Ground blinds

[Stalkin Prey]

Alright guys, gearing up for this upcoming seasons and I was contemplating buying a ground blind. I archery hunt majority of the time so a taller one would be beneficial but I can also draw and shoot from my knees. My biggest concerns are how well they would work. I hunt both the east side as well as the west side and usually still hunt. Patience isn’t something I’m good at but I know I’m bumping animals (I’ve heard them), I’ve read countless times while still hunting SLOW DOWN, even when you think you’re moving slow and methodical SLOW DOWN MORE. So this has lead me to think of switching up my game plan a little especially on the west side. How many of you guys run blinds? Has it improved your opportunities? Have you noticed a difference in species (more beneficial for deer vs elk)? I’ve also been looking into tree stands as well. Sorry for the long post, any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.


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[blackpowderhunter]

I was going to recommend looking into a tree stand then i got to the end of your post.
I recently added a tree stand to the arsenal for archery and let me tell you, it REALLY makes you slow down 
it will test your patience, but i think it also allows for a lot more shot opportunities vs a ground blind unless you are clearing shooting lanes pre season.
I had a 6x6 come in to within 10 yards of my stand last year (no cows with him unfortunately) and I guarantee he woulda sniffed me out or seen me in a ground blind that close.
i was happy with it, and will continue to employ that tactic for early archery...also easier to hide from other people if you're leaving it out all week and worry about people vandalizing or stealing your stuff

[Stein]

For me, they are horrible and I only use one if it is basically the only option I have.  I hunt ducks out of a blind and sometimes with younger kids that just can't sit still or walk quietly yet.

That said, a huge portion of hunters in the US use them every year.  I'm just not the sit in one place guy.

[Stalkin Prey]

I have an issue with sitting as well. I typically am more run and gun but this last season has really made me re-evaluate. Trying to step my hunting game up. I know I need to absolutely move a lot slower and glass more even in the thick stuff. Wondering if the work smarter not harder applies and I need to be patient and sit. Seems like last season has me re-evaluating my entire world.


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[Jonathan_S]

I had a 6x6 come in to within 10 yards of my stand last year (no cows with him unfortunately) and I guarantee he woulda sniffed me out or seen me in a ground blind that close.

You would be surprised at how well ground blinds contain scent.  I have been amazed more than once at the inability of an animal to wind me even when well downwind of a blind I'd been sitting in for hours.  Not saying your treestand doesn't do well at scent dispersal because they do    With groun blinds I believe it is a containment vs. dispersal

[wapiti hunter2]

I carry a good pair of garden shears and a folding saw. I build ground blinds on the spot as needed. The shears and saw can double as cleaning tools too.

[blackpowderhunter]

I carry a good pair of garden shears and a folding saw. I build ground blinds on the spot as needed. The shears and saw can double as cleaning tools too.

also a great idea!
a lot lighter too 

[Doublelunger]

I had a 6x6 come in to within 10 yards of my stand last year (no cows with him unfortunately) and I guarantee he woulda sniffed me out or seen me in a ground blind that close.

You would be surprised at how well ground blinds contain scent.  I have been amazed more than once at the inability of an animal to wind me even when well downwind of a blind I'd been sitting in for hours.  Not saying your treestand doesn't do well at scent dispersal because they do    With groun blinds I believe it is a containment vs. dispersal

 

[E35alex]

I'll speak from experience of hunting out of a ground blind due to a 9 year old who cant sit still for more than 5 min  Last winter, had a buck and a doe walk within 4-5 yards of the blind. Downwind. Never knew we were there. Then the phone chirped (son was playing on the phone), the deer looked up with a very confused look, then kept on going. From my experience, the ground blind works and works great. One con, they can get heavy. Pro, hides scent, movement, snacks, chairs, heater, a 9 year old, etc 

[dscubame]

Elk no deer yes. 

Exception for elk is the early warmer part of the season pre rut sitting over an active wallow that you know is getting visited daily to every few days on rotation.  Once the elk stop hitting the wallow the ground blind can be packed up, imo.