Pro Tips Guide to Setting Up a Deer Hunting Blind

When chasing and pursuing deer, hunting from a ground blind can be a great way to stay concealed. These structures can provide plenty of coverage and give you a chance to harvest that trophy buck.

Setting up these pop-up hunting blinds isn’t as easy as throwing one out into an open field. Mossy Oak Pro Staffer Scott Barrett has the tips and tricks you need for this piece of deer hunting gear. Find out how to make the most of your makeshift hut with these hunting Pro Tips.

LOOK FOR AMPLE COVER

One key to make sure of when setting up a ground blind is how much coverage you’ll have. “We want a lot of background cover,” Barrett says. This can help break up the outline and profile of your pop-up hunting blind, making it less noticeable.

Overhanging limbs can also be a helpful bonus when searching for the right cover. Extra limbs can help conceal your pop-up hunting blind and break up the silhouette. They can also be used to blend the blind into the natural landscape.

Regardless of limbs or other coverage, be sure you take advantage of your location. “The key is you want to tuck the blind back in a spot where it’s as hidden as you can possibly hide it,” Barrett adds.

SET UP EARLY

Another tip to setting up a ground blind is when to set the structure. Whether using your ground blind for bow or rifle hunting, letting the deer get used to the hut is key. Otherwise, you’re placing an unfamiliar shape in their area, giving them no reason to travel that way again. “Deer will pick [your blind] out if you just go pop it up and hunt. You want to give them time to get used to it,” Barrett says.

To let the deer become acquainted and comfortable with the blind, Barrett recommends setting up before the season’s start. A few weeks prior should be enough time to let mature bucks regain the lay of the land. (Setting your blind in the summer in preparation for fall won’t hurt, either.)

THINK LIKE YOUR TARGET

Finally, when setting up a ground blind, make sure you’re close to the action; not in it. “Sometimes, even the best hide is going to put you in a spot where the deer are going to bust you,” Barrett says.

Things like prevailing winds and popular travel routes can significantly affect your options.

To help your chances, think about how the deer travel to the location. Look at their patterns and try to find an adjacent place to conceal your ground blind. You don’t want to set your blind on top of their routes, as this will disturb their travel and thwart your efforts.

Also, remember to be mindful of how winds cut through the area. Barrett notes that setting up in a spot where deer will constantly be downwind can be detrimental to your success. Your scent can give up your location all season. Instead, take note of the wind patterns and adjust accordingly. For more help in concealing your scent, use these Pro Tips for scent control on the hunt.

Setting up a ground blind can be a good first step in landing a prized harvest this deer season. Use these hunting Pro Tips to cover all your coverage this year.

Make sure your blind and gear aren’t giving away your location from the start. Use this Pro Tips guide to help you choose the right camo pattern.