Question for contained ground blind users

woodslinger · February 23, 2014, 04:45:00 PM

What is your opinion on scent control using these enclosed ground blinds? Does it help, hurt or make no difference? How effective to you find these blinds for deer hunting un-pressured big woods deer?

I was thinking of trying some on some remote beaver dam crossings. I just cant sit in a tree stand but can manage all day sits on the ground.

February 23, 2014, 10:09:00 PM

The biggest thing with pop-up type blinds is to make sure you have enough room for bow clearance. It sucks to find out it is too small when you let loose on a critter and your top limb hits the blind. I use all home made ground blinds. They are not portable, but stay where I set them up on my lease.

Scent control for me consists of bathing in scent free soap and washing my clothes in scent free soap. As long as I have the wind in my favor, I do not have any problems with getting busted.

Bisch

Orion · February 23, 2014, 10:41:00 PM

They hold your scent in a bit, but not entirely. Still need to set up where you think you will be downwind. Also, should set it up several days to several weeks in advance of when you plan to use it and brush it in. Mature deer in the back country are quick to spot anything that's out of place, and a blind will be. Over time, they will get used to it, however.

beendare · February 24, 2014, 02:13:00 AM

Agree with Bisch.....some of the GB's are taller which helps

tracker12 · February 24, 2014, 06:39:00 AM

From my experience Ground blinds do help to conceal your scent. During the season I store mine outside away from scents. hen set up I spray either red fox or raccoon scent on the down wind side of the blind. I have had deer come from behind and walk right by the blind. I do try to keep my blind buttoned up pretty good except for the front windows.

Brock · February 24, 2014, 04:15:00 PM

I think they do help contain scent....still be as scent free as possible...I kick dirt over the bottom flaps of mine and keep the top window in roof closed so my scent does not rise and go out like a chimney.

I have had deer spook and stomp from seeing the blind in the brush or on wood edge but rarely from scent....and keep it all buttoned up except for shooting lane and close it completely when left unattended.

Redfeathers · February 24, 2014, 11:26:00 PM

Four T post driven into the ground, concrete wire tied to the post and another layer of concrete wire attached at a higher level for a higher blind. Concrete wire bent on the ends and in the middle to make a higher ceiling/roof. Attach concrete wire with hog rings or strong zip ties. Wrap blind in Black plastic, then burlap. Cut your windows out, only cutting two sides and the bottom of the window that way you can fold it down when not in use. Holds scent very well and very dark inside when the Black plastic is used. Another great tip, may be a little late now but the day AFTER Christmas is a GREAT time to buy artificial green trees all nice and green for $5. Weave the limbs through the wire. The recycling center will give most of them too you. Hope this helps!!!
Brent

old_goat2 · February 24, 2014, 11:59:00 PM

I've heard having a heater in the blind helps with scent control mainly in real cold weather. The heat makes it rise straight up instead of spreading out. This is what I've heard, not what I know. Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear has some new three paneled mirrored blinds. I'm wanting to try one of those. Supposed to work pretty good.

Redfeathers · February 25, 2014, 12:18:00 AM

Here in Texas, those blinds with the black plastic can get hot in the early season! Like Bisch, I use scent control and play the wind and have not had any problems. I wash all my clothes with baking soda/powder and place them in a plastic bag in a tote. I use scentless deodorant. May be going too far but I brush my teeth using baking soda also before heading out to the field. Never hurts to step in every cow patty on your way to the blind, just wipe your feet good before entering your blind, a little natural cover scent never hurts

woodslinger · February 25, 2014, 04:47:00 PM

Thanks for the all the input. Definitely some things to think about. I have only hunted from a commercial style blind a few tines and my biggest complaint was the ability not to hear as well as not being in the blind. I guess you have to give up something to gain something.

stagetek · February 25, 2014, 05:20:00 PM

It's sometimes hard to say whether I've been smelled or the deer spotted the blind. Either way they run away just as fast.

sswv · February 25, 2014, 05:35:00 PM

I keep pop-ups on my farm from way before season until after the last day. I've found that leaving a small opening in the windows help keep them fresher inside. The longer they're there the better they work (in my opinion). I do keep heaters in some of them and I do use scent control BUT, the wind always has the final say. I keep 2 blinds on high points in fields for rifle season and have had deer walk right by. Just like anything else dealing with whitetail deer....there nose is there most trusted asset. oh yeah' I never brush in my blinds but am gonna try it on a couple this coming season.

14mpg · February 26, 2014, 01:32:00 AM

Was hunting 100 acres with 4 other guys in the upper peninsula of Michigan, didn't have much choice but to sit in a blind like the other guys so we could be safe. Killed my first deer out of one of those blinds. I did have one come in down wind of me and snort and stamp out of there though...

Redfeathers · February 28, 2014, 11:51:00 PM

anymore ideas?