple seconds to get a arrow into them.

[Mfowl]

I am going to try using my bow this year. My plan is that if I find birds or a set up where I can use a ground blind than I'll bring my bow to hunt with. If I don't have some birds patterned and I have to run n gun than I will use my shotgun. A guy I know had an umbrella type blind that mounted on the front of his bow like a stabilizer, there was a hole for his arrow and sights but the rest opened up to cover his movement. I helped him get a shot at a bird using it a few years back, he went for the head and missed clean however. But the bird stayed in range long enough for him to get a shot. Depending on how skittish your birds are you may get away with some movement. I have gotten away with plenty of movement in the past, so long as your ready to shoot once you move.

[lokidog]

I am going to try using my bow this year. My plan is that if I find birds or a set up where I can use a ground blind than I'll bring my bow to hunt with. If I don't have some birds patterned and I have to run n gun than I will use my shotgun. A guy I know had an umbrella type blind that mounted on the front of his bow like a stabilizer, there was a hole for his arrow and sights but the rest opened up to cover his movement. I helped him get a shot at a bird using it a few years back, he went for the head and missed clean however. But the bird stayed in range long enough for him to get a shot. Depending on how skittish your birds are you may get away with some movement. I have gotten away with plenty of movement in the past, so long as your ready to shoot once you move.

I've seen those bow blinds, they look like an interesting idea.  I've shot two with the bow, no blind on either.  I did have a friend miss twice out of the blind last spring.  Maybe she'll do better next week.

[Tom Tamer]

Done it both ways. If you have a good travel spot just tuck the blind back out of the way. I don't think tye blind spooks a turkey like it does a deer. I once hunted an area where we boogered the Tom went back to the truck got the blind and popped it up right in same spot. Now that tom never did come back but we had one hen actually run into the edge of the blind. With no ill effects. She tripped over one of the stakes holding it down. Just as if she tripped over a stick or rock. Had a Jake walk right up to it within 10yds...where I executed a perfect miss at him:(
 So I'm not afraid to pop one up almost anywhere I hunt.

[Gobble Doc]

Lots of good information guys.  It sounds like a mix of folks using blinds sometimes but not always.  My concern has always been when hunting with my son that with both of us sitting close together that it is going to be almost impossible to get a bird to come within 20 yard without a blind just because we are probably moving too much.  On the other hand some guys were telling me that if the birds are used to being in an area all the time and then all of a sudden something new like a blind shows up then they'll avoid it.  I may end up sticking with the strip of camo burlap as it goes up quick and is quiet.  That way it kind of maximizes mobility but may also provide some additional cover.