When bowhunting, it is important that you utilize everything at your disposal to get an advantage over much agile and instinctive game. You may sometimes encounter problems with animals picking up your scent or spotting you first, which may spook them and send them running away.
Luckily, there are hunting equipment such as ground blinds that prevent these sorts of things from happening, But will all the brands and models of ground blinds out there, how will you know which one can best help you achieve success in your hunt? Allow us to aid you in finding the best ground blind for bowhunting.
|
Product Name |
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barronett Big Cat 350 Hub Blind | A | $$ | |
| Ameristep Two-Person Chair Blind | A | $$ | |
| Primos Double Bull Deluxe Ground Blind | A+ | $$$ | |
| Ameristep Care Taker Hub Hunting Blind | A- | $ | |
| Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind | A | $ |
**Below, you find more detailed reviews but you can also click links above to see current prices and read customer’s reviews on Amazon.
Why Use A Ground Blind?
Ground blinds are basically covers that are specifically designed to minimize the chance of being detected by animals. The primary goal is for hunters to be able to conceal themselves so that they will not be seen or smelled.
Bow Hunter Aiming Compound Bow in Hunting Blind
Although there are other methods for concealment when hunting, there are certain benefits from using ground blinds and being firmly on the ground. With ground blinds, you are able to perfectly blend in with your surroundings. It will be as if you are not even there, and have to your advantage the element of surprise.
You will be able to observe animals from a very close distance. This allows you to have better vision, and target your game more easily.
Because you are completely hidden from sight, you can be able to position yourself and move about any way you want. Unlike with other equipment such as treestands, for example, sudden movement can startle animals that may be in the area. This way, you are more comfortable and relaxed as you hunt.
Also, although primarily for keeping out of sight, ground blinds are used as shelter for hunters who spend hours of their day off hunting. They provide protection against rain and all sorts of harsh weather.
How To Properly Set Up A Ground Blind
Setting up a ground blind is a careful and calculated process. The slightest mistake can mean the difference whether you catch your target or not. Here are a few tips that can help you properly install your ground blind:
Brush In
Set up your ground blind such that it blends well with the surroundings. Use the trees, leaves, and other foliage to carefully brush everything in. You have to make sure to break the outline of your ground blind so that it looks as natural as possible. Also take note how the sun hits your ground blind, so that it does not produce unwanted shadow and silhouettes that are dead giveaways.
Maximize Visibility
Consider the location of your ground blind set-up. Study the movements and behavior of whatever animal you are hunting so that you can strategically place your ground blind where there is most traffic. Since ground blinds tend to limit your visibility at certain angles, make sure you position yourself such that you maximize visibility, and see all the lanes where game may come from.
Set Up In Advance
The presence of unfamiliar items may easily spook animals. Sometimes, no matter how good you brush in your ground blind, an animal still knows whether it is new to the environment. The best thing to do is to set up your ground blind in advance, way before hunting season, so that the animals in the area can get used to it being there and no longer be scared by it.
Conceal Yourself
Although your ground blind may be perfectly camouflaged, you yourself have to keep hidden as well. Being at ground level means that animals may be able to pick up your smell easily. Take the necessary measures to rid yourself of your human scent as much as possible. Also, dress in dark clothing, instead of camouflage, so that you blend well with the darkness of the inside of your ground blind.
Qualities To Look For In A Good Ground Blind
Ground blinds come in various shapes and sizes. And what is most important is that you find one that suits your needs. A ground blind is only be considered the best if it can adapt to what you really need and prioritize when bowhunting. Here are a couple of things to look for in a good quality ground blind:
Concealment – If a ground blind cannot keep you concealed and hidden, then it will be of no use to you. Make sure your ground blind can be easily brushed in with the surroundings of your hunting site. If its size, color, or shape will be too much of a standout, then maybe you should opt for a different one.
Comfort – Since you will be staying in your ground blind for an extended period of time, you have to make sure that you will be comfortable and be able to move about. If you wish, can get a more spacious ground blind, or one that allows you to stand up and stretch your legs. You can look at ground blinds that ground blinds that already have built-in seats, as well. Also, if you take other people with you when you hunt, consider getting a bigger ground blind.
Visibility – You have to be able to see your surroundings clearly so that you can be able to have vision of your game. Not all ground blinds allow for 360-degree visibility. They may also sometimes block you from getting a good look from certain angles.
Protection – While sitting out there on your hunting session, you’ll never know what kind of climactic conditions you will be up against. Because of this, you would want to have a ground blind that is water and weather resistant. You should also consider the strength and durability of your ground blind, and whether or not it can stand prolonged use for years to come.
Top 5 Ground Blinds
1. Barronett Big Cat 350 Hub Blind Review
This ground blind is spacious and has enough headroom for you to stand up in. This is good for those who only have limited space to set up their ground blind but want to feel comfortable and be able to stretch your legs.
There is a shoot-through mesh camo window that is replaceable. Because of this, you will not be seen by game but still be able to have good vision. Moreover, its multiple windows allow for 360-degree visibility.
