Many hunters have this urge to ascend into the sky while hunting. Whether it’s hang-on treestands, ladder stands, or elevated box stands, we assume “the higher, the better.” This can create new issues when hunting though. Thick, forest undergrowth can make it difficult to see game from raised positions. Also, you have angles, trigonometry, and math to contend with while shooting from above (nobody likes math). Often, the best answer to pursuing game animals is staying at eye level with a ground blind.
Ground blinds, when brushed in and used properly, can get us intimately close to game animals. Wild turkeys, hogs, and even whitetail deer can be none-the-wiser when a ground blind is used effectively. Moreover, it can allow us to get away with more movement (reaching for that Snickers bar), give us creature comforts like a cozy chair, and flatly improve our success rate.
Best Ground Blind: Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide
The Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide ground blind has been the gold standard for many years. Their one-way see-through viewing technology has been widely copied throughout the hunting community because it is so valuable out in the field.
- 300 degrees of SurroundView one-way see-through viewing capability
- 4 one-way see-through walls with built-in blackout curtains
- Sun Visor for maximum vision when the sun is low at sunrise or sunset
- 180° Full front window with silent slide window closures
The Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide ground blind also sports a zipperless double wide door for silent entry and exit with a generous 5-foot by 5-foot floor space and an even larger working area (hub-to-hub size of 70” and overall height of 70”). At $499, the Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide is not cheap, but it is the one you want.
Best Value Blind: Muddy Prevue 3 – See Through
The Muddy Prevue 3 – See Through ground blind is a great mixture of high-quality traits yet a much more palatable price point. With a price of only $199 yet you get one-way see-through mesh, panoramic windows, and a large 58” by 58” interior, it is a heck of a bargain for any bowhunter.
- Superb concealment with blacked-out interior
- Easy set-up with zippered door entrance
- Heavy-duty construction with carry bag and backpack straps included
Best Camo Blind: Rig ’Em Right HydeOut XL
The Rig ’Em Right HydeOut XL ground blind notches our best camouflage recognition because they didn’t look to create an arbitrary, unheard-of camo pattern when that is not their wheelhouse. They relied on the experts and implemented either a GORE OPTIFADE Subalpine or a GORE OPTIFADE Timber colorway.
- Camo interior allows you to wear your camo inside the bind and reduces the “black hole” effect
- 360-degree views with large windows for multiple shot and archery angles
- Silent entry/exit option and high visibility window latches for quiet, low-light situations
- Premium see-through camo mesh windows that open quietly
- Orange center hub for easy set-up
- Camo backpack with padded shoulder straps
The Rig ’Em Right HydeOut XL has straps for adding vegetation to brush in your blind, and removable reflectors on all sides to locate your stealthy blind in the dark. For $499, you additionally receive heavy-duty steel tent stakes and a double-layer 300-D polyester construction to ensure it lasts multiple seasons.
What is a Ground Blind?
A ground blind is a structure—either prefabricated or homemade with natural elements—meant to conceal your movements and presence from game that you might be observing or hunting. For bowhunters, they are especially helpful in concealing our movements because the act of drawing back our bow is not entirely subtle.
A ground blind is unique compared to the other aerial options we previously mentioned for a few reasons. When compared to hang-on treestands and ladder stands, a ground blind will protect you from harsh wind, Mother Nature, conceal your movements, and eliminates the precarious nature of setting up a somewhat dangerous hunting position like you’re a squirrel hanging off of the side of a tree. Also, if you are starting out, it is a difficult value proposition to convince someone to purchase a $5,000 elevated box blind versus a $500 ground blind.
Why Use a Ground Blind for Bowhunting?
Ground blinds are terrific at concealing our otherwise harmful movements—checking social media, eating snacks, reading our hunting license—because we are placing a semi-permeable wall between ourselves and nature; a visual obstruction to hide or break up our outline.
The universal nature and versatility of a ground blind presents itself in the regard that no trees are required. Whether you’re on the flat plains of Kansas hunting whitetail deer, in the bogs of Florida chasing Osceola turkey, or in the canyons of New Mexico hoping to punch your tag on an elk, a ground blind is versatile in environments not hospitable to aerial hunting.
