Setting Up Your Ground Blind

• 1). Locate a nearby feeding plot or game trail several months before the season begins. The ideal ground blind location provides a excellent view of the plot or trail while remaining inconspicuous. If possible, position the blind at the top of a small rise no more than 40 or 50 yards from the plot or trail. Positioning the blind any further will make for difficult bow shots.
  
  
• 2). Remove any leaves or sticks from the ground under your blind using a small hand rake. In a pinch, scraping the side of your boot across the ground works just as well. Removing the leaves and sticks will lessen the sound created by movement within the blind. You can also use the discarded material to decorate your blind and make it look more natural.
  
  
• 3). Wrap blaze orange tape around any blind poles or supports. Do not allow the tape to hang free, as the billowing material will attract the eye of game. Ensure that you can see the tape from all sides around the blind.
  
  
• 4). Spray down the ground blind with scent masker. Most game can see well, but their vision is nothing compared to their exceptional sense of smell.
  
  
• 5). Leave the blind in the woods for the next few months, thereby allowing local game the opportunity to grow accustomed to the new structure in their environment. Avoid making frequent visits to the blind, other than to check that the blind hasn't been stolen or swept away by a storm.
  
  

Hunting from Your Ground Blind

• 1). Arrive at your blind early in the morning during hunting season. Set up a collapsible stool inside, as these stools are far more comfortable than sitting on the ground. An uncomfortable seat leads to frequent repositioning, which will spook nearby game.
  
  
• 2). Open the blind window closest to the plot or trail, and close the window directly opposite. Keeping both blinds open will display your silhouette to any passing game.
  
  
• 3). Rotate your stool 90 degrees to the right if you are right-handed, 90 degrees to the left if you are left-handed. Though looking straight through the window is more comfortable, you would need to rotate before shooting your bow, as you must shoot across your body.
  
  
• 4). Nock an arrow on your bowstring while you wait. If possible, rest your bow between your legs or across your lap so that there is minimal movement when you need to draw the bow.
  
  
• 5). Slowly draw the bow when you have game in sight and in range. Once you have the game in your sights, raise the bow and shoot. If you miss, all it not lost. Game will often ignore passing arrows, allowing you to nock another arrow and shoot again.