Hunting from a ground blind
When it comes to turkey hunting from a ground blind, popup blinds are ideal. Popup blinds set up in minutes and are easy to move around. You also can construct a blind from natural materials, but it’s time consuming and you can’t take the blind with you to your next hunting location.
The best blind for you
One-person popup blinds are small and portable, but there’s not much room to move. Unless a bird approaches and stops directly in front of you, you may not get a shot.
The best blind for most turkey hunters is a larger, two-person, 360º popup blind that totally hides you. They offer many advantages:
- Because you’re totally hidden, you can move around to get a good shot.
- It’s easier to use pot and box calls without birds seeing you move.
- You can hunt more comfortably from a chair and protected from the weather.
When buying a ground blind look for one with a case that comes with shoulder straps This will make it easier to carrying in the field. Also check that the fabric stretches tight when it’s set up so it doesn’t flap in the wind.
Set up and practice before your hunt
When properly set up, turkeys will not shy away from a ground blind. Be sure all window flaps – except the ones you’ll shoot out of – are closed so they don’t flap in the wind. If it gives you some added confidence, go ahead and pile some brush around the outside edges of your blind to help it blend in. However, with a turkey’s monocular vision this isn’t really necessary.
For bowhunters, a ground blind is a most valuable turkey hunting tool. No other approach lets you to nock an arrow, reach full draw, swing on a tom and release without being seen by a turkey.
Be sure to put in some practice time with your ground blind before you hunt. Practice moving and shooting from every possible position. You'll want to know how to move inside the blind with touching the sides and causing movement that might spook a bird. Make certain you know the parameters of your bow inside the blind, so you can move with confidence knowing your bow won’t bump into any part of the blind.
Many turkey hunters using shotguns, especially beginners, can benefit from using a ground blind. If you’re using a shotgun in a ground blind, you’ll probably want to use a shooting stick. A stick will make it easier to keep your barrel up and in a ready position over a longer period of time. The best choice is a tripod stick that offers a solid anchor for a gun and is less likely to fall and make noise -- like a mono- or bipod might.
Ground blinds can’t keep you quiet
Ground blinds are great for covering movement, but they won’t cover up sound. Be sure to keep unnatural sounds to a minimum so you don’t spook approaching birds.
- Don’t let the metal parts of your gear clank against each other.
- Take off your bulky turkey vest or other gear that may rustle as you move.
- Make sure your chair is silent when you sit in it or stand up from it.
Turkey hunting from a ground blind offers many advantages, especially for new hunters who might struggle to sit still for a long time. If you’re willing to pack them in, ground blinds can be used in just about any habitat in Oregon that holds turkeys.