Staying Grounded

I recently read an article about hunting pressured deer where the author pointed out that you have to get high in the tree if you want to ambush these critters.  He went on to say that a lot of hunters are afraid of heights and won’t admit it.  So, they hunt low in the trees and get busted by the deer before they even have a chance.  

Well, I’m afraid of heights.  In the old days I could romp around in the trees with the best of them.  I’m older now and my sense of balance just ain’t what it used to be.  Not to mention I have a family who depends on me and a broken neck from a tree stand fall wouldn’t be fair to them or me.  I like to stay on the ground now and here’s how I like to do it: a spring steel pop up blind. 

Compact is king.  The spring steel blinds fold down into a circle that fits into a backpack bag.  I’ve tried the hub style blinds, and while they offer more room you often have to muscle an awkward bag on one shoulder through the brush to get them to your hunting location.  The backpack is much easier. 

Backpacks rule.  The backpack bag has padded shoulder straps and a zipper pocket that can hold ropes, stakes, and other gear.  There is usually enough room to stuff a tripod stool in with the blind as well.  So, there is extra room there for your knife, your grunt call, scents, and some of the other possibles you might carry to the woods.  

Warm and Dry is the ticket.  One great advantage is that the pop up blind also keeps the weather off of me.  I’m warm and dry in there when tree stand hunters might be forced out of the woods by high wind, rain, snow, or cold.  On extremely cold days I can run my heater buddy and hunt in comfort.  The side-walls can also help keep the wind off of you which keeps you warmer and can help cut down on the amount of human scent dispersed in the area.  

The element of surprise is the golden rule.  How many times have you hunted a new stand site for the first time and found success?  I can break down the spring steel blind quickly and move to a new spot if I see the opportunity.   In addition when I’m inside the blind my silhouette is non-existent and I can get away with a certain amount of movement; all things that contribute to the element of surprise. 

Things to watch out for 

Practice putting the blind up and taking it down.  There is a trick to getting the springs to fold up into the circle to fit into the back pack.  It involves the placement of your hands on the steel springs and pressure.  There are some good videos on Youtube that will help you get it just right and make packing up in the dark much easier. 

Get a seat with a back.  I’ve been using a three leg tripod with no back and it can get a little uncomfortable.  They make a three legged stool with a back and I will be upgrading soon. 

A hook helps out a lot.  For archery hunting a hook that you can attach to the roof’s tent poles is helpful in keeping your bow at the ready.  It helps to keep your bow up off the ground and movement to a minimum when the moment of truth presents itself. 

Don’t let the blind rot.  I take my blind in and out with me each time I use it.  I will also pop it up outside or in the basement if I have hunted in rain or snow.  Don’t store your blind wet for extended periods.