The simple fact is most hunters prefer to hunt from tree stands, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth moving back to the ground. Throughout the country deer are starting to learn to point their heads up to the sky.
There’s no questioning the fact that deer are starting to get savvy of our tree stand hunting tactics. Maybe they’ve ran into a unsuccessful bow hunter in the past or their survival instincts are just starting to kick in. No matter the reason they’re starting to recognize danger from above.
So how do you combat this with a change in hunting strategy? You should definitely consider hunting from a ground blind.
Deer Hunting From a Ground Blind
Ground Blind Hunting vs Tree Stand Hunting
Tree stand hunting definitely has its own set of advantages. The big advantage is that it’s a lot easier to cover up your scent. When setup so much higher than the deer your scent should waft high above his head. You’ll also be able to see a lot farther than ground blind hunters. Knowing when you’re in the presence of a big buck gives you a huge hunting advantage.
As much as I love hunting from a tree stand, ground blind hunting has just as many advantages.
Ground Blind Advantages
- Easier to Setup: Setting up a ground blind is going to be much easier than a tree stand. Lightweight models like my personal favorite Primos Ground Blind can be setup in minutes. Plus it’s going to be a lot easier to haul in all your hunting gear.
- Lots of Room For Multiple Hunters: Even the smallest ground blinds on the market are going to have more room than your typical tree stand. You won’t believe how much room this Barronett Ground Blind actually has. It’s big enough for the entire family.
- Much Safer: Tree stand accidents not guns account for the vast majority of hunting injuries. Every year hundreds of hunters die falling from their tree stands. Even when using safety gear you’re not completely safe in a tree stand. Over 25% of deaths are caused by manufacturer defects. It makes you wonder how many lives could have been saved with a Safety Harness like the X-1 Tree Stand Harness.
- More Comfort: Without a doubt the number one reason people choose ground blinds is comfort. Whether that’s comfort from a fear of heights. Or the simple fact that some Hunting Blind Chairs are just downright comfortable(Check out a few of my favorite hunting blind chairs).
- Less Exposed to The Elements: Ground blinds are going to be much warmer than any tree stand. Not only will a ground blind block the wind, you can also bring in a small heater. My little Portable Propane Mr Heater has really warmed up my frosty cheeks on many a hunting trip. Just shut off the fan for a quiet hunting setup.
Cover Up Your Scent
Even experienced hunters struggle when trying to figure out their cover scent. Yes everybody understands the basics like washing your clothes in Scent Killer Laundry Detergent and bathing in scent free shampoo. Very few hunters understand the importance of a good homemade cover scent.
I make my own cover scents and homemade deer lures, but a lot of wives aren’t overly fond of storing a tarsal gland year round. Thankfully you don’t have to go all out making your own cover lure. Just buy a commercial cover scent to cover up your smell.
Some hunters use skunk scents to cover their smell, but personally I think this is the wrong approach. Nobody wants to smell like a skunk all day, plus the only time a skunk sprays is when they’re in danger. It’s natures way of sounding a stinky alarm.
Instead you should use a raccoon cover scent. Not only will it be a little less stinky you’ll draw a lot less unwanted attention. Personally I like to use this Tink’s Bandit Coon Spray. A couple sprays of Tink’s really goes a long way. You probably won’t want to spray coon urine on your gear so spray it around your blind on surrounding brush. The wind will really carry the coon scent masking your own odor.
On top of your cover scent you should also wear some type of scent proof gear. You really can’t beat ScentLok’s Line of Products. They’ll be a bit on the expensive side, but covering up your scent is crucial when you’re hunting from the ground.
Hunting Private Land With a Ground Blind
Being able to hunt private land gives you a huge advantage over the competition. Your success is probably going to come down to how well you can conceal your blind.
Getting deer used to a popup blind is going to be pretty easy. Just set your blind up at least a month before the season. Leave it in position allowing it to become just another piece of natural landscape. Further break up the outline by camouflaging your blind in Brush and leaves.
Try to get in and out of your blind as quickly and quietly as possible. The more attention you draw the less deer you’ll see come hunting season.
Hunting Public Land With a Ground Blind
When hunting public land you won’t be able to leave your blind out ahead of time. Instead you’ll have to show up early and quickly get your blind setup. This means preparing ahead of time with camouflage netting and quickly scouring for debris. Netting really isn’t all that expensive, and it really breaks up the outline of your blind.
Another option when hunting public land is to just setup next to downed trees. Use the downed tree to breakup the outline of your blind. Just make sure you can slip in and get out without being busted by deer. Setup your blind and lean a few dead branches over it.
Different Types of Ground Blinds
The type of ground blind you need will really depend on whether you’re bow hunting or gun hunting. If you’re hunting with a rifle you’ll have a little bit more leeway with your blind choice.
At long hunting distances you can get away with just draping some camo burlap covered by a bit of natural cover. Use branches and bundles of grass to break up your outline. Just make sure you try and match your surroundings using materials common to your area.
If you own your own hunting property setup your blind months before the season. You’ll give the deer a little bit of time to acclimate to the blind. Sharp edges and large holes break up the outline drawing attention to your blind. It isn’t hard just try and make sure your blind blends into its surroundings.
Bow Hunters on the other hand typically prefer a commercial ground blind. Don’t overthink it, a cheap Ameristep Ground Blind is all that you really need. You can set it up in less than five minutes and they’re easy to haul in. Just like when prepping a diy blind you’ll probably want to cover the blind in natural foliage.
Setting Up Your Ground Blind
Before setting up your ground blind make sure you clear up all the brush and leaves from the ground. You don’t want to make all kinds of noise every time you move around your blind. Before you go out into the woods make sure you have enough room
Bowhunters need to have a lot more room in their blinds. Most ground blinds have enough room to fit all your gear plus a comfortable hunting chair. Check out a few of my favorite hunting blind chairs. Ground blind hunting can be downright relaxing, you should be able to sit comfortably for hours.
The past couple of years I’ve been using the Ameristep Dog House Blind. You’re not going to be able to beat the price and it’s really light and easy to setup. It’s perfect for hunting with a rifle or crossbow, but it’s a little tight with my compound bow. I borrowed my dads Ameristep Brickhouse which is a bit bigger and I’ll definitely be upgrading next season.
When setting up my blind I’ll try and position my blind underneath low hanging trees. Work the shadows camouflaging the blind below natural cover. Spray a couple puffs of coon cover scent and throw on some natural cover.
I’ve always been amazed at just how close deer come to my ground blind. Setting it up early makes it seem like just another part of the natural habitat. With a little bit of scent control they don’t have a worry in the world.
I’ve been doing really well hunting from a ground blind the past couple bow seasons. Deer come in close and you should be able to get off a clean shot.
Where To Place a Ground Blind?
Figuring out ground blind placement is absolutely crucial to having success. A few hunters have told me that it isn’t possible to kill a big buck from a ground blind, but the wall in my garage would beg to differ. It’s all about properly placing your blind.
Scouting outside of the regular season will make or break your year. Months before the season even starts I know of all the best feeding areas and deer funnels. Every spring I use Antler Kings No Till Mix to make my own food plot. Creating your own food plot allows you to draw deer directly to your setup. Just setup in the nearby shadows taking luck completely out of the equation.
To my wife’s dismay I’ve accumulated a small collection of hunting blinds throughout the years. Instead of leaving my extra blinds in storage I like to set them up and rotate through them throughout the bow hunting season. It’s a long bowhunting season so it’s nice to have options when you’re not having much success.