Updated March 2023
Introduction
Hunting from a ground blind can be a refreshing alternative to hunting from a tree stand and can provide better cover than hunting on the ground alone. Ground blinds have been around for decades and have evolved significantly over the years. Many hunters rely on ground blinds for concealment, to limit movement and for their portability and easy setup. This article is intended to provide bowhunters with tips for hunting out of a ground blind as well as a few recommended ground blinds and features you may want to consider when shopping around.
Summary List
- Muddy Infinity 2
- Summit Goliath 3-Person
- Primos Double Bull Surround View
- Browning Mirage
- Ameristep Silent Brickhouse
- Rhino R100-MOC 2 Person
Benefits of a Ground Blind
Concealment – One of the main advantages of a ground blind is that they conceal the hunter. Not only does a ground blind camouflage a hunter from the outside, but the dark shadows that a ground blind inside helps to hide your silhouette and movement, such as drawing a bow. As with all hunting success, concealment is key. Ground blinds are also great for areas lacking suitable trees to hang a tree stand.
Weather Conditions – Aside from providing concealment, ground blinds can also provide cover in adverse weather conditions. Having a roof over your head can be the difference in staying out longer or packing it up in raining, snowing or windy conditions.
Portability – Most ground blinds are relatively easy to set up. Some have steel frames that spring open and others have foldable poles, similar to a camping tent. Setting up a ground blind can be done in minutes. Most ground blinds also come with convenient storage or carrying bags that make them easy to carry with you in the field.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Ground Blind
Visibility – Aside from the pattern of camouflage, windows size and placement should be considered for your specific situation. You should be able to clearly see your surroundings and have comfortable shooting openings.
Space/Room – You should be able to draw your bow back comfortably without hitting walls or other objects. The height and width dimensions should be large enough to fit your needs.
Packability & Ease-of-Setup – If you are planning on taking a ground blind miles into a hunting area, you want to make sure you can carry it easily. Some ground blinds come with a backpack style carrying case that is very convenient. Also, some ground blinds are easier to set up than others. Before purchasing a ground blind, you should look at how they are set up, so it is not too difficult or time consuming.
Chair – When hunting from a ground blind, you will most likely be sitting. You will want to bring along a chair or stool of some type that is comfortable enough to sit in for long periods of time. The Double Bull swivel stool by Primos is a quality multi-purpose hunting stool that you may want to consider.
The 6 Best Ground Blinds for Bow Hunters
Muddy Infinity 2 – The Muddy Infinity 2-man ground blind is a quality ground blind that provides excellent visibility. With 2-sided horizontal mesh windows, the Infinity 2 allows users to see out without wildlife seeing in. The blind’s independent window adjustments help to eliminate noise and allow custom window configurations. The oversized windows are ideal for viewing and shooting while keeping the inside of the blind dark to help conceal movement. Similar to the Infinity, another great option by Muddy is their Ravage ground blind.
Features:
- Heavy-duty polyurethane material.
- Shadow mesh windows keep interior dark.
- Small peek windows in rear for viewing or shooting.
- 58”L x 58”W x 72”H
Click here to view this ground blind on Amazon.
Summit Goliath 3-Person – The Summit Goliath ground blind provides extra space for comfortable hunting with a large 3-person capacity. This ground blind features a silent window system with mesh blinds. A carrying case is also included for easy transport in and out of your hunting spot as well as a hanging organizer to keep all of your gear together. This blind is designed to be set up quickly and quietly and features large windows for easy sight lines.
Features:
- Silent hatch hinged doorway for quiet entry and exit.
- Convenient carrying sling.
- Weight: 18 pounds
- 68”L x 68”W x 65”H
Click here to view this ground blind on Amazon.
Primos Double Bull Surround View – The Double Bull Surround View ground blind by Primos is made with one-way see-through walls that lets the user see all surroundings while providing concealment. This blind has multiple windows and shooting ports that allow for multiple shot opportunities through different windows. The back wall is black which creates a shadow interior to hide the user’s silhouette and movement. The collapsible assembly poles are easy to set up and take down.
Features:
- 3 main shooting windows with 7 shoot-through ports.
- Convenient carrying bag.
- Weight: 21 pounds with bag
- 55”L x 55”W x 70”H
Click here to view this ground blind on Amazon.
