A WATERFOWL HUNTING BLIND

There are 3 styles of waterfowl hunting blinds...

Lay-Down / Lay-Out Style (on the ground) -
A lay-down style blind is designed to allow the hunter to lay comfortably on the ground totally concealed with head propped up for viewing. These blinds are used primarily for hunting waterfowl in fields, but can easily be adapted to hunt next to water. On a layout blind make sure your roof has a predictable spring-loaded mechanism. Ideally you want full arm movement and the ability to call without accidentally flipping open the roof. Also, the wind will constantly open a non-spring-loaded roof thus spooking the birds.

There are 3 Types of Layout Blinds:

Backpackable - These innovative blinds are designed for mobility in the field and compact storage in your vehicle....Compare the difference as some can be bulky and
cumbersome to carry...shoulder strap models may take extra
time to set up.

Towable - Some layout blinds have a waterproof solid plastic bottom that work well in wet fields, on sand bars, levies and shorelines. They also make great gear haulers.

Other - Older style layout blinds can be bulky and lack mobility.

Sit-Down Style (above the ground) -
The sit-down style of blind is designed to allow the hunter to sit comfortably in a chair. A spin-stool is a great choice because it affords 360º viewing. These blinds can be used in fields, in the woods or along a shoreline for all species of game. Most sit-down blinds can be used by more than one hunter at the same time. Costs of purchasing a sit-down
blind may be shared between two individuals, plus sharing hunting stories or a
heater under the same roof is a bonus.

There Are 2 Types Of Sit-Down Blinds:

Spring-loaded roof models - Designed more specifically for waterfowl, these units
can also be used to cross-over for gun hunting of turkey, deer & varmints. A spring-loaded roof is a must for waterfowl.

Stationary roof models - Designed originally for turkey, deer & varmints, these blinds sometimes advertise a zippered or break-away roof that can be used for waterfowl
hunting. Go slowly with this style of blind as a totally enclosed sit-down blind with this type of roof makes a terrible wing-shooting blind.

Pit Style Blinds (below the ground) - This style of blind allows you to sit or stand comfortably below ground while keeping you totally hidden. The biggest challenge of
a pit-blind is how well you can see out without being seen and how quickly the roof can be opened. A pit lid that lets you see 360º and springs open will help make your hunt a
success. No matter what, you must cover the black hole or you will easily be spotted from above.

4. Why Is the Weight of Your Blind Important?
Some blinds are very light weight. At first glance, this blind would seem to be beneficial...That is until you hunt in windy conditions. You do not want your blind flying in the air like a kite! With any sit-down blind make sure you stake your blind down in at least 2 diagonal corners. Layout blinds, on the other hand, are a pain to carry if they are too heavy. Choose a model under 15 pounds that can be backpacked or check out a model that can be towed as a sled. Regardless, nothing beats the ease of using a portable blind.

5. Set-up, Take-down and Mobility.
Quick set-up and take-down are a must for any blind. Cold weather and darkness always play a factor in hunting. A blind that sets-up and takes-down quickly keeps you hunting and not fumbling with equipment. Most waterfowl blinds are set-up in early morning hours with only the headlights of a vehicle or a flashlight. Mobility is another key factor. In waterfowl hunting, be ready to move quickly into the flight pattern of the birds. Choose a blind that sets up quickly and has the necessary features to keep you extremely mobile.

6. What Are the Best Materials for Making a Blind?

[Fabric & Camouflage]
Fabric...The best rule of thumb for fabric is to use a rugged synthetic nylon or polyester for waterfowl hunting. Why? Because these fabrics have a waterproof coating and the synthetic nature of the fabric can take a pounding. As a rule the higher the denier the stronger the fabric. Cordura® has been proven to be 3 times stronger than ordinary polyesters. Regarding camouflage...Don't be misled into using a khaki color or a tree branch pattern on a field hunting blind. It will be way too dark once it’s mudded in plus it will take you extra time to conceal your blind in bleached out corn or grain fields. Best advice...Go light. It's easier to make a light color camo dark (by mudding it in) than making a dark color camouflage light.

[Why aluminum frames work well for hunting blinds.]
Aluminum provides rust-free lightweight rigid support. Preventing wind flap and snow or rain from ever collapsing your blind are good reasons to consider aluminum. By choosing an aluminum frame design you'll be assured of a lifetime of performance.

7. Nature Vs. Man-made.
The ideal blind would be one that looks like nature. Trees, shrubs, rocks and straw piles all have rounded non-conspicuous shapes. Man-made objects have hard edges and squared corners such as fence posts, roads, buildings, signs, etc. The best hunting blind would be one that best duplicates nature. If your layout blind or sit-down blind looks like an obvious rectangular or square box shape you'll be easily spotted from above. Choose a blind that will look totally natural in the field. Rounded corners and roof shapes are the necessary ingredients for an effective waterfowl blind.

How about wind flap? Of course you need a stable blind, but don't become obsessed with wind flap. Why? Because in nature most things move (i.e. grass, trees, etc.). Use natural stubble or grass vegetation on your waterfowl blinds. Try using natural raffia grass for instant hassle-free concealment. The best blind blends in with the landscape.

8. Access to Viewing and Shooting Is Very Important.
Being able to see without being seen is your primary objective. Don't be fooled! A good waterfowl blind must be comfortable, offer good overhead viewing and a spring-loaded roof to be effective.

9. Cost Considerations and Safety Tips.
Buying a particular blind style only once is the best advice yet. When it comes to being a successful waterfowl hunter, cost should not be your only consideration.

10. Comfort and Enjoyment.
A comfortable hunting blind will enhance your enjoyment and add to your overall success. Whether enjoying a hot cup of coffee with your favorite hunting partner, working with your dog or simply enjoying the solitude of nature, there is nothing better than a comfortable hunting blind.