A Guide to Choosing the Right Blind for Duck Hunting
Duck blinds are essential for any duck hunter. And if you’re yet to purchase duck blinds for the upcoming duck-hunting season, this article is just for you. Today, you’re not only going to learn about the different things that you need to consider when shopping for duck blinds, but also what the three best and most popular duck hunting blinds amongst waterfowl hunters are.
Before delving into any of the above though, let's first take a closer look at what duck blinds are and the role they play when hunting for waterfowl.
What are Duck Blinds and What are They Used for?
In most basic terms, duck blinds are shelters where hunters hide while waiting for their waterfowl to get within range. Typically, these blinds provide hunters with adequate shelter and shade while keeping them hidden from swimming or flying ducks. There are various types of duck blinds, all of which work best in different environments.
That’s why it’s critical for hunters to consider their environment when choosing the perfect duck blinds. Aside from taking the material and weight of the blinds into consideration, you should also take into account the blind’s overall design so that it fits your hunting environment. Otherwise, you will stick out like a sore thumb and will increase your chances of scaring away any waterfowl that flies your way.
To improve your chances of having a successful duck hunting session, let’s take a look at the things you should consider when shopping for your duck blinds.
What to Consider When Buying Duck Blinds
Duck blinds come in many different shapes and sizes. That’s why you need to find the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Only then could you have the highest chance of hiding from the waterfowl in your area and have a successful hunting session. When shopping for your duck blind, there are three main things to consider. They include:
The Hunting Environment and Season
Before you start thinking of anything else, your first consideration when buying duck blinds should be the season and your hunting environment. The best duck blinds are the ones that perfectly blend in with your hunting ground. That’s why hunters usually have to switch between different duck blinds depending on the season and the location.
For example, if you’re hunting in a forested area and you enter the grounds in the early to mid-season, you’re going to need a greener duck blind. This is because the earlier you are in the season, the brighter the trees and foliage will be. So, if you want to blend in with the environment, you’re going to need a green blind.
However, if you’re hunting in the Midwest and it’s approaching the end of the season, you’re going to need to incorporate more browns in your blind. As the season passes, the trees and leaves start to wilt, leaving the environment looking more brown. So, if you use a green blind designed for early-season hunting, you won’t have sufficient level of camouflage.
That’s why it’s best to decide on your hunting ground before going out shopping for your duck blind.That way, you’ll get a rough idea of what the hunting ground looks like and which blinds will blend in the best.
Duck Blind blending into hunting environment.
The Size of the Duck Blind
The second thing you need to consider when shopping for your duck blind is the size. Since every hunter has their own preference, you need to find the duck blind that’s the right size for your needs.
For example, there are duck blinds that are only about two feet high and force you to lie down while hunting. This means you’ll carry much less weight on the field but will be limited in your positioning.
On the other hand, there are duck blinds that reach up to 7 feet tall. They give you more than enough space to stand up and take your shot. But again, every hunter has their own preferences, so try and figure out what you’ll be the most comfortable with when out hunting and go for that type of duck blind.
The Weight of the Duck Blind
The last thing to consider when buying a duck blind is how heavy the duck blind is. It’s always best to carry a weight that you’re comfortable with. That way, you don’t overwork your body while looking for the best position for hunting.
While heavier blinds are usually larger and more spacious, they can also be costlier. So, try to determine whether or not you want to be carrying a heavy blind with you while on the hunt. To make it easier to decide, make sure to consider the other gear that you’ll be bringing with you and figure out if you can afford to add on the extra weight.
The Three Most Popular Duck Blinds on the Market
Now that you know what you need to consider when shopping for a duck blind, let’s take a look at the different types of duck blinds that you’ll likely come across on the market.
A-Frame Blinds
A-frame blinds are typically the most popular and preferred option amongst waterfowl hunters. This type of duck blind allows you to stand up and get comfortable before taking your shot. This type of duck blind is a great choice for waterfowl hunters whose aim isn’t great when laying on the ground.
The versatility of A-Frame blinds is also unmatched. However, the main problem with them is that they don’t work well if you don’t have a natural covering around you, as the large frame can stand out. But if you’re in a bushy or forestry area, it can be a great choice.
Coffin Blinds
A coffin blind is a bit more limiting when it comes to space and positioning. However, it makes blending in with your environment much easier. This is because you’ll be forced to sit closer to the ground, meaning that you won’t stand out as much.
If you shoot better while lying down, this could be the ideal duck blind for you. But again, make sure to assess your hunting ground first before investing in a coffin blind.
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Mobile Hunting Blinds
Last up on this list is mobile hunting blinds. These blinds don’t offer the best coverage, but they are lightweight, easy to use, and great for hunters on the go. These blinds only work well when you have natural camouflage and choose a spot where you’re already well-hidden.
That said, these blinds are lightweight, so they are much easier to bring with you if you already have a lot of gear in your bag or would prefer to pack light this hunting season.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Blind for Duck Hunting?
The answer that you’re probably not looking for is that it depends on your personal needs. Some examples include your preferred shooting position, how light you want to pack, your budget, the hunting season and environment, and several other factors.
That said, taking all of the above into consideration will ensure that you make the correct purchase that will massively increase your chances of having a successful waterfowl hunting session.
