How to Build a Ground Blind for Turkey or Deer Hunts

One of the most beneficial activities is building a solid ground blind, which can make all the difference between going home empty-handed or tagging that perfect bird or buck. This cost-effective and highly customizable strategy allows you to prepare for different hunting scenarios, whether setting up for a spring turkey hunt or waiting out a big whitetail in the fall. 

Ready to build your own hunting blind? Let's look at the fundamentals of how to build a ground blind, plus essential tips and safety considerations to ensure you get the most out of your project. 

What Are the Benefits of a DIY Ground Blind?

Store-bought ground blinds can get expensive, and if you've chosen an option that's not quite right for your hunting environment, you may be out of pocket and out of luck.

Making your own blind allows you to use natural, recycled materials and budget-friendly supplies, meaning it's both a more affordable and environmentally friendly option. A homemade option further allows you to design and create your blind to reflect the specific terrain, vegetation, and game you're after, including the height, shape, and color patterning. 

Additionally, you can design the blind to fit your transportation needs, reinforcing a permanent blind for longevity or creating a lightweight option that can be moved with ease (and minimal noise disruption). 

My favorite aspect of this process is the DIY element, which enables you to work on a hunting-related project even during the offseason, allowing you to study hunting environments, deer or bird movement, and vegetation changes in greater depth. 

DIY Turkey Blind: A How-To

Knowing how to build a ground blind for turkey hunts doesn't have to be complicated.

To get started, you'll need:

• Burlap or camo fabric for easy concealment that matches the patterning of the environment
• Lightweight stakes or poles (you can use straight branches if in a pinch)
• Zip ties or bungee cords to secure everything in place

Place your stakes in a U-shape or semicircle facing your intended hunting route or location. Next, drape camo fabric over the stakes to cover the sides and front with shooting windows at the appropriate height for your shotgun or bow. Secure everything with chord or zip ties and incorporate the natural environment as much as possible to create a realistic scene.

You can use natural cover like bushes, fallen logs, or existing vegetation to help it blend in. Once it's built, go inside and ensure you have enough room to sit and maneuver comfortably, cutting any foliage sticking through your blind.

Examine your blind from the outside, looking for any conspicuous holes or anything that seems out of place, as turkeys are highly cautious and can spot inconsistency with their developed eyesight. 

When considering locations, opt for zones near feeding areas, strutting zones, or well-worked travel routes. I recommend marking your blind location on the HuntWise mapping feature to ensure you never lose it in the brushland, especially if you are hunting land other than your own.

Use lightweight poles and roll-up camo fabric for easy transport, and once you've built the first one, consider building a couple more at other marked locations to save time and make the most of the season. 

DIY Portable Deer Blind: A How-To

For this build, you'll need:

• Some PVC pipes or wooden poles to form a stable frame and structure
• Camo tarps, burlaps, or natural materials to provide sufficient concealment
• Zip ties, rope, or duct tape to secure the coverings and keep the blind sturdy to prevent it from flapping in the wind and spooking deer

To construct the blind, build a rectangular or square frame using pipes or wooden stakes at the base. Next, frame your blind with sturdy pieces, aiming for sufficient height to maintain comfort and maneuverability (about 6 feet if possible). Then, attach a camo or burlap tarp around the frame, leaving small wind openings attached with ties, rope, or duct tape to ensure it is fastened securely.

If weather forecasting shows rain or some unpredictable patterns, add a roof for protection against rain and wind; for longer-term hunting options, secure the blind to the ground using stakes or sandbags to prevent shifting. The frame should be collapsible or modular for transport design, using lightweight materials to make it easier to carry. Consider incorporating a carry bag or straps for transport.

Regarding location, again, pull out your HuntWise app and scout the best locations. You'll want to be near food plots or trails where animals have frequented. Bedding zones or feeding sites can indicate high-activity areas.

Make sure your blind entrance faces away from common deer approaches to avoid being spotted, and consider wind direction and how it will impact your setup. 

Tips For Hunting from Blinds 

Beginner hunters will instinctively make more noise or talk once inside the ground blind. Noise minimization, including movement inside and during the setup process, is essential to ensure animals come into range and aren't spooked.

Remember that everything makes a sound and can travel further than you think through the wilderness. 

Incorporate as many natural materials as possible, such as leaves and branches, to blend in and provide comfort. Don't be afraid to include a portable chair or pad to stay comfortable during long waits. Ensure the chair is at the back of the blind, allowing a full range of motion whether you're raising your rifle or drawing a bow.

Match your camouflage to the patterning of the blind, as even these inconsistencies in patterning or color can be picked up by a wary bird or buck through the slits in the blind.

Finally, to incorporate the principles of scent control, make sure you sufficiently air out your blind outdoors, use a native brush to help cover any scents, and keep any holes or vents closed that you are not using. 

DIY Blind Safety Considerations 

Firstly, check that your blind is secure by gently pushing or shaking the blind to check for movement. If you notice any wobbles or shifts, reinforce them with extra stakes, sandbags, or heavier materials.

It's a good idea to check the blind in the wind to see that the flaps still hold in the wind and are not creating any noise or movement. Ensure shooting windows are secure but easy to open quietly when needed, and sit inside the blind to check sight lines.

You must also be able to raise an unloaded bow or shotgun and maneuver it in the blind to ensure it doesn't catch on any loose pieces of material or branches. 

Use blaze orange when required, especially during gun seasons, to ensure visibility to other hunters. Finally, check the terrain before setting up to ensure you're not setting up your blind near trees that drop limbs or amongst any other hazards. 

If you've left the blind overnight, always check for snakes, spiders, or other critters that might have tried to make themselves at home. 

Try a DIY Ground Blind and HuntWise for Hunting Success This Season 

A successful hunt starts with proper preparation — knowing how to build a ground blind, following safety regulations, and choosing the best location are all ways to level up your next DIY hunt.

Planning improves your chances of staying concealed and comfortable and harvesting a bird or buck. The best plans start with HuntWise! With advanced mapping, wind forecasts, and property boundaries, the HuntWise hunting app helps you find the perfect spots to place ground blinds and maximize your success in the field.

It's a great time to start planning your next hunt! Download and explore HuntWise — free — for your first week.