It is easy to set up and take down because of its simple pop-up design, and has a durable five-hub design that is very durable. There are also tie-down ropes and ground stakes for you to be able to tie down your ground blind, and for it to not fly away.
The roof and walls are also water and weatherproof and can be sure to provide protection. There are gear pockets for you to be able to store your belongings.
The only downside is that it may sometimes have manufacturing defects such as tiny holes in the fabric.
PROS
- Space and headroom
- Shoot-through mesh
- 360-degree visibility
- Easy set up
- Durable
- Water and weather resistant
CONS
- Manufacturing defects
- HUGE INTERIOR: 80 inches tall and 90 inches wide hub-to-hub, with a 70 inch by 70 inch...
- SHOOT WHILE STANDING: Smaller footprint and 80 inch tall design allows you to shoot while...
- LOW-PROFILE WINDOWS: Zipper-less windows for noise-free adjustment, more shooting options, and...
2. Ameristep Two-Person Chair Blind Review
This ground blind has large zippered windows at the front and sides so that you can be able to easily line your shot. However, although it already provides a wide range of visibility, it is not from all directions.
Its compact size allows you to easily hide this ground blind, as well as easily store it and transport it if needed. On the other hand, bigger hunters may find the space to be a bit small and cramped. If personal space if a priority to you, this may not be ideal. However, it comes with its own double wide chairs with cup holders that can comfortably sit two people.
It also comes with a backpack carrying case for easy transport, and is made from durable fabric that is waterproof.
PROS
- Large windows
- Double wide chairs
- Compact
- Portable
- Durable
- Waterproof
CONS
- Limited visibility
- A bit cramped
- Large front and side zippered windows
- 61"widex52" deep 20" high
- Chair attached to blind
3. Primos Double Bull Deluxe Ground Blind Review
This ground blind is very spacious and very comfortable to be in. It also has shoot-through mesh that can be removed and replaced, and hook-strap windows that are very silent and will not startle animals.
If there’s one ground blind that is sure to be sturdy and durable, it is this ground blind. It even has a lifetime guarantee, so you can be sure that the construction is of high quality and is designed to last for a long time. It is also made from a heavy duty canvas is that is strong and provides stability.
It comes with straps that peg the ground blind to the ground to prevent it more moving about in the wind. And although it can withstand harsh winds, it is not waterproof and cannot be used when raining.
Another downside is that is may be very difficult and complicated to set-up and take down at first, but you will get used to it after some time.
PROS
- Spacious
- Silent
- Very durable and of high quality
- Shoot-through mesh
CONS
- Difficult to set-up
- Not waterproof
- Zipperless double wide door for silent entry and exit
- 180 degree full front view with silent slide window closures
- New Truth camo specifically designed to hide ground blinds in any terrain
4. Ameristep Care Taker Hub Hunting Blind Review
No products found.
This ground blind is spacious and can comfortably fit two people. It, however, does not allow for standing, but can accommodate chairs that can comfortably sit two people. Once put away, it is compact and has its own carrying bag.
It has a simple design, and is easy to set up and take down. Its hub system provides a structure that is stable, and is made of a strong fabric that is very durable. It is also water and weather resistant.
The 9 window openings allow for 360-degree visibility, and has shoot-through mesh that is removable and replaceable. These openings have toggles and loops for silent opening and closing so as not to startle animals. It is also lined with material that can reduce human scent.
Owners of this ground may sometimes have complaints in the quality of workmanship, mainly in the pinholes where the stitching is.
PROS
- Spacious
- Compact storage
- Simple and easy to install
- Durable
- Water and weather resistant
- 360-degree visibility
- Shoot-through mesh
CONS
- No headroom
- Workmanship quality
No products found.
5. Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Review
This ground blind is one of the most portable and easy to use on the market. Its simple pop-up design takes only a few seconds to install. Also, it is the most affordable one on our list, but its price does not take anything away from its quality.
It is strong and sturdy and can withstand strong winds. Included are heavy duty stakes and tie downs that will provide stability to this ground blind. It made out of a fabric that is durable and water resistant.
You will be able to have 360-degree visibility, and has shoot-through mesh that can be replaced.
However, is not that spacious and may be a bit cramped as compared to other ground blinds.
PROS
- Portable
- Simple
- Affordable
- Durable
- Water resistant
- 360-degree visibility
- Shoot-through mesh
CONS
- Small and cramped
- Shoot-through mesh
- Portable and compact design
- Realtree Xtra Camo pattern
Our Recommendation
If we could recommend just one ground blind out of the multiple high-quality ones out there, the Barronett Big Cat 350 Hub Blind is definitely at the top of our list.
If space and comfort are what you’re after, this ground blind surely won’t disappoint. And it is the only one on our list that has enough headroom to allow for standing, which may be a huge plus for some people. However, its size does not comprise how easy it is to hide because of its 3D camouflage design.
It is also one of the ground blinds that has windows for 360-degree visibility. As bowhunters, it is important that you have good vision of your surroundings, which this ground blind can perfectly provide.
All in all, the Barronett Big Cat 350 Hub Blind is a pretty solid and reliable ground blind that will serve you well in your hunting sessions for the years to come.
