Temporary Blindness
We've all heard the stories about how in the olden days flocks of geese and ducks would darken the sky. Well, that may have been true, but not long ago in some areas bagging a Canada goose was an event worthy of getting your picture in the newspaper and being talked about for the next month at the local gunshop. Today in those same areas, the abundant honkers feeding in the park hardly bring a second look. For a new generation of waterfowlers, these are the "good old days."
With this plenitude of game, today's hunters have found themselves with a unique set of problems-including hiding their gunning positions from so many eyes. Two to three generations ago, market hunters would employ ingenious ways to hide and harvest ducks and geese. One of these methods was using a sinkbox. And later, when this mode was outlawed, the layout boat came to be. Low in profile, this craft would hide the gunner in plain sight in the open water. Several decoys would be deployed, further concealing the gunner's position and tolling incoming fowl.
Jump forward a hundred years to when some enterprising waterfowlers took this technique further and used it for hiding in open fields where geese and ducks liked to congregate and feed. With little cover to use as hides, these hunters went underground-literally-digging pits to conceal themselves and their dogs. But as landowners became less inclined to allow digging in their fields and with birds changing their feeding habits every few days, pits became impractical and a new type of blind came to be: the portable field blind.
Ten years ago you would have been hard-pressed to find one or two companies producing such blinds. Today, however, a number of manufactures offer outstanding concealment and creature comforts you'd think would be found only in your favorite La-Z-Boy recliner. Following are some of the best of the best when it comes to blinds for field-hunting.
Avery Outdoors
Avery has four styles of blinds for the field hunter. The newest introduction is the GHG Ground Force Blind ($220). It combines the portability of the Power Hunter with the full frame of the Finisher, resulting in the lowest-profile full-frame blind ever built.
The popular Finisher Blind ($250) incorporates tapered lids and is made of aluminum with steel-reinforced joints. Custom-molded high-density nylon hinges provide lightweight durability. An indestructible PVC-backed polyester floor is the foundation, and it comes with a full-length double-padded seat and headrest for added comfort. There are goose flag ports and several camo options, and the blind can be adjusted to allow an extremely low profile.
Another Avery blind is the Power Hunter ($180). Its full-length padded seat and headrest offer surprising comfort. The camo-mesh flip top allows a good field of view. At 11 pounds, the all-aluminum Power Hunter is one of the lightest full-frame ground blinds available.
Avery's last offering, the Migrator Blind ($300), is mainly designed for larger hunters. Resembling the Finisher, this blind has powder-coated aluminum tubing, a heavy-duty polyester cover, and molded nylon hinges.
Avery Outdoors, 800-333-5119 or 901-324-1500; www.averyoutdoors.com.
Beavertail
Fisher Beavertail, a company known for producing mud motors and boat blinds, has introduced its Comfortzone ($269) laydown blind. Made entirely of closed-cell foam and with a waterproof floor and bottom, the blind has one of the lowest profiles in the industry and weighs a mere 121/2 pounds. There is no frame to assemble, and the blind will fold to 36" (l) x 18" (w) x 16" (d). Double flagging doors and stubble straps make for ease of use and concealment.
Fisher Beavertail Mfg., Inc., 800-413-0020 or 320-356-7795; www.fisherbeavertail.com.
Cabela's
Cabela's has thrown its hat in the ring by offering the Interceptor Ultimate Layout Blind ($250). This blind sports a camo cover made of 600-denier polyester with weather-resistant PVC backing. A camo-mesh face screen has an adjustable wire edge to provide good vision for hunters and concealment from approaching birds. The floor is sealed 1,000-denier PVC Tarpaulin with corners reinforced with 1,200-denier polyester-providing waterproof protection in up to 10 inches of standing water. A wide, adjustable seat has a movable, ergonomically designed back-support cushion and an improved headrest. Zippered, extended flagging ports and a full, dog-compatible zippered foot pouch add versatility and convenience.
