Build the Best Deer Blind Setup Now

Build the Perfect Deer Blind Setup Now

Hunting blinds have changed a lot over the years. Hunters now have more choices than ever before. Some hunters like large permanent blinds that stay out all year. Others like lightweight pop-up blinds they can move around. One important thing to remember is deer need time to get used to changes in their area. A new blind sitting in the middle of a field can make deer nervous at first. You might be able to get away with moving a blind and hunting it that day with a gun, but with a bow, deer will not get close to that blind for several days. That is why it is smart to put blinds out well before hunting season starts.

In most cases, deer will get used to a blind after a couple weeks. Once they see it sitting there every day without danger, they usually accept it as part of the landscape. Rain, wind, and sunlight also help remove human scent from the blind over time. The sooner you get blinds set up, the better chance you have of deer feeling comfortable around them by opening day.

If you have permanent blinds, or blinds on skids or mobile trailers, now is also a great time to move them if needed. Many hunters wait until right before season, but summer gives you plenty of time to make changes without rushing. You can move blinds to better travel routes, food plots, or bedding areas. You can also check your shooting lanes and make sure you have safe and clear shots.

Maximize Your Food Plot

A lot of hunters are planting food plots this time of year as well. Setting your permanent blind near a fall food plot can create a great hunting setup. Deer will often visit those plots during early season and throughout the winter. If your blind is already in place before the crops start growing, deer will become comfortable with it naturally as they feed nearby.

Permanent blinds are awesome during cold weather hunts and rain. Late season hunting can be difficult when temperatures drop and the wind starts blowing. A solid blind keeps hunters out of the weather and helps them stay in the field longer. Staying warm and comfortable often means staying patient, and patient hunters usually see more deer.

Blind Accessories

There are many blind accessories that can make hunts even better. Although it’s hard to think about staying warm right now, propane heaters are another popular accessory for permanent blinds. Small portable heaters can make a huge difference during cold mornings and late season hunts. A warm blind can keep you hunting longer and mor comfortable. Safety is important too. Hunters should always make sure the blind has proper ventilation when using heaters.

Bow hangers are another useful item inside a blind. Keeping your bow hanging beside you saves space and keeps gear organized. It also keeps the bow ready for quick shots. The same idea works for gun hangers. Hunters can keep rifles or shotguns secure and within easy reach without leaning them awkwardly in corners. Just because you have a permanent blind set up on a food plot does not guarantee you’ll shoot deer. Many hunters still fumble and make a lot of noise getting their bow or gun ready. By adding hangers, hooks, and gun holders, you can minimize the noise when a big buck steps out.

Shelving is another great upgrade for permanent blinds. Small shelves give hunters a place to store binoculars, snacks, rangefinders, gloves, and extra ammunition. A clean and organized blind helps reduce noise and movement during the hunt.

Window curtains and swivel chairs are also popular additions. Quiet chairs allow hunters to move slowly without making noise. Curtains help hide movement inside the blind. Deer can easily spot movement through windows, especially during sunny days. Dark interiors and curtains help hunters stay hidden.

Pop-Up Blinds

Pop-up blinds are another popular choice for deer hunters. While it may still be early to place them out full time, now is a good time to prepare those spots. Hunters can clear brush, trim shooting lanes, and remove sticks or weeds that might get in the way later. You can also strategically plant some cover, like Egyptian wheat or sunflowers to screen in your blind. Doing this work now means less disturbance closer to season.

Pop-up blinds are lightweight and easy to move. This gives hunters flexibility during changing deer patterns, hunting specific winds. If deer start using a different trail or feeding area, a pop-up blind can often be moved in just a few minutes. They are also more affordable than large permanent blinds. One thing hunters should remember is that deer may react strongly to a new pop-up blind at first. Since they appear suddenly, deer often notice them quickly. That is why many hunters try to set them out at least a couple weeks before hunting those spots. Brushing the blinds in with natural cover can also help them blend into the environment.

One newer style hunters are talking about is the 270 blind. These blinds use see-through material that allow hunters to see outside without opening windows. The hunter can often see nearly all the way around the blind. This helps reduce movement because hunters do not need to constantly adjust windows or peek outside. They still conceal you even when the sun is shining in on you. However, when you do open the windows, this can make you more visible when the light shines in on the blind. Get one, and try some scenarios in the yard before you go hunting, it will help you understand it a little better.

The biggest advantage of see-through blinds is visibility. Hunters can watch deer approach from almost every direction while staying hidden inside. This is especially helpful for bow hunters who need extra time to prepare for shots. Young hunters also enjoy them because they can see wildlife more easily and stay interested during long sits.

One issue is low-light hunting. During early morning or evening hours, some hunters feel the mesh or material makes it harder to see clearly. Hunters with poor eyesight may notice this more than others.

Prepare Now

No matter what kind of blind you choose, preparation is important. Summer is the perfect time to improve hunting spots before the rush of fall arrives. Move permanent blinds now if needed. Plant food plots around them, clear shooting lanes, trim branches, ad add shelves, hangers, and other accessories that make hunts more comfortable.

In the following pages, “The Iowa Sportsman” staff have put together a guide of reputable blind companies and products for you. These companies offer blinds and accessories to make upgrading easy for you, so be sure to look through the products they have to offer.

When the cold days of hunting season arrive, you will be glad the work is already done. Instead of rushing to fix problems during season, you can simply climb into your blind, stay warm, and enjoy the hunt.