Ground Blinds

[zepman]

I just bought a ground blind to hunt deer out of next year...I've always hunted from tree stands in the past. I have a 12 year old that'll be joining me for the 1st time and am wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions that will allow us to be more successful while hunting on the ground?

[Fins-n-feathers]

In a ground blind you can move around a little bit more than if you were in a tree stand, just as long as you dont make a huge racket. Another nice thing about ground blinds is that they contain heat. Especially since you are bringing your 12 year old along, it might be a good idea to bring a little heater or something just in case it gets a little chilly out there.

Congratulations on getting a new hunting buddy! I hope you guys get the big one!

[harvey lee]

If he has any little electronic games, have him bring those and you can point to the deer when you see them.

My son brought my granddaughter out at approx age 4-5 and she loved it. He did not take his bow but the video camera instead.

They had a blast.

[buckhunter21]

I took my first deer out of a ground blind this year after being a treestand only guy for my entire hunting life I decided I needed another option. The most important thing I found was to simply make sure you brush it in good and if possible get it out a few weeks ahead of time to let the deer get used to it. The deer I took this year out of one was really very lucky becasue she knew something was up. I just moved it that day and concealed it very well with pine branches and you could barely tell it was there but when she came out the first thing she did was look my way and came to investigate and I just managed to fling an arrow before she took off. Also make sure you have comfortable chairs, I made the mistake of sitting on a bucket for 3 hours straight in mine and was very painful nearing the end to try and not move. Like others said you can get away with a little more movement but it is still best to try and move as little as possible because remember you are on eye level with them now, exactly where they expect to see a predator.

[zepman]

Thanks for all the good advice and suggestions guys...I put it up in the basement last night and I think I'm really going to like it alot.

[mskyfshntchr]

I have been hunting out of groundblinds for about 3 years now. I use it during muzzleloader season. A couple of things I have found:

1. Brush it in VERY WELL!! Try to put it into a small thicket- there are a lot of branches there to help conceal and it won't be as much work or look so out of place adding in the new cover.

2. Put the zipper on the backside--not where you will shoot from or expect to see deer from. This side of the blind does not need to be brushed in and it makes entry and leaving very easy.

3. Clean the floor- rake up the leaves and cut any sharp sticks. You can move your feet without any worry.

4. When brushing it in make sure you don't have any sticks touching the blind. I had a buddy put a hole in his.

5. Make a snow cover blind. If you might hunt in the snow make a snow cover. Couple of white sheets and a few clothespins will make it look more natural. You might need to cut the sheet somes to make them fit and look most natural.

As for setting it up real early- I am not sure on that one. I think it depends upon how well you get it concealed. If you have it concealed to where the deer won't notice it- it doesn't really matter. If they can see it- then set it up early so they get used to it. I set mine up a few days to a week in advance. Haven't really noticed a problem with deer seeing me. I have shot deer out of a blind every year and a nice buck the last 2 years.

Good luck. They are a great tool- especially when you want to hunt with more than one person and if it gets cold.

[HNTNBUX]

Bring a sleeping bag for the kids to stay warm and shooting sticks for the shot. I have used mine with the kids and they love it.

[Code-Man]

I got the biggest one I could afford because I'm trying to get the girlfriend involved. We stayed out of the wind and she was able to play video games till the deer started moving. About hour before dark she was happier then heck because we had deer every where. Made it that much more fun. Sleeping bags are a good idea as long as it is quiet.

When I prep where I'm putting it I pull all the grass and sticks inside so it wont catch on anything. Brush it in and leave windows wide open to air out.

[lakevet]

What type of heat sources do you use in your ground blind, if any, when it's below zero?

lakevet

[Code-Man]

Most ground blinds say not to have a heater inside of them. Guess big one is out of the wind and it helps keep you warm.

[Bowfin]

What type of heat sources do you use in your ground blind, if any, when it's below zero?

lakevet

The "Portable Buddy Heater"

-its light, quiet and easy to use. They go for about $70.

[pulleye16]

I agree with small non-noise producing electronics to keep him busy when he gets bored. Also, stay clear of fellow hunters by scouting out before hand (can be alittle dangerous on the ground if other hunters don't know you are there), which takes me to my next tidbit and to mark your ground blind with orange tape and make yourself visible to other hunters, espicially in public grounds (which i belive is required by law in MN).

[buckx37x]

I was gone to say just what p16 said make sure to use some blaze orange,wether in public or private land good luck sure is fun to start your son hunting.

[bottom-bouncer]

A heater is a must with a young hunter the blind mite hide some movement and keep the wind off of you but it also keeps the sun off you.

[jkjkoda]

Congratulations on getting a new hunting buddy.

Make it fun! Make it fun! Make it fun!

Bring ds or camera lethim take pics. binoculors

Bring plenty of hand warmers

Pack a lunch sleeping blanket.

Keep the time your out short to start with and longer each time after.

After a couple encouters she or he will be hooked. then they will wont to go out with you all the time. But the time you spend together will be priceless. Good luck

[Code-Man]

I took my girlfriend out last year a few times in the ground blind...Bad Idea! Just purchased a Tikka T3 Stainless Lite! Shouldn't have brought her with then I wouldn't have bought the gun!