Blind Ambition: Finding The Perfect Hunting Blind for your Needs

Blind Ambition: Finding The Perfect Hunting Blind for your Needs

By Jessica Graham

In the early morning hours, as the sun peeks over the horizon, a hushed anticipation fills the air. I sit in my hunting blind, carefully concealed amidst the heart of deer country. This blind, on my Dad’s property, provides me with a crucial advantage in my pursuit of a trophy whitetail.

Hunting blinds are quickly becoming an invaluable tool for several dedicated hunters in Iowa. These ingenious structures provide an unparalleled vantage point, especially in areas where the perfect tree doesn’t exist. As hunting blinds continue to become a staple in Iowa’s hunting landscape, you may be considering purchasing a blind.

Find a Blind that Fits Your Hunting Style
Purchasing a hunting, especially a box blind, represents a significant investment, and you want to make a decision that suits your needs. Consider factors such as construction materials, size, visibility, and shooting windows. A good way to get a feel for different types of blinds is to visit the Deer Classic in March. By thoroughly evaluating these aspects and aligning them with your personal preferences and hunting style, you can confidently invest in a hunting blind that will serve you well for years to come.

Visit Your Hunting Site
Take some time and physically visit the location where you want to position your hunting blind. Pay attention to the terrain. Changes in elevation will let you know if you need your blind on a tower, and will give you an idea of window heights for your location. The location plays a vital role in your success as a hunter. Are you targeting a particular field, timber edge, or game trail where deer activity is high? Understanding the deer’s movement patterns and behavior in the area you plan to hunt will help you determine the ideal spot to set up your blind. By positioning it strategically, you increase the likelihood of intercepting deer and improving your chances of a successful harvest.

Scent Control
When targeting deer, certain blind features can enhance your chances of success. Look for blinds with scent control technology or those that allow for scent-reducing practices is a huge advantage. Deer live by their nose, so minimizing your scent footprint is crucial for remaining undetected. Additionally, consider blinds with noise-reducing materials or features to minimize sound disturbance while inside the blind. This can be especially important during close encounters when even the slightest noise can alert deer and ruin an opportunity.

Hunting Together
Additionally, you might be hunting with friends, spouses, or kids. Large blinds are great for introducing new hunters to hunting. They allow families to be in one place together so parents can instruct kids, and hunters can move around without being spotted by wildlife. Banks Outdoors, for example, makes a large blind, 90 inches in diameter for plenty of room.

Features for Bowhunters
For bowhunters, stealth, concealment, and close-range shots are paramount. When choosing a hunting blind for bowhunting, look for features that cater to these needs. Consider the blind’s size and height, ensuring it provides ample space for drawing and shooting your bow comfortably.

Bowhunting deer from a blind can be tricky, especially if your blind lacks the proper windows. Windows are one of the key things to look for when selecting a bowhunting blind. Typically, bowhunters want vertical windows that can silently be opened and shut. One blind that has a plenty of windows is the 360 Pro hunting blinds sold by Deer Trak Outdoors. The windows use counter weights so they can easily be operated silently with one hand. The plethora of windows eliminates blind spots and aids in giving you the best shot opportunities. Another quality bow blind is produced by Shadow Hunter. The Marksman 6’ x 6’ octagon blind with windows in the corner panels to increase the hunter’s view and archer’s shooting opportunities.

Accessories for Bowhunters
Hunting from a blind allows you to move around a little more than what you could get away with in a treestand. They also allow you to have some accessories to make your hunt easier. Bow hangers and bow stands, for example, keep your bow within arm’s reach and securely stored when not in use.

When it comes to bowhunting, the chair you use is critical. You want to be able to shoot your bow without your cams hitting any surface. I prefer a chair that swivels and allows me to silently reposition for the perfect shot. My ideal bow hunting chair is one without armrests limiting my shots.

Additionally, I like to have my calls, binoculars, and rangefinder accessable. I like blinds that have adequate storage shelves for my accessories. You may invest in some additional hooks or gear holders to help with this too.

Features for Gun Hunters
If you primarily engage in gun hunting, your blind requirements may differ slightly. While concealment is still essential, you may have more flexibility in terms of size and shooting angles. A larger blind may offer greater comfort and accommodate additional gear, such as a rifle rest or shooting sticks. Additionally, consider the blind’s shooting windows and their placement, allowing for a clear line of sight and unrestricted shooting opportunities.

Accessories for Gun Hunters
As a gun hunter using a box blind, there are several accessories you can consider to enhance your comfort, convenience, and shooting effectiveness. These accessories can provide added functionality and help create an optimal hunting environment within the blind.

A shooting rest, shooting sticks and shooting rest bags can be leveraged to allow you to fine-tune your aim. Both bags and rests help reduce movement and increase accuracy during those critical moments when a precise shot is required.

If you purchase a blind, you will likely do a lot of sitting and waiting for the right deer. Make sure you get a comfortable and quiet chair; one that will not spook deer when you move. Look for chairs with adjustable height, armrests, and swivel capabilities to ensure maximum comfort and flexibility.

Hunting during colder months can be challenging, but a blind heater can keep you warm and comfortable during extended hunts, especially during Iowa’s Late Muzzleloader Season. Portable propane heaters, can help you extend your hunt and help you endure low temperatures and stay focused.

The Value of Pop-up Blinds
Another critical factor to consider is the long-term plan for your hunting blind. Do you envision yourself relocating it frequently, exploring different hunting areas, or adjusting your setup based on changing patterns? If so, a pop-up blind might be a good fit for you. Pop-up blinds have two advantages over stationary blinds: they’re cheaper, and they’re easier to relocate. If you’re indecisive about a box blind, I recommend setting up a pop-up blind to get a feel for the features that you want and need in a box blind.

Pop-up blinds live up to their name by quickly and effortlessly “popping up” into a fully functional hunting shelter. Their collapsible design allows for easy transportation and setup, making them ideal for hunters who frequently change hunting locations or enjoy exploring new areas. These are great for turkey hunting, as the turkey don’t seem to mind the structure. When it comes to deer, however, they are wary when they see them on the terrain. If you use a pop-up blind, try to get it up several days or weeks before you use it, and use surrounding brush to “brush it in” and make it disappear into the natural environment.

Decision Time
By determining the ideal placement, assessing the need for mobility, considering the hunting seasons, and conducting thorough research, you can find a hunting blind that not only meets your requirements but enhances your hunting experience. Remember, a well-informed decision will ensure that your investment in a hunting blind becomes a valuable and enduring asset in your pursuit of game in the beautiful hunting grounds of Iowa. Consider your needs and topography when looking at blinds. Once you have determined your need, there are different qualities of blinds that will fit your hunting style.