Blinds VS Stands

I have used both tree stands and ground blinds. They are both effective in their own way and have their own time and place of use. I will try to be as clear as possible here, but when it comes to stands versus blinds, it's a dead heat at the finish.

Many hunters swear by the use of a ground blind. This is an enclosure that keeps the hunter entirely concealed. There are two types: ground blinds and elevated blinds. Most types of ground blinds are portable and are designed to be set up in a few seconds, then taken down at the end of the day.

Ground blinds are usually good to use if you can get them set up and "brushed in" prior to first light. While a ground blind is made of camouflage pattern, they are not part of the natural setting, so "brushing in" is required. This is the process of using the sticks and brush around the area you set up in to conceal the blind and make it look as if it were a part of the woods.

Elevated blinds are an enclosure that is raised a little above the ground. Since these cannot be brushed in, they are usually set up a couple to a few weeks before the season to let the deer get used to it as part of the natural habitat. All blinds have shooting windows on all sides to allow a 360 degree view of the surroundings.

Stands, also called tree stands, are small portable platforms attached to a ladder. The hunter sets up the stand, goes up the ladder and either sits or stands on a platform. This is a good way to hunt since deer cannot physically look straight upwards. They may feel that you are there, but they will not be able to look up and see you.

Hunting from a blind or a stand is a matter of preference to the individual hunter. I have hunted both and can tell you that deer will come within 25 yards of either one. Many hunters prefer ground blinds because they are lightweight, weather proof and can be made to look like part of the natural surroundings. The windows with zippers on all four sides give a shot at any point for 360 degrees.

If I had to place an advantage with one over the other, it would probably be the stand, only because it is low profile and is easily transported should you want to move it mid-season.

It is still a matter of your personal choice, however, choose so wisely.