Ground blind vs natural blind

[Bobbyhcp]

Just like the topic says what do u guys prefer a ground blind or build a natural blind when sitting a wallow or water hole while on the early archery elk hunt? I have the 27 hunt in 2 weeks and wondering what one is best

[wish2hunt]

Either one will work as long as you have a good background.

[5guyshunting]

You can always use the ground blind and brush it like a natural.

[PseAZ]

If you already have a blind and can brush it in I would use that method as well.

[Bobbyhcp]

I have a blind was gonna take it this weekend and brush it in is a week to early? I do 2 weeks early on my deer hunts

[PseAZ]

Could go both ways honestly in my opinion. Its not enough time for them to truly get usto it I wouldn't think. But ya never know. Hopefully tho since you have a wicked Rut tag you wont have to sit the water and can be chasing bulls sun up to sun down. Good luck on your hunt post some pictures.

[cosninocanines]

A little of both, use a ground blind but place some natural cover around it as well.

[AzDiamondHeat]

I have never sat in a blind but I will give my expert opinion anyway.....

 

Last year was the first time I sat water for elk. We were desperate as it was hot and dry and no bugling whatsoever. I set up my hide by getting back off the water a little ways. I cleared several shooting lanes and planned my position based on the most likely approach. I sat in front of a tree without any blind at all.

 

I am very good at sitting still. I was lucky and a smallish bull did come in and I took him. I timed my movements to when his eyes were behind trees as he moved. He never saw me.

 

My buddy sat water for 5 days. Some in blinds and some like I did. He sat the exact same water as I did.

 

He sucks at hunting and isn't patient. He moved and got busted every time.

 

Based on that LIMITED experience(and a millennium of predator hunting), I don't think the blind is as important as your patience and ability. That and dumb luck.

 

My wife has her first archery tag this year(early cow) and as she shoots a crossbow we will mostly be hunting from blinds. I have half a dozen spots picked out. Some have "natural blinds" or hides where we will use the existing geography and flora. We have a couple of natural built blinds. I also have a double bull blind and a half blind that I will set up. Given her very limited experience it will be interesting to see how she does in each of them.

 

And we will have our 4 year old with us.

 

Start the circus music......lol

[300RUM]

I believe you also have to take the dog to qualify for the circus music.

[Lv2hnt]

If you find a wallow that is currently being used (opaque muddy water, not clear), I'd sit it from 10:30 a.m. to maybe 1:30 or so. Have had several bulls come in mid-day.

 

One other thing --- Thermacell (and/or head net and gloves) to combat the mosquitoes!!! Trust me ...

[Phil Beavers]

If you find a wallow that is currently being used (opaque muddy water, not clear), I'd sit it from 10:30 a.m. to maybe 1:30 or so. Have had several bulls come in mid-day ..

I sat a wallow last week in the evening.. Sat around some small trees that provided a little cover about 50 yards out.. Had cows and spikes come in for water.. They were smelling the camera but I sat still and they did not even notice me.. I wont be using a blind but I will be using one of those decoy's that attach to your bow, try and confuse a bull..

[trphyhntr]

I killed a bull sitting on the ground backed up to a rock on a wallow. But the mosquitos, I like sitting in a ground blind best

[QCwtAddict]

Natural blind for me, that's how I killed both of my bulls. I've sat pop up blinds a few times and didn't really care for them. Plus you don't have to worry about your blind being trashed or stolen.

[Jazz]

Could go both ways honestly in my opinion. Its not enough time for them to truly get usto it I wouldn't think. But ya never know. Hopefully tho since you have a wicked Rut tag you wont have to sit the water and can be chasing bulls sun up to sun down. Good luck on your hunt post some pictures.

 

I put up a blind for archery deer- a week before the season and I don't think they got used to it. If you put one up brush it up REALLY good.

[Viper]

The good thing about natural built blinds is you can build two or three around the waterhole/wallow/trail and pick the best one at the time based on wind direction...which is a big deal when sitting on the ground. The risk is, someone may be in it when you show up. The good thing about a pop up blind, it can contain some of your scent, hide movement, but visibility is limited and it may not be there when you show up. Also, with a single pop up, you can't play the wind. If you have the patience, sitting a natural blind can be a great experience...you are more connected to nature/your prey. Tree stands are probably the most effective, but take more preparation and planning. We usually chase bugles all morning and set tree stands/blinds in the evening...gives you a chance to rest up.