Another Cabela's offering is the Interceptor Mobile 1 Layout Blind ($150). A simple three-fold setup and takedown require minimal effort in the field, and backpack straps let you carry the blind easily and make your way to a new spot. The floor and shell are made of tough, water-resistant material, and a full-sized cockpit makes for quick entry and exit. A camo-mesh face screen adds concealment.
Cabela's, 800-237-4444; www.cabelas.com.
FA Brand/Kolpin (Final Approach)
Years ago I had the pleasure of hunting with Ron Latschaw in Oregon. My motivation was to profile for a waterfowl magazine the man who had brought the modern layout blind to fruition. Latschaw, a guide, had been looking to stop the dreaded pit digging and sought a better way to conceal himself and his clients. Kolpin Outdoors, a leader in the industry, teamed up with Latschaw, and the rest, as they say, is history. FA Brand offers several different styles of well-designed and -con-structed blinds that have been tested in the field by well-known waterfowlers.
The Eliminator Pro-Guide XL Blind ($345) is 15 percent larger than the company's standard Pro-Guide Blind, to accommodate big hunters. The roomy interior provides plenty of room to store blind bags, shells and other gear. The lightweight, rust-free, aluminum frame is built to last. The blind is made of a durable 600-denier poly fabric with waterproof PVC coating and has a padded head and gun rest and fast-access side flagging holes. The blind collapses and compresses to fit inside short-bed pickups while retaining its structural integrity.
The frame of the Pro-Land'r Blind ($322) completely collapses to 36" (w) x 24" (l). This is the best-of-everything blind that can be backpacked in yet remains comfortable and roomy. The lightweight, rust-free aluminum frame is built to last. The blind is made from durable 600-denier poly fabric with waterproof PVC backing, has padded head and gun rests, and will hold up to two dozen decoys.
Final Approach's answer for the mobile hunter is the X-Land'r ($322), a complete backpack/blind system that will put you on the "X" first. The X-Land'r needs no assembly, weighs only 15 pounds and holds several decoys.
The newly designed Eliminator Sport Utility Blind ($299) is made for hunters with limited cargo space. The lightweight, rust-free aluminum frame is built to last, and the blind features the Final Approach "original" lid system for quick shooting access. Easy field fold-up is accomplished with new patented push-button "Quick-Fold" joints. Other features include padded reclined seating, an insulated foot bag for warmth, stubble straps, padded head and gun rests, flagging holes, waterproof PVC backing, and a camo-mesh face cover.
If you're looking to really downsize and reduce the weight of your gear but don't want to give up on comfort and concealment, the Eliminator Express Blind ($195) should fit the bill. This blind sets up in seconds and uses a rust-free aluminum frame and durable 600-denier camo fabric with waterproof PVC backing. It comes with an insulated backrest and floor and a fold-down gun rest. All this and it weighs only 111/2 pounds.
FA Brand/Kolpin, 920-928-3118 or 877-956-5746; www.kolpin.com.
Flambeau Outdoors
With Flambeau being well known for making quality decoys, it's little wonder the company has branched out and now is offering a field blind. The Transformer Layout Blind ($199) doubles as a decoy bag and can hold three dozen goose shells/field decoys. When at your hunting location, it transforms into a full layout blind. The blind is made from camouflage water-resistant material and has loops for adding grass and cut cornstalks. Its adjustable backrest yields a low profile, and there are full arm covers and a head cover with a mesh face guard. The blind weighs only 25 pounds.
Flambeau Outdoors, 800-232-3474; www.flambeauoutdoors.com.
Hunter's Specialties
Hunter's Specialties, my go-to place for quality turkey hunting gear, has come out with the new Hitman Lay Down Field Blind ($300). This blind is lightweight and can be set up in seconds. Made of tough, long-lasting 1,200-denier polyester on the bottom and 900-denier camo polyester on top, the blind also sports a comfortable padded reclining seat and an interior utility bag for storing calls and accessories. The doors are spring loaded to allow for fast shooting.
