So I went scouting this weekend. I found a lot of sign in one spot I've hunted before. I'm thinking of using a ground blind in this spot, but not sure how well its going to work since I can't leave it up while I'm not there. Looming for your input on how well its going to work. I'm thinking it should work perfectly but never used a blind before. Heres the scenerio. Its in a valley that leads to a river. The valley is about 50ft down and about 70yds across. Right in the center of the valley there is a saddle with some small trees and a couple good size trees. There is a path with tons of sign on one side. The saddle is about 6ft high and about 20ft wide. Im thinking about putting the blind on top of the saddle so I can see both sides of the valley. The trees that are big enough to use a climber has a bunch of big branches coming off them about a total of 10ft off the valley floor. I used it once last season but could not get enough cover. I've read a lot about hround blinds needing to stay long enough so deer get used to them, but I cannot do that, but at the same time the blind will still be 6ft off the ground where they are walking. What do ya'll think? Remember I cannot cut the trees nor can I leave a stand or the blind overnight. I will be brushing it in with a few downed tree limbs.
It's really tough from my experience not being able to leave the blind in place. It's like you walking into your living room and noticing a new chair, then the chair shoots an arrow at you. If you can brush it in really well, it might work. I'd say the climber stand would be the better option of the 2. It's off the ground and more so out of the their normal line of sight for predators. Just my quick thoughts but I'd give both a try and see what happens. If nothing else you'll have the experience of seeing which works best.
How about building a natural blind? Do it well before and they will get used to it. All it takes is a little muscle power to move branches and such to pile it up as a blind.
Thats pretty much what I think is going to have to happen. The only issue with the stand, and I should have mentioned this in the OP is the only tree capable of climbing leans a little towards the heavily used trail. I was also thinking of climbing up and then once I get the the branch is undoung the top cable from my climber and putting it above the branch so only the platform would be below the branch. This would break up my outline tremendously but is VERY unsafe and not willing to risk it even with me still being strapped to the tree and having a big branch to lean and hold onto.
I thought about this too, but I want it to be 360 degree cover because they could come from behind me, and it would be hard to get into being its not that big of an area to start with. Another reason is because they could also come from the ridge tops. The only reason I even found this area is because last season I watched a big buck chasing a doe and at the end of the day I followed where I seen them go. I dont move around a whole lot but rather not take that chance, although I may make some adjustments to the surrounding downed branches to help make it less noticeable when I'm there. I probably should have taken a picture of the area while I was there. Not easy to describe. I appreciate the response.
Like others said, I stay away from ground blind. Find some way to get in air or use natural stuff. Or, find a different spot. If they are coming through there, where are they going that has a better ambush point? www.soundbarrierhunting.com
I climb up the tree in my climber and I love getting up in a tree and putting the top of my climber above a limb. It helps conceal me. I have never once felt unsafe doing it.
I've never hunted from a blind, so maybe I'm biased, but I would hunt from the climber or on the ground without a blind. Any idea which direction is bedding and which is food? Or is it all open woods? Consider the wind and time of day, but otherwise try to determine from sign or maps which way you expect them to approach from, and face that direction. Sounds like a great spot tho!
There is a lake to the north and bedding is most likely from the south. Most of the tracks are headed north so I would assume this spot would be better for a mid day or evening hunt. Most of the time the wind goes north northeast so that "shouldn't" be an issue. I put a trail cam up when I was there over the weekend to confirm what times of the day they are moving, so we will see. Unfortunately I wont be able to make it there until the season opener, but I think it should be a good spot for a midday/ afternoon sit.
They will more than likely spot a blind every time. I have never had any success with a ground blind that had not been heavily brushed in and left for a period of time. The first doe out will likely nail you immediately.
