As you might imagine, you won’t have much luck on your duck hunt by just standing out in the open. Waterfowl are much smarter than we tend to give them credit for, and their incredible eyesight gives them an advantage when it comes to self-preservation. Duck hunters use duck blinds to cover themselves and wait for their prey to come within shooting range. These structures should blend in with the surroundings as much as possible, else the ducks might get suspicious.
Most duck blinds are built by the hunter, for the hunter, designed with their specific needs and use cases in mind. When it comes to duck blinds, there are some things you should know before launching into your next project. Whether you’re looking to build a blind from scratch or fix up an old one, here are a few tips and tricks to get the best return on investment.
First, and perhaps most importantly, find the perfect location for your blind. This may take a bit of planning, but the result will be well worth it. Spend some time scoping out the area that you want to hunt. Seek the spots where ducks tend to congregate. For example, if you’re near a prominent body of water, ducks will be more likely to gravitate that way. Set up shop someplace nearby, within easy shooting distance.
Second, invest a considerable amount of time into making sure your blind blends in with its environment. Remember, the outdoors is all rough edges and natural colors. If you can still spot the shape of your blind from a good distance away, chances are that the ducks will be able to do the same. Break up any straight lines in your structure with leaves, branches, grass, reeds, or some other synthetic camouflage material. Similarly, avoid use of any unnatural colors that may frighten the waterfowl and alert them of your presence.
Finally, make it practical. Hunters often feel they need to sacrifice personal comfort and space for the sake of the hunt. But you may be in there for hours on end, so it should be tailored to your needs. Leave enough room for seating, storage, light, heat, and anything else you deem appropriate for your blind. Implement some general space-saving techniques, including vertical storage and hooks for hanging gear. For more on all things waterfowl hunting, follow the Mattamuskeet Goose Club blog. Become a member of a century old legacy by joining the Founders Club today. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments!
