leaving a ground blind set up

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wabi
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leaving a ground blind set up

Post by wabi »

Thought I'd throw out a tip to those who can/do leave a ground blind set up at their hunting location.
I have had a blind set up at my favorite hunting spot for over a decade now. (Not the same blind, weather does take a toll :roll: , but a similar blind at the same location.)
I also have a permanent ladder stand at the same location.
Several years ago I noticed some (actually quite a few) of the deer that came in to the feeder & food plot would look the blind over carefully, and often avoid it when I was in it. When I was in the tree stand they didn't seem to notice the blind, and frequently would walk within a few feet of it.
My scent spooking them?
Tried scent control and it didn't seem to matter.
Then one evening I put my son in the blind and I went to my stand.
Same results, it instantly drew the attention of deer coming in, but I also noticed how different it looked with the windows open. :shock:

Hmmmmmmmmm..................

A couple rattle cans of black spray paint and now it looks the same whether it's occupied or not!
After painting the windows the deer no longer seem to even know it's there!

A recent picture from my "feeder cam" with the blind circled (and the windows closed):
Image

BTW - the blind is falling apart, but I have a brand new one to replace it. And the windows will be painted black before it goes up!
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8ptbuk
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by 8ptbuk »

Great tip ! Thanks for sharing !
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TheBig1
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by TheBig1 »

Nice post. I had always heard that the black open windows spooked deer.
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xcaliber
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by xcaliber »

X3! :D
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wabi
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by wabi »

Here's a pic showing the blind a little better -
Image

It also shows where I added a new food plot (for fresh greens :lol: ) a few weeks ago. From the blind to the feeder is 25 yards (my sight-in range).
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Buddyshort
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by Buddyshort »

Thanks Wabi i intend to try this.
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StormDragon
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by StormDragon »

Nice tip!

I tried something similar with both my blinds this year but instead of the windows I rattle canned the mesh black and then left the shooting window open but with the black mesh up.

When it comes time for hunting the theory is that the deer will be used to the black mesh/open window and won't notice just an open window.
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W.Miguire
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by W.Miguire »

I do the same thing to my hay bale blind just have to reverse the windows for a week and they don't know the difference.
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longbow joe
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by longbow joe »

Yea i only slit my windows at best
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Talltines
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by Talltines »

I figured that out the hard way 2 years ago. I put a blind out a few weeks before season and leave it up till season is over.

I had the windows closed for rain and such well when I went into the blind for the first day I could see deer coming in but they got put on alert and walked away. It takes the deer about a week or 2 and no problem. So I always keep window open now no matter what. Now I like your idea of painting that window. Good idea
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RexKay
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by RexKay »

Well I think I gotta take some good ole Rustoleum up the tripod :D
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racking up points
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by racking up points »

This will be my first year hunting out of a ground blind with archery tackle. What is everyone's opinion on shoot-thru mesh to avoid the "black hole effect?"
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Outback
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by Outback »

I usually leave the window open all the time. The screen will stop most of the snow in the late season. Since taking down one of the blinds that collapsed from the snow and ice last season I notice the bears and deer have made this spot their main corridor in and out of the field. New blind going up very close. I also brush my blind in with branches from trees in that area, throw some leaves an such on top as well.

Good idea with the paint though.

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amythntr
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by amythntr »

....yes, a very handy dandy idea....

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Starvin' Hillbilly
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Re: leaving a ground blind set up

Post by Starvin' Hillbilly »

racking up points wrote:This will be my first year hunting out of a ground blind with archery tackle. What is everyone's opinion on shoot-thru mesh to avoid the "black hole effect?"
Never shot through mine w/ my xbow, but the concussion from a 30-06 will blow the hell out of one! . . .that window area zipper -n- all is ruined now.
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