Wild turkeys depend on their eyesight as their first line of defense against predators. When a gobbler is working a setup, the slightest movement can blow a hunt in a matter of seconds. Successful turkey hunters know, one of the most important keys to bagging a mature gobbler is being concealed. Limited movement is also critical.
There are many different techniques and methods to hunting turkeys. Some hunters love to hunt by setting up against a tree and being extremely still while a gobbler approaches. Other hunters, prefer to sit comfortably in a pop up blind and wait for the gobbler to come into gun range. Both methods, previously mentioned, are effective. In this post I will share with you the pros and cons of Turkey hunting a pop up blind vs turkey hunt without a blind.
Benefits of Turkey Hunting with a pop blind
Pop up blinds are extremely effective for hunting different types of wild game. I love to use them for both for deer and turkey hunting. Turkey hunting with pop up blinds offer a number of benefits.
- Concealment where there is little to no natural cover
Popup blinds can be used for hunting gobblers in areas where there is no natural cover. You can set up a pop up blind in open fields and be concealed.
- Protection from the elements
Often during turkey season, spring weather can be constantly changing. Rain and cold winds are a normal challenge to deal with periodically during turkey season. Popup blinds offer a substantial amount of protection from rainy conditions. They can also give hunters some protection from cold winds that typically follow spring storms.
- Allows for hunters more movement
Perhaps one of the best benefits of turkey hunting out of a pop up blind is, you can afford more movement when a gobbler approaches your setup. Pop up blinds are great for concealing dramatic movements young hunters often experience the first time a mature gobbler walks into range.
Cons to Turkey Hunting with Pop Up Blinds
Although pop up blinds can be great tools for bagging a mature gobbler, there are a few cons I have found when using them.
- Extra weight for mobile hunters
Using a pop up blind for the so called “run and gun” turkey hunting style is not ideal. Mobile hunters that chase gobblers throughout a morning will find pop up blinds are extra weigh that can hinder a hunter’s ability to quickly set up in front of a gobbler. Pop up blinds are not extremely heavy, however, some can be bulky and burdensome to carry through thick brush.
- Popup blinds will spook pressured gobblers
At times, turkeys that have experienced heavy hunting pressure will often shy away from pop up blinds. Even though most pop up blinds are covered is camouflage patterns, they are not natural objects in my opinion. Gobblers, that have been hunted a number times during a season, will key in on anything that doesn’t seem natural. Let’s be honest, a camo object stuck in the middle of a field doesn’t look very natural.
Benefits of Turkey Hunting Without a Pop up Blind
The old method of simply sitting against a tree and relaying on camo is a proven method for turkey hunting. I love simplicity when it comes to hunting wild game. Make no mistake, you do not need a blind to kill a mature gobbler.
- Extremely mobile
When hunting without a blind, a hunter can be extremely mobile. Hunters can easily maneuver around moving gobblers without being slowed down by the extra weight of a pop up blind.
- No costs to purchase
Let’s be honest, most of the quality pop up blinds on the market today are little pricy. You can easily kill turkeys without using expensive pop up blinds.
- No maintenance
This is obvious, you don’t have to maintain a pop up blind if you don’t hunt with one. Pop up blinds don’t require a lot of maintenance, however, they can eventually rip in places after years of use in the field.
Cons of Turkey hunting without a Pop up Blind
There are many benefits of hunting without a pop up blind. However, there are few drawbacks of hunting without one.
- No protection from weather
As mentioned earlier in this post, pop up blinds offer some protection from the elements. If you chase turkeys during rainy days, you can potentially get soaking wet hunt without a blind.
- Hunter’s have to find cover to get concealed
Even though camouflage technology has never been better, in most cases turkey hunters have to have some cover to get concealed. Whether it be the base of a large tree or a pile of brush on the edge of a field, most turkey hunters have to find a way to hide in order to fool a turkey’s sharp eyes.
Summary
There are many benefits to turkey hunting with pop up blinds. However, you can also be just as successful hunting without one.
I suggest you turkey hunt with the method you have the most confidence in. Another suggestion, use both methods. I love to hunt both ways. If you choose to hunt out of a pop up blind, I suggest you set the blind up a few days before the hunt to allow the turkeys to get used to the blind. You do not have to do this, however, I seem to have better results letting the birds get accustomed to the blind.
I hope you found this post helpful. If you love to hunt and fish, check out Americanhuntingsafari.com for other great tips. We also share tips for cooking delicious wild game!
Thanks for reading and good luck this spring!