How Does a Hunting Blind Work?

The Purpose of Hunting Blinds

• In most hunting scenarios, one of the primary concerns of the hunter is camouflage. Hunters often struggle to dress themselves in ways that make them highly visible to other hunters but difficult for animals to see. And when they get settled into prime spots to sit and wait for prey, even more complete concealment is usually preferred. Hunters often use blinds to provide this extra cover.
  
  Hunting blinds are any structures, no matter how primitive or sophisticated, that provide hunters with camouflage or shelter as they sit and wait for prey to walk or fly by. Some blinds exist as permanent installations, others are prepared ahead of time and carried by hunters, and still others are constructed in the hunting environment using natural terrain and surroundings. The primary purpose of a blind is to afford hunters the element of surprise, but more substantial blinds can offer hunters additional comfort, heat and protection from precipitation and wind.
  
  

Means of Concealment

• Blinds that are built from metal or plastic may be painted or decorated with branches, leaves and rocks to make them appear as part of the natural environment. Wood that is used in blind construction may offer camouflage protection if it is unpainted or if the natural bark is left exposed on the exterior. With virtually any type of blind, hunters may gather items from the immediate area and add them to the construction. Dirt, snow and dried leaves provide some of the best concealment because they're usually plentiful and can be spread evenly over an entire structure.
  
  

Types of Blinds

• Blinds for hunting ducks and other birds are often built into hillsides as permanent wood and metal structures. These blinds usually feature a half roof and three full walls, with the front left open for watching and shooting. Collapsible versions of these are available at most hunting and sporting supply stores. Duck hunters may also opt for the simple alternative of creating their own blinds by digging shallow holes and surrounding them with sticks, leaves and other items from nature, creating nest-like structures.
  
  Permanent blinds for hunting deer, turkeys, moose and other land-roving animals often have four walls and full roofs. Hunters see and shoot from these structures through turret-like openings on each wall. Like permanent duck blinds, these are often painted and decorated to blend in with the environment. Hunting stores usually carry lightweight versions of these blinds that can be assembled just like camping tents.
  
  Another style of blind for land animal hunting is a tree blind. These can be brought along and installed by hunters or they may be permanent installations. They are usually installed at least six feet off the ground on the trunks of sturdy trees, and feature canopied seats in which hunters can wait in near total concealment. These blinds do not allow hunters to shoot in all four directions, however, and they typically provide less wind and precipitation cover than the other styles.