Using a blind for Mule Deer Rifle Season

[blackford]

Hello Everyone,

Was at a get together the other night and was talking to one of the dads. He said that after going 3 years in a row road hunting and walking the timber he tried something differently and has always been successful. Wondering if any of you try this

Basically he goes up to the area before its open to do some scouting. He has been hunting the area so he knows roughly where the animals are. If he can't find any sign he puts up a pop up blind. Covers it up with some brush so its ready... Puts up a game cam and a note if anyone finds the blind that says - I am using this but if I am not here feel free to use it and keep it clean.

He then comes back in 3 weeks for deer season.. Hikes in before first light... stays in until last light and it usually takes him a max of 3-4 days and he gets his deer. He said he has seen hunters walk around the general area and they don't even see the blind. Hears road hunters coming from miles away.... In fact he had one hunter take a poop in his view.. he didn't want to startle the guy so he just left him do his thing.

He loves this as fuel prices are cut in half and he gets his game.


So. my question... I know its common in archery but do any of you do this with the rifles. I have noticed I have had to work a lot harder for my game in the past 5 years and am considering this.... Thoughts.?

[RugDoctor]

Planing this exact tactic next year. I have a spot where I put up my tree stand but it was in such a place on the trail that as the deer walked up hill, their eyes naturally found me even though I was in a tree. They came in, but were wary and even though I had the thermal just right, I couldn’t move without being busted. There’s a couple great spots for a ground blind and while my plan is to use it for archery, I won’t hesitate to use a rifle if it comes to that. Comfy….out of the wind….no worries about dropping stuff….I’ve never used a blind, but I’m sure going to next season.

[Weatherby Fan]

My dad always said he seen way more deer sitting having a smoke than he did walking !!!!

I have several spots (vantage points) I hike to and sit for hours and glass, I find this to be way more productive for seeing deer than hiking and just seeing their asses !
Once in a while I get lucky and catch them bedded but more often than not they out smart me when Im out walking ( of course thats not saying much )

One time I heard two Mule deer fighting during the rut, I circled down wind from them and snuck in only to smell cigarette smoke....I walked up on an old chap who was rattling, we got talking and he had been hunting the same spot for 30 years and shot many decent bucks from a blind he made out of branches.

So all in all not a bad way to set up if you know there's deer in the area and you have lots of patience

[blackford]

It’s the patience that might get me. But if you’re in the market thick and you don’t see anything driving it’s worth a few days.

[high horse Hal]

Have used a specific spot for a few years and have had success, usually a sit-down for the first 3ish hrs of light, then I have to move.
Choice locations are out of ear-shot of any vehicle and can be a challenge to dress properly for the hike/climb in and then to sit for hours
I just built a brush pile to help hide some movement and help block some icy winds
The key is getting to know an area well enough to find the right spot with a proper view, and know the time of season to help predict what deer movements might be, closer to rut will see more daylight action
One spot I use is only good with a certain wind direction so watching Ventusky helps determine which spot to use

For OlDad though, anything to have comfort to be able to watch an area for hours will be a benefit, any spot can be a good spot at the right time

[Arctic Lake]

I think it’s a great tactic and add to your usual modus operandi . I would place it near a known game trail .
Morning and evening best times ?
Arctic Lake

[Weatherby Fan]

I think it’s a great tactic and add to your usual modus operandi . I would place it near a known game trail .
Morning and evening best times ?
Arctic Lake

I generally hike to the sitting/glassing spots before it lightens up.
same thing in the evening sit as long as you can into dark, I find during the rut Nov/Dec most does are up feeding by 2pm so I like to be sitting still glassing by then

[horshur]

Its not the blind that is the secret it is knowledge and judging sign. It has to be in a good spot and you have to be in it at the right time.

[grantk]

Its not the blind that is the secret it is knowledge and judging sign. It has to be in a good spot and you have to be in it at the right time.

100%. If you're in a spot that you know has animals, I don't think there's a more successful way to hunt it than just sit and wait patiently with good wind.

[todbartell]

Patience is deadly