8 Tips for Bowhunting Deer from a Ground Blind

Bowhunting is a serious challenge. It's not easy. Nothing about it is. That's why you must cross your t's and dot your i's in order to ensure success. As with all things deer hunting, there is no silver bullet for success. It's about all of the little things you can do that add up to stack the odds in your favor. These are eight of those little things when bowhunting deer from the ground.

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1. Bigger is better. Larger blinds afford hunters more room to draw. It's also easier to stay comfortable when you have plenty of room to place everything you need to bring.
2. Place the blind well in advance of the hunt. This isn't turkey hunting. Deer are more aware of changes in their environment (especially with ground blinds). Put it up as far in advance of the hunt as possible so deer have time to get used to it.
3. Brush it in well. Don't just pop it up. Strategically place some brush around the blind to blend it with the surroundings.
4. Keep it somewhat dark inside. Close most windows except for one side. This will reduce the chances that deer spot movement within the blind.
5. Hang a camo cloth on the inside back wall to blend and wear the same camo pattern on your clothing. I've never been a fan of the complete blackout tactic. Deer see that big, dark hole. It's best to let in just enough light that it isn't completely dark, but dark enough that it cuts down on visibility.
6. Watch the window when it comes time to shoot. One of the most common mistakes is clipping the blind with the broadhead when the arrow is released. Always check the trajectory of the arrow before touching the release.
7. Use the terrain. You have to think strategically just like when hanging treestands. Pop up blinds in areas where deer concentrate and use the terrain to your advantage to put you within range and to conceal the blind, too.
8. Pay attention to the rising- and setting-sun directions. You don't want that sun pouring into the primary window you're looking through. That'll make you much more visible than you want to be. And it's no fun looking into the sun, either.

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