Browning Mirage – The Browning Mirage ground blind offers an excellent 360-degree view so you can spot movement from all angles. Even with the panoramic window view, this blind still remains dark inside for hunter concealment. The workmanship of this blind in unparalleled with its quality and durable design. This is your go-to blind for complete visibility and shootability.
Features:
- 360-degree view through curtain-style windows.
- Durable polyester fabric with blacked-out backing.
- Fiberglass poles with aluminum hubs for added durability.
- Weight: 19 pounds
- 59”L x 59”W x 66”H
Click here to view this ground blind on Amazon.
Ameristep Silent Brickhouse – The Ameristep Silent Brickhouse ground blind is large enough to easily fit up to three hunters and provides windows at different heights and positions for increased shooting accessibility. The central ceiling hub makes for easy set up and takedown. This blind features ShadowGuard coating that is designed to eliminate shadows and silhouettes inside of the blind. The Silent Brickhouse blind was designed with quietness in mind as it has a simplified entrance door and window accessibility for minimal noise.
Features:
- Silent mesh window attachments for total silence.
- Brush loops for attachment of natural plant material.
- Durashell Plus matte fabric to eliminate shine.
- Easy setup in less than 2 minutes.
- 59”L x 59”W x 75”H
Click here to view this ground blind on Amazon.
Rhino R100-MOC 2 Person – The Rhino R100-MOC ground blind is a cost-effective blind that is designed to fit up to two people and is constructed of durable denier polyester. This blind is easy to set up and take down in as little as 60 seconds. The 5-hub design of this blind is made to maximize strength and can withstand just about any conditions of rain, snow, hail and wind. The triangular window pattern allows for a 270-degree window configuration with three windows per panel, providing multiple shot options. This blind also has exterior loops for adding natural cover.
Features:
- Convenient carrying bag.
- Triple-stitched and reinforced stress points for maximum durability.
- Water-repellent coating.
- Shoot-through mesh windows.
- 49.5”L x 49.5”W x 65”H
- Weight: 14 pounds
Click here to view this ground blind on Amazon.
Best Brands
Summit – Summit is widely known for their popular quality tree stands. Conveniently, Summit also makes ground blinds that also deliver on multiple levels. Summit offers a handful of different models of ground blinds with varying price ranges. Summit’s patented TruView panels allow for hunters to see out, without game seeing in, creating a clean view for the hunter. Overall, you cannot go wrong with a Summit ground blind.
Primos – Primos is a well-known brand in the hunting industry through their wide-range of products. Primos makes solid ground blinds in all different price ranges. Their Double Bull ground blind is their top-of-the-line product that has 360-degree visibility. As with most Primos products, they are simple and easy to use and their ground blinds are no exception.
Muddy – Muddy is another desirable brand that makes a variety of products from treestand harnesses to camera gear. Muddy also makes a variety of different ground blinds that vary in shape, size and features. All of their products are top-notch quality and are built to last. All of their ground blinds feature blackout interiors and solid durable exteriors.
Cabelas – Lastly, Cabelas also makes their own brand of ground blinds that are popular and seem to hold up just fine. In general, Cabela’s branded products are mostly all quality and their customer service is even better. Cabela’s Pursuit ground blind is an excellent all-purpose ground blind you may want to consider.
Tips for Hunting from a Ground Blind
Brushing In – Setting up a ground blind alone is usually not enough. You want to make sure to properly brush in a ground blind with surrounding branches and vegetation. If your ground blind sticks out, animals notice something is out of place and will become weary. Also, if possible, set up your ground blind a few days in advance so animals get used to it.
Window Position – Having your windows positioned correctly in your anticipated shooting lanes can make or break a shot opportunity. You want to visualize your shooting lanes and position your windows appropriately.
Practice Shooting in Seated Position – When hunting from a ground blind, you will most likely be in the seated position. Many hunters don’t practice shooting from this position and can be uncomfortable at first. Make sure to practice shooing your bow from a chair or stool prior to hunting from a ground blind to become comfortable.
Summary
Remember, using a ground blind is not an excuse to ignore good hunting practices. You still need to control your scent, hunt the wind, choose a quality hunting location and be conscious of your movement. The information in this article should help you in choosing the right type of ground blind for your next hunt.
