Today's hunting blinds are tremendous tools for many types of hunting. Whitetail deer hunters who aren't up high on treestands benefit from the total concealment a hunting blind provides. Turkey hunters quickly realize that blinds are perfect for the woods, as turkeys seem to simply look past them. Those who hunt antelope, elk or mule deer near waterholes also benefit from a well-placed blind. Blinds also help with introducing youngsters to the excitement of hunting because they cover all of the fidgeting and whispering that occurs when hunting with a young person. Those hunters new to blinds should take note of a few tips to help make hunting from a blind more successful.
Turkey Hunting
Hunting blinds are absolutely fantastic for turkey hunting. It is amazing to have a mature bird gobbling its head off not five yards from the hunting blind. It's like they don’t even see it! It's true that turkeys seem to look right past a blind, but there are some things a turkey hunter can do to ensure the bird never sees you. Place the blind just inside a tree line instead of out in the open. Bring clippers with you to cut some natural foliage and limbs from nearby and arrange them around the blind. It won't take much brushing up, but a little does help. Keep movement to a minimum, and keep the back window closed as tightly as possible. No doubt, turkeys will catch movement within the hunting blind. While you may want to crack the back window to keep an eye out in that direction, having it all the way open creates a silhouette and really displays any movement. Try to keep your face back away from the front window. Hunting blinds are perfect for turkey hunting on small plots of land when you won’t be running and gunning. Place the blind and set out several decoys within easy range. It also helps you keep dry when that spring rain comes through.
Whitetail Deer Hunting
Hunting deer with a blind is a good choice for those who don't use tree stands. With whitetail deer hunting, though, there are more considerations than with turkeys. The first difference is that deer use their sense of smell to detect danger. This is a strength whitetail deer hunters get with hunting blinds, though, which are easily moved from place to place. In a matter of a few minutes a hunter can move a blind from one side of a food plot to the other, or completely break it down and haul it elsewhere if the wind is not right. Deer will notice the blind if it's not hidden. Place the hunting blind in a thicket or dense area and brush it up heavily. Inside corners, which are so special with any type of hunting, are perfect for whitetail deer hunting blind placement. Again, keep movement to a minimum. Keep from silhouetting yourself and keep your face back from the windows. Clear the leaves from the bottom of the blind so you can position yourself for the shot without making noise. Also, instead of camouflage, try wearing black, including a black facemask.
Hunting at Waterholes
Whether you're after antelope, mule deer, elk or even whitetails at a waterhole, hunting blinds can help you be more successful. Antelope often are hunted in vast prairies where cover is sparse. The key is to place the hunting blind several weeks prior to hunting so the animals get used to it. Still, a little cover added to the blind will help. The same goes with elk, mule deer and whitetails. Consider the prevalent wind and the rising and setting sun when placing the blind. Try to set the blind up where the wind blows away from the waterhole. Don't set it where the hunter will be looking directly into the rising and setting sun. If there is a small grove of trees near the waterhole that fits your needs, it's an excellent spot for the blind and provides sturdy anchors for tying it off for stability.
Youth Hunting
Hunting blinds are the best advancement for introducing youngsters to hunting. They allow the new hunter to move around, whisper and do all of the things kids do, without being seen. What you bring with you is important, and blinds allow for all of the extras kids need. A comfortable lawn chair for each of you is the first ingredient, and a sack of candy, gum or other snacks and drinks is a good idea. A blind allows you to point out all of the birds and other wildlife that will keep the youngster interested. Above all, have fun.