What can be more effective, versatile, and comfortable for a hunter than taking shelter in a portable semi-permanent ground blind? Nothing. Correct? The market is full of user-friendly ground blinds. Their versatility made them a little expensive that may not fit on your wallet.
Photos and content courtesy of Mark Lochala
No fear! DIY ground blinds can be the affordable option. This article covers how to build a ground blind in a simple but sturdy way. So, keep your eyes glued and let your creative muscles be stretched!
How to Build a Ground Blind: DIY Steps
Step 1: Gather required tools
Building a ground blind is an easy DIY task if you have the right tools. This doesn’t require a bulky amount of tools but a pair of loppers, a brush blade, couple of linesman’s pliers, and a few clothesline wire. There is no particular recommendation for loppers but the larger ones have the capabilities of cutting saplings up to 3” of diameter. And, jute twines, baling wires, or cotton cords that fit the bill well can be used as the wire. Make sure that the wire is strong and can be cut easily.
Using jute twines can be an eco-friendly option and don’t forget to remove it when the blind is not in use anymore!
Step 2: Prepare the main supports
Well, now start the process by cutting the main supports from the saplings surrounded. Try to choose 1-2” clean saplings that are relatively straight. Keep the desired dimensions of your blind in mind while cutting the supports.
So, what is an ideal size of a blind? 60” square inside and a 42”-60” tall blind is recommended for the bowhunters. This will provide enough space for you and your gears. Do not forget to cut the saplings three to four inches longer than the desired dimension of the blind. Cut seven to eight saplings according to the length of blind’s height and ten more for the width.
Step 3: Making the walls
Constructing the first wall is a little tricky. The first thing is to make decision of where should it place. Try to find a spot which is already covered naturally. Try to make your blind to the southern direction so that the sun remains to your back and to the eyes of your game looking at your blind. This will provide advantage to you, no doubt.
Start by constructing a basic square with two vertical and two horizontal pieces of saplings. Adding diagonal pieces can make the square sturdier.
Connect the joints using shorter length wires. Cross the saplings, wrap with wire, twist them using pliers, and you’re all set.
Now start constructing the rest three walls by building the back wall first. Remember- the back wall is a bit different than the first one. Like the previous one, build a simple square adding 20 inches more upright to the end. This is to make the entrance. Now use the horizontal supports to attach it with the first one.
Now collect a few saplings of any length and add them horizontally three to four pieces per side.
Step 4: Cover the sides
Now it’s time to cover the naked sides using small forked branches and leafy branches. Do not forget to weave them into the sides as like a bird weave a nest.
Remember- bowhunting requires clear shooting lanes. So, find the branches that will interfere with your ability, cut them and use them in your blind.
After covering your blind with leaves and branches, step away from it to check if the blind needs more coverage. Use broken branches or fallen limbs if needed.
Using pines and cedars is my personal recommendation as the work well with a strong and natural scent that is able to hide human odor.
Step 5: Finish the interior
After covering your blind’s outside, have a look to the inside if you have enough space for entrance. Now you may like to trim the branches intrude in the blind using your loppers and try to clean the ground inside. Remove limbs and leaves that can make harm.
Now make sure there is no obstacle in your shooting lanes that can make trouble in a good shot from the blind. You’re all set.
Final Words
Hopefully, you’ve learned how to build a ground blind. My recommendation is to make the blind and leave it for some days so that the animals get used to it.
If you still feel hesitant on any of the steps above, feel free to watch online videos or take help from the experts. Sometimes you have to think outside of the box. Remember- wild animals remain alert all the time!