Compared to hanging off of the side of a tree, ground blinds will feel like a comfy castle. You can get yourself out of the rain, wind, and snow all while keeping yourself in the hunt. For those who really desire comfort, you can even sneak inside a ground blind a space heater, stadium chair, and a bevy of snacks to fuel your hunt when animals are sparse.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Ground Blind for Bowhunting
Size and Space
When selecting a ground blind for bowhunting versus deploying a firearm or muzzleloader, you will want it to be as spacious as possible. With firearms, you have the advantage of being able to stick the muzzle of your weapon out of the blind; whereas, in archery, you can’t do that. Additionally, a compound or recurve bow is significantly taller in size before you account for the fact you will be most comfortable shooting your bow seated or standing. So, choosing a ground blind with ample space is important.
Camouflage and Concealment
We won’t debate the merits of everyone’s favorite camo pattern for your ground blind, but picking one with similar or appropriate color tones to the environment in which you are hunting matters. If there is a lot of lush, green foliage because you live in the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, etc) regions of the US, factor that in. Oppositely, if you inhabit the arid Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico) keep that in mind as well.
Also, you can use natural elements like brush, grasses, and foliage to “brush in” your blind so it suits your given environment, even better.
Window Configuration
Something to be mindful of in your hunt for a ground blind is the orientation, location, and access you will have to windows. Bows present different needs for accessing windows in blinds because they are so tall. Also, as we mentioned, we can’t stick our bow out the window if the interior is crowded. So, be sure you can achieve appropriate shooting angles to safely release an arrow, and that the blind’s design isn’t so poor that you’re completely exposing yourself – ruining your element of surprise—in opening a window to shoot.
Ease of Setup and Portability
One of the many desirable attributes of a ground blind is their agile nature. If you want to get up and move in the middle of a hunt, that is incredibly feasible compared to elevated hunting positions. If you find a ground blind that is more difficult to set up and tear down than IKEA furniture, make a hard pass.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It’s not enough to choose a ground blind that is spacious enough with a thoughtful design behind it. You also need to consider durability and weather resistance. While it is usually not advised to leave your ground blind out in the field unattended, some hunting situations may prompt it. You don’t want your blind to get blown away, ripped, or destroyed by the time you return to it. Therefore, durability matters.
Noise Reduction
While being inside a ground blind can conceal a lot of movement, they won’t contain all the noise you make from leaking into the woods. That is why silent zippers, windows, and gear hooks can be very helpful and necessary additions to a ground blind.
Other Top Ground Blinds for Bowhunting
Barronett Hi-Five
The Barronett Hi-Five ground blind is a solid choice for any bowhunter because of its tall ceiling (6 ½ feet), unique pentagon shape creating a larger interior, and 360⁰ of one-way fabric.
- 1-Way Fabric is nearly transparent from the inside, while the camo exterior is completely solid when viewed from the outside
- Extra tall 5-sided design creates a 70% bigger footprint and 76″ of head room
- Reinforced throughout with an OxHide
2-layer fabric roof and reinforced corners - Zipperless low profile windows for noise-free adjustment
At a price tag of $349, this is a mid-range option for hunters that is appropriately priced. You get a lot of space, heavy duty hubs and poles, and a strong tie-down system as well.
Ameristep Pro Series Extreme View
The Ameristep Pro Series Extreme View ground blind is a quality offering for people who don’t want to break the bank. With 56” by 56” floor dimensions at $299, it’s comparable to many more expensive ground blinds on the market while also offering a 77” shooting width at approximately waist height. Optimal for bowhunters who can take up a lot of space in a blind.
- NEW Extreme View one-way, see-through mesh for undetected visibility
- Full-size walk-through door for easy entry and exit
- Pentagon footprint with 37% more floor space than standard blinds
- Additional depth in rear for improved maneuverability and concealment
- Easily accommodates up to 3 hunters plus gear
Hawk Reveal
The Hawk Reveal is the cheapest ground blind in our suggestions because sometimes you don’t want to overextend your budget when you are unsure of the amount of use you might get out of something. For the extremely budget-minded, this is your ground blind.