The Hitman folds up for transport without disassembly and easily can fit in the back of a short-bed pickup. It is available in different camo patterns.
Hunter's Specialties, 319-395-0321; www.hunterspec.com.
Otter Outdoors
Otter Outdoors gives hunters a variety of field and layout blinds to choose from. With several styles and sizes of the company's X-Terminator, Destroyer, Haybale and Predator series blinds available, hunters will have a hard time not finding something that meets their needs.
Waterfowlers interested in a lightweight blind should look into the X-Terminator ($190), which weighs less than 14 pounds. It is one of the lightest full-frame blinds on the market.
Offering more comfort and durability, the Destroyer blind ($275) gets the nod. A 900-denier waterproof polyester body and a four-inch polyethylene sled floor keep you warm and dry in the nastiest conditions. The sled base also doubles as a handy hauler for extra gear.
According to Otter, the company's 2-Man "Pro-VS" Haybale Blind ($220) is "the deadliest sit-down blind ever created!" The aluminum frame folds to four inches thick for easy storing and transport, and the patented spring-loaded aluminum-frame roof and hinge system open on demand, saving valuable seconds. There is even room for your retriever.
Otter Outdoors has redesigned its popular Predator Blind ($170) with new features, including a spring-loaded backrest and storage space for shells, beverages and other gear.
Otter Outdoors, 877-GO-OTTER or 320-963-6480; www.otteroutdoors.com.
Pop-Up Blinds
Folks at Pop-Up Blinds boast that their Portable Blind ($285) is "versatile for hunting dove, turkey, deer, waterfowl, and varmints. The Pop-Up has a complete floor, allowing you to hunt in marshy areas. Weighing only 22 pounds, it sports a foot release which allows you to snap the top back in a split second with both hands on your gun." This may be so, but one attractive fact they failed to mention is the built-in adjustable sling seat, a boon for hunters who have trouble sitting up quickly from a reclined position.
The company also offers a windproof, waterproof, rustproof Fieldfowler Blind ($200). This laydown blind has a setup height of only 10 inches and weighs only nine pounds. Features include an air-chambered headrest, a gun rest, a closed-cell-foam mat and sides, and a thick bottom pad. (The headrest and mat are removable, offering additional versatility.)
Pop-Up Blinds, 641-897-3464; www.popupblind.com.
Prairie Wings Outfitters
Spend a couple of hours cutting salt-marsh hay or any other natural vegetation to stubble, and you'll appreciate Prairie Wings Outfitters' Quack Grass. Made of hand-woven palm fronds, Quack Grass, according to the company, "blends perfectly with cattails, cornstalks, salt grass, rice stubble, etc.
"Hunters can use Quack Grass to make fast work of dressing blinds, boats and pit lids. It attaches quickly using zip ties, bungee cords and staples."
Prices range from $11 for single sheets to $40 for bundles.
Prairie Wings Outfitters, 800-688-5930 or 269-873-2970; www.quackgrass.net.
Wildfowler Outfitter
When it comes to unique options offered to field hunters, Wildfowler Outfitter wins the prize. Along with the standard blinds hunters are accustomed to, the company also has Goose Decoy Blinds ($80), which serve as both blinds and decoys. An integrated chair offers you comfort as you sit off the ground and stay concealed, and the goose decoy blends with the rest of the spread. Slits cut into the decoy allow the hunter to see birds working the spread. When it's time to shoot, all the hunter has to do is flip the blind out of the way and fire.
On the traditional side, the company's Layout Blind ($165) gives hunters a low yet comfortable profile. Lightweight and easy to transport with its carrying strap, the blind sets up in seconds. The spring-loaded wings stay closed in windy conditions and open completely. The sewn-in floor, reclining seat with attached cushion, and integrated headrest provide unprecedented comfort, and the open end gives tall hunters plenty of leg room.
