Luring a tom within shotgun range and remaining undetected is the name of the game if you want to fill your tags this spring. It’s hard to beat the keen eyesight and uncanny hearing of any wild turkey and even more difficult if it’s a wise old gobbler that may have a hen or two running birddog for him. Blinds can help.

A modern pop-up hunting blind setup may not always be right for everyone but can make the difference of shouldering a bird or going home empty-handed—you will have to decide for yourself. An old-school hunter may feel confined sitting in open hardwoods with turkeys gobbling in several directions—it could feel like they were sporting a straightjacket. On the other hand, for an archery hunter in the same situation, it would be much easier to draw and anchor for a shot.

Good reasons to use blinds
The modern blind will conceal movement. Most have multiple windows capable of 360 degrees of viewing and shooting. Hunters can completely close widows of choice to customize a setup that’s right for them. Many blinds have an outer shoot through mesh over each window that makes it difficult for game to see inside—these can also be removed. Hunters can literally get away with murder when it comes to movement.

Blinds help keep hunters out of the elements. If it’s raining a good blind will keep you dry. And there’s nothing better than getting inside your blind if the weather has turned cold and windy. On those warm sunny evening hunts, open the windows and hunt in the shade. Close half of the windows and crank up the Thermacell and you’ll enjoy a hunt without swatting mosquitos.

Hunting in a good comfortable blind will keep you in one spot longer. This can be key when turkey hunting farmland and open country—the longer you sit in one spot, the less likely you are to spook a big tom.

One of the best reasons to use a modern blind is its mobility. After a hunt or two and you realize it needs to be moved—no problem—they’re light weight and easy to set up or take down.

Blind setups
Blinds don’t seem to bother turkeys. Lots of hunters set them in fields near round bales of hay and even in the wide open with nothing else around but their decoys—it does work. But it’s always a better choice, especially in smaller fields or food plots, to set a blind just outside the edge of any openings. Whether it’s in timber or tall grass, ‘brushing it in’ is always a good idea.

Open woods setups are good, too. Gobblers like to strut on the higher ground where they can see and be seen. Place a blind to get a shot on a gobbler’s strutting zone such as small hills, rises, and ridges.

Fence rows in between fields are excellent spots to put blinds. Set them within shotgun range of gates, openings, down wire, or areas where the vegetation is thin for easy crossing.

Wherever you decide to put your blind, use all available stakes and tie-downs. Try to tie one side to a something solid like a small tree or fence post. The wind will wreak havoc on a blind that’s not secured.

A few more tips for blind hunting:
Trim any limbs that will hinder your view or shot.
Clean out all twigs, leaves, and tall grass on the ground inside.
Wear black clothing for your top, gloves, and face mask—for blinds, this is better than camo.
Try to keep the sun to your back, or at least not shining directly inside. Set up different blinds for morning and evening hunts.
Leave enough chairs for the number of people you might bring hunting.

Conclusion
There’s no better way to introduce kids to the sport. You’ll be able to talk quietly to them and won’t have to worry about a little movement. If a kid gets bored, have a smartphone, iPad, or book available for the blind hunt. Make it enjoyable for them. A bad experience could turn them away. Turkey hunting from a blind is exciting and can keep you comfortable. Put a blind in your best spot and sit longer. Chances are you’ll haul more gobblers out of the spring woods.

Hunters must get past the keen eyesight of a wise old tom for success. Blinds can help.

Sitting in blinds can get you close and personal with turkeys. Photos: Andy Douglas