- Footprint: 63″ x 63″ | Shooting Width: 77″ x 77″ | Standing Height: 73″
- Two triangle viewing windows with 600D curtains
- Two customizable front horizontal window panels on silent sliders
- Concealment from the elements and Mesh Technology
- Includes Carry Bag and (8) Steel Stakes
BOG Grave Digger
The BOG Grave Digger ground blind is available in Realtree EXCAPE and Mossy Oak Terra camouflage patterns making it one of the better colored blinds on our list. At a price of $489, it is higher on price, but stil delivers quite a bit of value to bowhunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
- Assembled Dimensions: 83” x 83” x 73” | Height: 73” | Shooting Width: 70”
- StealthZip Silent Zipper | StealthTrac® Window Retention System
- 360 Degree Curtain Windows
- 600D Polyester Fabric w/ UV Protection
How to Set Up and Use a Ground Blind for Bowhunting
When setting up a ground blind, you need to allow the terrain to dictate your positioning. You typically don’t want to drop a ground blind out in the open because “you will stick out like a sore thumb.” So, if you can position yourself beside a tree, bush, a ravine, hay bails, or some type of structure, you will stick out less to the game you are pursuing.
After accounting for where you are going to drop your ground blind, then decide where the windows of the blind will be orientated. Will they be facing a game trail? Have the wind at your back? Is an “obstruction” behind you like a large tree, river, or impermeable brush so you can’t be snuck up on?
Next, you will want to stake down the ground blind, add a rain fly (if applicable), and any other secondary tie-downs to ensure your ground blind doesn’t take flight on windy days afield. Afterwards, look to brush in your blind with sticks, branches, foliage, dirt at the base, and other natural elements. This can help curb human scent (the more you “enrich” your blind with the outdoors), and your blind will not look so unnatural in the woods.
Finally, before you get out in the field, make sure to set up your blind at home and see how much room—or lack thereof—you have to draw your bow back. Do the cams on your bow hit the ceiling? Can you swing side-to-side 180 degrees while aiming? You don’t want to “learn your blind’s limitations” while at full draw on a trophy whitetail deer or other wild game.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Improper Setup
People often fail to pre-scout their hunting area or become familiar with the land. Then, try to set up in the dark, and once it gets light out, realize their ground blind’s positioning is horrendous. Do your due diligence and pre-plan your hunt.
Also, don’t skimp on your tie-downs even if you’ll only be hunting for a short while. You don’t want your blind tipping over or flailing in the wind. It’s unnatural and obvious to the creatures of the forest. A flapping nylon blob most animals will avoid like the plague.
Not Practicing from the Blind
As we previously mentioned, if you don’t learn your limitations at home, you will assuredly meet a demoralizing defeat in the field. Learn what shooting windows are most advantageous, how much room you have, and be aware of how accurate you can be while shooting from a kneeling, crouched, or seated position.
Ignoring Wind Direction
A ground blind can restrict the amount of human scent you’re dispersing into the woods, but many archers then errantly increase their hunt-ending smell production by bringing a stinky space heater, smoking/vaping, eating too much in the field, and using their blind as an excuse to use unclean or improperly washed clothing.
FAQs About Ground Blinds for Bowhunting
“Can ground blinds be used in all weather conditions?”
Yes. From frigid, freezing temps to searing hot ones, you can deploy a ground blind in all weather conditions as long as you can put up with the adversity. A ground blind can make the cold more tolerable as well as the heat, but you still need to dress and prepare appropriately for each scenario.
“How do I choose the right size ground blind?”
You will want to account for how much room you take up while at full draw (the size of your bow and your stature as well) as well as if you plan on having company in your blind. Whether it is your spouse or kids, figure out how many people your ground blind may need to house and go from there.
“What is the best time to set up a ground blind?”
The best time to have set up a ground blind was yesterday, but the 2nd best time is midday. Most critters are highly active at night, dusk, and dawn. During the middle of the day, most animals lay low unless being pushed by predators or humans. So, you’ll have the least negative impact on your hunting grounds by setting up your blind during the middle of daylight hours. This also gives you the best light to see what you’re doing and to see the lay of the land.
Conclusion
When you are shopping for a ground blind be sure to keep in mind several key attributes: Floor space, price, camo/colorway, silent features, and portability. Other elements like tie-downs and the ability to brush it in are important, too. If a ground blind is something you foresee yourself using a lot in the future, go for quality that’ll last. Far too often bowhunters go cheap and regret it immediately. Primos, Muddy, and Rig ‘Em Right were our top contenders. Stay stealthy out there, friends, and may your arrows fly true.
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