Wildfowler Outfitter, 952-492-5770; www.wildfowleroutfitter.com.
With this plenitude of game, today's hunters have found themselves with a unique set of problems-including hiding their gunning positions from so many eyes. Two to three generations ago, market hunters would employ ingenious ways to hide and harvest ducks and geese. One of these methods was using a sinkbox. And later, when this mode was outlawed, the layout boat came to be. Low in profile, this craft would hide the gunner in plain sight in the open water. Several decoys would be deployed, further concealing the gunner's position and tolling incoming fowl.
Jump forward a hundred years to when some enterprising waterfowlers took this technique further and used it for hiding in open fields where geese and ducks liked to congregate and feed. With little cover to use as hides, these hunters went underground-literally-digging pits to conceal themselves and their dogs. But as landowners became less inclined to allow digging in their fields and with birds changing their feeding habits every few days, pits became impractical and a new type of blind came to be: the portable field blind.
Ten years ago you would have been hard-pressed to find one or two companies producing such blinds. Today, however, a number of manufactures offer outstanding concealment and creature comforts you'd think would be found only in your favorite La-Z-Boy recliner. Following are some of the best of the best when it comes to blinds for field-hunting.
Avery Outdoors
Avery has four styles of blinds for the field hunter. The newest introduction is the GHG Ground Force Blind ($220). It combines the portability of the Power Hunter with the full frame of the Finisher, resulting in the lowest-profile full-frame blind ever built.
The popular Finisher Blind ($250) incorporates tapered lids and is made of aluminum with steel-reinforced joints. Custom-molded high-density nylon hinges provide lightweight durability. An indestructible PVC-backed polyester floor is the foundation, and it comes with a full-length double-padded seat and headrest for added comfort. There are goose flag ports and several camo options, and the blind can be adjusted to allow an extremely low profile.
Another Avery blind is the Power Hunter ($180). Its full-length padded seat and headrest offer surprising comfort. The camo-mesh flip top allows a good field of view. At 11 pounds, the all-aluminum Power Hunter is one of the lightest full-frame ground blinds available.
Avery's last offering, the Migrator Blind ($300), is mainly designed for larger hunters. Resembling the Finisher, this blind has powder-coated aluminum tubing, a heavy-duty polyester cover, and molded nylon hinges.
Avery Outdoors, 800-333-5119 or 901-324-1500; www.averyoutdoors.com.
Beavertail
Fisher Beavertail, a company known for producing mud motors and boat blinds, has introduced its Comfortzone ($269) laydown blind. Made entirely of closed-cell foam and with a waterproof floor and bottom, the blind has one of the lowest profiles in the industry and weighs a mere 121/2 pounds. There is no frame to assemble, and the blind will fold to 36" (l) x 18" (w) x 16" (d). Double flagging doors and stubble straps make for ease of use and concealment.
Fisher Beavertail Mfg., Inc., 800-413-0020 or 320-356-7795; www.fisherbeavertail.com.
Cabela's
Cabela's has thrown its hat in the ring by offering the Interceptor Ultimate Layout Blind ($250). This blind sports a camo cover made of 600-denier polyester with weather-resistant PVC backing. A camo-mesh face screen has an adjustable wire edge to provide good vision for hunters and concealment from approaching birds. The floor is sealed 1,000-denier PVC Tarpaulin with corners reinforced with 1,200-denier polyester-providing waterproof protection in up to 10 inches of standing water. A wide, adjustable seat has a movable, ergonomically designed back-support cushion and an improved headrest. Zippered, extended flagging ports and a full, dog-compatible zippered foot pouch add versatility and convenience.
Another Cabela's offering is the Interceptor Mobile 1 Layout Blind ($150). A simple three-fold setup and takedown require minimal effort in the field, and backpack straps let you carry the blind easily and make your way to a new spot. The floor and shell are made of tough, water-resistant material, and a full-sized cockpit makes for quick entry and exit. A camo-mesh face screen adds concealment.
