First year bowhunting from a ground blind

[Mike_W]

Well I was happy to spend some time in a ground blind this fall and wanted to share some things I have discovered and will change for next year.

First noise inside a ground blind is amplified ......I don't know if it is contained inside but every movement seems louder in a blind. Because of this two things I am considering doing differently next year is to add a piece of cheap carpet to the floor to help with crunching and moving of feet second would be the addition of a swivel chair I think that would be a sweet addition to help with some noise also.

Second is I like the medium size blinds they are relatively inexpensive and easy to conceal however I am a big guy and have a long draw (29.5") so they are just big enough for me. The bow I set up for hunting this year has a 33" ATA which isn't that long but with 9" of stab out front and 7" out the side/ back and a mounted Tight Spot quiver it became a big bow for a small blind.
Luckily I have a 30' ATA bow and that will be set up as a blind bow with a short stab and no quiver or a detachable quiver and should be a much more maneuverable setup for in the blind or tree stand.

Lastly I have Montana black gold sights on two of my three bows they are fantastic sights and very bright right up to and even past legal light however I figured out that in the last 15 min of legal light when in a blind the pins just don't gather enough light and will make sure to use a sight with a light on my "blind bow"

If anyone has any other suggestions or tips please share!!

[Jaybird]

I sat in a ground blind once this year and just did not feel comfortable at all i felt very restricted for space and visibility. The noise created inside just by the slightest movement was crazy making feel there is no way an animal is going to come near me.
That being said I completely agree a carpet and swivel chair would make a great addition but I definitely would like to be in a large blind when hunting with a bow

[SportHuntingHelp]

Couple things that come to mind. First spend some time shooting from a seated position in the blind at a target to give you that confidence.

I take my new blinds and brush them with dirt/mud to get rid of the bright shine but that is just me and probably does nothing but make me feel good lo.

Spend the time to properly brush your blind in. I like to add the swivel chair and also a bow holder stake.

Lastly remember to tie off your blind nothing worse than showing up to find out it blew away and in Winter add a center pole so it does not collapse due to snow load overnight.

Counting the days to next year already can't wait.

[davis77]

i would say forget the ground blind and get up in the tree its that simple.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Now compare the ease of use of a crossbow in a ground blind vs. a compound bow

For those who consider them the same

LC

[davis77]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

Now compare the ease of use of a crossbow in a ground blind vs. a compound bow

For those who consider them the same

LC

Crossbow hunters shouldnt be mentioned in the same line as bow hunters.

[SportHuntingHelp]

Originally Posted by davis77

i would say forget the ground blind and get up in the tree its that simple.

I do both some areas I hunt are great for stands and others are not and a ground blind is a better option.

[Mike_W]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

Now compare the ease of use of a crossbow in a ground blind vs. a compound bow

For those who consider them the same

LC

Oh how nice it would be to just point and shoot!

[Mike_W]

Originally Posted by davis77

i would say forget the ground blind and get up in the tree its that simple.

Have you ever hunted in a blind? They are great ....also much warmer!

[Bonescreek]

I've been using a dark horse for a while, it's a hub style pop up and has
a horizontal window across the front 2 sides.

Great blind, plenty of room, very easy to setup/take down and has an
excellent camo pattern. Also comes in a taller size (could almost stand and
shoot). Very well built, quiet, tough canvas.

Only down sides to this type of blind are that it is heavy (37lbs).
and with a hub style and horz. window opened high in the center
to low on both sides.. you have to be careful when taking a shot at either
extream side of the window, not to forget your sight pin is about 4" above
your rest height. Too tight in the corner and you can hit the bottom rod
just before where it attaches to the hub.

You can shoot through the nylon mesh and the canvas without a problem,
killed a couple of turkeys right through the canvas but you cannot hit a rod.
Can only suggest here to try to face the blind as best as you can to face the direction
you think the animal will approach AND remember where sun comes up, don't let it back light you.

I picked up a backpack type carrier cheap from either Langcaster or Carbelas
(like 14.00) and is a great aid to getting the blind in and out of the woods,
but... I have to make two trips to carry all the gear when turkey hunting like
blind, decoys, calls, black camos, chair, bow, lunch, etc.

One last tip... very important.
If you can once you find a good game trail,
2 large cedar trees close to each other or a patch of Laurel or Roadies
makes the best cover to park your blind and stays green all year.

[ForwardBias]

I have had very little luck with ground blinds. I will keep climbing those trees.