Stand Hunting vs Blind Hunting: A Comparison

Hunting is a popular and rewarding activity that requires skill, patience, and strategy. One of the most important decisions a hunter has to make is where and how to set up for a shot. There are two main methods of hunting: stand hunting and blind hunting. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation, the terrain, the game, and the hunter’s preference. In this article, we will compare and contrast stand hunting vs blind hunting, and help you decide which one is better for you.

What is Stand Hunting?

Stand hunting is a method of hunting that involves setting up an elevated platform, such as a ladder stand, a hang-on stand, or a climbing stand, on a tree. The hunter then waits for the game to come within range, usually along a trail, a food source, or a bedding area. Stand hunting is mostly used for deer hunting, but it can also be used for other animals such as bears, turkeys, or hogs.

What is Blind Hunting?

Blind hunting is a method of hunting that involves setting up a ground-level shelter, such as a pop-up blind, a bale blind, or a natural blind, on a strategic location. The hunter then waits for the game to come within range, usually near a water source, a field edge, or a travel corridor. Blind hunting can be used for any type of game, from deer to ducks to coyotes.

Pros and Cons of Stand Hunting

Stand hunting has many benefits that make it a preferred method for many hunters. Some of the pros of stand hunting are:

• Visibility: Stand hunting gives you a higher vantage point that allows you to see and shoot farther. You can also see over thick cover and spot game before they spot you.
• Scent Control: Stand hunting helps you with scent control by keeping your scent above the ground level where most game animals are. Thermals also carry your scent away from the deer’s nose. If a deer does catch your scent, it will be harder for them to pinpoint your location in the air than on the ground.
• Movement: Stand hunting allows you to move more freely without being detected by the game. You can adjust your position, draw your bow, or shoulder your gun without spooking the deer. You also have more shooting angles and opportunities from an elevated position.
• Safety: Stand hunting is safer than blind hunting because your shots are at downward angles that reduce the risk of ricochets or stray bullets. You are also less likely to encounter dangerous animals such as snakes or predators on the ground.

However, stand hunting also has some drawbacks that make it challenging or impractical in some situations. Some of the cons of stand hunting are:

• Tree Requirement: Stand hunting requires you to have a suitable tree to hang your stand on. This can limit your options in areas with few or no trees, such as open fields or plains. You also have to find a tree that is straight enough, sturdy enough, and has enough cover to conceal your silhouette.
• Shot Difficulty: Stand hunting can make your shots more difficult because of the steeper angles and smaller kill zones. You have to aim lower than usual to account for gravity and arrow drop. You also have to make sure you have an exit wound to ensure a good blood trail.
• Comfort: Stand hunting can be uncomfortable and tiring because you have to sit still for long periods on a small platform. You also have to deal with the weather elements such as wind, rain, or cold without much protection. Some stands can be heavy and noisy to carry and set up.
• Mobility: Stand hunting can reduce your mobility and flexibility because you have to commit to one spot for the duration of your hunt. It can be hard to move locations on the fly if the wind changes or the game patterns change. You also have to climb up and down your stand every time you want to leave or return.

Pros and Cons of Blind Hunting

Blind hunting has many advantages that make it an effective and versatile method for many hunters. Some of the pros of blind hunting are:

• Concealment: Blind hunting gives you excellent concealment and camouflage from the game’s eyesight. Many modern blinds use two-way specialty mesh that lets you see outside clear as day, but the game cannot see in⁴. You can also blend in with your surroundings by using natural materials or using natural materials or commercial products to match your environment⁴. You can also move more freely and comfortably inside a blind without being seen by the game.
• Comfort: Blind hunting can be more comfortable and relaxing than stand hunting because you have more room to stretch, stand, or even lie down. You can also bring a chair, a heater, a cooler, or other amenities to make your hunt more enjoyable. Blinds also offer more protection from the wind, rain, cold, or heat than stands.
• Shot Accuracy: Blind hunting can make your shots more accurate because you are shooting at ground level and not at steep angles. You have larger kill zones and better chances of getting an exit wound and a blood trail. You can also use a shooting stick, a bipod, or a window ledge to steady your aim and reduce fatigue.
• Safety: Blind hunting is safer than stand hunting because you don’t have to climb up and down a tree or risk falling from a height. You are also less exposed to other hunters who might mistake you for game or shoot in your direction.

However, blind hunting also has some disadvantages that make it less effective or appealing in some situations. Some of the cons of blind hunting are:

• Scent Control: Blind hunting makes scent control more challenging because your scent stays at ground level where most game animals are. Thermals can also carry your scent toward the game’s nose. You have to be more careful with your scent elimination products and your wind direction when hunting from a blind.
• Visibility: Blind hunting reduces your visibility and field of view because you are at the same level as the game and the cover. You can only see what is in front of your windows, which are usually limited to 90 degrees or less. You can miss game that is behind or beside you, or spook them before you see them.
• Movement: Blind hunting restricts your movement and shooting opportunities because you have to stay inside the blind and shoot through the windows. You can’t adjust your position or angle as easily as in a stand. You also have to be careful with your noise and light levels inside the blind, as they can alert the game to your presence.
• Mobility: Blind hunting can reduce your mobility and flexibility because you have to set up and take down your blind every time you want to change locations. Some blinds can be bulky and heavy to carry and set up. You also have to brush in your blind and let it sit for a while before hunting from it, as game animals can be wary of new objects in their environment.

Which One is Better?

There is no definitive answer to which method of hunting is better: stand hunting or blind hunting. It all depends on your personal preference, your hunting style, your target species, and your hunting location. Both methods have their pros and cons, and both can be effective and enjoyable if done right.

The best way to decide which one is better for you is to try both methods and see which one suits you better. You can also use both methods interchangeably depending on the situation and the conditions. For example, you can use a stand for bowhunting in a wooded area with plenty of trees, and use a blind for gun hunting in an open field with little cover.

The most important thing is to be safe, ethical, and respectful when hunting from either a stand or a blind. Make sure you follow the safety rules and regulations for each method, such as wearing a harness for stands or using an orange flag for blinds. Make sure you practice with your weapon of choice and only take shots that you are confident of making. Make sure you respect the game animals, the landowners, and other hunters when hunting from either a stand or a blind.

Hunting is a rewarding and challenging activity that can be done in many ways. Stand hunting and blind hunting are two of the most common and popular methods that hunters use. By knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each method, you can choose the one that works best for you and enjoy your hunt to the fullest.

SOURCES

• Making a Natural Ground Blind Part 1 – YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0RoiDnwZMU.
• How to Build a Natural Deer Hunting Blind – Know Prepare Survive. https://knowpreparesurvive.com/survival/skills/diy-deer-hunting-blind/.
• The Best Hunting Blinds of 2023 | Field & Stream. https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/best-hunting-blinds/.
• Ground Blind Vs Tree Stand: Which is Better? – Hunting And Outdoor Gear …. https://www.hunterhunts.com/tree-stand-vs-ground-blind/.
• Deer Hunting Debate: Treestands vs. Ground Blinds. https://www.realtree.com/deer-hunting/articles/deer-hunting-debate-treestands-vs-ground-blinds.