Cabela's, 800-237-4444; www.cabelas.com.
FA Brand/Kolpin (Final Approach)
Years ago I had the pleasure of hunting with Ron Latschaw in Oregon. My motivation was to profile for a waterfowl magazine the man who had brought the modern layout blind to fruition. Latschaw, a guide, had been looking to stop the dreaded pit digging and sought a better way to conceal himself and his clients. Kolpin Outdoors, a leader in the industry, teamed up with Latschaw, and the rest, as they say, is history. FA Brand offers several different styles of well-designed and -con-structed blinds that have been tested in the field by well-known waterfowlers.
The Eliminator Pro-Guide XL Blind ($345) is 15 percent larger than the company's standard Pro-Guide Blind, to accommodate big hunters. The roomy interior provides plenty of room to store blind bags, shells and other gear. The lightweight, rust-free, aluminum frame is built to last. The blind is made of a durable 600-denier poly fabric with waterproof PVC coating and has a padded head and gun rest and fast-access side flagging holes. The blind collapses and compresses to fit inside short-bed pickups while retaining its structural integrity.
The frame of the Pro-Land'r Blind ($322) completely collapses to 36" (w) x 24" (l). This is the best-of-everything blind that can be backpacked in yet remains comfortable and roomy. The lightweight, rust-free aluminum frame is built to last. The blind is made from durable 600-denier poly fabric with waterproof PVC backing, has padded head and gun rests, and will hold up to two dozen decoys.
Final Approach's answer for the mobile hunter is the X-Land'r ($322), a complete backpack/blind system that will put you on the "X" first. The X-Land'r needs no assembly, weighs only 15 pounds and holds several decoys.
The newly designed Eliminator Sport Utility Blind ($299) is made for hunters with limited cargo space. The lightweight, rust-free aluminum frame is built to last, and the blind features the Final Approach "original" lid system for quick shooting access. Easy field fold-up is accomplished with new patented push-button "Quick-Fold" joints. Other features include padded reclined seating, an insulated foot bag for warmth, stubble straps, padded head and gun rests, flagging holes, waterproof PVC backing, and a camo-mesh face cover.
If you're looking to really downsize and reduce the weight of your gear but don't want to give up on comfort and concealment, the Eliminator Express Blind ($195) should fit the bill. This blind sets up in seconds and uses a rust-free aluminum frame and durable 600-denier camo fabric with waterproof PVC backing. It comes with an insulated backrest and floor and a fold-down gun rest. All this and it weighs only 111/2 pounds.
FA Brand/Kolpin, 920-928-3118 or 877-956-5746; www.kolpin.com.
Flambeau Outdoors
With Flambeau being well known for making quality decoys, it's little wonder the company has branched out and now is offering a field blind. The Transformer Layout Blind ($199) doubles as a decoy bag and can hold three dozen goose shells/field decoys. When at your hunting location, it transforms into a full layout blind. The blind is made from camouflage water-resistant material and has loops for adding grass and cut cornstalks. Its adjustable backrest yields a low profile, and there are full arm covers and a head cover with a mesh face guard. The blind weighs only 25 pounds.
Flambeau Outdoors, 800-232-3474; www.flambeauoutdoors.com.
Hunter's Specialties
Hunter's Specialties, my go-to place for quality turkey hunting gear, has come out with the new Hitman Lay Down Field Blind ($300). This blind is lightweight and can be set up in seconds. Made of tough, long-lasting 1,200-denier polyester on the bottom and 900-denier camo polyester on top, the blind also sports a comfortable padded reclining seat and an interior utility bag for storing calls and accessories. The doors are spring loaded to allow for fast shooting.
The Hitman folds up for transport without disassembly and easily can fit in the back of a short-bed pickup. It is available in different camo patterns.
