Deer hunting from natural ground blinds can be an excellent way to bag a mature buck. Natural ground blinds are effective in just about any environment you find whitetails. However, there are several challenges to overcome in order to be successful hunting in natural ground blinds. We will give our three best tips to overcome the many challenges that hunters experience when hunting out of ground blinds.
Blind placement
Just like tree stand placement is critical for deer hunters, ground blind placement is no different. When selecting a location, you should ask yourself two questions.
- Does the potential location provide a decent vantage point?
In my experience, having a decent vantage point where you can see a decent amount of the surrounding area can really improve you hunt. This allows a hunter spot deer easier and prepare for potential shots quicker.
- Does the potential blind location have a back drop large enough to completely cover a human outline?
Turkey hunters know how important this trick is. Although a deer’s eyesight is nothing like a turkey’s, older deer have the ability to pick out unnatural objects. A tree wider then your shoulders can greatly reduce your outline.
Concealment
If you are attempting to take a deer with your bow from a natural ground blind, concealment is critical.
Bow hunting is challenging regardless if you hunt from a tree or from the ground. However, bow hunting from a natural ground blind is extremely difficult. Brush is the key to success. A large backdrop with enough brush to completely cover the lower half of your body will greatly increase your chances of success. Also, place brush in a way that will break up your outline from all sides.
If you are a rifle hunter, then I would say concealment is not as crucial. The amount of brush need for a rifle hunter depends on the distance you anticipate deer to appear. Of course rifles give hunters the ability to shoot long ranges. However, using natural cover and brush is a huge advantage when hunting from the ground with a rifle because there is always a chance deer can unexpectedly appear twenty yards from your blind.
Camouflage helps in ground hunting situations. I’m not a camouflaged clothing addict. I have took plenty of deer while wearing green and black clothing. However, if wearing camo gives you confidence, then wear it head to toe!
Limit your movement
When hunting on the ground, hunter’s often are in the line of a deer’s sight. A deer’s eyes have the ability to spot movement with ease. Most seasoned bow hunters know how quick a mature doe can spot the slightest movement.
Listen to your surroundings. If you hear animal movement, be cautious when turning your head. If you struggle hearing try a Walker’s Game Ear. A game eat can really help you hear from long distances.
Summary
Natural ground blinds have been utilized by hunters since the beginning of time. Natural ground blinds are often overlooked by today’s modern hunters. I have successfully rifle hunted out of natural blinds for years. There is not cost to hunt from a natural blind. Also, with bush, you can set one up just about anywhere.
I encourage you to try this method of still hunting and see for yourself how fun it can be hunting on the ground.
I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post. If you would like to learn other tips and tricks for hunting and fishing, check out Americanhuntingsafari.com.
Thanks for reading!