The key to using a hunting blind is to find a proper location. Placing a big contraption out in the middle of an otherwise empty field will be quite obvious. You also need to consider the natural behavior of targets.
When you are choosing a location for your blind, try to place it where animals will naturally wander in search of resources. Look for:
- Trees or bushes that grow berries, nuts or fruit
- The edges of agricultural lands, such as corn or soybean fields
- Local watering areas, such as streams, ponds or lake shorelines
It is also helpful to look for bedding areas and travel routes. Ask the locals where they see deer or turkey wandering on a regular basis. You can find a travel route on your own by looking in the right places, such as creek bottoms, the edges of forested areas or areas where two types of vegetation meet.
Once you are ready to set up, try to clear the area of anything that might unexpectedly move or snap. Remove weakened branches and large piles of brush and leaves. Then set your blind so that it's at the optimum range for your hunting weapon of choice. For rifles, you'll have roughly 300 yards of range; for bow hunting, about 30 yards [source: Hunting Blind Plans].
Inside the blind, there are several more factors you need to consider:
- Stay quiet. Just because you're inside the blind doesn't mean animals can't hear you.
- Think about the wind direction. Your scent will carry in the breeze, so try to position yourself out of the wind.
- Don't open your window openings all the way, and stay back from the windows as much as possible. Also, remember that your body can create a shadow. Targets might see your shadow inside the blind, so try to be still as much as possible.
If you don't want your blind to be permanent, you're going to have to take it with you when you go. Read on to learn about transporting hunting blinds.