The Brush-Up-Your-Blind Debate

by
posted on October 20, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mehall_ah2015_fs.jpg (54)

Bowhunters tend to be in agreement on at least three things when it comes to setting up ground blinds: Position them downwind from where we expect deer to appear; pay special attention to areas where deer trails intersect; and pinpoint any trails less traveled since they’re the ones bigger bucks often use. But when it comes to how much the blind needs to be hidden once it’s placed, opinions differ.

I know a lot of hunters who think they have to conceal their hunting blind with brush to hunt it effectively. While doing what you can to ensure it blends with its surroundings is a good move, I’ve found that if you place the blind in advance—just like we do with our treestands—mature bucks will walk right up to it relaxed, even if it’s in a more open setting. And the fact the rut is right around the corner makes it even better as bucks will have other things on their minds.

Remember that especially if you’re hunting places such as farm country, deer are used to farmers and tractors. So if there aren’t any suitable trees in your hotspot, don’t be afraid to set up a ground blind. Check out options from companies like Primos, one of which is sitting in my deer woods as I type this. The durable, low-sheen blind with well-designed shooting windows offers quick and easy entry and a hassle-free setup. Or visit Cabela’s online, which has a big selection of ground blinds—and just about everything else you could ever need—all at your fingertips.

Latest

W H2026 07 Hardware W3832 TAH 1596Leadlayered
W H2026 07 Hardware W3832 TAH 1596Leadlayered

Hardware Review: Steiner ePredator LRF & ePredator 8 Riflescope

Looking for a surefire solution for long-range shooting? Look no further. Check out our review of the Steiner ePredator line.

Buckmasters’ New Record Book Reveals Hot Spots, Revamped Rankings

Deer hunters will have the rare opportunity to decipher the current state of whitetail deer when Buckmasters releases the ninth edition of its record book this fall. The 600-page tome shows where, when and by what means these world-class whitetails—25,000 in total—came to be included.

Clean 'em Up—Gun Cleaning 101 for Hunters

Ever wonder how often to clean your gun? How about what to clean it with? How about what to clean it with if you're hunting at 40-below? Phil Massaro answers all these questions and more, in this clean-freaks primer.

Hunting Show Attendance Shattering Records

Attendance records have been shattered at this year’s major hunting shows. The latest, Ducks Unlimited’s DUX (Ducks Unlimited Expo), set a new high-water mark in Memphis, Tenn. According to the Commercial Appeal, the July to Aug. 2 event attracted roughly 30,000 attendees. The 2025 event, also held in Memphis, drew a crowd that numbered nearly 20,000.

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.