Ground Blind Hunting VS Tree Stand Hunting
The mental debate of Ground Blinds vs. Tree Stands is nothing new among hunters. Hunting fans are fiercely debating between two camps - Ground Blinds and Tree Stands. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, so there is still no clear victor in this contentious debate.
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Ground Blinds
A Ground Blind is a temporary layout set up on the ground to help the hunter stay concealed. These can range from a simple blind set up behind a tree or bush to a more complicated portable confined cloth blind. These blinds are further camouflaged by adding foliage, branches, and leaves from the surroundings, masking scent, breaking the shape, and killing the shine of the tent, making it almost invisible in the surroundings.
Tree Stands
Tree stands are open or closed stage-like structures used by hunters. These stands are attached to trees to help elevate the hunter and provide them a better viewpoint. Tree stands come in three basic types: hang-ons, climbers, and ladders. Out of these three types, hang-on style stands are the most preferred.
Below are some essential hunting factors to help differentiate between Ground Blinds and Tree Stands.
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Overall Cost
In terms of cost and affordability, Ground Blinds is a more sensible and cost-effective solution than Tree Stands, saving you money in the long run.
Ground Blinds
The initial cost of Ground Blinds is low, but hunters need to buy additional items that may add up to relatively higher running costs. These standard items could range from repellents to camo-nets to scent-controlling products. Ground blinds are also great for groups of people.
Tree Stands
Tree stands are more expensive than Ground Blinds, particularly when you have to buy them individually for each person. These are usually priced much higher because of their complexity and use of different materials. Tree Stands may have higher initial costs, but they do not require any additional costs as Ground Blinds often do.
Set-Up
When deciding between Ground Blinds and Tree Stands, the most critical consideration for hunters is how straightforward it is to assemble them.
Ground Blinds
Ground blinds are generally much easier to set up, take down, and transport because of their lightweight structure and ease of management. To set up most ground blinds, all you need to do is to follow a quick and easy "pop-up" procedure, which allows you to completely set up the Ground Blind in just a few minutes. You may prefer camouflaging it with branches and leaves, which doesn't take too long either.
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Tree Stands
On the other hand, setting up the Tree Stands requires much more effort to be entirely set up and ready. You need to find the right tree and set the stand up at the correct height to avoid any issues during your hunt. Tree Stands are also harder to pack up when it's time to leave.
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Ease And Comfort
Hunting is not an easy sport, as it requires a significant amount of patience and skill that not everyone possesses. Hence, comfort is a crucial factor in ensuring a successful hunt.
Ground Blinds
There's nothing more comforting than sitting in your chair all day with little to no mobility. Ground Blinds are a great way to stay concealed and comfortable. They provide more space for movement and let you rest comfortably without the need to move around too much during the day.
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Tree Stands
Compared to Ground Blinds, Tree Stands can be quite limiting in terms of comfort. Some newer models come with padded chairs, making the experience much more comfortable. Nevertheless, many Tree Stands have either uncomfortable seating or are completely seat-less. Unsurprisingly, fear of falling can also make the hunting experience uncomfortable. Most Tree Stand accidents occur due to falls from those heights.
Capacity And Camouflage
A good amount of space and proper concealment are among the top priorities of hunters for several good reasons.
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Ground Blinds
Ground blinds offer efficient camouflage and can completely hide the hunter, providing additional time to prepare for the shot. Good ground blinds should also have camouflage netting on their interior, making it easier to blend into the surroundings once inside. Additionally, they provide more space to move around for multiple people and reduce the risk of injury or accidents. They are also ideal for keeping out wind and rain.
Tree Stands
When it comes to tree stands, the surrounding tree leaves and branches provide an effective disguise for the hunter. Additionally, hunters are positioned above the average viewpoint of most deer, making them much less likely to be spotted, regardless of whether they are wearing camouflage or not. Most tree stand models are designed for one person only, limiting their capacity. Therefore, they may not be ideal for larger groups of people, but they are still a good option for those who prefer to hunt alone.
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Scent and Noise Control
Deers have a proficient sense of smell and hearing ability. Older and more skilled deers can easily pick up irregularities in the area that do not match their surroundings.
Ground Blinds
Ground blinds help hunters stay close to their prey while remaining concealed. They also help with scent control about half of the time. However, human scent and movement at ground level become much easier for deer to detect since wind generally stays at surface level, and thermals can easily carry your scent to deer.
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Tree Stands
Along with helping hunters to stay out of the deer's line of sight, Tree Stands make a hunter's scent harder to detect and reduce their movement, allowing them to move efficiently into a shooting position. Furthermore, hunters have more advantages when elevated due to thermal currents.
Shot Clearance
Accuracy when aiming and shooting at your target is essential for a successful hunt.
Ground Blinds
Ground Blinds give you restricted visibility and shooting lanes, so you can only see 90 degrees while three out of four windows remain closed. Though opening all the blinds exposes your position, they also provide a wider kill zone due to being on ground level instead of raised above it.
Tree Stands
Tree stands offer a much better view of your surroundings compared to blinds. Stands allow you to have nearly 360 degrees of viewing capabilities, and you can look out at much greater distances. Due to a wider field of view, Tree Stands help you detect prey sooner than at ground level, providing a substantial amount of time to prepare for the best shot. The shots are also at a downward angle, which is much safer.
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Finding A Middle Ground
Ultimately, both Ground Blinds and Tree Stands have unique benefits, and it is paramount to consider which one is more suitable for your specific needs. Ground Blinds provide more comfort for larger groups of people without compromising on concealment. Conversely, Tree Stands are better at keeping you out of sight and allowing improved shots. They may come with a pricier tag and require extra work when setting up compared to the Ground Blinds, but finding the right kind for yourself can prove advantageous in attaining success during your hunt!