DIY hard shell deer ground blind

[teddy12b]

I'm done with the cheap pop up blinds. Where I hunt it's like a wide open wind tunnel and each year regardless of how I stake them down they get ripped out and end up in the neighbors field where they get hung up in the trees. I'd planned to make a simple box for this year with plywood, but with lumber prices being what they are I'm wondering if anyone have any more creative ideas on a DIY deer blind.

 

[natdscott]

Got a backhoe?

 

[Magyars]

I made an A frame blind years ago. Seemed to me to me more durable and less material.
I had hinged "flaps" on both of the angled sides a door and a small flap opposite the door.

 

[teddy12b]

Got a backhoe?

I wish. I've actually kicked around the idea of a load of sand and some sand bags.

 

[snapping turtle]

I have dug out the top of a round bale of hay a couple times. One of those times it disappeared to the hay barn before use. Not the best for bow but rifle did well.

might I give a heads up for something I see used for cheap large signs. Normally white color and built like plastic covered cardboard. I don’t remember what they call it. I have seen homeless shelters built with it before on u tubes

 

[Bigtanker]

I've heard of hunters using old plastic port-a-pottys. If you can find a handicap size one, you'll be great.

Just cut the windows where you want, paint it to your surroundings and you're set.

 

[dvd1955]

I've heard of hunters using old plastic port-a-pottys. If you can find a handicap size one, you'll be great.

Just cut the windows where you want, paint it to your surroundings and you're set.

View attachment 160110

Just hope someone doesn't mistake it for the real thing and leave you a present.

And to try a be helpful, maybe a couple old pallets and some camo tarp?

 

[phylodog]

Build a 2x4 frame and wrap/roof it with steel siding. You can probably find some siding on Craigslist or FB Marketplace pretty cheap. I’d invest in a couple of anchors to keep it from going anywhere but that would work well.

 

[teddy12b]

I like these ideas guys, keep them coming.

 

[natdscott]

I wish. I've actually kicked around the idea of a load of sand and some sand bags.

I dug more than a few by hand. It’s not as bad as you think, since you are building the berm at the same time. Just don’t get the idea that you need an apartment out there.

Dig it NOW, and you’ll see that by gun season, they will not even remember it’s there.

 

[jerrob]

I like the port-o-let idea and I was just looking at pole barn metal on Menards' website and they offered camo steel panels.
A fella could build himself a port-o-let sized blind and have it slide in and out of a pick-up truck for easy transportation.
Hell, ya could probably even put a bathroom inside.

 

[Double T]

What about a rubbermaid shed? I'm sure there are people wanting to get rid of them.

 

[JimH]

I use the metal cages that IBC 330 gallon tanks come to store firewood-I would think a couple of these could be made into a decent 4'x8' blind with the addition of some siding.

 

[Willie]

See...

The Pallet Deer Blind: A Great, Practically Free, Hunting Blind | Great Days Outdoors

The popularity of hunting from ground blinds, like a pallet deer blind, has grown tremendously in the past few years. When placed in a strategic location...

greatdaysoutdoors.com

 

[cosermann]

Grampa used a ring of wooden snow successfully.

 

[natdscott]

Grampa used a ring of wooden snow successfully.

Whut?


Pit blinds also protect you from the wind, and I believe get a little less of your scent out in the open air. Same for sound…the noise of racking a shell in, or unwrapping your favorite pogue bait is almost certainly going to travel a shorter distance if it’s done down in the bottom of the blind.

Used correctly, they also conceal nearly all movement of the occupant, including steam, yet allow nearly unrestricted mobility..below the berm.

If I’m in one, all you can see of me is from the nose up…and less than that if deer are close.

I’m pretty passable at long range shooting, but with deer, I’d take every shot at 30 feet if I could get it. Pit blinds are one of the most reliable ways to get extremely close to deer, and are nearly free to construct, so can be built most any place you want, as long as it has dirt.

 

[two70]

Probably the simplest way is to buy a hog/cattle panel, a few steel posts, and some wire from your local TSC or Rural King. Side with your choice of materials, cut out shooting ports, and brush in as necessary. The total cost should be well under $100, depending on siding material.

 

[AtTheMurph]

The Blynd - 4x8

Plastic Vacuum Forming manufactures plastic hunting blinds designed for the durability and affordability that hunters demand. We know that our customers need hunting blinds that stand up to extreme weather, and are easy to clean and maintain. We also know that, given a choice, most hunters would...

www.blynd.com

 

[jsx1043]

Now’s the time to work on those bushcraft skills... of course I suppose the natural materials will die out and be different colors and not blend in by season.

Gotta say, that pallet blind looks pretty slick.

ETA: I’m all about upcycling/recycling items for uses like that, so I’ll keep an eye out for stuff that might be of use. I also just happened to look out back and see the kid’s wooden swing set... heck, if someone was getting rid of one of those around you, you might be able to covert one pretty easily.

 

[AtTheMurph]

Now’s the time to work on those bushcraft skills... of course I suppose the natural materials will die out and be different colors and not blend in by season.

Gotta say, that pallet blind looks pretty slick.

ETA: I’m all about upcycling/recycling items for uses like that, so I’ll keep an eye out for stuff that might be of use. I also just happened to look out back and see the kid’s wooden swing set... heck, if someone was getting rid of one of those around you, you might be able to covert one pretty easily.

In my experience the blind blending in is not an issue. If it is there permanently the deer become accustomed and don't care what color it is or how much it sticks out.

If i still hunted and had a permanent blind on the ground I would paint it Blaze orange. In fact, where i hunted there was a requirement to have some portion of a ground blind blaze orange.