ground blinds

[Predator]

I am only thinking at this point about the possibility of hunting from a ground blind sometime this fall. like anyone else in the market I would like to find an inexpensive by, anyone's standards.and one that meets the requirements of tough hunting and has the durability to survive it.

[MrFox]

a) I like making a ground blind on the go with some camo net around 2-3 trees. Not really tall, just enough to break my outline, about a yard high from the ground

As long as my jaket blaze orange can be seen through the holes in the net and some part of me can be visible above the net (say head, when I am not hiding behind the net mode) - I am satisfying blaze orange requirements (and I have a few cheap blaze orange jackets to put above the net on a branch to make it sure).

(my source - word of a game warden, I hope such understanding is universal among them ;) )

b) I don't know about Illinois, but in Wisconsin, if you get a full-size ground blind, you need to have 144 sq inches of blaze orange visible from any direction... And I haven't seen any blind on sale satisfying that requirement.

good stuff mr fox

[WisconsinDeer]

MrFox - I heard that 144 sq in. of blaze orange being visible on a ground blind only applied to public hunting grounds and not private land. Have you heard anything about this?

[Predator]

In Illinois, the only time balze orange requirments are in effect is during gun season when bow hunting is allowed.

The info you posted is an interesting option and I may end up considering it before all is said and done. but what I was really looking for was an enclosure type ground blind. when on the ground your cover scent and scent eliminators are really put to the test and and enclosure just adds to your odds of staying concealed. IMO anyway.

[Buckshot]

I have a pop up blind that I use for my wife and grandson when they hunt but I have never used one. In the hill and valley hardwoods I usually hunt I have never felt the need for a blind. When I hunt from the ground, which I do for most of the riffle season I will usually sit in a fold out chair with my back to a tree. I don't like having my vision limited by having to look through a window.

[Southern Man]

Originally Posted by Buckshot

I have a pop up blind that I use for my wife and grandson when they hunt but I have never used one. In the hill and valley hardwoods I usually hunt I have never felt the need for a blind. When I hunt from the ground, which I do for most of the riffle season I will usually sit in a fold out chair with my back to a tree. I don't like having my vision limited by having to look through a window.

I agree. I use to hunt from the ground all the time in rifle season. I never had a blind. Although I carried a small set of pruners and would cut a limb or two and stick them in front of me. My wife wants a blind and I'll prolly get her one this year.

[Hunting Man]

I also hunt from the ground in rifle season, looking for high ground with back drop. I've never used a ground blind but there are times when the freezing rain or snow makes me think one would be good!

[MrFox]

Originally Posted by WisconsinDeer

MrFox - I heard that 144 sq in. of blaze orange being visible on a ground blind only applied to public hunting grounds and not private land. Have you heard anything about this?

I believe the wording on the P.21 of the regulations is very clear on this subject.

"All ground blinds used on DNR-controlled lands (does not include MFL or FCL lands) during any gun deer season must display at least 144 square inches of solid blaze orange material visible from all directions around the blind."

So, this rule (unlike generic Blaze Orange above vest) applies only to DNR-controlled lands.

Also it applies (P.21) "In any area of the state where a firearm deer season is open (including the regular 9-day hunt, muzzleloader season, October 10–11 Youth Hunt, October and December 4-day antlerless only hunts, and CWD hunts)."

If you are waterfowl hunting, you don't need to bother with it though (that's another exception from blaze orange).

[Predator]

I still havent ruled out the use of a ground blind this year. espesially in October. I was at Gander mountain and looked at a couple Ameristep blinds. They are a little more than I originally wanted to pay, but after looking at some after market blinds and the quality they come with, I may have to pay a little more if I expect to ground hunt additional years in it.