Hunter's Specialties, 319-395-0321; www.hunterspec.com.
Otter Outdoors
Otter Outdoors gives hunters a variety of field and layout blinds to choose from. With several styles and sizes of the company's X-Terminator, Destroyer, Haybale and Predator series blinds available, hunters will have a hard time not finding something that meets their needs.
Waterfowlers interested in a lightweight blind should look into the X-Terminator ($190), which weighs less than 14 pounds. It is one of the lightest full-frame blinds on the market.
Offering more comfort and durability, the Destroyer blind ($275) gets the nod. A 900-denier waterproof polyester body and a four-inch polyethylene sled floor keep you warm and dry in the nastiest conditions. The sled base also doubles as a handy hauler for extra gear.
According to Otter, the company's 2-Man "Pro-VS" Haybale Blind ($220) is "the deadliest sit-down blind ever created!" The aluminum frame folds to four inches thick for easy storing and transport, and the patented spring-loaded aluminum-frame roof and hinge system open on demand, saving valuable seconds. There is even room for your retriever.
Otter Outdoors has redesigned its popular Predator Blind ($170) with new features, including a spring-loaded backrest and storage space for shells, beverages and other gear.
Otter Outdoors, 877-GO-OTTER or 320-963-6480; www.otteroutdoors.com.
Pop-Up Blinds
Folks at Pop-Up Blinds boast that their Portable Blind ($285) is "versatile for hunting dove, turkey, deer, waterfowl, and varmints. The Pop-Up has a complete floor, allowing you to hunt in marshy areas. Weighing only 22 pounds, it sports a foot release which allows you to snap the top back in a split second with both hands on your gun." This may be so, but one attractive fact they failed to mention is the built-in adjustable sling seat, a boon for hunters who have trouble sitting up quickly from a reclined position.
The company also offers a windproof, waterproof, rustproof Fieldfowler Blind ($200). This laydown blind has a setup height of only 10 inches and weighs only nine pounds. Features include an air-chambered headrest, a gun rest, a closed-cell-foam mat and sides, and a thick bottom pad. (The headrest and mat are removable, offering additional versatility.)
Pop-Up Blinds, 641-897-3464; www.popupblind.com.
Prairie Wings Outfitters
Spend a couple of hours cutting salt-marsh hay or any other natural vegetation to stubble, and you'll appreciate Prairie Wings Outfitters' Quack Grass. Made of hand-woven palm fronds, Quack Grass, according to the company, "blends perfectly with cattails, cornstalks, salt grass, rice stubble, etc.
"Hunters can use Quack Grass to make fast work of dressing blinds, boats and pit lids. It attaches quickly using zip ties, bungee cords and staples."
Prices range from $11 for single sheets to $40 for bundles.
Prairie Wings Outfitters, 800-688-5930 or 269-873-2970; www.quackgrass.net.
Wildfowler Outfitter
When it comes to unique options offered to field hunters, Wildfowler Outfitter wins the prize. Along with the standard blinds hunters are accustomed to, the company also has Goose Decoy Blinds ($80), which serve as both blinds and decoys. An integrated chair offers you comfort as you sit off the ground and stay concealed, and the goose decoy blends with the rest of the spread. Slits cut into the decoy allow the hunter to see birds working the spread. When it's time to shoot, all the hunter has to do is flip the blind out of the way and fire.
On the traditional side, the company's Layout Blind ($165) gives hunters a low yet comfortable profile. Lightweight and easy to transport with its carrying strap, the blind sets up in seconds. The spring-loaded wings stay closed in windy conditions and open completely. The sewn-in floor, reclining seat with attached cushion, and integrated headrest provide unprecedented comfort, and the open end gives tall hunters plenty of leg room.
Wildfowler Outfitter, 952-492-5770; www.wildfowleroutfitter.com.
- By: Ruben W. Perez
